DISPLAY DEVICE

Abstract

Display device equipped with: a display panel (PNL) having a display area (DA) and a non-display area (NDA) surrounding the display area (DA) and having light transmittance, a frame (FR) surrounding a surrounding portion of the display panel (PNL) and exposing a part of the non-display area (NDA) and the display area (DA), and a light-emitting element (LD) superimposed on the frame (FR), where the display field (PNL) with a first transparent substrate (10), a second transparent substrate (20) having a side surface facing the light-emitting element (LD), a liquid crystal layer (30) provided between the first transparent substrate (10) and the second transparent substrate (20) and containing polymers and liquid crystal molecules, a wiring group provided in a wiring area of ​​the non-display area (NDA), and a dummy electrode provided in a non-wiring area adjacent to the wiring area of ​​the non-display area (NDA), wherein the part of the non-display area (NDA) is positioned in plan view between the frame (FR) and the display area (DA), and the permeability of the wiring area corresponds to the permeability of the non-wiring area.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a display device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, various lighting devices with light modulation elements that exhibit light scattering or transparency have been proposed. In one example, the light modulation element is provided with a liquid crystal layer dispersed in a polymer as the light modulation layer. The light modulation element is arranged behind a light guide plate and scatters the light incident from the side of the light guide plate.

[0003] Patent Document 3 describes a liquid crystal display device having a first substrate and a second substrate arranged to oppose each other. The document further describes a liquid crystal layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate and a black matrix provided on the first substrate, wherein a display region for displaying an image and a frame region are defined around the display region, and the black matrix has a plurality of spaced-apart light-blocking regions in the frame region.

[0004] Patent Document 4 describes a polymer dispersion-based liquid crystal display embedded in a light guide film that provides illumination for the display. Light from one or more light sources is coupled into the light guide film and guided within the film by total internal reflection within a range of high angles of incidence. By combining multiple displays embedded in light guides, an attempt is made to create a three-dimensional display. The surfaces of the light guide-embedded display can be coated with a low-refractive index cladding.

[0005] Patent Document 5 describes a display device including a first light-transmitting glass plate having a first electrode for connection to a power supply, a second light-transmitting glass plate having a second electrode for connection to the power supply, a light-diffusing member sandwiched between the first and second glass plates to transmit light when voltage is applied and to diffuse the light when the voltage is not applied, a light-transmitting transparent member coated on the second glass plate and having a predetermined refractive index, a light-guide plate coated on the transparent member and having a lower refractive index than the transparent member, and a light-emitting part provided on a lateral side of the light-guide plate.

[0006] Patent Document 6 describes a liquid crystal display module that utilizes the reflection and transmission properties of a cholesteric liquid crystal. It includes a liquid crystal display panel, a backlight unit disposed on a side surface of the liquid crystal display panel, and a support structure. No light guide plate is provided on the back of the liquid crystal display panel. A backlight unit faces the side surface of the liquid crystal display panel. [Identified documents][Patent documents] [Patent Document 1] JP Patent Laid-Open No. JP 2010-92682 A [Patent Document 2] JP Patent Laid-Open No. JP 2016-57338 A [Patent document 3] US 2012 / 0 002 142 A1 [Patent document 4] US 2011 / 0 149 201 A1 [Patent Document 5] US 2010 / 0 245 321 A1 [Patent Document 6] US 2013 / 0 016 307 A1 [Overview of the invention][Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The purpose of the present embodiment is to provide a display device that can suppress a decrease in display quality. [Means of solving the task]

[0008] The above problem to be solved is solved by the claims in the claim set. [Effects of the invention]

[0009] According to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a display device that can suppress a decrease in display quality. [Brief explanation of the drawings] Fig. 1 is a plan view of the first embodiment of a display device DSP of the present embodiment; Fig. Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the display device DSP along the line AB in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 shows a top view of a training example of a Fig. 1 shown display field PNL; Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of one embodiment of the Fig. 1 shown display field PNL; Fig. 5 shows a sectional view of the second embodiment of the display device DSP; Fig. 6 shows a sectional view of the third embodiment of the display device DSP; Fig. 7 shows a plan view of the fourth embodiment of the display device DSP; Fig. 8 shows a sectional view of an example of the Fig. 7 shown display device DSP; Fig. 9 shows a sectional view of another example of the Fig. 7 shown display device DSP; Fig. 10 shows a plan view of the fifth embodiment of the display device DSP; Fig. 11 shows a sectional view of an example of the Fig. 10 shown display device DSP; Fig. 12 shows a sectional view of another example of the Fig. 10 shown display device DSP; [Embodiment of the invention]

[0010] The present embodiment will be explained below with reference to the drawings. The disclosure is merely an example, and the matter that is readily apparent to those skilled in the art regarding appropriate modification while maintaining the gist of the invention is naturally included within the scope of the present invention. To further clarify the explanation, the drawings may also schematically show the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part in comparison with the actual shape. However, this is merely an example and does not limit the interpretation of the present invention.In the present description and the respective drawings, the components that perform the same or similar functions as those with reference to the previously mentioned drawings are designated by the same reference numerals, and overlapping detailed explanations may be omitted according to the circumstances. <Erstes Ausbildungsbeispiel>

[0011] Fig. 1 shows a plan view of the first configuration example of a display device DSP of the present embodiment. In one example, the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are orthogonal to each other, but they may intersect at an angle other than 90 degrees. The first direction X and the second direction Y correspond to the direction parallel to the main surface of the substrate constituting the display device DSP, and the third direction Z corresponds to the thickness direction of the display device DSP. In the present embodiment, the view along the XY plane defined by the first direction X and the second direction Y is referred to as a plan view. Also, the view along the XZ plane defined by the first direction X and the third direction Z and the YZ plane defined by the second direction Y and the third direction Z is referred to as a sectional view.

[0012] The display device DSP of the present embodiment can be applied, for example, to the building window, a windshield of a vehicle, etc.

[0013] The display device DSP is provided with a display panel PNL, a frame FR, and a light-emitting element LD. The display panel PNL has a display area DA and a translucent (substantially transparent) non-display area NDA. Fig. In the example shown in Figure 1, the display area DA is positioned substantially in the center of the display field PNL and in the interior surrounded by the non-display area NDA.

[0014] The display panel PNL is provided with a first transparent substrate 10, a second transparent substrate 20, a liquid crystal layer 30 and a seal 40. In Fig. 1, the outer contours of the first transparent substrate 10 and the second transparent substrate 20 are represented by a dashed line. The first transparent substrate 10 and the second transparent substrate 20 overlap in plan view. The gasket 40 adheres the first transparent substrate 10 and the second transparent substrate 20 to each other. The gasket 40 is further provided between the display area DA and the non-display area NDA and seals the liquid crystal layer 30 in the display area DA.

[0015] As in Fig. 1, enlarged and shown schematically, the liquid crystal layer 30 is provided with a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal containing polymers 31 and liquid crystal molecules 32. In one example, the polymer 31 is a liquid crystalline polymer. The polymers 31 are formed in the form of stripes extending along a first direction X and aligned in a second direction Y. The liquid crystal molecules 32 are dispersed in the gaps between the polymers 31 and oriented such that their long axis runs along the first direction X. The polymers 31 and the liquid crystal molecules 32 exhibit optical anisotropy or refractive index anisotropy. The responsiveness of the polymer 31 to an electric field is lower than that of the liquid crystal molecule 32 to the electric field.

[0016] In one example, the orientation direction of the polymers 31 hardly changes regardless of the presence of an electric field. In contrast, in the state where a voltage higher than the threshold value is applied to the liquid crystal layer 30, the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules 32 changes in accordance with an electric field. In the state where no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 30, the respective optical axes of the polymer 31 and the liquid crystal molecule 32 are parallel to each other, and the light incident on the liquid crystal layer 30 is transmitted by the liquid crystal layer 30 with little or no scattering (transparent state).In the state where a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 30, the respective optical axes of the polymer 31 and the liquid crystal molecule 32 cross, and the light incident on the liquid crystal layer 30 is scattered within the liquid crystal layer 30 (scattering state).

[0017] The frame FR surrounds the surrounding portion of the display panel PNL and exposes part of the non-display area NDA and the display area DA. The light-emitting elements LD overlap the frame FR in plan view. The plurality of light-emitting elements LD are arrayed at intervals along the first direction X.

[0018] With regard to the positional relationship between the display panel PNL and the frame FR, a part of the transparent non-display area NDA is positioned between the frame FR and the display area DA in the plan view. Fig. In the example shown in Figure 1, the gasket 40 is positioned within the frame FR in plan view, and the entire area between the inner edge FRI of the frame FR and the display area DA is the transparent non-display area NDA. The area between the light-emitting element LD and the display area DA is also the transparent non-display area NDA.

[0019] The liquid crystal layer 30 may be provided in the non-display area NDA. At least a portion of the gasket 40 may overlie the frame FR.

[0020] The light-emitting elements LD are, for example, light-emitting diodes. Although not described in detail, they are provided with a red-emitting part, a green-emitting part, and a blue-emitting part. These light-emitting elements LD face the side surface 20C of the second transparent substrate 20 in the second direction Y and emit light toward the side surface 20C. The side surface 20C extends along the first direction X in plan view. A transparent light guide can be arranged between the light-emitting element LD and the side surface 20C.

[0021] Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the display device DSP along the line AB in Fig. 1. In Fig. 2, the illustration of the liquid crystal layer and the seal is omitted. For example, when the display device DSP is used as a window, the first transparent substrate 10 and the second transparent substrate 20 form a window glass, and the frame FR forms a window frame. The display device DSP is not limited to the Fig. 2 and may be provided with a cover member covering the first transparent substrate 10 and a cover member covering the second transparent substrate 20. In this case, the cover member may form a window glass. A sealant (or joint sealant) SL is inserted into the gap between the frame FR and the display panel PNL.

[0022] A printed circuit board 1 and an IC chip 2 are superimposed on the frame FR in the third direction Z. The printed circuit board 1 and the IC chip 2 are each electrically connected to the electrodes provided on the first transparent substrate 10. The printed circuit board 1 is, for example, a flexible printed circuit board that can be bent. The IC chip 2 contains, for example, a display driver that outputs the signals required for image display. The IC chip 2 can be mounted on the printed circuit board 1. The light-emitting element LD is mounted on a printed circuit board 3.

[0023] The second transparent substrate 20 has a side surface 20D facing away from the side surface 20C. The first transparent substrate 10 has a side surface 10D. The side surface 10D and the side surface 20D overlap the frame FR in the third direction Z.

[0024] Light L1 emitted from the light-emitting element LD will now be described with reference to Fig. 2 explained.

[0025] The light-emitting element LD emits light L1 toward the side surface 20C. The light L1 emitted by the light-emitting element LD travels along the direction of the arrow indicating the second direction Y and is incident from the side surface 20C into the second transparent substrate 20. The light L1 incident on the second transparent substrate 20 travels through the interior of the display panel PNL and is repeatedly reflected. In the Fig. In the display area DA shown in Figure 1, the light L1 incident on the liquid crystal layer 30, to which no voltage is applied, penetrates the liquid crystal layer 30 with almost no scattering. In addition, the light L1 incident on the liquid crystal layer 30, to which a voltage is applied, is scattered by the liquid crystal layer 30. The light L1 that penetrates the display area DA reaches the side surfaces 10D and 20D. The display device DSP can be viewed from both the first transparent substrate 10 side and the second transparent substrate 20 side. Both when viewing the display device DSP from the first transparent substrate 10 side and when viewed from the second transparent substrate 20 side, the background of the display device DSP can be observed through the display device DSP.

[0026] According to the present embodiment, the display area DA can be formed in a desired size regardless of the size of the window glass, and furthermore, the display area DA can be formed in any position.

[0027] Even if the light L1 reaching the side surfaces 10D and 20D is scattered on the side surfaces 10D and 20D, the scattered light is difficult to see because the side surfaces 10D and 20D overlap the frame FR, so that the deterioration of the display quality can be suppressed.

[0028] In a comparative example in which the window glass is hollowed out and the display panel is inserted, there is a risk of the light from the light-emitting element being scattered near the boundary between the window glass and the display panel. According to the present embodiment, a part of the window glass serves as the display panel, so there is no boundary between the window glass and the display panel, and unwanted scattering can be suppressed.

[0029] Fig. 3 shows a top view of a training example of a Fig. 1 shown display field PNL. In Fig. 3 the frame FR is represented by a dashed line.

[0030] The display area DA is provided with pixels PX arranged in a matrix in the first and second directions X and Y. As shown in Fig. 3, each pixel PX consists of a switching element SW, a pixel electrode PE, a common electrode CE, a liquid crystal layer 30, etc. The switching element SW is made of, for example, 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 arrayed in the first direction X. The signal line S is electrically connected to the switching element SW in each of the pixels PX arrayed in the second direction Y. The pixel electrodes PE are electrically connected to the switching elements SW. The common electrode CE is provided in common for the plurality of pixel electrodes PE. The liquid crystal layer 30 (specifically, the liquid crystal molecules 32) is driven by the electric field generated between the pixel electrodes PE and the common electrode CE. The capacitance CS is, for example,between the electrode having the same potential as the common electrode CE and the electrode having the same potential as the pixel electrode PE. As explained later, the scanning line G, the signal line S, the switching element SW, and the pixel electrode PE are provided on the first transparent substrate 10, and the common electrode CE is provided on the second transparent substrate 20.

[0031] The signal line S is led out to the non-display area NDA and is electrically connected to the display driver DD. The scan line G is led out to the non-display area NDA and is electrically connected to the gate driver GD. The display driver DD is in the Fig. 2, but may also be partially formed on the first transparent substrate 10. The gate driver GD may be formed on the first transparent substrate 10, incorporated into the IC chip 2, or incorporated into another IC chip.

[0032] The non-display area NDA has a first area A1, a second area A2, a third area A3 and a fourth area A4.

[0033] The first region A1 is the region between the inner edge FRI of the frame FR and the gasket 40 in the second direction Y. A plurality of signal lines S, which are led out from the display region DA toward the display driver DD, form a wiring group in the first region A1. In the first region A1, each of the plurality of signal lines S is a fine metal wire, and they are lined up at intervals in the first direction X. Therefore, the first region A1 is a wiring region in which the wiring group is provided, but which is translucent.

[0034] The third region A3 is the region between the gasket 40 and the inner edge FRI of the frame FR in the first direction X. A plurality of scanning lines G, which are led out from the display region DA toward the gate driver GD, form a wiring group in the third region A3. In the third region A3, each of the plurality of scanning lines G is a fine metal wire, and they are lined up at intervals in the second direction Y. Therefore, the third region A3 is a wiring region in which the wiring group is provided, but which is transparent to light.

[0035] The fourth area A4 corresponds to a non-wired area in the non-display area NDA, where no light-shielding element, such as metal wires, is present. The transmittance of the first area A1 and the third area A3 is each lower than that of the fourth area A4.

[0036] The first region A1 and the second region A2 are lined up in the first direction X. The second region A2 and the third region A3 are lined up in the second direction Y. The second region A2 corresponds to a non-wired region in which no wires or electrodes required for driving the pixel PX are provided, and as shown in Fig. 3, a plurality of dummy electrodes DE are provided. The dummy electrodes DE are made of, for example, the same metal material as the scanning line G and the signal line S. The transmittance of the second region A2 corresponds to that of the first region A1. Alternatively, the transmittance of the second region A2 corresponds to that of the third region A3. Alternatively, the difference in transmittance between the first region A1 and the second region A2 is smaller than the difference in transmittance between the first region A1 and the fourth region A4. Alternatively, the difference in transmittance between the second region A2 and the third region A3 is smaller than the difference in transmittance between the third region A3 and the fourth region A4. Therefore, the.

[0037] wiring group, such as the plurality of signal lines S and the plurality of scanning lines G, which are led out to the non-display area NDA, can be made less conspicuous.

[0038] The dummy electrodes DE may be provided in the entire area of ​​the fourth region A4, or in the area of ​​the fourth region adjacent to the first region A1, or in the area of ​​the fourth region A4 adjacent to the third region A3. Although the dummy electrode DE is provided to control the transmittance of the second region A2, this is not limited to this example, and a light-shielding member made of a conductive material or an insulating material may also be provided instead of the dummy electrode DE.

[0039] If it is necessary to increase visibility at a location where the display area DA is provided, the gasket 40 surrounding the display area DA may include a diffuser. Alternatively, a voltage may be applied to the liquid crystal layer 30 to cause the outermost pixels PX of the display area DA to enter a diffused state.

[0040] Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of one embodiment of the Fig. 1. Here, a configuration example of the first substrate SUB1 including the above-mentioned first transparent substrate 10 and the second substrate SUB2 including the second transparent substrate 20 will be explained.

[0041] The first substrate SUB1 is provided with the first transparent substrate 10, insulating films 11 and 12, a capacitive electrode 13, the switching element SW, the pixel electrode PE, and an orientation film AL1. The first transparent substrate 10 is provided with an outer surface 10A and an inner surface 10B on the opposite side of the outer surface 10A. The switching element SW is provided on the inner surface 10B. The insulating film 11 is provided on the inner surface 10B and covers the switching element SW. Fig. The scanning line G and the signal line S shown in Figure 3 are provided between the first transparent substrate 10 and the insulating film 11, but are not shown here. The capacitive electrode 13 is arranged between the insulating films 11 and 12. For each pixel PX, a pixel electrode PE is provided between the insulating film 12 and the orientation film AL1. The pixel electrode PE is electrically connected to the switching element SW via an opening OP of the capacitive electrode 13. The pixel electrode PE overlies the capacitive electrode 13 via the insulating film 12 and forms the capacitance CS of the pixel PX. The orientation film AL1 covers the pixel electrode PE. The orientation film AL1 is in contact with the liquid crystal layer 30.

[0042] The second substrate SUB2 is provided with the second transparent substrate 20, the common electrode CE, and an orientation film AL2. The second transparent substrate 20 is provided with an inner surface 20A and an outer surface 20B on the opposite side of the inner surface 20A. The inner surface 20A of the second transparent substrate 20 faces the inner surface 10B of the first transparent substrate 10. The common electrode CE is provided on the inner surface 20A. The orientation film AL2 covers the common electrode CE. The orientation film AL2 is in contact with the liquid crystal layer 30. In the second substrate SUB2, a light-shielding layer may be provided directly above the switching element SW, the scanning line G, and the signal line S, respectively.Furthermore, a transparent insulating film may be provided between the second transparent substrate 20 and the common electrode CE or between the common electrode CE and the orientation film AL2. The common electrode CE is arranged across the plurality of pixels PX and faces the plurality of pixel electrodes PE in the third direction Z. The common electrode CE is electrically connected to the capacitive electrode 13 and is at the same potential as the capacitive electrode 13.

[0043] The first transparent substrate 10 and the second transparent substrate 20 are, for example, glass substrates, but may also be insulating substrates such as plastic substrates. The insulating film 11 is made, for example, of a transparent inorganic insulating film such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or silicon oxynitride and a transparent organic insulating film such as acrylic resin. The insulating film 12 is a transparent inorganic insulating film such as silicon nitride. The capacitive electrode 13, the pixel electrode PE, and the common electrode CE are transparent electrodes made of transparent conductive materials such as indium tin oxide (ITO) and indium zinc oxide (IZO). The orientation films AL1 and AL2 are horizontal orientation films with an orientation regulating force substantially parallel to the XY plane. In one example, the orientation films AL1 and AL2 are subjected to an orientation treatment along the first direction X.The orientation treatment can be a rubbing treatment or a light orientation. <Zweites Ausbildungsbeispiel>

[0044] Fig. Figure 5 shows a sectional view of the second embodiment of the display device DSP. Only the main part of the display panel PNL is shown in a simplified form. Furthermore, the frame is omitted.

[0045] The display device DSP is provided with a first cover member 51, a second cover member 52, a first spacer 61, and a second spacer 62. The display panel PNL is provided between the first cover member 51 and the second cover member 52 in the third direction Z. The first cover member 51 faces the first transparent substrate 10 and is positioned on the side opposite the liquid crystal layer 30 of the first transparent substrate 10. The second cover member 52 faces the second transparent substrate 20 and is positioned on the side opposite the liquid crystal layer 30 of the second transparent substrate 20.

[0046] The first spacer 61 is provided between the first cover element 51 and the first transparent substrate 10. This positions an air layer AR1 between the first cover element 51 and the first transparent substrate 10. The second spacer 62 is also provided between the second cover element 52 and the second transparent substrate 20. This positions an air layer AR2 between the second cover element 52 and the second transparent substrate 20.

[0047] The first spacer 61 and the second spacer 62 overlap the non-display area NDA in the third direction Z. The air layers AR1 and AR2 overlap the display area DA in the third direction Z.

[0048] According to such a second embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be achieved. In addition, of the light L1 emitted from the light-emitting element LD, the light L1 incident on the first transparent substrate 10 is reflected at the interface between the first transparent substrate 10 and the air layer AR1. The light L1 incident on the second transparent substrate 20 is further reflected at the interface between the second transparent substrate 20 and the air layer AR2. Therefore, the light of -L1 light leaking outside the display device DSP can be reduced. This suppresses the attenuation of the light L1 propagating through the non-display area NDA between the light-emitting element LD and the display area DA, and also suppresses the attenuation of the light L1 propagating through the display area DA.Even if minute scratches form on the first cover member 51 and the second cover member 52, or fingerprints or other stains adhere to the first cover member 51 and the second cover member 52, unwanted scattering at these portions is suppressed. Therefore, the deterioration of display quality can be suppressed. <Drittes Ausbildungsbeispiel>

[0049] Fig. Figure 6 shows a sectional view of the third embodiment of the display device DSP. Only the main part of the display panel PNL is shown in a simplified form. Furthermore, the frame is omitted.

[0050] The Fig. The third training example shown in Figure 6 differs from the one shown in Fig. 5 in that the display device DSP is provided with a first transparent layer 71 and a second transparent layer 72. The first transparent layer 71 is provided between the first cover member 51 and the first transparent substrate 10 and is in contact with the first transparent substrate 10. The second transparent layer 72 is provided between the second cover member 52 and the second transparent substrate 20 and is in contact with the second transparent substrate 20. The refractive index of the first transparent layer 71 is lower than the refractive index of the first transparent substrate 10, and the refractive index of the second transparent layer 72 is lower than the refractive index of the second transparent substrate 20.In one example, the refractive index of the first transparent substrate 10 and the second transparent substrate 20 is about 1.5, and the refractive index of the first transparent layer 71 and the second transparent layer 72 is about 1.0 to 1.4. These first transparent layer 71 and the second transparent layer 72 overlie both the display area DA and the non-display area NDA in the third direction Z.

[0051] According to such a third embodiment, the same effect as the first embodiment can be achieved. In addition, among the light L1 emitted from the light-emitting element LD, the light L1 incident on the first transparent substrate 10 is reflected at the interface between the first transparent substrate 10 and the first transparent layer 71. Furthermore, the light L1 incident on the second transparent substrate 20 is reflected at the interface between the second transparent substrate 20 and the second transparent layer 72. Therefore, the same effect as in the second embodiment can be achieved. <Viertes Ausbildungsbeispiel>

[0052] Fig. Figure 7 shows a plan view of the fourth embodiment of the display device DSP. The first cover member 51 and the second cover member 52 are indicated by a dotted line, and the illustration of the frame is omitted.

[0053] The display device DSP is provided with the display panel PNL, the first light-emitting element LD1, a second light-emitting element LD2, a first light guide 81, and a second light guide 82. In the display panel PNL, the first transparent substrate 10 extends in the first direction X and is electrically connected to the circuit board 1, etc. The liquid crystal layer 30 contains polymers 31, which are described with reference to Fig. 1, and the polymers 31 are formed in the form of strips extending in the first direction X.

[0054] The first light guide 81, the display panel PNL, and the second light guide 82 are oriented in the second direction Y in this order. In the plan view, the first light guide 81 and the second light guide 82 do not overlap the display panel PNL.

[0055] In plan view, the first light guide 81, the display panel PNL, and the second light guide 82 overlap the first cover member 51 and the second cover member 52. The first light guide 81 and the second light guide 82 are made of, for example, a transparent glass like the first transparent substrate 10, and have a refractive index corresponding to that of the first transparent substrate 10.

[0056] The plurality of first light-emitting elements LD1 and the plurality of second light-emitting elements LD2 are each lined up in the first direction X. These first light-emitting elements LD1 and second light-emitting elements LD2 are formed in the same manner as the above-mentioned light-emitting elements LD.

[0057] Fig. 8 is a sectional view of an example of the Fig. 7 shown display device DSP. The Fig. The DSP display device shown in Figure 8 corresponds to a combination of the Fig. 5 shown second training example and the one in Fig. 7 shown fourth training example.

[0058] The first light guide 81 and the second light guide 82 are provided between the first cover member 51 and the second cover member 52 in the third direction Z. The first light guide 81 is provided between the first light-emitting element LD1 and the display panel PNL in the second direction Y and guides the light L1 emitted from the first light-emitting element LD1 to the display panel PNL. The second light guide 82 is provided between the second light-emitting element LD2 and the display panel PNL in the second direction Y and guides the light L2 emitted from the second light-emitting element LD2 to the display panel PNL. The gap between the first light guide 81 and the first transparent substrate 10 and the gap between the first light guide 81 and the second transparent substrate 20 are bonded by a transparent adhesive AD.Also, the gap between the second light guide 82 and the first transparent substrate 10, and the gap between the second light guide 82 and the second transparent substrate 20 are bonded by the transparent adhesive AD. The adhesive AD described here has a refractive index corresponding to that of the first transparent substrate 10 and the second transparent substrate 20. If the light emitted from each light-emitting element is continuously transmitted through the light guide and the transparent substrate even without the adhesive AD, the configuration without the adhesive AD can be used.

[0059] As in the second embodiment, between the first cover member 51 and the first transparent substrate 10, between the first cover member 51 and the first light guide 81, and between the first cover member 51 and the second light guide 82, the first spacers 61 are arranged, and air layers AR1 are provided. Furthermore, between the second cover member 52 and the second transparent substrate 20, between the second cover member 52 and the first light guide 81, and between the second cover member 52 and the second light guide 82, the second spacers 62 are arranged, and air layers AR2 are provided.

[0060] According to this embodiment, the light L1 emitted from the first light-emitting element LD1 and incident on the first light guide 81 is reflected at the interface between the first light guide 81 and the air layer AR1 and at the interface between the first light guide 81 and the air layer AR2. This suppresses the attenuation of the light L1 between the first light-emitting element LD1 and the display panel PNL. Likewise, the light L2 emitted from the second light-emitting element LD2 and incident on the second light guide 82 is reflected at the interface between the second light guide 82 and the air layer AR1 and at the interface between the second light guide 82 and the air layer AR2. This suppresses the attenuation of the light L2 between the second light-emitting element LD2 and the display panel PNL.

[0061] In the display panel PNL, the area near the first light-emitting element LD1 is mainly illuminated with light L1, the area near the second light-emitting element LD2 is mainly illuminated with light L2, and the area between the first light-emitting element LD1 and the second light-emitting element LD2 is illuminated with light L1 and L2. Therefore, the brightness in the display panel PNL is homogenized. Consequently, it is possible to suppress the deterioration in display quality caused by the reduction in brightness.

[0062] Fig. 9 shows a sectional view of another example of the Fig. 7 shown display device DSP. The Fig. The display device DSP shown in Figure 9 corresponds to a combination of the third training example in Fig. 6 and the fourth training example in Fig. 7.

[0063] As in the third embodiment, the first transparent layer 71 is provided between the first cover member 51 and the first transparent substrate 10, between the first cover member 51 and the first light guide 81, and between the first cover member 51 and the second light guide 82. The first transparent layer 71 has a refractive index lower than the respective refractive indices of the first transparent substrate 10, the first light guide 81, and the second light guide 82.

[0064] Furthermore, the second transparent layer 72 is provided between the second cover member 52 and the second transparent substrate 20, between the second cover member 52 and the first light guide 81, and between the second cover member 52 and the second light guide 82. The second transparent layer 72 has a refractive index lower than the respective refractive indices of the second transparent substrate 20, the first light guide 81, and the second light guide 82.

[0065] According to such an embodiment, the light L1 emitted by the first light-emitting element LD1 and incident on the first light guide 81 is reflected at the interface between the first light guide 81 and the first transparent layer 71, as well as at the interface between the first light guide 81 and the second transparent layer 72. This suppresses the attenuation of the light L1 between the first light-emitting element LD1 and the display panel PNL. Likewise, the light L2 emitted by the second light-emitting element LD2 and incident on the second light guide 82 is reflected at the interface between the second light guide 82 and the first transparent layer 71, as well as at the interface between the second light guide 82 and the second transparent layer 72. This suppresses the attenuation of the light L2 between the second light-emitting element LD2 and the display panel PNL.

[0066] In addition, the brightness in the PNL display panel is homogenized. Consequently, it is possible to suppress the deterioration in display quality caused by the reduction in brightness. <Fünftes Ausbildungsbeispiel>

[0067] Fig. Fig. 10 shows a plan view of the fifth embodiment of the display device DSP. The first cover member 51 and the second cover member 52 are indicated by a dotted line, and the illustration of the frame is omitted.

[0068] The Fig. The fifth training example shown in Figure 10 differs from the one shown in Fig. 7 is that the first transparent substrate 10 extends in the second direction Y in the display panel PNL. In the plan view, the first light guide 81 overlaps the first transparent substrate 10, but the second light guide 82 does not overlap the display panel PNL. In the plan view, the first light guide 81, the display panel PNL, and the second light guide 82 overlap the first cover member 51 and the second cover member 52.

[0069] Fig. 11 shows a sectional view of an example of the Fig. 10 shown display device DSP. The Fig. The DSP display device shown in Figure 11 corresponds to a combination of the Fig. 5 shown second training example and the one in Fig. 10 shown fifth training example.

[0070] The first light guide 81 is provided between the first transparent substrate 10 and the second cover member 52 in the third direction Z. The second light guide 82 is provided between the first cover member 51 and the second cover member 52 in the third direction Z. The first light guide 81 is provided between the first light-emitting element LD1 and the second transparent substrate 20 in the second direction Y and guides the light L1 emitted from the first light-emitting element LD1 to the second transparent substrate 20. The second light guide 82 is provided between the second light-emitting element LD2 and the display panel PNL in the second direction Y and guides the light L2 emitted from the second light-emitting element LD2 to the display panel PNL. The space between the first light guide 81 and the second transparent substrate 20 is bonded by the transparent adhesive AD.The gap between the second light guide 82 and the first transparent substrate 10 and the gap between the second light guide 82 and the second transparent substrate 20 are each bonded by the transparent adhesive AD.

[0071] Between the first cover member 51 and the first transparent substrate 10, and between the first cover member 51 and the second light guide 82, the first spacers 61 are arranged, and the air layers AR1 are positioned. Furthermore, between the second cover member 52 and the second transparent substrate 20, between the second cover member 52 and the first light guide 81, and between the second cover member 52 and the second light guide 82, the second spacers 62 are arranged, and the air layers AR2 are provided. According to such a configuration example, the same effect as in the embodiment shown in Fig. 8 example shown.

[0072] Fig. 12 shows a sectional view of another example of the Fig. 10 shown display device DSP. The Fig. The DSP display device shown in Figure 12 corresponds to a combination of the Fig. 6 shown third training example and the one in Fig. 10 shown fifth training example.

[0073] The first transparent layer 71 is provided between the first cover member 51 and the first transparent substrate 10, and between the first cover member 51 and the second light guide 82. The first transparent layer 71 has a refractive index lower than the respective refractive indices of the first transparent substrate 10 and the second light guide 82. The second transparent layer 72 is provided between the second cover member 52 and the second transparent substrate 20, between the second cover member 52 and the first light guide 81, and between the second cover member 52 and the second light guide 82. The second transparent layer 72 has a refractive index lower than the respective refractive indices of the second transparent substrate 20, the first light guide 81, and the second light guide 82. According to such an embodiment, the same effect as in the embodiment shown in Fig. 9 example shown.

[0074] In the Fig. 7 shown fourth training example and the one in Fig. In the fifth embodiment shown in Fig. 10, the first light guide 81 may be omitted if the display area DA is arranged, for example, near the first light-emitting element LD1 (ie, near the underside of the first cover member 51 shown in the drawing).

[0075] In the Fig. 7, the display panel PNL is further provided between the first light-emitting element LD1 and the second light-emitting element LD2, but while the first light-emitting element LD1 and the first light guide 81 are provided, the second light-emitting element LD2 and the second light guide 82 may be omitted.

[0076] As explained above, the present embodiment can provide a display device that can suppress a decrease in display quality.

[0077] Although several embodiments of the present invention are explained, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments may be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and variations thereof are encompassed within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention recited in the claims and their equivalents.

[0078] An example of the display device resulting from the embodiment disclosed in the present specification is added below. (1) Display device with: a display panel having a display area and a non-display area having light transmittance, a frame surrounding the display field, and a light-emitting element that overlays the frame, where the display field with a first transparent substrate, a second transparent substrate having a side surface facing the light-emitting element, a liquid crystal layer provided between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate and containing polymers and liquid crystal molecules, and a seal provided between the display area and the non-display area, sealing the liquid crystal layer in the display area, wherein the part of the non-display area is positioned between the frame and the display area in plan view. (2) Display device according to paragraph (1), where the display field with a wiring group provided in a wiring area of ​​the non-display area, and a dummy electrode provided in a non-wiring area adjacent to the wiring area of ​​the non-display area, where the permeability of the wiring area corresponds to the permeability of the non-wiring area. (3) Display device according to section (1) with: a first cover element and a second cover element, wherein air layers are formed between the first cover element and the first transparent substrate and between the second cover element and the second transparent substrate. (4) Display device according to paragraph (3), provided with: a first spacer provided between the first cover member and the first transparent substrate, and a second spacer provided between the second cover member and the second transparent substrate, wherein the first spacer and the second spacer overlie the non-display area, and the air layer overlays the display area. (5) Display device according to paragraph (1), provided with: a first cover element, a second cover element, a first transparent layer provided between the first cover member and the first transparent substrate, and a second transparent layer provided between the second cover member and the second transparent substrate, wherein the first transparent layer is in contact with the first transparent substrate and has a lower refractive index than the first transparent substrate, and the second transparent layer is in contact with the second transparent substrate and has a lower refractive index than the second transparent substrate. (6) The display device according to paragraph (5), wherein the first transparent layer and the second transparent layer are superimposed over the display area and the non-display area. (7) Display device equipped with: a first cover element, a second cover element, a display panel provided between the first cover member and the second cover member, a first spacer provided between the first cover member and the display panel, and a second spacer provided between the second cover member and the display panel, where the display field with a first transparent substrate, a second transparent substrate, and a liquid crystal layer provided between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate and containing polymers and liquid crystal molecules, wherein, in the sectional view, air layers are formed between the first cover element and the first transparent substrate and between the second cover element and the second transparent substrate. (8) A display device according to paragraph (7), wherein the display panel has a display area and a non-display area, the first spacer and the second spacer overlie the non-display area, and the air layer overlies the display area. (9) Display device according to paragraph (7), provided with: a light-emitting element, and a light guide provided between the first cover member and the second cover member and guiding the light emitted by the light-emitting element to the display panel, wherein air layers are formed between the first cover element and the light guide and between the second cover element and the light guide. (10) Display device according to paragraph (7), provided with: a light-emitting element and a light guide provided between the first transparent substrate and the second cover member and guiding the light emitted by the light-emitting element to the second transparent substrate, wherein air layers are formed between the first cover element and the first transparent substrate and between the second cover element and the light guide. (11) Display device equipped with: a first cover element, a second cover element, a display panel provided between the cover element and the second cover element, a first transparent layer provided in the sectional view between the first cover member and the display panel, and a second transparent layer provided in the sectional view between the second cover element and the display panel, where the display field with a first transparent substrate, a second transparent substrate, and a liquid crystal layer provided between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate and containing polymers and liquid crystal molecules, wherein the first transparent layer is in contact with the first transparent substrate and has a lower refractive index than the first transparent substrate, and the second transparent layer is in contact with the second transparent substrate and has a lower refractive index than the second transparent substrate. (12) The display device according to clause (11), wherein the display panel has a display area and a non-display area, and the first transparent layer and the second transparent layer are superimposed over the display area and the non-display area. (13) Display device according to paragraph (11), provided with: a light-emitting element, and a light guide provided between the first cover member and the second cover member and guiding the light emitted by the light-emitting element to the display panel, wherein the first transparent layer is provided between the first cover member and the light guide, is in contact with the light guide and has a lower refractive index than the light guide, and the second transparent layer is provided between the second cover element and the light guide, is in contact with the light guide and has a lower refractive index than the light guide. (14) Display device according to paragraph (11), provided with: a light-emitting element and a light guide provided between the first transparent substrate and the second cover member and guiding the light emitted by the light-emitting element to the second transparent substrate, wherein the second transparent layer is provided between the second cover member and the light guide, is in contact with the light guide and has a lower refractive index than the light guide. [Explanation of reference symbols] DSP display device PNL display field LD light-emitting element FR frame DA display area NDA Non-Display Area 10 first transparent substrate 20 second transparent substrate 30 liquid crystal layer 40 Seal 51 first cover element 52 second cover element 61 first spacer 62 second spacer AR1, AR2 air layer 71 first transparent layer 72 second transparent layer 81 first light guide 82 second light guide

Claims

A display device comprising: a display panel (PNL) having a display area (DA) and a non-display area (NDA) surrounding the display area (DA) and having light transmittance; a frame (FR) surrounding a surrounding portion of the display panel (PNL) and exposing part of the non-display area (NDA) and the display area (DA); and a light-emitting element (LD) overlying the frame (FR); the display panel (PNL) comprising: a first transparent substrate (10); a second transparent substrate (20) having a side surface facing the light-emitting element (LD); a liquid crystal layer (30) provided between the first transparent substrate (10) and the second transparent substrate (20) and containing polymers and liquid crystal molecules; a wiring group provided in a wiring area of ​​the non-display area (NDA); and a dummy electrode.which is provided in a non-wiring area adjacent to the wiring area of ​​the non-display area (NDA), wherein the part of the non-display area (NDA) is positioned between the frame (FR) and the display area (DA) in plan view, and the transmittance of the wiring area corresponds to the transmittance of the non-wiring area. A display device according to claim 1, provided with: a first cover element (51) positioned on a side of the first transparent substrate (10) facing away from the liquid crystal layer (30), and a second cover element (52) positioned on a side of the second transparent substrate (20) facing away from the liquid crystal layer (30), wherein air layers (AR1, AR2) are positioned between the first cover element (51) and the first transparent substrate (10) and between the second cover element (52) and the second transparent substrate (20). A display device comprising: a display panel (PNL) having a display area (DA) and a non-display area (NDA) surrounding the display area (DA) and having light transmittance; a frame (FR) surrounding a surrounding portion of the display panel (PNL) and exposing part of the non-display area (NDA) and the display area (DA); and a light-emitting element (LD) overlying the frame (FR); wherein the display panel (DA) comprises: a first transparent substrate (10); a second transparent substrate (20) having a side surface facing the light-emitting element (LD); a liquid crystal layer (30) provided between the first transparent substrate (10) and the second transparent substrate (20) and containing polymers and liquid crystal molecules; a first cover element (51) positioned on a side of the first transparent substrate (10) facing away from the liquid crystal layer (30);and a second cover element (52) positioned on a side of the second transparent substrate (20) facing away from the liquid crystal layer (30), wherein the part of the non-display area (NDA) is positioned between the frame (FR) and the display area (DA) in plan view, and air layers (AR1, AR2) are positioned between the first cover element (51) and the first transparent substrate (10) and between the second cover element (52) and the second transparent substrate (20), respectively. A display device according to claim 2 or 3, provided with:a first spacer (61) provided between the first cover member (51) and the first transparent substrate (10), anda second spacer (62) provided between the second cover member (52) and the second transparent substrate (20),wherein the first spacer (61) and the second spacer (62) overlie the non-display area (NDA), and the air layer (AR1, AR2) overlies the display area (DA). A display device according to claim 1 or 3, provided with: a first cover element (51) positioned on a side of the first transparent substrate (10) facing away from the liquid crystal layer (30); a second cover element (52) positioned on a side of the second transparent substrate (20) facing away from the liquid crystal layer (30); a first transparent layer (71) provided between the first cover element (51) and the first transparent substrate (10); and a second transparent layer (72) provided between the second cover element (52) and the second transparent substrate (20); wherein the first transparent layer (71) is in contact with the first transparent substrate (10) and has a lower refractive index than the first transparent substrate (10).andthe second transparent layer (72) is in contact with the second transparent substrate (20) and has a lower refractive index than the second transparent substrate (20)., A display device comprising: a display panel (PNL) having a display area (DA) and a non-display area (NDA) surrounding the display area (DA) and having light transmittance; a frame (FR) surrounding a surrounding portion of the display panel (PNL) and exposing part of the non-display area (NDA) and the display area (DA); and a light-emitting element (LD) overlying the frame (FR); wherein the display panel (DA) comprises: a first transparent substrate (10); a second transparent substrate (20) having a side surface facing the light-emitting element (LD); a liquid crystal layer (30) provided between the first transparent substrate (10) and the second transparent substrate (20) and containing polymers and liquid crystal molecules; a first cover element (51) positioned on a side of the first transparent substrate (10) facing away from the liquid crystal layer (30);a second cover element (52) positioned on a side of the second transparent substrate (20) facing away from the liquid crystal layer (30), a first transparent layer (71) provided between the first cover element (51) and the first transparent substrate (10), and a second transparent layer (72) provided between the second cover element (52) and the second transparent substrate (20), wherein the part of the non-display area (NDA) is positioned between the frame (FR) and the display area (DA) in plan view, the first transparent layer (71) is in contact with the first transparent substrate (10) and has a lower refractive index than the first transparent substrate (10), and the second transparent layer (72) is in contact with the second transparent substrate (20) and has a lower refractive index than the second transparent substrate (20). A display device according to claim 6, provided with: a first spacer (61) provided between the first cover member (51) and the first transparent substrate (10); and a second spacer (62) provided between the second cover member (52) and the second transparent substrate (20), wherein air layers (AR1, AR2) are positioned between the first cover member (51) and the first transparent substrate (10) and between the second cover member (52) and the second transparent substrate (20), respectively, the first spacer (61) and the second spacer (62) overlie the non-display area (NDA), and the air layer (AR1, AR2) overlies the display area (DA). A display device according to claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein the first transparent layer (71) and the second transparent layer (72) overlie both the display area (DA) and the non-display area (NDA).

Images