WO2020179244A1

WO2020179244A1 - Display device

Info

Publication number: WO2020179244A1
Application number: PCT/JP2020/001596
Authority: WO
Inventors: 真里奈望月; 伊藤　友幸; 真一郎岡; 青木　良朗; 敏行日向野
Original assignee: 株式会社ジャパンディスプレイ
Priority date: 2019-03-01
Filing date: 2020-01-17
Publication date: 2020-09-10
Also published as: JP2020140170A

Abstract

This display device comprises: a flexible first substrate (SUB1); a flexible second substrate (SUB2) that opposes the first substrate (SUB1); a display area (DA) in which an image is displayed; a surrounding area (SA) around the display area (DA); a seal material (SE) that adheres the first substrate (SUB1) and the second substrate (SUB2) in the surrounding area; a liquid crystal layer (LC) disposed in a space surrounded by the first substrate (SUB1), the second substrate (SUB2), and the seal material (SE); a first spacer (SP1) that protrudes from the first substrate (SUB1) toward the second substrate (SUB2) in the surrounding area (SA); and a second spacer (SP2) that protrudes from the second substrate (SUB2) toward the first spacer (SP1) in the surrounding area (SA). The first substrate (SUB1) includes a first inorganic film (17). The surrounding area (SA) has a first area (BA1) that overlaps with the seal material (SE) and does not overlap with the first inorganic film (17). The first spacer (SP1) and the second spacer (SP2) are disposed in the first area (BA1).

Description

Display device

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a display device.

Conventionally, in a display device such as a liquid crystal display device and an organic electroluminescence display device, a glass substrate is used as a base substrate of a display panel. In recent years, a flexible type display device has been developed in which a display panel is made flexible by using a resin substrate such as polyimide for the base substrate (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In such a flexible type display device, for example, by bending the peripheral area outside the display area toward the back side of the display area, a narrow frame can be realized. However, in this case, the stress caused by bending may damage the wiring in the peripheral region.

JP-A-2017-44714

One of the purposes of the present disclosure is to suppress wiring damage due to bending of a peripheral area in a flexible display device.

A display device according to an embodiment is a flexible first substrate, a flexible second substrate facing the first substrate, a display region for displaying an image, and a peripheral region around the display region. A sealing material for bonding the first substrate and the second substrate in the peripheral region, a liquid crystal layer arranged in a space surrounded by the first substrate, the second substrate, and the sealing material, and the periphery thereof. It includes a first spacer that protrudes from the first substrate toward the second substrate in the region, and a second spacer that protrudes from the second substrate toward the first spacer in the peripheral region. The first substrate includes a first inorganic film. The peripheral region has a first region that overlaps with the sealing material and does not overlap with the first inorganic film. Further, the first spacer and the second spacer are arranged in the first region.

According to the above configuration, in the flexible type display device, it is possible to suppress the damage of the wiring due to the bending of the peripheral area.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device in a state where the peripheral region is bent. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a display panel for explaining the first region. FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view of the display panel in the display area. FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view of the display panel in the peripheral region. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing a plurality of first spacers and a plurality of second spacers arranged in the first region. FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view showing a plurality of third spacers and a plurality of fourth spacers arranged in the display area. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a specific arrangement example of the first to fourth spacers and the first to third banks. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display panel in the second embodiment.

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. In addition, the drawings may be represented schematically as compared with actual embodiments in order to clarify the description, but the drawings are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of the present invention. In each drawing, reference numerals may be omitted for the same or similar elements arranged successively. Further, in the present specification and the drawings, constituent elements that exhibit the same or similar functions as those described above with reference to the already-existing drawings are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant detailed description may be omitted.

In each embodiment, a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal layer, which is an example of an electro-optical layer, is disclosed. However, each embodiment does not prevent the application of each technical idea disclosed in each embodiment to a display device including another type of electro-optical layer. Examples of the display device including the electro-optical layer of another type include, for example, a self-luminous display device having an organic electroluminescence (EL) display element and a Light Emitting Diode (LED) display element, and an electronic paper type having an electrophoretic element. Examples thereof include a display device, a display device to which Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) is applied, and a display device to which electrochromism is applied.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a display device 1 according to the first embodiment. The display device 1 can be used in various devices such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a mobile phone terminal, a personal computer, a television receiver, an in-vehicle device, a game machine, and a wearable terminal.

As shown, a first direction X, a second direction Y and a third direction Z are defined. These directions X, Y, and Z are, for example, orthogonal to each other, but may intersect at an angle other than 90°. In the present embodiment, viewing the display device 1 parallel to the third direction Z is referred to as plan view.

The display device 1 includes a display panel 2, a flexible circuit board 3, and a controller 4. The display panel 2 includes a first substrate SUB1 (array substrate), a second substrate SUB2 (opposing substrate) facing the first substrate SUB1, a sealing material SE for bonding the substrates SUB1 and SUB2, and the substrates SUB1 and SUB2. It also includes a liquid crystal layer LC arranged in a space surrounded by a sealing material SE.

The display panel 2 has a first side E1, a second side E2, a third side E3, and a fourth side E4. Further, the display panel 2 includes a first corner C1 between the sides E1 and E2, a second corner C2 between the sides E2 and E3, a third corner C3 between the sides E3 and E4, and a side. It has a fourth corner C4 between E1 and E4.

In the example of FIG. 1, the sides E1 and E3 are parallel to the first direction X, and the sides E2 and E4 are parallel to the second direction Y. The corners C1 to C4 linearly extend in a direction intersecting with each of the first direction X and the second direction Y, for example. The corner portions C1 to C4 may have an arc shape, or may have a shape in which two adjacent sides form a right angle.

The display panel 2 has a display area DA for displaying an image and a peripheral area SA around the display area DA. The seal material SE annularly surrounds the display area DA. The outer edge of the seal material SE coincides with the outer edge of the second substrate SUB2 in a plan view, for example. However, the outer edge of the seal material SE may be located between the outer edge of the second substrate SUB2 and the display area DA.

On the sides E2 to E4, the outer edges of the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 match. On the other hand, on the first side E1, the outer edge of the second substrate SUB2 is located between the outer edge of the first substrate SUB1 and the display area DA. As a result, a terminal region TA in which the first substrate SUB1 is exposed from the second substrate SUB2 is formed. The terminal area TA is a part of the peripheral area SA.

A terminal TM is provided in the terminal area TA. The flexible circuit board 3 is electrically connected to the terminal TM. For example, the controller 4 is mounted on the flexible circuit board 3. However, the controller 4 may be mounted at another position such as the terminal area TA. The controller 4 includes an IC for controlling the display device 1.

The display panel 2 includes a plurality of scanning lines G, a plurality of signal lines S, a first scanning driver GD1, and a second scanning driver GD2. The plurality of scanning lines G extend in the first direction X and are arranged in the second direction Y in the display area DA. The plurality of signal lines S extend in the second direction Y and are arranged in the first direction X in the display area DA. Each of the plurality of scanning lines G is connected to one of the scan drivers GD1 and GD2. Each of the plurality of signal lines S is connected to the wiring L at the contact portion CP provided in the peripheral area SA. The contact portion CP and the wiring L are both arranged between the display area DA and the first side E1. The wiring L is electrically connected to the controller 4 via the terminal TM and the flexible circuit board 3.

A sub-pixel SP is formed in a region partitioned by two adjacent scanning lines G and two adjacent signal lines S. A plurality of sub-pixels SP having different display colors form one pixel PX which is the minimum unit for color image display. The sub-pixel SP includes a switching element SW and a pixel electrode PE connected to the switching element SW. When the scanning signal is supplied to the scanning line G corresponding to the sub-pixel SP, the switching element SW applies the voltage of the signal line S corresponding to the sub-pixel SP to the pixel electrode PE. The pixel electrode PE generates an electric field with the common electrode CE to which the common voltage is applied. The common electrode CE extends, for example, over a plurality of sub-pixels SP. An image is displayed in the display area DA by the electric field in each subpixel SP acting on the liquid crystal layer LC.

In the present embodiment, the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 have flexibility. Thereby, the flexible type display device 1 can be realized. For example, by bending the peripheral area SA toward the back side of the display area DA, the frame in plan view can be eliminated or made extremely small.

In this case, the peripheral area SA between the display area DA and the first side E1 can be bent along an axis parallel to the first side E1. Similarly, the peripheral region SA between the display region DA and each side E2 to E4 can be bent along an axis parallel to each side E2 to E4, respectively. By providing the corner portions C1 to C4 as shown in FIG. 1, when the four portions along the respective sides E1 to E4 of the peripheral region SA are bent, the interference of the end portions of these portions can be suppressed.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device 1 in a state where the peripheral area SA between the display area DA and the first side E1 is bent. The display device 1 includes a backlight BL, a first polarizing plate PL1, and a second polarizing plate PL2 in addition to the elements shown in FIG. The backlight BL faces the first substrate SUB1 and supplies light used for display to the display panel 2. The first polarizing plate PL1 is attached to the first substrate SUB1. The second polarizing plate PL2 is attached to the second substrate SUB2. The polarization axes of these polarizing plates PL1 and PL2 are orthogonal to each other.

The peripheral area SA has a first area BA1. In the example of FIG. 2, the first area BA1 is bent 180° so that the first side E1 is located on the back side of the backlight BL.

The first area BA1 entirely overlaps with the seal material SE, for example. In this case, the inner edge of the seal material SE is located between the display area DA and the first area BA1. Further, the first polarizing plate PL1, the second polarizing plate PL2, and the liquid crystal layer LC do not overlap with the first region BA1. The relationship between the first region BA1, the seal material SE, the first polarizing plate PL1, the second polarizing plate PL2, and the liquid crystal layer LC is not limited to the example shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the display panel 2. The first region BA1 extends along the first direction X between the first corner C1 and the fourth corner C4.

In the example of FIG. 3, a second area BA2 is provided between the display area DA and the second side E2, a third area BA3 is provided between the display area DA and the third side E3, and the display area DA and the third side are provided. The fourth area BA4 is provided between the four sides E4. These areas BA2 to BA4 can be bent similarly to the first area BA1 shown in FIG.

The second region BA2 extends between the first corner portion C1 and the second corner portion C2 along the second direction Y. The third region BA3 extends between the second corner portion C2 and the third corner portion C3 along the first direction X. The fourth region BA4 extends between the third corner portion C3 and the fourth corner portion C4 along the second direction Y.

Each area BA1 to BA4 overlaps with the seal material SE. In the example of FIG. 3, the inner edge of the seal material SE is located between each of the areas BA1 to BA4 and the display area DA. In addition, between the first area BA1 and the end of the second substrate SUB2 on the first side E1 side, between the second area BA2 and the second side E2, between the third area BA3 and the third side E3, and between the fourth area The sealing material SE also exists between the region BA4 and the fourth side E4.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display panel 2 in the display area DA. The first substrate SUB 1 includes a flexible first base substrate 10, an undercoat film 11, a first interlayer film 12, a second interlayer film 13, a first organic film 14, and a capacitive film 15. It includes a first alignment film 16, a scanning line G, a signal line S, a metal wiring ML, a pixel electrode PE, a common electrode CE, and a switching element SW. The switching element SW includes a semiconductor layer SC and a relay electrode RE. The undercoat film 11, the first interlayer film 12, and the second interlayer film 13 form the first inorganic film 17 in this embodiment.

The undercoat film 11 covers the upper surface of the first base substrate 10. The semiconductor layer SC is arranged on the undercoat film 11. The first interlayer film 12 covers the semiconductor layer SC and the undercoat film 11. The scanning line G is arranged on the first interlayer film 12. The second interlayer film 13 covers the scanning line G and the first interlayer film 12. The signal line S and the relay electrode RE are arranged on the second interlayer film 13. The first organic film 14 covers the signal line S, the relay electrode RE, and the second interlayer film 13. The first organic film 14 is thicker than the undercoat film 11, the first interlayer film 12, and the second interlayer film 13, and flattens the unevenness caused by the switching element SW or the like.

The common electrode CE is arranged on the first organic film 14. The metal wiring ML is arranged on the common electrode CE and is electrically connected to the common electrode CE. Further, the metal wiring ML faces the signal line S and extends along the signal line S in a plan view. The capacitance film 15 covers the common electrode CE, the metal wiring ML, and the first organic film 14. The pixel electrode PE is arranged on the capacitive film 15 and faces the common electrode CE. The first alignment film 16 covers the pixel electrode PE and the capacitance film 15.

The signal line S is in contact with the semiconductor layer SC through the first contact hole CH1 penetrating the

interlayer films

12 and 13. The relay electrode RE is in contact with the semiconductor layer SC through the second contact hole CH2 penetrating the

interlayer films

12 and 13. The scanning line G faces the semiconductor layer SC between the contact holes CH1 and CH2. The pixel electrode PE is in contact with the relay electrode RE through the third contact hole CH3 penetrating the first organic film 14 and the capacitance film 15.

The second substrate SUB2 includes a flexible second base substrate 20, a second inorganic film 21, a light-shielding layer 22, a color filter 23, an overcoat film 24 (organic film), and a second alignment film 25. And have.

The second inorganic film 21 covers the lower surface of the second base substrate 20. The light shielding layer 22 is arranged below the second inorganic film 21. The color filter 23 covers the second inorganic film 21 and the light shielding layer 22. The overcoat film 24 covers the color filter 23. The second alignment film 25 covers the overcoat film 24. The liquid crystal layer LC is arranged between the first alignment film 16 and the second alignment film 25.

Each of the

base substrates

10 and 20 can be formed of a resin material such as polyimide. As the capacitance film 15, the layers forming the first inorganic film 17, and the second inorganic film 21, for example, an oxide film such as SiO or a nitride film such as SiN can be appropriately used. A transparent conductive material such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) can be used for the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE. The scanning line G, the signal line S, the relay electrode RE, and the metal wiring ML may have a single-layer structure or a laminated structure of various metals.

The structure of the display panel 2 is not limited to the example of FIG. For example, the common electrode CE may be arranged in a layer closer to the liquid crystal layer LC than the pixel electrode PE, or may be arranged in the same layer as the pixel electrode PE. Further, the common electrode CE may be arranged on the second substrate SUB2. The first inorganic film 17 may not include a part of the undercoat film 11, the first interlayer film 12, and the second interlayer film 13, and may further contain another inorganic film. Similarly, the second inorganic film 21 may further contain another inorganic film.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display panel 2 in the peripheral region SA. This sectional view corresponds to a portion between the display area DA and the first side E1, and a part of the display area DA is also shown on the left side. Elements such as the first alignment film 16, the second alignment film 25, the pixel electrode PE, the common electrode CE, the switching element SW, the scanning line G, and the metal wiring ML are omitted. Also in the first area BA1, the display panel 2 is also extended in the second direction Y.

The peripheral region SA has a light-shielding layer 22 as a whole. In the peripheral area SA, the first substrate SUB1 includes the wiring L shown in FIG. 1 and the second organic film 18. The wiring L is arranged on the first organic film 14. The second organic film 18 covers the wiring L. That is, the wiring L is sandwiched between the first organic film 14 and the second organic film 18. The wiring L is formed of the same material as the metal wiring ML in the same layer as the metal wiring ML described above, for example. These wiring L and metal wiring ML can be formed at the same time, for example, by patterning a uniform metal film formed on the first substrate SUB1 in the manufacturing process. For example, the thickness of the second organic film 18 is smaller than the thickness of the first organic film 14. However, the thickness of the second organic film 18 may be the same as the thickness of the first organic film 14, or may be greater than the thickness of the first organic film 14.

The contact portion CP includes a contact hole penetrating the first organic film 14. The signal line S and the wiring L are in contact with each other at the contact portion CP. The contact portion CP may be provided at a position overlapping the sealing material SE as illustrated, or may be provided at a position not overlapping the sealing material SE.

The first inorganic film 17 is provided not only in the display area DA but also in a part of the peripheral area SA. More specifically, the first inorganic film 17 is continuously formed from the display area DA to the vicinity of the contact portion CP. The first inorganic film 17 may exist between the first region BA1 and the first side E1 on the right side of the cross section shown in FIG. From another point of view, the first inorganic film 17 may be removed in the first region BA1. The first region BA1 does not overlap with the first inorganic film 17.

The first base substrate 10 has a step on the surface on the second substrate SUB2 side near the end of the first inorganic film 17. This is because the first base substrate 10 is scraped in the step of removing the first inorganic film 17 in the manufacturing process of the first substrate SUB1.

The first base substrate 10 has a first thickness T1 in a region (a part of the display region DA and the peripheral region SA) that overlaps with the first inorganic film 17, and does not overlap with the first inorganic film 17 (first). It has a second thickness T2 in the region BA1). The second thickness T2 is smaller than the first thickness T1 (T1>T2). As an example, the difference (T1-T2) between the first thickness T1 and the second thickness T2 is 0.3 μm or more.

In the peripheral area SA, the display panel 2 includes a first bank BK1, a second bank BK2, a third bank BK3, a first spacer SP1 and a second spacer SP2. Further, in the peripheral region SA, the first organic film 14 has a pair of groove GRs. The banks BK1 to BK3 and the spacers SP1 and SP2 are made of a material harder than the sealing material SE, for example.

The first bank BK1 and the first spacer SP1 project from the first substrate SUB1 toward the second substrate SUB2. The second bank BK2, the third bank BK3, and the second spacer SP2 project from the second substrate SUB2 toward the first substrate SUB1. The first bank BK1 is arranged between the first spacer SP1 and the display area DA. The second bank BK2 is arranged between the second spacer SP2 and the display area DA.

The first bank BK1 and the second bank BK2 extend, for example, in a straight line along the first direction X. In the example of FIG. 5, the width of the first bank BK1 is smaller than that of the second bank BK2. As an example, the width of the first bank BK1 is 60 μm and the width of the second bank BK2 is 100 μm.

The pair of third banks BK3 are arranged between the second bank BK2 and the display area DA. The width of the third bank BK3 is smaller than that of the first bank BK1 and the second bank BK2. The pair of grooves GR are arranged between the first bank BK1 and the display area DA. The width of the groove GR is, for example, about the same as that of the third bank BK3. The number of the third bank BK3 and the number of the grooves GR may each be only one, or may be three or more. The third bank BK3 and the groove GR extend linearly along the first direction X, for example.

The tip of the first bank BK1 and the tip of the second bank BK2 face each other with the seal material SE interposed therebetween. The first bank BK1 and the second bank BK2 block the sealing material SE before curing, and even between the substrates SUB1 and SUB2 in the vicinity of the display area DA even when subjected to an external force or a stress caused by bending. The gap can be suitably secured.

The third bank BK3 and the groove GR block the sealing material SE before curing. In the example of FIG. 5, the end portion (inner edge) of the sealing material SE on the display area DA side is located, for example, in an area where a pair of third banks BK3 and a pair of grooves GR are provided.

The first spacer SP1 and the second spacer SP2 are arranged on the first side E1 side (right side in the figure) of the first bank BK1 and the second bank BK2 in the first area BA1. The tip of the first spacer SP1 and the tip of the second spacer SP2 are opposed to each other with the seal material SE in between. Although a pair of first spacer SP1 and second spacer SP2 is shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of first spacer SP1 and second spacer SP2 are scattered in the first region BA1 (FIGS. 6 and 8). reference).

In the display area DA, the display panel 2 includes a third spacer SP3 and a fourth spacer SP4. The third spacer SP3 projects from the first substrate SUB1 toward the second substrate SUB2. The fourth spacer SP4 projects from the second substrate SUB2 toward the first substrate SUB1. The third spacer SP3 and the fourth spacer SP4 are displaced from each other in plan view, and their side surfaces are in contact with each other. Although a pair of third spacer SP3 and fourth spacer SP4 is shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of third spacer SP3 and fourth spacer SP4 are arranged in the display area DA (see FIG. 7).

For example, the first spacer SP1, the third spacer SP3, and the first bank BK1 can be simultaneously formed in the same manufacturing process. Further, the second spacer SP2, the fourth spacer SP4, the second bank BK2, and the third bank BK3 can be simultaneously formed in the same manufacturing process.

The capacitance film 15 is provided not only in the display area DA but also in a part of the peripheral area SA. The capacitance film 15 covers the groove GR and also covers the upper surface of the wiring L in the contact portion CP. The range where the capacitance film 15 is provided may be substantially the same as the range where the first inorganic film 17 is provided, for example. That is, the capacitive film 15 which is an inorganic film may be removed in the first region BA1.

Here, the distance between the substrates SUB1 and SUB2 in the display area DA is the first gap G1, the distance between the substrates SUB1 and SUB2 in the first area BA1 is the second gap G2, and the height of the first bank BK1. The height of the first height H1 and the height of the second bank BK2 are defined as the second height H2. In the example of FIG. 5, the second gap G2 is larger than the first gap G1 (G2>G1). This is because the first base substrate 10 has a large thickness in the display area DA as described above, and the first inorganic film 17 and the color filter 23 are provided. However, since the second organic film 18 is provided in the first region BA1, the difference between the gaps G1 and G2 is reduced.

The first height H1 and the second height H2 can be set so that the sum of these is smaller than the second gap G2 (H1+H2<G2). As an example, the first height H1 is smaller than the second height H2 (H1 <H2), but this relationship may be reversed or the heights H1 and H2 may be equal. A gap larger than each of the heights H1 and H2 may be provided between the first bank BK1 and the second bank BK2. The height of the first spacer SP1 is, for example, the same as the first height H1. The height of the second spacer SP2 is, for example, the same as the second height H2. However, the heights of the first spacer SP1 and the first bank BK1 may be different, or the heights of the second spacer SP2 and the second bank BK2 may be different.

The same structure as in FIG. 5 can be applied to the portion between the display area DA and each side E2 to E4. That is, the first inorganic film 17 may be removed in each of the areas BA1 to BA4. In this case, the areas BA1 to BA4 do not overlap with the first inorganic film 17.

The second bank BK2 extending along the display area DA between the display area DA and each side E1 to E4 may be connected at corners C1 to C4. In this case, an annular second bank BK2 surrounding the display area DA can be obtained. Similarly, the third bank BK3 and the groove GR may have an annular shape surrounding the display area DA. The first bank BK1 is interrupted at corners C1 to C4, for example, as shown in FIG. 8 to be described later, but may be a ring that surrounds the display area DA like the second bank BK2.

FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing a plurality of first spacers SP1 and a plurality of second spacers SP2 arranged in the first area BA1. The same configuration as in FIG. 6 can be applied to the other regions BA2 to BA4.

In the example of FIG. 6, the plurality of first spacers SP1 are arranged in the first direction X at the pitch Px and in the second direction Y at the pitch Py. The plurality of second spacers SP2 are arranged at positions corresponding to the plurality of first spacers SP1 and overlap with the first spacer SP1. The pitches Px and Py are equal, for example, but may be different.

The first spacer SP1 has, for example, a shape having the same width in the first direction X and the second direction Y. As an example, the width of the first spacer SP1 in the first direction X and the second direction Y is 20 μm.

The second spacer SP2 has, for example, a long shape in a predetermined direction. The width of the second spacer SP2 is smaller than that of the first spacer SP1 in both the first direction X and the second direction Y. The area of the first spacer SP1 in plan view is larger than the area of the second spacer SP2 in plan view. However, the width of the second spacer SP2 may be larger than the width of the first spacer SP1 in at least one of the directions.

The first spacers SP1 adjacent to each other in the second direction Y are displaced by the distance d in the first direction X. More specifically, the first spacer SP1 in the middle row in the figure is shifted to the right by a distance d from the first spacer SP1 in the upper row, and the first spacer SP1 in the lower row in the figure is the first spacer SP1 in the middle row. It is shifted to the left by the distance d. Also in the first direction X, the adjacent first spacers SP1 may be displaced by a predetermined distance.

In the example of FIG. 6, the second spacer SP2 extending in the longitudinal direction D1 and the second spacer SP2 extending in the longitudinal direction D2 are mixed. As an example, the longitudinal direction D1 is parallel to the first direction X, and the longitudinal direction D2 is parallel to the second direction Y. Such two kinds of second spacers SP2 are alternately arranged in both the first direction X and the second direction Y. That is, the adjacent second spacers SP2 have long shapes in different directions. It should be noted that the second spacers SP2 extending not only in the longitudinal directions D1 and D2 but also in more directions may be mixed.

By thus mixing the second spacers SP2 having different longitudinal directions, it is possible to give direction dependency to the arrangement of the pair of the first spacer SP1 and the second spacer SP2. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the displacement between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 and the change in the gap G2 due to the stress in various directions.

FIG. 6 shows a part of the wiring L shown in FIG. The wiring L is inclined with respect to, for example, the first direction X and the second direction Y. The pitch P of the adjacent wirings L is smaller than the pitches Px and Py. Further, the pitch P is smaller than the width of the first spacer SP1 in the first direction X and the second direction Y. The pitch P does not have to be constant.

FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view showing a plurality of third spacers SP3 and a plurality of fourth spacers SP4 arranged in the display area DA. Similarly to the first spacer SP1 and the second spacer SP2, the third spacer SP3 and the fourth spacer SP4 are also arranged at the pitches Px and Py. Further, the third spacer SP3 or the fourth spacer SP4 adjacent to each other in the second direction Y is displaced by the distance d in the first direction X. The pitch in which the spacers SP1 and SP2 are arranged and the pitch in which the spacers SP3 and SP4 are arranged may be different in at least one of the first direction X and the second direction Y.

The third spacer SP3 and the fourth spacer SP4 have, for example, an elongated shape in a predetermined direction, and their side surfaces along the longitudinal direction are in contact with each other. In the example of FIG. 7, a pair in which the third spacer SP3 and the fourth spacer SP4 are arranged in order in the first direction X, a pair in which the fourth spacer SP4 and the third spacer SP3 are arranged in order in the first direction X, and a third spacer SP3 A pair in which the fourth spacer SP4 is sequentially arranged in the second direction Y and a pair in which the fourth spacer SP4 and the third spacer SP3 are sequentially arranged in the second direction Y are mixed.

In this way, by providing the orientation of the arrangement of the pair of the third spacer SP3 and the fourth spacer SP4 with direction, the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 caused by the stress in various directions in the XY plane. It is possible to suppress the deviation of.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first spacer SP1 and the third spacer SP3 have different sizes in a plan view. In a plan view, the first spacer SP1 is larger than the second spacer SP2. Further, in a plan view, the first spacer SP1 is larger than the third spacer SP3. As shown in FIG. 6, the first spacer SP1 overlaps the second spacer SP2 in a plan view. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, the third spacer SP3 and the fourth spacer SP4 do not overlap in a plan view. The second spacer SP4 and the fourth spacer SP4 may have the same size in a plan view.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a specific arrangement example of the spacers SP1 to SP4 and the banks BK1 to BK3. This plan view corresponds to the configuration in the vicinity of the first corner portion C1. The same configuration can be applied in the vicinity of the other corners C2 to C4.

The first spacer SP1 is arranged in the first area BA1 and is not arranged in the area (second area) outside the first area BA1. On the other hand, the second spacer SP2 is also arranged in the peripheral area SA excluding the first area BA1 and the other areas BA2 to BA4. That is, in the example of FIG. 8, the pair of the first spacer SP1 and the second spacer SP2 is arranged only in the first region BA1. As shown, there may be a second spacer SP2 that overlaps the first bank BK1.

The third spacer SP3 and the fourth spacer SP4 are arranged dispersedly in the display area DA. The third spacer SP3 and the fourth spacer SP4 may be arranged in a part of the peripheral area SA, for example, in an area between the third bank BK3 and the display area DA.

In the example of FIG. 8, the first bank BK1 extends linearly along the first direction X. The second bank BK2, the third bank BK3, and the groove GR are curved in the first corner C1.

The first bank BK1 overlaps with the first region BA1 and does not overlap with the peripheral region SA excluding the first region BA1 and other regions BA2 to BA4. On the other hand, the second bank BK2 and the third bank BK3 overlap not only the first region BA1 but also the peripheral regions SA excluding the first region BA1 and the other regions BA2 to BA4.

In such a configuration, the first spacer SP1 and the second spacer SP2 face each other only in the region of the gap G2 shown in FIG. Similarly, the first bank BK1 and the second bank BK2 face each other only in the region of the gap G2.

The effect of the display device 1 according to the above embodiment will be described.
When the regions BA1 to BA4 are bent as shown in FIG. 2, the stress caused by this bending is applied to the display panel 2. The first inorganic film 17 is more easily damaged by such stress than the first organic film 14 and the like. In the present embodiment, since the first inorganic film 17 is removed in each of the regions BA1 to BA4, damage to the first inorganic film 17 can be suppressed.

When each area BA1 to BA4 is bent, the thickness of the seal material SE may change due to the stress caused by the bending, and the distance between the substrates SUB1 and SUB2 may become uneven. The wiring L of the peripheral region SA is ideally designed to be located on a neutral surface where the compressive stress and the tensile stress are zero so as not to be damaged by the stress caused by bending. However, if the distance between the substrates SUB1 and SUB2 becomes uneven, the wiring L may be displaced from the design position. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the first spacer SP1 and the second spacer SP2 are arranged to face each other in each of the areas BA1 to BA4. As a result, it is possible to suppress a change in the distance between the substrates SUB1 and SUB2, that is, the thickness of the sealing material SE, and reduce the risk of damage to the wiring L.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the area of the first spacer SP1 in the plan view is larger than the area of the second spacer SP2 in the plan view. In this case, even if the positions of the first spacer SP1 and the second spacer SP2 are slightly displaced, these spacers SP1 and SP2 can be opposed to each other.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the tip of the first spacer SP1 and the tip of the second spacer SP2 face each other via the sealing material SE. If these tips are in contact with each other, a large force in the thickness direction can be applied to the spacers SP1 and SP2 or the substrates SUB1 and SUB2 in a state where the regions BA1 to BA4 are bent. With the configuration of this embodiment, since there is a gap between the tips of the spacers SP1 and SP2, such a force can be reduced.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, long second spacers SP2 are mixed in different directions. In this case, as described above, it is possible to suppress the displacement between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 and the change in the gap G2 due to the stress in various directions.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the first base substrate 10 is shaved due to the process of removing the first inorganic film 17, the distance between the substrates SUB1 and SUB2 becomes larger in each of the regions BA1 to BA4. In this case, the distance between the substrates SUB1 and SUB2 is likely to change due to bending, so that the effect of providing the spacers SP1 and SP2 is enhanced.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the wiring L is sandwiched between the first organic film 14 and the second organic film 18. In this case, since the organic film is less likely to be damaged by stress than the inorganic film, the risk of damage to the wiring L can be further reduced. Further, in each of the regions BA1 to BA4, the distance between the substrates SUB1 and SUB2, which expands due to the removal of the first inorganic film 17, can be narrowed.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the first bank BK1 is arranged between the first spacer SP1 and the display area DA, and is opposed to the first bank BK1 between the second spacer SP2 and the display area DA. The second bank BK2 is arranged. With these banks BK1 and BK2, the sealing material SE can be blocked so that the sealing material SE before curing does not reach the display area DA. The groove GR and the third bank BK3 also have the same effect.
In addition to the above, various suitable effects can be obtained from the present embodiment.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, the second embodiment will be described. The configuration similar to that of the first embodiment can be applied to the portions not particularly mentioned.

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display panel 2 included in the display device 1 according to the second embodiment. This sectional view corresponds to a portion between the display area DA and the first side E1 as in FIG. 5, and a part of the display area DA is also shown on the left side.

The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the second substrate SUB2. In the example of FIG. 9, the second inorganic film 21 is provided not only in the display area DA but also in a part of the peripheral area SA. More specifically, the second inorganic film 21 is continuously formed from the display region DA to the vicinity of the second bank BK2, and is not formed in the first region BA1. That is, the first region BA1 does not overlap the second inorganic film 21. The second inorganic film 21 may exist between the first region BA1 and the first side E1 on the right side of the cross section shown in FIG.

The second base substrate 20 has a step on the surface on the first substrate SUB1 side near the end of the second inorganic film 21. This is because the second base substrate 20 is scraped in the process of removing the second inorganic film 21 in the manufacturing process of the second substrate SUB2.

The second base substrate 20 has a third thickness T3 in a region (a part of the display region DA and the peripheral region SA) that overlaps with the second inorganic film 21, and does not overlap with the second inorganic film 21 (first region). It has a fourth thickness T4 in the region BA1). The fourth thickness T4 is smaller than the third thickness T3 (T3>T4). As an example, the difference (T3-T4) between the third thickness T3 and the fourth thickness T4 is 0.3 μm or more.

The same structure as in FIG. 9 can be applied to the portion between the display area DA and each side E2 to E4. That is, the second inorganic film 21 may be removed in each region BA2 to BA4. Further, the second base substrate 20 may have the fourth thickness T4 in each of the areas BA2 to BA4.

When each area BA1 to BA4 is bent as shown in FIG. 2, stress due to this bending is applied to the second substrate SUB2. Like the first inorganic film 17, the second inorganic film 21 is easily damaged by such stress. If the second inorganic film 21 is removed in each of the areas BA1 to BA4, damage to the second inorganic film 21 can be suppressed.

Further, when the second base substrate 20 is scraped due to the process of removing the second inorganic film 21, the distance between the substrates SUB1 and SUB2 in each of the areas BA1 to BA4 becomes larger than that in the first embodiment. In this case, since the change in the distance between the substrates SUB1 and SUB2 due to bending is more likely to occur, the effect of providing the spacers SP1 and SP2 and the banks BK1 and BK2 is enhanced.

As described above, all display devices that can be appropriately designed 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 the gist of the present invention is included.

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 or omit steps or change the conditions of the present invention. As long as it has the gist, it is included in the scope of the present invention.

In addition, other effects brought about by the embodiments described in the above-described embodiments, which are clear from the description of the present specification, or which can be appropriately conceived by those skilled in the art, are naturally brought about by the present invention. It is understood that.

1 ... Display device, 2 ... Display panel, 3 ... Flexible circuit board, 4 ... Controller, 10 ... 1st base board, 20 ... 2nd base board, 17 ... 1st inorganic film, 21 ... 2nd inorganic film, SUB1 ... First substrate, SUB2... Second substrate, LC... Liquid crystal layer, SE... Seal material, SP1... First spacer, SP2... Second spacer, BK1... First bank, BK2... Second bank.

Claims

Flexible first substrate and
A flexible second substrate facing the first substrate and
The display area for displaying images and
A peripheral area around the display area,
A sealing material for bonding the first substrate and the second substrate in the peripheral region,
A liquid crystal layer arranged in a space surrounded by the first substrate, the second substrate, and the sealing material,
A first spacer projecting from the first substrate toward the second substrate in the peripheral region;
A second spacer that protrudes from the second substrate toward the first spacer in the peripheral region is provided.
The first substrate includes a first inorganic film and has a first inorganic film.
The peripheral region has a first region that overlaps with the sealing material and does not overlap with the first inorganic film.
The display device in which the first spacer and the second spacer are arranged in the first region.
The area of the first spacer in a plan view is larger than the area of the second spacer in a plan view.
The display device according to claim 1.
A tip of the first spacer and a tip of the second spacer face each other with the sealing material interposed therebetween.
The display device according to claim 1.
A plurality of the first spacers and the second spacers are respectively formed in the first region,
The second spacers adjacent to each other have elongated shapes in different directions.
The display device according to claim 1.
The first substrate includes a flexible first base substrate.
The first base substrate has a first thickness in the display region and a second thickness smaller than the first thickness in the first region.
The display device according to claim 1.
The second substrate includes a second inorganic film formed in a part of the peripheral region and the display region.
The first region does not overlap with the second inorganic film.
The display device according to claim 1.
The second substrate includes a flexible second base substrate.
The second base substrate has a third thickness in the display region, and has a fourth thickness smaller than the third thickness in the first region.
The display device according to claim 6.
The first substrate is
A first organic film formed in the display region and the peripheral region,
A second organic film formed between the first organic film and the second substrate and superimposed on the first region,
A wiring formed between the first organic film and the second organic film,
The display device according to claim 1.
A first bank that projects from the first substrate toward the second substrate in the peripheral region and extends along the display region.
A second bank that projects from the second substrate toward the first bank in the peripheral region and extends along the display region is further provided.
The first bank is disposed between the first spacer and the display area,
The second bank is disposed between the second spacer and the display area,
The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
Flexible first substrate and
A flexible second substrate facing the first substrate and
A sealing material for bonding the first substrate and the second substrate together,
A liquid crystal layer arranged in a space surrounded by the first substrate, the second substrate, and the sealing material,
A display area for displaying an image surrounded by the sealing material and
With a peripheral area around the display area,
In the peripheral area
A first spacer protruding from the first substrate toward the second substrate;
A second spacer protruding from the second substrate toward the first spacer,
In the display area
A third spacer protruding from the first substrate toward the second substrate;
A fourth spacer protruding from the second substrate toward the first spacer,
The display device in which the first spacer and the third spacer have different sizes in a plan view.
In plan view
The first spacer is larger than the second spacer,
The first spacer is larger than the third spacer.
The display device according to claim 10.
In plan view
The first spacer overlaps with the second spacer,
The third spacer and the fourth spacer are not superposed.
The display device according to claim 11.
The first substrate includes a first inorganic film and has a first inorganic film.
The peripheral region has a first region in which the first inorganic film is not formed and a second region in which the first inorganic film is formed.
The first spacer and the second spacer are formed in the first region,
The second spacer is formed in the second region, and the first spacer is not formed.
The display device according to claim 11.
The second spacer and the fourth spacer have the same size in plan view,
The display device according to claim 10.
A plurality of second spacers and a plurality of fourth spacers are formed,
In a plan view, the arrangement interval of the plurality of second spacers and the arrangement interval of the plurality of fourth spacers are the same.
The display device according to claim 14.
A tip of the first spacer and a tip of the second spacer face each other with the sealing material interposed therebetween.
The display device according to claim 10.
A plurality of the first spacers and the second spacers are respectively formed in the first region,
The second spacers adjacent to each other have elongated shapes in different directions.
The display device according to claim 13.
The first substrate includes a flexible first base substrate.
The first base substrate has a first thickness in the display region and a second thickness smaller than the first thickness in the first region.
The display device according to claim 13.
The second substrate includes a second inorganic film formed in a part of the peripheral region and the display region.
The first region does not overlap with the second inorganic film.
The display device according to claim 18.
The second substrate includes a second base substrate having flexibility,
The second base substrate has a third thickness in the display region, and has a fourth thickness smaller than the third thickness in the first region.
The display device according to claim 18.