Electro-optic device and electronic apparatus

JP2024078696A5Active Publication Date: 2025-09-12SEIKO EPSON CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2022191191
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2022-11-30
Publication Date
2025-09-12
Estimated Expiration
2042-11-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing electro-optical devices with built-in heaters suffer from uneven heating, leading to variations in optical responsiveness and deteriorated display quality, particularly in moving images.

Method used

The device incorporates a heating member with specific configurations, including a first and second heating section along opposite sides of the substrate, positioned to overlap a light shielding member and sealed with a frame-shaped sealant to ensure even heat distribution.

Benefits of technology

This configuration minimizes uneven heating, maintaining consistent optical responsiveness and improving display quality by ensuring uniform heat distribution across the display area.

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Abstract

To make uneven heat generation less happen when increasing the temperature of such an electro-optic device as a liquid crystal layer.SOLUTION: An electro-optic device 10 includes an element substrate 30, a liquid crystal 50, and a counter substrate 20 facing the element substrate 30 across the liquid crystal 50. The counter substrate 20 includes a light-shielding film 241 arranged outside a display region 5 in planer view and a heater 230 overlapping with the light-shielding film 241 in planer view and provided along the display region 5.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electro-optical device and an electronic device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, in a liquid crystal panel using liquid crystal as an electro-optical layer, optical response decreases when the temperature of the liquid crystal is low. For this reason, a liquid crystal panel is known that has a built-in heater and improves optical response by increasing the temperature of the liquid crystal by the heat generated by the heater (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Specifically, the liquid crystal panel described in Patent Document 1 has liquid crystal sandwiched between a first substrate and a second substrate, a display region when viewed in a plane, and a light-shielding region (frame region) defined outside the display region, and heaters are disposed in the display region and frame region on the second substrate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-276909 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that uneven heating is likely to occur. When uneven heating occurs, differences in optical response occur in the display area, which is likely to lead to a deterioration in display quality, particularly for moving images. In consideration of these circumstances, one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a technique that reduces uneven heating when increasing the temperature. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, an electro-optical device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has a first substrate, an electro-optical layer, and a second substrate arranged opposite the first substrate via the electro-optical layer, wherein the second substrate includes a light-shielding member arranged outside a display area in a planar view, and a heating member having a first heating unit that overlaps with the light-shielding member in a planar view and is arranged along at least one side of the second substrate, and a second heating unit that is arranged along another side opposite to the one side of the second substrate. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an optical configuration of a projection type display device to which an electro-optical device according to a first embodiment is applied. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a drive system in a projection display device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration for controlling a heater in a projection display device. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electro-optical device. [Diagram 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of an electro-optical device. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the electro-optical device. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a pixel circuit in an electro-optical device. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a counter substrate of the electro-optical device. [Figure 9] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of an electro-optical device according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of an electro-optical device according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of an electro-optical device according to a third modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an electro-optical device according to a third modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a counter substrate of an electro-optical device according to a fourth modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 14]FIG. 13 is a plan view showing an intersection portion of an electro-optical device according to a fourth modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an electro-optical device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a counter substrate of the electro-optical device. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a counter substrate of an electro-optical device according to a modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing an opposing substrate of an electro-optical device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of an electro-optical device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing an opposing substrate of an electro-optical device according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, electro-optical devices according to embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the dimensions and scale of each part are appropriately different from the actual ones. In addition, the embodiments described below are preferred specific examples, and therefore various technically preferable limitations are attached, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to these forms unless otherwise specified in the following description to the effect that the present disclosure is limited.

[0008] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an optical configuration of a projection display device 100 to which an electro-optical device according to a first embodiment is applied. As shown in the figure, the projection display device 100 includes electro-optical devices 10R, 10G, and 10B. The projection display device 100 is also provided with a lamp unit 2102 consisting of a white light source such as a halogen lamp. Projection light emitted from the lamp unit 2102 is separated into three primary colors, red (R), green (G), and blue (B), by three mirrors 2106 and two dichroic mirrors 2108. Of these, the R light enters the electro-optical device 10R, the G light enters the electro-optical device 10G, and the B light enters the electro-optical device 10B. Since the optical path of B is longer than the optical paths of R and G, it is necessary to prevent loss in the optical path of B. For this reason, a relay lens system 2121 consisting of an entrance lens 2122, a relay lens 2123, and an exit lens 2124 is provided in the optical path of B.

[0009] In the embodiment, the electro-optical device 10R is a liquid crystal panel having a plurality of pixel circuits. Each of the plurality of pixel circuits includes a liquid crystal element. The liquid crystal element of the electro-optical device 10R is driven based on a data signal corresponding to R as described later, and has a transmittance according to the effective value of the voltage of the data signal. Therefore, in the electro-optical device 10R, the transmittance of the liquid crystal element is individually controlled to generate an R transmission image. Similarly, in the electro-optical device 10G, a G transmission image is generated based on a data signal corresponding to G, and in the electro-optical device 10B, a B transmission image is generated based on a data signal corresponding to B.

[0010] The transmitted images of each color generated by the electro-optical devices 10R, 10G, and 10B are incident on the dichroic prism 2112 from three directions. In the dichroic prism 2112, the R and B light are refracted at 90 degrees, while the G light travels straight. Therefore, the dichroic prism 2112 combines the images of each color. The combined image by the dichroic prism 2112 is incident on the projection lens 2114. The projection lens 2114 enlarges and projects the combined image produced by the dichroic prism 2112 onto a screen Scr.

[0011] The transmission images by the electro-optical devices 10R and 10B are emitted after being reflected by the dichroic prism 2112, whereas the transmission image by the electro-optical device 10G travels straight and is emitted. Therefore, the transmission images by the electro-optical devices 10R and 10B are in a left-right inverted relationship with the transmission image by the electro-optical device 10G.

[0012] 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration for controlling display, which is one of the electrical configurations of the projection display device 100. As shown in the figure, the projection display device 100 includes the above-mentioned electro-optical devices 10R, 10G, and 10B, and a display control circuit 15.

[0013] Video data Vid-in is supplied from a host device (not shown) or other higher-level device in synchronization with a synchronization signal Sync to the display control circuit 15. The video data Vid-in specifies the gradation level of pixels in an image to be displayed, for example, by 8 bits for each of RGB.

[0014] In the projection display device 100, a color image projected on the screen Scr is expressed by synthesizing the transmitted images of the electro-optical devices 10R, 10G, and 10B as described above. Therefore, a pixel, which is the smallest unit of a color image, can be divided into a red subpixel of the electro-optical device 10R, a green subpixel of the electro-optical device 10G, and a blue subpixel of the electro-optical device 10B. However, when it is not necessary to specify the color of the subpixels in the electro-optical devices 10R, 10G, and 10B, or when only brightness is an issue, there is no need to refer to them as subpixels. Therefore, in this description, the display unit in the electro-optical devices 10R, 10G, and 10B will be simply referred to as a pixel.

[0015] The synchronization signal Sync includes a vertical synchronization signal that instructs the start of vertical scanning of the video data Vid-in, a horizontal synchronization signal that instructs the start of horizontal scanning, and a clock signal that indicates the timing of one video pixel in the video data Vid-in.

[0016] The display control circuit 15 separates the video data Vid-in from the higher-level device into R, G, and B components, converts them into analog voltage data signals, and supplies them to the electro-optical devices 10R, 10G, and 10B. Specifically, the display control circuit 15 converts the R component of the video data Vid-in into analog and supplies it to the electro-optical device 10R via the FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits) board 61 as a data signal Vid-R. Similarly, the display control circuit 15 converts the G component of the video data Vid-in into analog and supplies it to the electro-optical device 10G via the FPC board 61 as a data signal Vid-G, and converts the B component into analog and supplies it to the electro-optical device 10B via the FPC board 61 as a data signal Vid-B. The display control circuit 15 supplies the data signals Vid_R, Vid_G, and Vid_B via the FPC board 61 in synchronization with a control signal Ctr for controlling the driving of the electro-optical devices 10R, 10G, and 10B in that order.

[0017] Next, the electro-optical devices 10R, 10G, and 10B will be described. The electro-optical devices 10R, 10G, and 10B have a common structure and differ only in the color, i.e., wavelength, of the light incident thereon. Therefore, the electro-optical devices 10R, 10G, and 10B will be generally described with the reference numeral 10, without specifying the color.

[0018] 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration for controlling heating of the electro-optical device 10. The electro-optical device 10 is provided with a heater 230 and a temperature sensor 17. The heater 230 is an example of a heating member. The temperature control circuit 16 applies a voltage to the heater 230 via FPC boards 62 and 63. The temperature sensor 17 detects the temperature of the electro-optical device 10 and outputs information Temp indicating the temperature as a detected value. The information Temp is supplied to the temperature control circuit 16 via an FPC board other than the FPC boards 62 and 63, for example, an FPC board 61.

[0019] The temperature control circuit 16 controls the voltage applied to the heater 230 so that the temperature indicated by the information Temp becomes the target temperature. Specifically, if the temperature indicated by the information Temp is lower than the target temperature, the temperature control circuit 16 increases the voltage applied to the heater 230. The target temperature is a temperature suitable for use of the electro-optical device 10, and is set in advance in the temperature control circuit 16. Fluctuations in the voltage applied to the heater 230 can be a source of noise. For this reason, the temperature control circuit 16 controls the voltage applied to the heater 230 to be a constant voltage, and switches the applied voltage stepwise, for example, every minute, depending on the temperature indicated by the information Temp.

[0020] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the electro-optical device 10, and Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Hh in Fig. 4. Note that line Hh is an imaginary line cutting the electro-optical device 10 along the X-axis in a region where the counter substrate 20 and the element substrate 30 overlap. As shown in Figure 5, in the electro-optical device 10, an opposing substrate 20 having a common electrode 22 and an element substrate 30 having a pixel electrode 32 are bonded together by a sealing material 40 so that their electrode forming surfaces face each other while maintaining a certain gap, and liquid crystal 50 is filled into this gap. The element substrate 30 is an example of a first substrate, the counter substrate 20 is an example of a second substrate, and the liquid crystal 50 is an example of an electro-optical layer.

[0021] 4, in this embodiment, the lengths of the sides along the X-axis of the counter substrate 20 and the element substrate 30 are the same, but they are attached to each other with a misalignment along the Y-axis. Therefore, the counter substrate 20 has a protruding portion 200a protruding from the element substrate 30, and the element substrate 30 has a protruding portion 300a protruding from the counter substrate 20.

[0022] The Y-axis refers to an axis that has no fixed orientation in the direction in which the data lines extend in the electro-optical device 10, and is aligned along the short side of a display area described below. The X-axis refers to an axis that intersects with the Y-axis in a plan view, and has no fixed orientation in the direction in which the scanning lines extend in the electro-optical device 10. The X-axis corresponds to a long side of the display area. In this description, a plan view refers to viewing the substrate in a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface, i.e., in the thickness direction of the substrate, and a cross-sectional view refers to viewing the substrate by cutting the substrate in a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface.

[0023] The counter substrate 20 and the element substrate 30 are each made of a light-transmitting and insulating base material such as glass or quartz. The protruding portion 300a is provided with a plurality of terminals (not shown), and one end of an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits) substrate 61 is connected to the terminals. The FPC substrate 61 is an example of a first flexible substrate. The other end of the FPC board 61 is connected to the display control circuit 15 and the temperature control circuit 16. As a result, the above-mentioned data signal and control signal are supplied from the display control circuit 15 to the electro-optical device 10, and information indicating temperature, Temp, is supplied from the electro-optical device 10 to the temperature control circuit 16.

[0024] The protruding portion 200a is provided with two terminals connected to the heater 230, and one end of each of the FPC boards 62 and 63 is connected to the FPC boards 62 and 63. The other ends of the FPC boards 62 and 63 are connected to the temperature control circuit 16. As a result, a voltage controlled by the temperature control circuit 16 is applied to the heater 230 via the FPC boards 62 and 63. The FPC boards 62 and 63 are an example of a second flexible board.

[0025] Each of the FPC boards 62 and 63 is configured to be bent by 90 degrees twice. The reason for this is that the temperature control circuit 16 is provided on the same side as the display control circuit 15 with respect to the electro-optical device 10. In the electro-optical device 10 , light from the lamp unit 2102 enters the counter substrate 20 and exits from the element substrate 30 .

[0026] For convenience, a description will now be given of the electrical configuration of the electro-optical device 10. FIG. On the element substrate 30 of the electro-optical device 10, a scanning line driving circuit 360 and a data line driving circuit 370 are provided on the periphery of the display area 5.

[0027] In detail, a plurality of scanning lines 36 are provided extending along the X-axis on the element substrate 30. A plurality of data lines 37 are provided extending along the Y-axis and electrically insulated from the scanning lines 36. Pixel circuits 38 are provided in a matrix shape corresponding to the intersections of the scanning lines 36 and the data lines 37.

[0028] If the number of scanning lines 36 is m and the number of data lines 37 is n, pixel circuits 38 are arranged in a matrix of m rows and n columns. Both m and n are integers of 2 or more. In order to distinguish the rows of the matrix in the scanning lines 36 and pixel circuits 38, they may be referred to as 1, 2, 3, ..., (m-1), m rows from the top in the figure. Similarly, in order to distinguish the columns of the matrix in the data lines 37 and pixel circuits 38, they may be referred to as 1, 2, 3, ..., (n-1), n ​​columns from the left in the figure.

[0029] The scanning line driving circuit 360 selects the scanning lines 36 one by one in the order of, for example, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, ..., mth rows in accordance with a control signal Ctr from the display control circuit 15, and sets the scanning signal to the selected scanning line 36 to H level. Note that the scanning line driving circuit 360 sets the scanning signals to the scanning lines 36 other than the selected scanning line 36 to L level. The data line driving circuit 370 latches the data signal supplied from the display control circuit 15 for one row, and outputs it via the data line 37 to the pixel circuit 38 located on that scanning line 36 during the period when the scanning signal to that scanning line 36 is at H level.

[0030] In the region 310a of the protruding portion 300a, there are provided a terminal for supplying a control signal Ctr to the scanning line driving circuit 360, a terminal for supplying a data signal or the like to the data line driving circuit 370, and further a terminal for supplying information Temp from the temperature sensor 17 to the temperature control circuit 16. The terminals provided in the region 310a are an example of a first connection portion.

[0031] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit of a pixel circuit 38. Note that Fig. 7 shows an equivalent circuit for a total of four pixel circuits 38, two vertically and two horizontally, corresponding to the intersections of two adjacent scanning lines 36 and two adjacent data lines 37. The pixel circuits 38 have the same circuit configuration.

[0032] The pixel circuit 38 includes a transistor 382, ​​a liquid crystal element 384, and a storage capacitor 386. The transistor 382 is, for example, an n-channel thin film transistor. In the pixel circuit 38, a gate electrode of the transistor 382 is electrically connected to the scanning line 36. In addition, a source region of the transistor 382 is electrically connected to the data line 37, and a drain region of the transistor 382 is electrically connected to the pixel electrode 32 and one end of the storage capacitor 386.

[0033] In transistor 382, ​​when the direction of current flow is reversed, the source region and the drain region are swapped. In this description, the region electrically connected to data line 37 is referred to as the source region, and the region electrically connected to pixel electrode 32 is referred to as the drain region. In addition, in this description, "electrically connected" or simply "connected" means a direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and includes, for example, a case in which different wirings are connected via contact holes even if two or more elements are not directly connected to each other on an element substrate.

[0034] A common electrode 22 is provided for all pixels so as to face the pixel electrode 32. A constant voltage LCcom is applied to the common electrode 22 over time. As described above, liquid crystal 50 is sandwiched between the pixel electrode 32 and the common electrode 22. Therefore, for each pixel circuit 38, a liquid crystal element 384 is formed in which liquid crystal 50 is sandwiched between the pixel electrode 32 and the common electrode 22. In addition, a storage capacitor 386 is provided electrically in parallel with the liquid crystal element 384. One end of the storage capacitor 386 is electrically connected to the pixel electrode 32, and the other end is electrically connected to a capacitance line 39. A constant voltage over time, for example, a voltage LCcom that is the same as the voltage applied to the common electrode 22, is applied to the capacitance line 39.

[0035] When the scanning signal of a scanning line 36 becomes H level, the transistor 382 of the pixel circuit 38 provided corresponding to that scanning line 36 is turned on. When the transistor 382 is turned on, the data line 37 and the pixel electrode 32 are electrically connected, so that the data signal supplied to the data line 37 reaches the pixel electrode 32 and one end of the storage capacitor 386 via the transistor 382 in the on state. When the scanning line 36 becomes L level, the transistor 382 is turned off, but the voltage of the data signal that has reached the pixel electrode 32 is held by the liquid crystal element 384 and the storage capacitor 386.

[0036] As is well known, in the liquid crystal element 384, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules changes in response to the electric field generated by the pixel electrode 32 and the common electrode 22. Therefore, the liquid crystal element 384 has a transmittance that corresponds to the effective value of the applied voltage. If the liquid crystal element 384 is in a normally black mode, the transmittance increases as the voltage applied to the liquid crystal element 384 increases.

[0037] The operation of supplying data signals to the pixel electrodes 32 of the liquid crystal elements 384 is executed in the order of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, ..., mth rows in one vertical scanning period. As a result, a voltage corresponding to the data signal is held in each of the liquid crystal elements 384 of the pixel circuits 38 arranged in m rows and n columns, each liquid crystal element 384 has a target transmittance, and a transmitted image of the corresponding color is generated by the liquid crystal elements 384 arranged in m rows and n columns. In this way, the generation of a transmission image is executed for each of RGB, and a color image obtained by combining RGB is projected onto the screen Scr.

[0038] In the electro-optical device 10, the region where a transmission image is generated is a region where the pixel electrodes 32 arranged in a matrix form and the common electrode 22 overlap in a planar view. Therefore, the display region 5 is a region where the pixel electrodes 32 arranged in a matrix form and the common electrode 22 overlap in a planar view.

[0039] The projection display device 100 may be used not only indoors but also outdoors. The optical response of the liquid crystal element 384, specifically, the change characteristic of the transmittance with respect to the change in voltage applied to the liquid crystal element 384, decreases as the temperature decreases. For this reason, in this embodiment, in order to prevent the optical response from decreasing even when the outside temperature decreases, a heater 230 is provided to heat the liquid crystal element 384, particularly the liquid crystal 50.

[0040] If the liquid crystal 50 in the display area 5 is heated non-uniformly by the heater 230, the optical response will vary in the display area 5, and the display quality of moving images in particular will decrease. Therefore, in this embodiment, the heater 230 is configured to be provided on the outer periphery of the display area 5, at a position overlapping the frame (partition) in a plan view.

[0041] Fig. 8 is a plan view showing the configuration of the heater 230 provided in the electro-optical device 10. For ease of explanation, Fig. 8 shows the electro-optical device 10 with the element substrate 30 separated, and the counter substrate 20 on which the heater 230 is provided, viewed from the direction in which light from the lamp unit 2102 is incident. In this manner, the element substrate 30 is separated from the electro-optical device 10, and the opposing substrate 20 on which the heater 230 is provided is viewed from the direction in which light is incident, which is the same as in Figures 13, 16, 17, 18, and 20 described below.

[0042] 8, the sealing material 40 is provided in a frame shape on the periphery of the area overlapping with the element substrate 30 in a plan view. A light-shielding film 241, which is an example of a light-shielding member, is provided in a frame shape inside the sealing material 40. The light-shielding film 241 is a frame that defines the outer periphery of the display area 5, and has a light-shielding property. For ease of explanation, the frame of the light-shielding film 241 in plan view is assumed to be a rectangle having four sides AB, BC, CD, and DA, as shown in the lower left column of Fig. 8. Here, a protruding portion 200a is provided on the outside of the side DA.

[0043] A scanning line driving circuit 360 is provided so as to be hidden by two sides AB and CD along the Y axis of the light shielding film 241. In addition, a data line driving circuit 370 is provided so as to be hidden by a side BC along the X axis of the light shielding film 241, facing the side DA.

[0044] By hiding the scanning line driving circuit 360 and the data line driving circuit 370 behind the light-shielding film 241, light incident from the opposing substrate 20 toward the element substrate 30 is prevented from penetrating into the transistors that constitute the scanning line driving circuit 360 and the data line driving circuit 370. This prevents malfunction of the scanning line driving circuit 360 and the data line driving circuit 370 due to optical leakage.

[0045] Furthermore, when an ultraviolet-curable resin is used as the sealant 40, the light-shielding film 241 is provided so as not to overlap with the sealant 40 in a planar view. This is to prevent the curing of the sealant 40 from being hindered by the light-shielding film 241 when the opposing substrate 20 and the element substrate 30 are bonded together after the sealant 40 is applied and ultraviolet light is irradiated in a direction from the opposing substrate 20 to the element substrate 30 in order to cure the sealant 40.

[0046] The heater 230 is a wiring film formed by patterning a conductive layer such as aluminum (Al), titanium nitride (TiN), or tungsten silicide (WSi), and has one end and the other end from an electrical point of view, and generates heat when a current flows from one end or the other end to the other. In the first embodiment, the heater 230 has an integrated shape in a plan view as shown in Fig. 8, but if it is broken down into each element for convenience of explanation, it is roughly divided into a frame portion 231a, connection portions 231b and 231c, and intersection portions 231d and 231e as shown in the lower right column of Fig. 8. In this description, the term "layer" refers to a conductive layer or wiring layer that is not patterned, and the term "film" refers to a conductive layer or wiring layer that is patterned.

[0047] The frame portion 231a is a portion that is provided narrower than the width of the light-shielding film 241 so as to overlap the light-shielding film 241, and has one end and the other end. Note that the width of the light-shielding film 241 refers to the dimension in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the light-shielding film 241.

[0048] The connection portions 231b and 231c are provided on the protruding portion 200a, and among them, the connection portion 231b is a portion connected to the FPC board 62, and the connection portion 231c is a portion connected to the FPC board 63. The connection portions 231b and 231c on the protruding portion 200a are examples of second connection portions.

[0049] In the first embodiment, the region 310a of the element substrate 30 is provided on one outer side of the rectangular sealing material 40 that overlaps with the opposing substrate 20 and the element substrate 30 in a planar view, and the connection portions 231b and 231c of the heater 230 on the opposing substrate 20 are provided on the other side other than the above-mentioned one side of the rectangular sealing material 40 that overlaps with the opposing substrate 20 and the element substrate 30 in a planar view, the other side being an example provided on a side opposite to the one side.

[0050] Intersection 231d includes a portion that intersects with sealant 40 in plan view between connection portion 231b and one end of frame portion 231a. Intersection 231e includes a portion that intersects with sealant 40 in plan view between connection portion 231b and the other end of frame portion 231a.

[0051] Returning to Fig. 5, the counter substrate 20 in Fig. 5 has a structure in which a concave lens 211, a heater 230, an insulating layer 221, a convex lens 212, an insulating layer 222, a light-shielding film 241, an insulating layer 223, and a common electrode 22 are provided on a base material 201 in this order. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the electro-optical device 10 taken along line Hh in FIG. 4. Strictly speaking, the heater 230 is the frame portion 231a, but is collectively referred to as the heater 230 to indicate the order of stacking.

[0052] The pair of concave lens 211 and convex lens 212 is for allowing light from lamp unit 2102 to efficiently enter liquid crystal element 384, and is provided in a one-to-one correspondence with pixel circuit 38. The pair of concave lens 211 and convex lens 212 constitutes a microlens array. FIG. 5 shows an example in which heater 230 is provided between concave lenses 211 and convex lenses 212 of the microlens array in a cross-sectional view. Further, an alignment film is provided on the counter substrate 20 so as to cover the common electrode 22, but is omitted in Fig. 5. In addition to the pixel electrodes 32, an alignment film, scanning lines 36, data lines 37, a scanning line driving circuit 360, and the like are provided on the element substrate 30, but are omitted in Fig. 5.

[0053] The heater 230 may be provided at the position shown in FIG. 5 in cross section, as well as at the positions shown in FIGS. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of an electro-optical device 10 according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. The first modified example is an example in which a light-shielding film 241 and a heater 230 are provided between the microlens arrays in a cross-sectional view, i.e., between the concave lenses 211 and the convex lenses 212. In the first modified example, the counter substrate 20 has the concave lens 211, the light-shielding film 241, the insulating layer 221, the heater 230, the insulating layer 222, the convex lens 212, the insulating layers 223 and 224, and the common electrode 22 provided in this order on the surface of the base material 201 opposite to the light incident surface.

[0054] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of an electro-optical device 10 according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. The second modified example is an example in which the positions of the heater 230 and the light-shielding film 241 are reversed in cross-sectional view from the configuration shown in Fig. 9. In the second modified example, the counter substrate 20 has a concave lens 211, a heater 230, an insulating layer 221, a light-shielding film 241, an insulating layer 222, a convex lens 212, insulating layers 223 and 224, and a common electrode 22 provided in this order on the surface of the base material 201 opposite to the light incident surface.

[0055] 6, 9, or 10, the protruding portion 200a exposes the lower surface of the base material 201 or the lower surface of the insulating layer 221. The connecting portions 231b and 231c of the heater 230 are provided in the exposed portions and are connected to the FPC boards 62 and 63, respectively.

[0056] 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of an electro-optical device 10 according to a third modified example of the first embodiment. The third modified example is an example in which a heater 230 is provided on the light incident surface of the counter substrate 20. In detail, in the third modified example, the heater 230 is provided on the light incident surface of the base material 201 by patterning, while a concave lens 211, a light shielding film 241, insulating layers 221 and 222, a convex lens 212, insulating layers 223 and 224, and a common electrode 22 are provided in this order on the surface of the base material 201 opposite the light incident surface.

[0057] In the third modified example, the overhanging portion 200a is not necessary in the counter substrate 200. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 12, the connection portions 231b and 231c in the heater 230 are provided, for example, along the same side as the overhanging portion 300a in the element substrate 300, and are connected to one ends of the FPC substrates 62 and 63, respectively. In FIG. 12, the shape of the heater 230 in plan view is rotated 180 degrees from the shape of the heater 230 in FIG.

[0058] According to the first embodiment including the first, second and third modified examples, the light shielding film 241 that shields the scanning line driving circuit 360 and the data line driving circuit 370 from light is provided in a frame shape outside the display area 5 in a plan view and inside the sealing material 40. Therefore, even if an ultraviolet curing resin is used as the sealing material 40, the light shielding film 241 does not overlap with the sealing material 40 in a plan view, so that the light shielding film 241 does not prevent the curing of the sealing material 40 by irradiation with ultraviolet rays. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of defects in the bonding between the counter substrate 20 and the element substrate 30. A frame portion 231a of the heater 230 overlaps with the frame-shaped light-shielding film 241 in a plan view, and has a shape narrower than the width of the light-shielding film 241. Heat generated by the frame portion 231a is generated almost evenly outside the display area 5, so that uneven heat generation is unlikely to occur in the display area 5.

[0059] 13 is a plan view showing the counter substrate 20 of the electro-optical device 10 according to a fourth modified example of the first embodiment. In the fourth modified example, an opening Slt is provided at intersections 231d and 231e of the heater 230. Specifically, taking the intersection 231e as an example, the intersection 231e has a plurality of openings Slt (three openings in the figure) as shown in Fig. 14. When an ultraviolet curable resin is used as the sealant 40, if the openings Slt are provided at the intersection 231e, ultraviolet light penetrates the sealant 40 through the openings Slt, and the curing of the sealant 40 can be promoted.

[0060] The width of the intersection 231e in Fig. 8 is Wa, as shown in the left column of Fig. 14. Also, as shown in the right column, the width of one of the lines generated at the opening Slt of the intersection 231e in the fourth modified example is Wb, and the number of lines generated at the opening Slt in the intersection 231e is k (k is an integer of 2 or more). Note that the right column shows an example where the number of lines k is "4". It is preferable that such widths Wa, Wb and the number of lines k have the following relationship: Wa≦k Wb That is, in the fourth modified example, if the total width (k·Wb) of the intersection 231e is equal to or greater than the width Wa of the intersection 231e in the embodiment, the adverse effect of increased resistance at the connection portion on heat generation can be suppressed. Although the intersection 231e has been described here, the same applies to the intersection 231d.

[0061] Next, a second embodiment will be described below. Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing an electro-optical device 10 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the length of the X axis of the counter substrate 20 is longer than the length of the X axis of the element substrate 30, and protrusions 200b and 200c that protrude from the element substrate 30 are provided on two short sides of the counter substrate 20. In the second embodiment, the element substrate 30 is provided with a protruding portion 300a protruding from the counter substrate 20, which is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0062] FIG. 16 is a plan view showing the counter substrate 20 of the electro-optical device 10 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the sealing material 40 is provided in a frame shape on the periphery of the area overlapping with the element substrate 30 in a plan view, similar to the first embodiment. The light-shielding film 241 is also provided in a frame shape inside the sealing material 40 and outside the display area 5, as shown in the lower left column of FIG.

[0063] In the second embodiment, the heater 230 has the shape shown in FIG. 17 in plan view, and if broken down into its individual elements for ease of explanation, they can be broadly divided into connection portions 231b, 231c, intersection portions 231d, 231e, and a frame portion 231f, as shown in the lower column of FIG. 17.

[0064] The frame portion 231f has a four-sided frame shape and is provided with a width narrower than that of the light-shielding film 241 so as to overlap the light-shielding film 241. In the second embodiment, the connection portion 231b is provided on the protruding portion 200b, and is connected to the FPC board 62 as shown in Fig. 15. Moreover, the connection portion 231c is provided on the protruding portion 200c, and is connected to the FPC board 63 as shown in Fig. 15.

[0065] Intersection 231d is a portion that intersects with sealant 40 between connection portion 231b and frame portion 231f in plan view, and corresponds to the portion that intersects with side AB in light-shielding film 241 in the lower left column in Fig. 8. Intersection 231e is a portion that intersects with sealant 40 between connection portion 231c and frame portion 231f in plan view, and corresponds to the portion that intersects with side CD in light-shielding film 241.

[0066] In the second embodiment, region 310a of the element substrate 30 is provided on one outer side of a rectangular sealing material 40 that overlaps with the opposing substrate 20 and the element substrate 30 in a planar view, and connection portions 231b and 231c of the heater 230 on the opposing substrate 20 are provided on the other side other than the above-mentioned side of the rectangular sealing material 40 that overlaps with the opposing substrate 20 and the element substrate 30 in a planar view, the other side being provided on a side that intersects with the above-mentioned one side.

[0067] According to the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the frame portion 231a of the heater 230 overlaps the frame-shaped light-shielding film 241 in a plan view, and is provided with a width narrower than that of the light-shielding film 241. Therefore, even if an ultraviolet-curable resin is used as the sealant 40, the light-shielding film 241 does not prevent the sealant 40 from being cured, and heat is generated evenly outside the display area 5 by the frame portion 231a, so that uneven heat generation in the display area 5 can be suppressed.

[0068] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the path length of the current flowing from one of the connecting portions 231b or 231c to the other is half that of the first embodiment, making it easier for the current to flow. Therefore, if the voltage applied to the connecting portions 231b and 231c is the same as that of the first embodiment, and if the material of the heater 230 is the same (if the resistivity is the same), the film thickness of the heater 230 in the second embodiment can be reduced to half that of the first embodiment, and the same amount of heat can be obtained as in the first embodiment.

[0069] 17 is a plan view showing the counter substrate 20 of the electro-optical device 10 according to a modified example of the second embodiment. The modified example of the second embodiment is an example in which openings Slt similar to those in the first embodiment are provided at intersections 231d and 231e of the heater 230. When the openings Slt are provided at the intersections 231d and 231e in this manner, when the opposing substrate 20 and the element substrate 30 are bonded together, ultraviolet light from the sealant 40 penetrates into the sealant 40 through the openings Slt, thereby facilitating the hardening of the sealant 40.

[0070] FIG. 18 is a plan view showing the counter substrate 20 of the electro-optical device 10 according to the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the sealing material 40 is provided in a frame shape on the periphery of the region overlapping with the element substrate 30 in a plan view, as in the first and second embodiments. The light-shielding film 241 is also provided in a frame shape inside the sealing material 40 and outside the display region 5, as shown in the lower left column of FIG.

[0071] In the third embodiment, the heater 230 is divided into a heater wire 231 and a heater film 232 . In the third embodiment, the heater wiring 231 is an electrode separated into two by patterning a conductive film. If it is broken down into its individual elements for ease of explanation, as shown in the lower right column of FIG. 18, one electrode is divided into a connection portion 231b, an intersection portion 231d, and a frame portion 231g, and the other electrode is broadly divided into a connection portion 231c, an intersection portion 231e, and a frame portion 231h. Frame portion 231g is arranged so as to extend from approximately the midpoint of side DA of light-shielding film 241, bend at a right angle at angle A, and extend along the side to point B, and frame portion 231h is arranged so as to extend from approximately the midpoint of side DA of light-shielding film 241, bend at a right angle at point D, and extend along the side to point C. 18, the heater film 232 is formed by patterning a transparent and conductive conductive layer such as ITO (indium tin oxide) into a rectangular shape. The heater film 232 is electrically connected to the frame portion 231g and the frame portion 231h. The heater film 232 is an example of a transparent electrode.

[0072] The appearance of the electro-optical device 10 according to the third embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment shown in a perspective view in Fig. 4. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the electro-optical device 10 according to the third embodiment taken along line Hh in Fig. 4. In the third embodiment, the opposing substrate 20 is configured such that a concave lens 211, a light-shielding film 241, an insulating layer 221, a convex lens 212, an insulating layer 222, a refractive film 251, frame portions 231g and 231h, a refractive film 252, an insulating layer 223, and a common electrode 22 are provided on a base material 201 in this order.

[0073] In this configuration, a refractive film 251 is provided on the light incident surface of the heater film 232, ie, the upper surface in the figure, and a refractive film 252 is provided on the light exit surface of the heater film 232, ie, the lower surface in the figure. For example, the light incident surface of the heater film 232 is an example of a first surface, and the light exit surface of the heater film 232 is an example of a second surface.

[0074] Among these, the refractive index of the refractive film 251 provided between the heater film 232 and the insulating layer 222 has a value between the refractive index of the heater film 232 and the refractive index of the insulating layer 222. For example, if the refractive index of the heater film 232 is 1.80 and the refractive index of the insulating layer 222 is 1.45, the refractive index of the refractive film 251 is set in the range between them, 1.45 or more and less than 1.80. Also, if the refractive index of the heater film 232 is 2.00 and the refractive index of the insulating layer 222 is 1.70, the refractive index of the refractive film 52 is set in the range between them, 1.70 or more and less than 2.00. In this way, the refractive index of the refractive film 251 should be equal to or greater than the refractive index of the insulating layer 222 and less than the refractive index of the heater film 232, and preferably should be equal to or greater than 1.80 and less than 2.00.

[0075] In a configuration in which the refractive film 251 is not provided, the heater film 232 and the insulating layer 222 come into direct contact with each other in the display area 5. In such a configuration in which they come into contact, the difference between the refractive index of the heater film 232 and the refractive index of the insulating layer 222 becomes large, and the amount of light reflected at the interface increases. This reduces the amount of light passing through the liquid crystal element 384, lowering the contrast ratio and degrading the display quality. In contrast, in this embodiment, the refractive index difference is reduced because the refractive index film 251 is provided between the heater film 232 and the insulating layer 222, and the reflected light at the interface is reduced. Therefore, the amount of light passing through the liquid crystal element 384 is greater than in a configuration in which the refractive film 251 is not provided, and therefore the decrease in contrast ratio is suppressed, and the decrease in display quality can be suppressed.

[0076] The refractive index of the refractive film 252 provided between the heater film 232 and the insulating layer 223 is similar to that of the refractive film 251 , and has a value between the refractive index of the heater film 232 and the refractive index of the insulating layer 223 . The refraction films 251 and 252 are provided by patterning an insulating layer having insulating properties and transparency, such as silicon nitride film (SiON), silicon nitride (SiN), or alumina (Al2O3).

[0077] In the third embodiment, the refractive film 251 is provided on the light incident surface of the heater film 232, and the refractive film 252 is provided on the light incident surface of the heater film 232, but a configuration in which they are provided on only one of the surfaces is also possible. Even in a configuration in which they are provided on only one surface, the amount of reflected light at the interface of that surface is reduced, so that it is increased compared to a configuration in which the other of the refractive films 251 and 252 is not provided.

[0078] According to the third embodiment, the heater film 232 is electrically connected to the frame portions 231g and 231h of the heater wiring 231, and the heater film 232 covers the entire surface of the display area 5 in a plan view. Therefore, compared to the first and second embodiments, heat generated by the heater film 232 can be generated evenly over the entire surface of the display area 5, so that uneven heat generation in the display area 5 can be suppressed. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, as described above, the refractive films 251 and 252 suppress the decrease in the contrast ratio, and therefore the decrease in display quality can be suppressed.

[0079] FIG. 20 is a plan view showing the counter substrate 20 of the electro-optical device 10 according to the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the heater wiring 231 is composed of connection portions 231b, 231c and intersection portions 231d and 231e similar to those in the second embodiment, contact bars 231p and 231q instead of the frame portion 231g of the second embodiment, and a heater film 232 similar to that in the third embodiment. The contact bar 231p overlaps the side AB of the light-shielding film 241 in a plan view and is provided with a width narrower than the width of the light-shielding film 241. Similarly, the contact bar 231q overlaps the side CD of the light-shielding film 241 in a plan view and is provided with a width narrower than the width of the light-shielding film 241. A heater film 232 having a rectangular shape, the outline of which is indicated by a white dashed line in FIG. 20, is electrically connected to contact bars 231p and 231q.

[0080] According to the fourth embodiment, the heater film 232 is electrically connected to the contact bars 231p, 231q of the heater wiring 231, and the heater film 232 covers the entire surface of the display area 5 in a plan view. Therefore, similar to the third embodiment, heat generated by the heater film 232 is generated evenly over the entire surface of the display area 5, so that uneven heat generation in the display area 5 can be suppressed. In the fourth embodiment, although not shown, the heater film 232 is sandwiched between the refraction films 251 and 252 similar to those in the third embodiment. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the decrease in the contrast ratio is suppressed, and the decrease in the display quality can be suppressed.

[0081] In the fourth embodiment, similarly to the first modified example of the third embodiment, the openings Slt may be provided at the intersections 231d and 231e. When the openings Slt are provided at the intersections 231d and 231e, and an ultraviolet curable resin is used as the sealant 40, ultraviolet light penetrates the sealant 40 through the openings Slt, and the curing of the sealant 40 can be promoted.

[0082] The above-described first, second, third and fourth embodiments (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments, etc.") can be applied and modified as follows. In the embodiments and the like, the electro-optical device 10 has been described taking as an example a liquid crystal panel in which a liquid crystal 50 serving as an electro-optical layer is sandwiched between an opposing substrate 20 and an element substrate 30, but the present invention can also be applied to, for example, an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) device using an organic light-emitting layer as the electro-optical layer. In an OLED device, for example, a sealing substrate for sealing is bonded to an element substrate on which a pixel electrode, an organic light-emitting layer, and a common electrode are formed in this order, and a light-shielding film and a heater are provided on the sealing substrate in the same manner as in the embodiments and the like. In this configuration, the sealing substrate is an example of a second substrate.

[0083] In the embodiment and the like, the microlens array is configured to include a convex lens 211 and a concave lens 212, but is not limited thereto. For example, the microlens array may include at least one convex lens 211 and at least one concave lens 212, or may include at least one convex lens 211 only, or may include at least one concave lens 212 only. The order of the convex lens 211 and the concave lens 212 may be reversed.

[0084] <Additional Notes> From the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments, for example, the following aspects can be understood.

[0085] An electro-optical device according to one embodiment (embodiment 1) has a first substrate, an electro-optical layer, and a second substrate arranged opposite the first substrate via the electro-optical layer, wherein the second substrate includes a light-shielding member arranged outside a display area in a planar view, and a heating member that overlaps with the light-shielding member in a planar view and has a first heating section arranged along at least one side of the second substrate, and a second heating section arranged along another side opposite to the one side of the second substrate. According to this aspect, uneven heating of the display area can be suppressed.

[0086] In the electro-optical device according to a specific aspect 2 of aspect 1, the heating member has a width narrower than that of the light blocking member at a portion overlapping with the light blocking member in a plan view. According to aspect 2, the heating member does not affect the light blocking property of the light blocking member.

[0087] In the electro-optical device according to a specific aspect 3 of aspect 1, the heating member includes a transparent electrode overlapping the display area in a plan view, and a refractive film disposed on at least one of a first surface and a second surface of the transparent electrode intersecting with a thickness direction of the second substrate. According to aspect 3, the transparent electrode can heat the display area evenly.

[0088] In an electro-optical device according to a fourth specific example of the third example, the refractive film is provided between the transparent electrode and an insulating layer, the insulating layer has a refractive index of 1.45 or more and less than 1.70, the refractive film has a refractive index of 1.50 or more and less than 1.80, and the transparent electrode has a refractive index of 1.80 or more and less than 2.00. According to the fourth example, it is possible to suppress a decrease in transmittance due to the transparent electrode.

[0089] An electro-optical device according to a specific aspect 5 of aspect 1 includes a first flexible substrate electrically connected to a first connection portion arranged on the first substrate, and a second flexible substrate electrically connected to a heating member via a second connection portion arranged on the second substrate.

[0090] In an electro-optical device according to a specific aspect 6 of aspect 5, the first connection portion is arranged on one side outer than a rectangle where the first substrate and the second substrate overlap in a planar view, and the second connection portion is arranged on the other side other than the one side outer than the rectangle in a planar view.

[0091] In the electro-optical device according to a seventh specific example of the sixth example, a wiring for applying a constant voltage to the heating member is arranged on the second flexible substrate.

[0092] An electro-optical device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention includes a temperature sensor, and a constant voltage corresponding to a detection value of the temperature sensor is applied to the wiring of the second flexible substrate. According to the eighth embodiment, heating of the electro-optical device can be controlled according to the detection value of the temperature sensor.

[0093] In the electro-optical device according to a ninth specific example of the fifth example, the other side is a side that faces one of two sides that face each other and are located outside the rectangle in a plan view. In the electro-optical device according to a tenth specific example of the fifth example, the other side intersects with the one side in a plan view.

[0094] An electro-optical device according to another aspect (Aspect 10) comprises a first substrate, a second substrate, and a sealing material arranged outside a display area in a planar view and disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the second substrate includes a light-shielding member arranged outside the display area in a planar view and inside the sealing material, and a heating member that overlaps the light-shielding member in a planar view and has a first heating portion arranged along at least one side of the second substrate, and a second heating portion arranged along another side opposite to the one side of the second substrate.

[0095] An electronic device according to a twelfth aspect includes the electro-optical device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 10 electro-optical device, 15 display control circuit, 20 opposing substrate, 22 common electrode, 30 element substrate, 32 pixel electrode, 40 sealing material, 50 liquid crystal, 61, 62, 63 FPC substrate, 230 heater 230, 231b, 231c connection portion, 232 heater film, 241 light shielding film.

Claims

1. a first substrate; an electro-optic layer; a second substrate disposed opposite the first substrate with the electro-optical layer interposed therebetween; and The second substrate is a light blocking member disposed outside the display area in a plan view; a second substrate disposed along at least one side of the second substrate and overlapping the light blocking member in a plan view; a first heating unit and a second heating unit disposed along another side opposite to the one side of the second substrate; a heating element having Contains Electro-optical device characterized by:

2. The heating member has a width smaller than that of the light blocking member in a portion overlapping with the light blocking member in a plan view. Wide width The electro-optical device according to claim 1 .

3. The heating element is a transparent electrode overlapping the display area in a plan view; At least one of the first surface and the second surface of the transparent electrode intersecting the thickness direction of the second substrate a refractive film disposed on the The electro-optical device according to claim 1 , comprising:

4. the refractive film is disposed between the transparent electrode and the insulating layer; the refractive index of the insulating layer is equal to or greater than 1.45 and less than 1.70; The refractive index of the refractive film is 1.50 or more and less than 1.80, The refractive index of the transparent electrode is 1.80 or more and less than 2.

00.

4. The electro-optical device according to claim 3.

5. a first flexible substrate electrically connected to a first connection portion disposed on the first substrate; A second frame electrically connected to the heating member via a second connection portion disposed on the second substrate. a flexible substrate; The electro-optical device according to claim 1 , comprising:

6. The first connection portion is located outside a rectangle where the first substrate and the second substrate overlap in a plan view. Located on one side, The second connection portion is disposed on the other side of the rectangle in a plan view. will be The electro-optical device according to claim 5 .

7. The second flexible substrate has wiring arranged thereon for applying a constant voltage to the heating member. R 7. The electro-optical device according to claim 6.

8. A temperature sensor is provided. A constant voltage corresponding to the detected value of the temperature sensor is applied to the wiring of the second flexible substrate. is applied 8. The electro-optical device according to claim 7.

9. The other side is The side facing one of the two opposing sides outside the rectangle in plan view.

7. The electro-optical device according to claim 6.

10. The other side is A side that intersects with the side in plan view The electro-optical device according to claim 5 .

11. a first substrate; A second substrate; The second substrate is disposed outside the display area in a plan view and between the first substrate and the second substrate. A sealing material; Equipped with The second substrate is a light-shielding member disposed outside the display area and inside the sealing material in a plan view; and, a second substrate disposed along at least one side of the second substrate and overlapping the light blocking member in a plan view; a first heating unit and a second heating unit disposed along another side opposite to the one side of the second substrate; a heating element having Contains Electro-optical device characterized by:

12. 12. An electronic device comprising the electro-optical device according to claim 1.