Liquid crystal display device

Abstract

The present invention can provide a liquid crystal display device that improves product yield. The liquid crystal display device comprises: a first substrate; a second substrate; an opposing region in which the first substrate and the second substrate are opposed to each other; and a liquid crystal layer and a first spacer located between the first substrate and the second substrate. The opposing region includes: a first region that displays an image; a second region located inside the first region when viewed from above; and a frame region located between the first region and the second region and surrounding the second region in the shape of a frame. The second substrate has a light-shielding layer formed in the frame region when viewed from above. The second region is a region with higher transparency than the first region. The liquid crystal layer is located in the second region, the frame region, and the first region. The first spacer is located in the second region and is provided on the first substrate or the second substrate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a liquid crystal display device. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, display devices of various shapes have been proposed. In one example, a liquid crystal display device having a light shielding portion between an image display portion and a transparent display portion is disclosed. In another example, a liquid crystal display device having a display portion and a transparent portion overlapping a camera is disclosed.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-343728

[0006] Patent Document 2: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0123452 Summary of the Invention

[0007] An object of this embodiment is to provide a liquid crystal display device capable of improving product yield.

[0008] A liquid crystal display device in one embodiment includes: a first substrate; a second substrate; an opposing region in which the first substrate and the second substrate are opposed to each other; and a liquid crystal layer and a first spacer located between the first substrate and the second substrate, the opposing region including a first region for displaying an image, a second region located inside the first region when viewed from above, and a frame-shaped frame region located between the first region and the second region and surrounding the second region, the second substrate including a light-shielding layer formed in the frame region when viewed from above, the second region being a region with higher transparency than the first region, the liquid crystal layer located in the second region, the frame region, and the first region, and the first spacer located in the second region and provided on the first substrate or the second substrate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal display device according to one embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top view of a liquid crystal display device is shown.

[0011] Figure 3 Yes Figure 2 A diagram showing the basic structure of a pixel and its equivalent circuit.

[0012] Figure 4 Yes Figure 1A cross-sectional view of a configuration example of a liquid crystal display device is shown.

[0013] Figure 5 Yes Figure 2 A plan view showing an example configuration of a touch sensor included in a liquid crystal display device is shown.

[0014] Figure 6 It is magnified Figure 5 A top view of the window area is shown.

[0015] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display device taken along line AB is shown.

[0016] Figure 8 It is a plan view of the liquid crystal display device and is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the spacers.

[0017] Figure 9 Yes Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a modified example of the liquid crystal display device is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the present disclosure is merely an example, and appropriate modifications that maintain the gist of the invention and are easily conceivable to those skilled in the art are of course included within the scope of the present invention. In addition, in order to make the description clearer, the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part of the drawings are sometimes schematically shown compared to the actual form, but this is only an example and does not limit the interpretation of the present invention. In addition, in this specification and the drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the components that perform the same or similar functions as the components described in the drawings that have already appeared, and repeated detailed descriptions are sometimes omitted.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal display device DSP according to one embodiment. In one example, the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are perpendicular to each other, but they may intersect at angles other than 90 degrees. In this specification, the position toward the tip of the arrow indicating the third direction Z is referred to as "up," and the position opposite the tip of the arrow is referred to as "down." Furthermore, viewing from top to bottom, toward the XY plane defined by the first direction X and the second direction Y, is referred to as "top view."

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, the liquid crystal display device DSP includes a transparent substrate CG, a display panel PNL, an illumination device IL, and an electronic component PA. The transparent substrate CG, the display panel PNL, and the electronic component PA are arranged in this order along the third direction Z.

[0021] The display panel PNL includes a first substrate SUB1 , a second substrate SUB2 , an optical element OD1 , and an optical element OD2 .

[0022] The second substrate SUB2 includes a light-shielding layer BMP. The light-shielding layer BMP is located between the first and second substrates SUB1 and SUB2. The optical element OD1, including the polarizer PL1, is bonded to the first substrate SUB1. The optical element OD2, including the polarizer PL2, is bonded to the second substrate SUB2. The optical elements OD1 and OD2 each have a through-hole at a position overlapping the electronic component PA in the third direction Z. Furthermore, the optical elements OD1 and OD2 may also include a phase difference plate, a scattering layer, an anti-reflection layer, and the like, as needed.

[0023] The transparent substrate CG is bonded to the display panel PNL via a transparent adhesive layer AD. The transparent substrate CG includes a light-shielding layer BMC. In the illustrated example, the light-shielding layer BMC is provided on the lower surface of the transparent substrate CG and overlaps with the light-shielding layer BMP in the third direction Z. The transparent substrate CG is a glass substrate, a flexible resin substrate, or the like.

[0024] The lighting device IL illuminates the display panel PNL. In the example shown in the figure, the lighting device IL has a through hole TH that overlaps with the electronic component PA in the third direction Z.

[0025] In this embodiment, the electronic component PA is a light-receiving element PA. For example, the light-receiving element PA is a camera. Furthermore, for example, the light-receiving element PA can be an element that detects visible light, an element that detects infrared light, a proximity sensor that senses the approach of an object, a detection element that detects infrared light reflected from an object, or a combination thereof. The light-receiving element PA is inserted into the through-hole TH of the lighting device IL. The light-receiving element PA receives light in the third direction Z via the transparent substrate CG, the transparent adhesive layer AD, or the display panel PNL.

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top view of a liquid crystal display device DSP is shown.

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown, the liquid crystal display device DSP further includes a wiring substrate F1 and an IC chip 1 .

[0028] The display panel PNL includes an opposing area FA and an extended area EA aligned in the second direction Y. The opposing area FA is the area where the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 face and overlap, and is comprised of two portions of the display panel PNL. The extended area EA can also be referred to as the portion of the display panel PNL where the first substrate SUB1 protrudes from the second substrate SUB2.

[0029] The opposing area FA includes a display area DA that displays an image, a non-display area NDA that surrounds the display area DA in the form of a frame, a window area WA, and a frame area FRA. The window area WA is located inside the display area DA when viewed from above. In the illustrated example, the window area WA is a perfect circle, but it may also be another circular shape such as an ellipse, or a polygonal shape other than a circle. The frame area FRA is located between the display area DA and the window area WA and is a frame-like area that surrounds the window area WA. Alternatively, the display area DA may be referred to as the first area, and the window area WA may be referred to as the second area.

[0030] A plurality of pixels PX arranged in a matrix (row and column) in a first direction (row direction) X and a second direction (column direction) Y are located in the display area DA. Pixels PX are not located in the window area WA or the frame area FRA. Here, pixel PX represents the smallest unit that can be individually controlled based on a pixel signal, sometimes referred to as a sub-pixel. Pixel PX can be, for example, a red pixel displaying red, a green pixel displaying green, a blue pixel displaying blue, or a white pixel displaying white.

[0031] The light receiving element PA is located inside the window area WA in a plan view. Figure 1 The through-hole TH shown overlaps the window area WA. The light shielding layer BMP is provided throughout the frame area FRA. The light shielding layer BMP has an inner surface BI and an outer surface BO. The inner surface BI corresponds to the boundary between the window area WA and the frame area FRA, while the outer surface BO corresponds to the boundary between the frame area FRA and the display area DA.

[0032] The IC chip 1 and the wiring substrate F1 sometimes also read signals from the display panel PNL, but they mainly function as a signal source that supplies signals to the display panel PNL. The IC chip 1 is mounted on the wiring substrate F1 and is electrically connected to the wiring substrate F1. In addition, the IC chip 1 can also be mounted on the extension area EA and is electrically connected to the extension area EA. The IC chip 1 has a built-in display driver DD that outputs the signal required for image display in the image display mode for displaying the image. In addition, in the example shown in the figure, the IC chip 1 has a built-in touch controller TCN that controls the touch sensing mode for detecting the approach or contact of an object to the liquid crystal display device DSP. In the figure, the display driver DD and the touch controller TCN are shown by dotted lines. The wiring substrate F1 is a flexible printed substrate that can be bent.

[0033] The display panel PNL also includes a liquid crystal layer LC and a sealant SE. The sealant SE is located in the non-display area NDA and joins the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2. The liquid crystal layer LC is held between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 and sealed by the sealant SE. The liquid crystal layer LC is provided in each of the window area WA, the frame area FRA, and the display area DA. Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , the liquid crystal layer LC and the seal SE are shown with different oblique lines.

[0034] While the detailed configuration of the display panel PNL is omitted here, the display panel PNL may have a configuration corresponding to a display mode utilizing a transverse electric field along the substrate principal surface, a display mode utilizing a longitudinal electric field along the normal to the substrate principal surface, a display mode utilizing an oblique electric field inclined in an oblique direction relative to the substrate principal surface, or a display mode utilizing an appropriate combination of the transverse electric field, longitudinal electric field, and oblique electric field. The substrate principal surface herein refers to a surface parallel to the XY plane defined by the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0035] Figure 3 Yes Figure 2 A diagram showing the basic structure of a pixel and its equivalent circuit.

[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, multiple scan lines G are connected to a scan line driver circuit GD, and multiple signal lines S are connected to a signal line driver circuit SD. The scan lines G and signal lines S are each formed of a metal material such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), or an alloy obtained by combining these metal materials. The scan lines G and signal lines S can each have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. Furthermore, the scan lines G and signal lines S can extend non-linearly or have portions thereof curved.

[0037] The common electrode CE is arranged across a plurality of pixels PX. The common electrode CE is connected to the voltage supply unit CD and Figure 2 The touch controller TCN is shown connected. In the image display mode, the voltage supply unit CD supplies a common voltage (Vcom) to the common electrode CE. In the touch sensing mode, the touch controller TCN supplies a touch driving voltage different from the common voltage to the common electrode CE.

[0038] Each pixel PX includes a switching element SW, a pixel electrode PE, a common electrode CE, a liquid crystal layer LC, and the like. The switching element SW is, for example, composed of a thin film transistor (TFT) and is electrically connected to a scanning line G and a signal line S. The scanning line G is electrically connected to the switching element SW in each of the pixels PX arranged in the first direction X. The signal line S is electrically connected to the switching element SW in each of the pixels PX arranged in the second direction Y. A control signal for controlling the switching element SW is supplied to the scanning line G. An image signal is supplied to the signal line S as a signal different from the control signal. The pixel electrode PE is electrically connected to the switching element SW. The liquid crystal layer LC is driven by an electric field generated between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE. The capacitor CS is formed, for example, between an electrode having the same potential as the common electrode CE and an electrode having the same potential as the pixel electrode PE.

[0039] Figure 4 Yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a configuration example of a liquid crystal display device DSP is shown. The example shown corresponds to an example in which the FFS (Fringe Field Switching) mode, which is a display mode utilizing a transverse electric field, is applied.

[0040] like Figure 4 As shown, the first substrate SUB1 includes an insulating substrate 10, insulating layers 11 to 16, a semiconductor layer SC, a signal line S, a metal wiring ML, a common electrode CE, a pixel electrode PE, an alignment film AL1, and the like. The insulating substrate 10 is a transparent substrate such as a glass substrate or a flexible resin substrate. The insulating layer 11 is located on the insulating substrate 10. The semiconductor layer SC is located on the insulating layer 11 and is covered by an insulating layer 12. The semiconductor layer SC is formed, for example, of polycrystalline silicon, but may also be formed of amorphous silicon or an oxide semiconductor. The insulating layer 12 is covered by an insulating layer 13. Figure 3 The scan line G shown is located between insulating layers 12 and 13. The signal line S is located on insulating layer 13 and covered by insulating layer 14. The metal wiring ML is located on insulating layer 14 and covered by insulating layer 15. The metal wiring ML is formed of a metal material such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), or an alloy obtained by combining metal materials. The metal wiring ML can have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. The metal wiring ML extends parallel to the signal line S and is located directly above the signal line S.

[0041] The common electrode CE is located on the insulating layer 15 and covered by the insulating layer 16. The pixel electrode PE is located on the insulating layer 16 and covered by the alignment film AL1. Each pixel electrode PE is opposed to the common electrode CE via the insulating layer 16. The common electrode CE and the pixel electrode PE are formed of a transparent conductive material such as ITO or IZO. The pixel electrode PE is a linear electrode, while the common electrode CE is a flat plate electrode provided across multiple pixels PX. Alternatively, a configuration may be employed in which the pixel electrode PE is a flat plate electrode and a linear common electrode is provided between the pixel electrode PE and the liquid crystal layer LC.

[0042] Insulating layers 11, 12, 13, and 16 are inorganic insulating layers formed from inorganic insulating materials such as silicon oxide (SiO), silicon nitride (SiN), and silicon oxynitride (SiON). Insulating layer 16 is formed, for example, from silicon nitride. Insulating layers 11, 12, 13, and 16 may have a single-layer structure or a multilayer structure. Insulating layers 14 and 15 are organic insulating layers formed from organic insulating materials such as acrylic resin.

[0043] The second substrate SUB2 includes an insulating substrate 20, a coloring layer CF, a light-shielding layer BM, a transparent layer OC, and an alignment film AL2. The insulating substrate 20 is a transparent substrate such as a glass substrate or a flexible resin substrate. The coloring layer CF, the light-shielding layer BM, and the transparent layer OC are located between the insulating substrate 20 and the liquid crystal layer LC. The alignment film AL2 is in contact with the liquid crystal layer LC. The alignment films AL1 and AL2 are formed, for example, of a material exhibiting horizontal alignment. The transparent layer OC covers the coloring layer CF and the light-shielding layer BM. The transparent layer OC is, for example, a transparent organic insulating layer. In addition, in the example shown in the figure, the coloring layer CF is provided on the second substrate SUB2, but it can also be provided on the first substrate SUB1. The coloring layer CF includes a red layer CFR, a green layer CFG, and a blue layer CFB. The green layer CFG is opposite to the pixel electrode PE. The red layer CFR and the blue layer CFB are also respectively opposite to other pixel electrodes PE not shown in the figure.

[0044] The liquid crystal layer LC is located between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2, held between the alignment films AL1 and AL2. The liquid crystal layer LC includes liquid crystal molecules LM. The liquid crystal layer LC is composed of a positive-type (positive dielectric anisotropy) or negative-type (negative dielectric anisotropy) liquid crystal material.

[0045] In this display panel PNL, in the off state, where no electric field is formed between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE, the liquid crystal molecules LM are initially aligned in a predetermined direction between the alignment films AL1 and AL2. In this off state, illumination light from the illumination device IL directed toward the display panel PNL is absorbed by the optical elements OD1 and OD2, resulting in a dark display. On the other hand, in the on state, where an electric field is formed between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE, the liquid crystal molecules LM are aligned in a direction different from their initial alignment due to the electric field, and this alignment direction is controlled by the electric field. In this on state, a portion of the illumination light from the illumination device IL passes through the optical elements OD1 and OD2, resulting in a bright display.

[0046] Figure 5 Yes Figure 2 A top view of a configuration example of a touch sensor TS included in the liquid crystal display device DSP is shown. Here, a self-capacitance touch sensor TS is described, but the touch sensor TS may also be a mutual-capacitance touch sensor TS.

[0047] like Figure 5 As shown, the touch sensor TS has a plurality of electrodes Rx (Rx1, Rx2...) and a plurality of sensor wirings L. The plurality of electrodes Rx are located in the display area DA and are arranged in a matrix in the first direction X and the second direction Y. In addition, the electrode Rx is not provided in the window area WA. In the example shown in the figure, the electrode Rx2 is square-shaped, and the electrode Rx1 arranged around the window area WA has a shape along the window area WA. The plurality of sensor wirings L extend in the second direction Y in the display area DA and are arranged in the first direction X. Each of the sensor wirings L is provided at a position overlapping with the above-mentioned signal line S. In addition, each of the sensor wirings L is led out to the extension area EA and electrically connected to the IC chip 1 via the wiring substrate F1. Each of the sensor wirings L is electrically connected to one electrode Rx. In addition, one electrode Rx and a plurality of sensor wirings L may also be electrically connected.

[0048] In touch sensing mode, the touch controller TCN applies a touch drive voltage to the sensor wiring L. This applies the touch drive voltage to the electrodes Rx, causing sensing to be performed by the electrodes Rx. Sensor signals corresponding to the sensing results by the electrodes Rx are output to the touch controller TCN via the sensor wiring L.

[0049] In the display mode, the electrode Rx functions as a common electrode CE to which a common voltage (Vcom) is applied. The common voltage is applied from, for example, a voltage supply unit included in the display driver DD via the sensor line L. Figure 4 The metal wiring ML shown functions as the sensor wiring L.

[0050] Figure 6 It is magnified Figure 5 A top view of the window area WA is shown.

[0051] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the liquid crystal display device DSP further comprises a plurality of transparent conductive layers TC. The transparent conductive layers TC are formed by Figure 4 The pixel electrodes PE are formed of the same material. The transparent conductive layer TC is provided over the frame area FRA and the window area WA. Each layer of the transparent conductive layer TC is separated from each other and connected to different electrodes Rx1 in the frame area FRA via contact holes CH described later.

[0052] When using electrodes Rx as sensor electrodes in touch sensing mode, the areas of each electrode Rx are preferably equal. The area of electrode Rx1, which overlaps with the window area WA, is smaller than the area of electrode Rx2, which does not overlap with the window area WA. However, by electrically connecting electrode Rx1 to the transparent conductive layer TC, electrode Rx1 and the transparent conductive layer TC function as a single sensor electrode. The combined area of electrode Rx1 and the area of the transparent conductive layer TC connected to electrode Rx1 is substantially equal to the area of electrode Rx2. This minimizes the degradation of touch sensing accuracy near the window area WA.

[0053] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display device DSP taken along line AB.

[0054] like Figure 7 As shown, the transparent conductive layer TC is located above the insulating layer 16 and is covered by the alignment film AL1. The transparent conductive layer TC is connected to the common electrode CE via a contact hole CH that penetrates the insulating layer 16. In the illustrated example, there is a single contact hole CH. However, multiple contact holes CH may be formed in the overlapping region of the frame area FRA where the transparent conductive layer TC and the common electrode CE are located. The transparent conductive layer TC may also be connected to the common electrode CE via multiple contact holes CH. In the illustrated example, the transparent conductive layer TC is in contact with the insulating layer 16 and the alignment film AL1 in the frame area FRA, and in contact with the insulating layer 16 and the spacer SP2 in the window area WA.

[0055] The light-shielding layer BMP is provided on the lower surface of the insulating substrate 20. In the illustrated example, the outer surface BO of the light-shielding layer BMP is covered by the colored layer CF, and the inner surface BI is located below the light-shielding layer BMC. Multiple colored layers CF are located between the light-shielding layer BMP and the transparent layer OC in the frame area FRA.

[0056] The liquid crystal display device DSP further includes a plurality of spacers SP (SP1, SP2, ...) located between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2. The spacers SP are formed, for example, of a light-transmitting member. Spacers SP1 and SP3 are provided on the second substrate SUB2, while spacer SP2 is provided on the first substrate SUB1.

[0057] One spacer SP1 is located in the window area WA. The spacer SP1 is provided on the lower surface of the transparent layer OC and is covered by the alignment film AL2. The spacer SP1 has an outer peripheral surface OF1 located below the light shielding layer BMC.

[0058] One spacer SP2 is located in the window area WA and the frame area FRA. The spacer SP2 is in contact with the transparent conductive layer TC and is covered by the alignment film AL1. The spacer SP2 has an outer peripheral surface OF2 located below the light shielding layer BMC.

[0059] Spacers SP1 and SP2 face each other. Spacers SP1 and SP2 are provided substantially throughout the entire window area WA. Inner surface BI of light shielding layer BMP is located between outer peripheral surfaces OF1 and OF2. Liquid crystal layer LC extends between spacers SP1 and SP2.

[0060] Multiple spacers SP3 are located in the frame area FRA. Each spacer SP3 faces the colored layer CF and is located between the transparent layer OC and the first substrate SUB1. The multiple spacers SP3 are used to maintain the liquid crystal gap between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 in the frame area FRA. The multiple spacers SP3 include main spacers that are in contact with the first substrate SUB1 and sub-spacers that do not contact the first substrate SUB1 in a constant state when no external stress is applied to the display panel PNL.

[0061] The window area WA of the display panel PNL does not include light-blocking components such as metal wiring ML or a colored layer CF. Instead, it includes only light-transmitting components such as an insulating layer, spacers SP, and a transparent layer OC. Furthermore, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer LC located in the window area WA transmit light, for example, when no electric field is applied. Consequently, the light-receiving element PA located in the window area WA can receive light through both the transparent substrate CG and the display panel PNL.

[0062] As described above, the window area WA overlaps with the camera, which serves as the light-receiving element PA, and transparency is sought for the window area WA so as not to obstruct the camera's imaging. In addition to the metal wiring ML and the colored layer CF, the window area WA also does not include the thin-film transistor switching elements SW, scanning lines G, or signal lines S, which serve as light-blocking components. The window area WA can also be referred to as a highly light-transmitting area WA or a highly transparent area WA, having a higher light transmittance (higher transparency) than the display area DA.

[0063] The high light-transmitting area WA only needs to be an area with a higher light transmittance than the display area DA, and a light-shielding member such as a metal wiring ML may be provided as long as the function of the light-receiving element PA including the camera is not impeded. Figure 1 The optical elements OD1 and OD2 shown in the figure may not be elements in which through holes are formed in both sides of the high light-transmittance area WA, but may be elements in which through holes are formed in only one side of the optical element OD1 or the optical element OD2. In this case, the high light-transmittance area WA has a higher light transmittance than the display area DA. Of course, if Figure 1 As shown, it is more appropriate not to provide metal wiring or a polarizing plate composed of two optical elements in the high light-transmitting area WA, which may become a major factor that hinders light transmission.

[0064] According to this embodiment, one spacer SP1 and one spacer SP2 are substantially provided throughout the entire window area WA. Therefore, the liquid crystal gap between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 can be maintained in the window area WA. Therefore, when external stress is applied to the window area WA of the display panel PNL, unevenness in the liquid crystal gap between the window area WA and other areas (the frame area FRA and the display area DA) can be suppressed. Furthermore, if multiple spacers SP1 and SP2 are provided in the window area WA, there is a concern that light passing through the window area WA may be reflected by the multiple spacers SP1 and SP2 and visually recognized, or that the transmittance of light in the window area WA may decrease. In this embodiment, since only one spacer SP1 and one spacer SP2 are provided in the window area WA, the aforementioned undesirable situation can be suppressed, and the production yield of the liquid crystal display device DSP can be improved.

[0065] In addition, in order to allow the light receiving element PA to receive light, compared with the case of providing a through hole in the window area WA of the display panel PNL, there is no need to provide a through hole in the window area WA. In addition, in order to provide the through hole, there is no need to configure a sealant for sealing the liquid crystal layer LC around the through hole. Therefore, the manufacturing process can be simplified and the frame area FRA can be narrowed.

[0066] Furthermore, in the frame region FRA, a transparent conductive layer TC is provided between the alignment film AL1 and the inorganic insulating layer 16. The bonding strength between the alignment film AL1 and the transparent conductive layer TC is greater than the bonding strength between the alignment film AL1 and the inorganic insulating layer 16, thereby suppressing peeling of the alignment film AL1 in the frame region FRA.

[0067] In the above configuration example, the insulating layer 16 corresponds to the inorganic insulating layer, the insulating layer 14 corresponds to the first organic insulating layer, the insulating layer 15 corresponds to the second organic insulating layer, the spacer SP1 corresponds to the first spacer, the spacer SP2 corresponds to the second spacer, and the spacer SP3 corresponds to the third spacer.

[0068] Figure 8 1 is a plan view of the liquid crystal display device DSP, and is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the spacers SP.

[0069] like Figure 8 As shown, a plurality of spacers SP3 are dispersed in the frame area FRA, and a plurality of spacers SP4 are dispersed in the display area DA.

[0070] A plurality of spacers SP4 are located in the display area DA. The spacers SP4 are located, for example, Figure 3 The illustrated position is where the scanning line G overlaps the signal line S. The spacers SP4 are arranged at intervals DX4 in the first direction X and at intervals DY4 in the second direction Y.

[0071] The spacers SP3 are arranged at intervals DX3 in the first direction X and at intervals DY3 in the second direction Y. The intervals DX3 and DX4 are substantially equal, and the intervals DY3 and DY4 are substantially equal.

[0072] In the example shown in the figure, the colored layers CF are dispersed in the frame area FRA and have a circular shape in a plan view.

[0073] Figure 9 Yes Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a modified example of the liquid crystal display device DSP is shown.

[0074] like Figure 9 As shown, this modification example is Figure 7 The difference from the illustrated configuration is that spacers SP2 are not provided. The alignment film AL1 is in contact with the transparent conductive layer TC in the window area WA and the frame area FRA. In the illustrated example, spacers SP1 are provided on the second substrate SUB2, but they can also be provided on the first substrate SUB1.

[0075] In this modification, the same effects as above can be obtained. In addition, the transparent conductive layer TC is in contact with the alignment film AL1 in the window area WA. This can suppress peeling of the alignment film AL1 in the window area WA.

[0076] As described above, according to this embodiment, a liquid crystal display device capable of improving product yield can be provided.

[0077] Furthermore, although embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. New embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Such embodiments or modifications thereof are included within the scope and spirit of the invention and are included within the invention recited in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A liquid crystal display device, characterized in that: have: 1st substrate; 2nd substrate; a transparent substrate arranged to overlap the first substrate and the second substrate; an opposing region where the first substrate and the second substrate face each other; a liquid crystal layer and a first spacer located between the first substrate and the second substrate; as well as A plurality of third spacers, The opposing area includes a first area for displaying an image, a second area located inside the first area in a plan view, and a frame area located between the first area and the second area and surrounding the second area. The second substrate includes a first light shielding layer formed in the frame region in a plan view. The second region is a region with higher transparency than the first region. The liquid crystal layer is located in the second region, the frame region, and the first region. The transparent substrate has a second light-shielding layer overlapping with the first light-shielding layer. A portion of the second light shielding layer overlaps with the second region, The first spacer is located substantially in the entire area of the second region, is provided on the first substrate or the second substrate, and has an outer peripheral surface located below the second light shielding layer. The plurality of third spacers are provided on the second substrate in the frame region. The second substrate further includes a transparent layer facing the liquid crystal layer in the frame region, and a colored layer located between the transparent layer and the first light shielding layer. The plurality of third spacers are respectively opposed to the colored layer and are located between the transparent layer and the first substrate.

2. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein It also has lighting devices. The lighting device has a through hole at a position overlapping with the second area.

3. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 2, wherein further comprising a second spacer located between the first substrate and the second substrate in the second region and facing the first spacer, The first spacer is provided on the second substrate, The second spacer is provided on the first substrate.

4. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 3, wherein The first substrate further includes a common electrode located in the first region and the frame region, an inorganic insulating layer covering the common electrode, a transparent conductive layer formed above the inorganic insulating layer in the second region and the frame region, and an alignment film formed above the transparent conductive layer. The transparent conductive layer is in contact with the inorganic insulating layer and the alignment film respectively.

5. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 4, wherein The first substrate further includes a first organic insulating layer, a metal wiring formed above the first organic insulating layer, and a second organic insulating layer formed above the first organic insulating layer and the metal wiring. The inorganic insulating layer has a contact hole penetrating the frame region. The common electrode is located above the second organic insulating layer and is electrically connected to the metal wiring. The transparent conductive layer is connected to the common electrode through the contact hole.

6. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 2, wherein The first substrate further includes a common electrode located in the first region and the frame region, an inorganic insulating layer covering the common electrode, a transparent conductive layer formed above the inorganic insulating layer in the second region and the frame region, and an alignment film formed above the transparent conductive layer. The transparent conductive layer is in contact with the inorganic insulating layer and the alignment film respectively.

7. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 6, wherein The first substrate further includes a first organic insulating layer, a metal wiring formed above the first organic insulating layer, and a second organic insulating layer formed above the first organic insulating layer and the metal wiring. The inorganic insulating layer has a contact hole penetrating the frame region. The common electrode is located above the second organic insulating layer and is electrically connected to the metal wiring. The transparent conductive layer is connected to the common electrode through the contact hole.

8. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 2, wherein It also includes a light receiving element located in the second area, The light receiving element is inserted into the through hole of the lighting device.

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