Display device

Abstract

To provide a display device which can suppress lowering of display quality and can improve designability.SOLUTION: A display device includes a display panel having a display area where an image is displayed, and a resin layer overlapped with the display area. The display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate opposite to the first substrate, and a liquid crystal layer arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate, the resin layer is positioned on a side opposite to the liquid crystal layer of the second substrate, and the resin layer has a first area, and a second area which is adjacent to the first area and has a refractive index different from that of the first area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present embodiment relates to a display device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, various types of display devices have been proposed. For example, a display device is known in which a pattern is printed in a display area with a transparent ink to improve design. The reflectance of the portion in which the pattern is formed is higher than the reflectance of the portion in which the pattern is not formed. Therefore, when the display panel is in an off state, the pattern is emphasized and can be visually recognized.

[0003] However, since a step occurs depending on whether the ink is present or not, light is scattered at the corners of the ink, and when the display panel is turned on, a pattern is visible that overlaps with the displayed image, which can reduce display quality. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-100748 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a display device capable of suppressing deterioration in display quality and improving design. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one embodiment, the display device comprises: The display panel has a display area for displaying an image, and a resin layer overlaid on the display area, the display panel having a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, the resin layer being located on the opposite side of the second substrate to the liquid crystal layer, and the resin layer having a first region and a second region adjacent to the first region and having a refractive index different from that of the first region.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the display device comprises: The display panel has a display area for displaying an image, and a resin layer overlying the display area, the display panel having an insulating substrate, a plurality of display elements arranged above the insulating substrate, and an insulating layer covering the plurality of display elements, a polarizing plate arranged above the insulating layer, the resin layer arranged above the polarizing plate, and the resin layer having a first region and a second region adjacent to the first region and having a refractive index different from that of the first region.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the display device comprises: The display panel has a display area for displaying an image, and a resin layer overlaid on the display area, the resin layer having a first area and a second area adjacent to the first area and having a refractive index different from that of the first area, and is formed of a material whose refractive index changes when exposed to ultraviolet light. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a display device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a display device with the illumination device and the display panel in an off or on state. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of a method for forming the first region and the second region. [Diagram 5]FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining another example of the method for forming the first region and the second region. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of a display device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Some embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The disclosure is merely an example, and those who are skilled in the art can easily conceive of appropriate modifications while maintaining the gist of the invention are naturally included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, the drawings may be schematic in width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part compared to the actual embodiment in order to make the explanation clearer, but they are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of the present invention. In addition, in this specification and each figure, components that perform the same or similar functions as those described above with respect to the previous figures are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate detailed explanations may be omitted as appropriate.

[0011] In addition, in the drawings, an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis that are perpendicular to each other are shown as necessary to facilitate understanding. The direction along the X-axis is called the first direction X, the direction along the Y-axis is called the second direction Y, and the direction along the Z-axis is called the third direction Z. Viewing various elements parallel to the third direction Z is called a planar view.

[0012] [First embodiment] 1 is a schematic plan view of a display device DSP according to a first embodiment. The display device DSP according to the first embodiment is a liquid crystal display device. The display device DSP includes a display panel PNL, an IC chip 5, a wiring substrate 6, and a resin layer 30. The display device DSP also includes an illumination device that illuminates the display panel PNL, as described later.

[0013] The display panel PNL includes a first substrate SUB1 and a second substrate SUB2. The first substrate SUB1 faces the second substrate SUB2 in the third direction Z. The first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 are formed in the shape of a flat plate parallel to the XY plane.

[0014] The display panel PNL has a display area DA and a peripheral area SA. The display area DA is an area for displaying an image. The display area DA has a plurality of pixels PX arranged in a matrix in a first direction X and a second direction Y. The peripheral area SA surrounds the display area DA. The peripheral area SA has a mounting portion MT. The mounting portion MT is a portion of the first substrate SUB1 that does not overlap with the second substrate SUB2.

[0015] As shown enlarged in FIG. 1, the pixels PX include a switching element SW, a pixel electrode PE, a common electrode CE, a liquid crystal layer LC, etc. The switching element SW is, for example, a thin film transistor (TFT) and is electrically connected to a scanning line GL and a signal line SL. The scanning line GL is electrically connected to the switching element SW in each of the pixels PX aligned in the first direction X. The signal line SL is electrically connected to the switching element SW in each of the pixels PX aligned in the second direction Y. The pixel electrode PE is electrically connected to the switching element SW. Each pixel electrode PE faces the common electrode CE, and drives the liquid crystal layer LC by an electric field generated between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE. The capacitance CS is formed, for example, between an electrode having the same potential as the common electrode CE and an electrode having the same potential as the pixel electrode PE.

[0016] In one example, the scanning lines GL, the signal lines SL, the switching elements SW, the pixel electrodes PE, and the common electrode CE are provided on a first substrate SUB1. However, the pixel electrodes PE may be provided on the first substrate SUB1, and the common electrode CE may be provided on the second substrate SUB2.

[0017] In the illustrated example, the IC chip 5 and the wiring board 6 are mounted on the mounting portion MT. The IC chip 5 has built-in, for example, a display driver that outputs signals necessary for image display. The wiring board 6 is a bendable flexible printed circuit board. The IC chip 5 may be mounted on the wiring board 6.

[0018] The resin layer 30 overlaps the display area DA. In the illustrated example, the edge of the resin layer 30 is located between the display area DA and the end of the second substrate SUB2. The resin layer 30 may cover the entire surface of the second substrate SUB2, or may cover only the display area DA. Details of the resin layer 30 will be described later.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device DSP according to the first embodiment. The display panel PNL includes the above-mentioned first substrate SUB1 and second substrate SUB2, and a liquid crystal layer LC.

[0020] The first substrate SUB1 includes a transparent substrate 10, insulating layers 11 and 12, a common electrode CE, a plurality of pixel electrodes PE, and a first alignment film AL1. The first substrate SUB1 is disposed above the lighting device BL. The insulating layer 11 is disposed on the transparent substrate 10. The common electrode CE is disposed over the plurality of pixels PX on the insulating layer 11. The insulating layer 12 is disposed on the common electrode CE. The plurality of pixel electrodes PE are disposed for each pixel PX on the insulating layer 12. The first alignment film AL1 covers the plurality of pixel electrodes PE and the insulating layer 12. The common electrode CE may be disposed above the plurality of pixel electrodes PE. The scanning lines GL, the signal lines SL, and the switching elements SW shown in FIG. 1 are disposed between the transparent substrate 10 and the common electrode CE.

[0021] The second substrate SUB2 includes a transparent substrate 20 and a second alignment film AL2. The second substrate SUB2 is disposed above the first substrate SUB1. The second alignment film AL2 is disposed below the transparent substrate 20. Although not shown, a light-shielding layer, a color filter layer, an overcoat layer, and the like may be further provided on the second substrate SUB2. However, the color filter layer may be provided on the first substrate SUB1.

[0022] The liquid crystal layer LC is disposed between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2. In the example of Fig. 2, the liquid crystal layer LC is disposed between the first alignment film AL1 and the second alignment film AL2.

[0023] The display device DSP further includes a first polarizing plate POL1 and a second polarizing plate POL2. The first polarizing plate POL1 is disposed between the first substrate SUB1 and the lighting device BL. In the example of FIG. 2, the first polarizing plate POL1 is bonded to the lower surface of the first substrate SUB1. Specifically, the first polarizing plate POL1 is bonded to the lower surface 10L of the transparent substrate 10. The second polarizing plate POL2 is disposed between the second substrate SUB2 and the resin layer 30. In the example of FIG. 2, the second polarizing plate POL2 is bonded to the upper surface of the second substrate SUB2. Specifically, the second polarizing plate POL2 is bonded to the upper surface 20U of the transparent substrate 20. The polarization axes of the first polarizing plate POL1 and the second polarizing plate POL2 are orthogonal to each other in, for example, the XY plane.

[0024] The transparent substrates 10 and 20 are insulating substrates made of, for example, glass or plastic. The insulating layer 11 is made of a transparent insulating material. In one example, the insulating layer 11 includes an inorganic insulating layer and an organic insulating layer.

[0025] The insulating layer 12 is formed of a transparent inorganic insulating material such as silicon nitride (SiNx). The common electrode CE and the pixel electrodes PE are formed of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO).

[0026] The first alignment film AL1 and the second alignment film AL2 are horizontal alignment films having an alignment regulating force along the XY plane. The first alignment film AL1 and the second alignment film AL2 are photo-alignment films to which an alignment regulating force is imparted by irradiation with ultraviolet light. The first alignment film AL1 and the second alignment film AL2 may be alignment films that have been subjected to a rubbing treatment.

[0027] The resin layer 30 is located on the opposite side of the second substrate SUB2 to the liquid crystal layer LC and is disposed above the second polarizer POL2. In the example of Fig. 2, the resin layer 30 is formed on an upper surface POL2U of the second polarizer POL2.

[0028] The resin layer 30 is formed of a material whose refractive index changes when irradiated with ultraviolet rays. The resin layer 30 may be formed of a material whose refractive index increases when irradiated with ultraviolet rays, or may be formed of a material whose refractive index decreases when irradiated with ultraviolet rays.

[0029] In one example, the resin layer 30 is formed of aromatic polyurethane. The aromatic polyurethane is synthesized by, for example, polyaddition reaction of aromatic diisocyanate and difunctional alcohol. As the aromatic diisocyanate, for example, 4,4'-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) or tolylene-2,4'-diisocyanate (TDI) can be used. As the difunctional alcohol, for example, 1,4-bis(hydroxymethyl)benzene (HMB), 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol (MPDO), 1,3-propanediol (PDO) can be used. The aromatic polyurethane is an example of a material whose refractive index increases when irradiated with ultraviolet light.

[0030] Such a resin layer 30 may be formed directly on the second polarizing plate POL2, or may be formed separately in the form of a film and then adhered to the second polarizing plate POL2.

[0031] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the display device DSP further includes an ultraviolet shielding layer UC. The ultraviolet shielding layer UC is disposed on the resin layer 30. In one example, the ultraviolet shielding layer UC covers the resin layer 30. The ultraviolet shielding layer UC has a function of shielding ultraviolet rays contained in external light. The ultraviolet shielding layer UC may be one that absorbs ultraviolet rays or one that reflects ultraviolet rays. As such an ultraviolet shielding layer UC, glass, a resin film, or the like may be used.

[0032] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the display device DSP with the lighting device BL and the display panel PNL in an off or on state. The diagram on the left of Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the display device DSP. The diagram on the top right of Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the lighting device BL and the display panel PNL in an off state. The diagram on the bottom right of Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the lighting device BL and the display panel PNL in an on state.

[0033] The off state of the lighting device BL corresponds to a state in which all light sources included in the lighting device BL are turned off, whereas the on state of the lighting device BL corresponds to a state in which at least one light source included in the lighting device BL is turned on.

[0034] The off state of the display panel PNL corresponds to a state in which no electric field is formed in the liquid crystal layer LC shown in Fig. 2 while the lighting device BL is in the off state. Therefore, no image is displayed in the display area DA while the display panel PNL and the lighting device BL are in the off state.

[0035] The on-state of the display panel PNL corresponds to a state in which an electric field is formed in the liquid crystal layer LC while the illumination device BL is on. Therefore, while the display panel PNL and the illumination device BL are on, an image can be displayed in the display area DA.

[0036] As shown on the left side of FIG. 3, the resin layer 30 is transparent and has a first region AR1 and a second region AR2 adjacent to the first region AR1 and having a refractive index different from that of the first region AR1. The first region AR1 and the second region AR2 have the same thickness. Therefore, no step is formed at the boundary between the first region AR1 and the second region AR2. In other words, the surface of the resin layer 30 is flat. The first region AR1 and the second region AR2 overlap the display region DA. For example, the first region AR1 is an area that represents characters and figures. The second region AR2 surrounds the first region AR1. In the example of FIG. 3, the area of ​​the first region AR1 is smaller than the area of ​​the second region AR2. Also, the refractive index of the first region AR1 is higher than the refractive index of the second region AR2.

[0037] The refractive index of the second region AR2 may be higher than the refractive index of the first region AR1. The resin layer 30 may have three or more regions with different refractive indices.

[0038] As shown in the upper right of FIG. 3, when external light is incident on the display device DSP during the period when the lighting device BL and the display panel PNL are in the off state, the external light is refracted in the first region AR1 and the second region AR2. Since the refractive index of the first region AR1 and the refractive index of the second region AR2 are different from each other, the light refracted in the first region AR1 and the light refracted in the second region AR2 travel in different directions. In this way, the light passing through the first region AR1 and the light passing through the second region AR2 travel in different directions, so that the user can visually recognize the first region AR1 as a pattern M. In order to make the pattern M visible, the difference between the refractive index of the first region AR1 and the refractive index of the second region AR2 needs to be at least 0.003 or more. Since the pattern M is formed by the refractive index difference between the first region AR1 and the second region AR2, it is desirable that the refractive index difference be large from the viewpoint of improving the visibility of the pattern M.

[0039] As shown in the lower right of FIG. 3, when the lighting device BL and the display panel PNL are in an on state, the display panel PNL is illuminated by light from the lighting device BL, and an image P is displayed in the display area DA. Since the resin layer 30 is transparent, the display light forming the image P passes through the resin layer 30. This allows the user to view the image P. At this time, if the difference in refractive index between the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 is large, the display light may be refracted in different directions in the first area AR1 and the second area AR2, and the pattern M and the image P may be viewed as being superimposed. Therefore, from the viewpoint of suppressing a decrease in the visibility of the image P, it is desirable that the difference between the refractive index of the first area AR1 and the refractive index of the second area AR2 be 0.1 or less.

[0040] Next, a method for forming the first region AR1 and the second region AR2 will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of a method for forming the first region AR1 and the second region AR2.

[0041] 4(a), a first polarizer POL1 and a second polarizer POL2 are attached to a display panel PNL in which a first substrate SUB1, a liquid crystal layer LC, and a second substrate SUB2 are laminated in this order. Specifically, the first polarizer POL1 is attached to the lower surface of the first substrate SUB1, and the second polarizer POL2 is attached to the upper surface of the second substrate SUB2.

[0042] 4(b), a material for forming the resin layer 30 is applied to the upper surface POL2U of the second polarizing plate POL2, and then dried to form the resin layer 30. The material may be applied by, for example, an inkjet method or a spin coating method. As the material, for example, aromatic polyurethane is used.

[0043] Next, as shown in FIG. 4(c), a mask MS is placed above the resin layer 30. The mask MS has an opening OP corresponding to the first region AR1 shown in FIG. 3, for example. Thereafter, ultraviolet light UL is irradiated onto the resin layer 30 from an ultraviolet irradiation device UD through the opening OP of the mask MS. The refractive index of the region irradiated with the ultraviolet light UL increases compared to before ultraviolet light irradiation. On the other hand, the refractive index of the region not irradiated with the ultraviolet light UL hardly changes compared to before ultraviolet light irradiation. For example, when aromatic polyurethane is used, the refractive index of the region irradiated with the ultraviolet light UL changes by about 0.04 before and after ultraviolet light irradiation.

[0044] As a result, as shown in FIG. 4(d), a first area (high refractive index area) AR1 irradiated with the ultraviolet light UL and a second area (low refractive index area) AR2 not irradiated with the ultraviolet light UL are formed.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining another example of the method for forming the first region AR1 and the second region AR2. First, as shown in FIG. 5(a), a second polarizing plate POL2 is prepared. 5(b), a resin layer 30 is formed on the upper surface POL2U of the second polarizing plate POL2. The method for forming the resin layer 30 is the same as the method described above. 5(c), a mask MS is placed above the resin layer 30, and ultraviolet rays UL are irradiated onto the resin layer 30 from an ultraviolet irradiation device UD through an opening OP of the mask MS. This forms a first region AR1 irradiated with the ultraviolet rays UL and a second region AR2 not irradiated with the ultraviolet rays UL, as shown in FIG. 5(d). 5(e), a first polarizer POL1 and a second polarizer POL2 are attached to the display panel PNL, which is formed by stacking the first substrate SUB1, the liquid crystal layer LC, and the second substrate SUB2 in this order. Specifically, the first polarizer POL1 is attached to the lower surface of the first substrate SUB1, and the second polarizer POL2 is attached to the upper surface of the second substrate SUB2.

[0046] According to this embodiment, the resin layer 30 overlapping the display area DA has a first area AR1 and a second area AR2 with different refractive indices. Due to this refractive index difference, the first area AR1 or the second area AR2 can be visually recognized as a pattern M. This can improve the design.

[0047] In addition, the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 have the same thickness, and there is no step at the boundary between the first area AR1 and the second area AR2, so that undesired scattering of light can be suppressed. In particular, scattering of external light and scattering of display light when the lighting device BL and the display panel PNL are in the on state can be suppressed. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration in the display quality of the image displayed in the display area DA.

[0048] In addition, the resin layer 30 is formed of a material whose refractive index changes with ultraviolet rays. Therefore, the refractive index of the resin layer 30 may change over time due to ultraviolet rays contained in external light. Therefore, by covering the resin layer 30 with an ultraviolet ray shielding layer UC, it is possible to suppress the change in the refractive index of the resin layer 30 over time caused by ultraviolet rays. This makes it possible to suppress the decrease in visibility of the pattern M due to the change over time.

[0049] The display device DSP according to the first embodiment also includes a second polarizing plate POL2 bonded to the upper surface 20U of the transparent substrate 20. Therefore, the ultraviolet rays contained in the external light that cannot be completely blocked by the ultraviolet blocking layer UC are absorbed by the second polarizing plate POL2. This makes it possible to suppress the performance degradation of the first alignment film AL1 and the second alignment film AL2, for example, when these alignment films are photo-alignment films. Also, it is possible to suppress the degradation of the liquid crystal layer LC due to ultraviolet rays.

[0050] Moreover, the area of ​​the first region AR1, which is a high refractive index region, is smaller than the area of ​​the second region AR2, which is a low refractive index region. Therefore, for example, compared with the case where the first region AR1 is a low refractive index region and the second region AR2 is a high refractive index region, the amount of ultraviolet rays UL irradiated to the resin layer 30 can be reduced. Therefore, in the case where ultraviolet rays UL are irradiated to the resin layer 30 formed above the display panel PNL as shown in FIG. 4(c), even if the second polarizing plate POL2 cannot completely absorb the ultraviolet rays UL, the amount of ultraviolet rays UL irradiated to the display panel PNL can be reduced. As a result, for example, when the first alignment film AL1 and the second alignment film AL2 are optical alignment films, the performance degradation of these alignment films can be suppressed. Also, the deterioration of the liquid crystal layer LC due to ultraviolet rays can be suppressed.

[0051] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. Elements that are the same as or similar to those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0052] 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device DSP according to a second embodiment. The display device DSP further includes a transparent cover member CO and a transparent adhesive layer AD. The adhesive layer AD bonds the cover member CO and the second polarizing plate POL2. The resin layer 30 is formed on an upper surface COU of the cover member CO.

[0053] The cover member CO is formed of a transparent material such as glass or plastic. The adhesive layer AD is formed of, for example, OCA (Optical Clear Adhesive) or the like. The adhesive layer AD may be formed of optically transparent resin OCR (Optical Clear Resin).

[0054] Such a display device DSP can be obtained by preparing a cover member CO on which a resin layer 30 is formed, and bonding the cover member CO and the second polarizing plate POL2 with an adhesive layer AD. The display device DSP according to the second embodiment has the same effects as the display device DSP according to the first embodiment.

[0055] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described. Elements that are the same as or similar to those in the above-described embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0056] 7 is a schematic plan view of a display device DSP according to a third embodiment. The display device DSP according to the third embodiment is an organic electroluminescence display device having, for example, organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) as display elements. The display device DSP includes a display panel PNL. The display panel PNL includes an insulating substrate 110. The insulating substrate 110 is formed of an insulating material such as glass or plastic.

[0057] The display area DA includes a plurality of pixels PX arranged in a matrix in a first direction X and a second direction Y. Each pixel PX includes a plurality of sub-pixels SP. In one example, the pixel PX includes a red sub-pixel SP1, a green sub-pixel SP2, and a blue sub-pixel SP3. The pixel PX may include four or more sub-pixels including sub-pixels of other colors such as white in addition to the above three colors.

[0058] 7, the subpixel SP includes a pixel circuit 1 and a display element DE driven by the pixel circuit 1. The pixel circuit 1 includes a pixel switch 2, a drive transistor 3, and a capacitor 4. The pixel switch 2 and the drive transistor 3 are switching elements constituted by, for example, thin film transistors.

[0059] In the pixel switch 2, the gate electrode is connected to the scanning line GL. One of the source electrode and drain electrode of the pixel switch 2 is connected to the signal line SL, and the other is connected to the gate electrode of the drive transistor 3 and the capacitor 4. In the drive transistor 3, one of the source electrode and drain electrode is connected to the power line PL and the capacitor 4, and the other is connected to the anode of the display element DE. Note that the configuration of the pixel circuit 1 is not limited to the example shown in the figure.

[0060] The display element DE is an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) as a light-emitting element. For example, the subpixel SP1 includes a display element DE that emits light corresponding to a red wavelength, the subpixel SP2 includes a display element DE that emits light corresponding to a green wavelength, and the subpixel SP3 includes a display element DE that emits light corresponding to a blue wavelength. The display element DE is not limited to an organic light-emitting diode, but may be another light-emitting element such as a micro light-emitting diode.

[0061] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device DSP according to the third embodiment. The display panel PNL includes the above-mentioned insulating substrate 110, a circuit layer 111, insulating layers 112 and 113, the ribs 7, and a plurality of display elements DE arranged above the insulating substrate 110. The circuit layer 111 is arranged on the insulating substrate 110. The circuit layer 111 is covered with the insulating layer 112.

[0062] 7, and various wirings such as scanning lines GL, signal lines SL, and power lines PL. In one example, the insulating layer 112 includes an inorganic insulating layer and an organic insulating layer.

[0063] The display element DE includes a pixel electrode PE, an organic layer OR, and a common electrode CE. The pixel electrode PE is an electrode arranged for each sub-pixel SP. The common electrode CE is an electrode arranged in common to the multiple display elements DE. The organic layer OR is arranged between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE.

[0064] The pixel electrode PE is disposed on the insulating layer 112. The rib 7 is disposed on the insulating layer 112 and the pixel electrode PE. The peripheral edge of the pixel electrode PE is covered by the rib 7. The organic layer OR is disposed on the pixel electrode PE. The organic layer OR is surrounded by the rib 7. The common electrode CE covers the organic layer OR and the rib 7.

[0065] The organic layer OR includes a light-emitting layer made of an organic electroluminescent material, and may include functional layers such as a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, an electron blocking layer, a hole blocking layer, an electron transport layer, and an electron injection layer.

[0066] The insulating layer 113 covers the display elements DE. In Fig. 8, the insulating layer 113 covers the common electrode CE. The insulating layer 113 includes an organic layer for flattening the unevenness caused by the ribs 7, and an inorganic layer (sealing layer) for protecting the organic layer OR from moisture and the like.

[0067] The display device DSP further includes a polarizing plate POL disposed above the insulating layer 113.

[0068] The polarizing plate POL is bonded to an upper surface 113U of the insulating layer 113. The resin layer 30 is disposed above the polarizing plate POL. In the example of Fig. 8, the resin layer 30 is formed on the upper surface POLU of the polarizing plate POL.

[0069] In this embodiment as well, it is possible to provide a display device DSP that can suppress deterioration of display quality and improve design. In addition, the display device DSP according to the third embodiment has the same effects as the display device DSP according to the first embodiment.

[0070] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. Elements that are the same as or similar to those in the above-described embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0071] 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device DSP according to a fourth embodiment. The display device DSP further includes a transparent cover member CO and an adhesive layer AD. The adhesive layer AD connects the cover member CO and the polarizing plate POL. The resin layer 30 is formed on an upper surface COU of the cover member CO.

[0072] As in the second embodiment, such a display device DSP is obtained by preparing a cover member CO on which a resin layer 30 is formed, and bonding the cover member CO and a polarizing plate POL with an adhesive layer AD. The display device DSP according to the fourth embodiment has the same effects as the display device DSP according to each of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0073] All display devices that can be implemented by those skilled in the art through appropriate design modifications based on the display devices described above as the embodiments of the present invention belong to the scope of the present invention as long as they include the gist of the present invention.

[0074] Within the scope of the concept of the present invention, a person skilled in the art may conceive of various modifications, and such modifications are also understood to fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, those in which a person skilled in the art appropriately adds or removes components or modifies the design of the above-mentioned embodiment, or adds or omits steps or modifies conditions, are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they include the gist of the present invention.

[0075] Furthermore, with regard to other effects and advantages brought about by the aspects described in the above-mentioned embodiments, those which are obvious from the description in this specification or which can be appropriately thought up by a person skilled in the art are naturally understood to be brought about by the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] DSP...display device, PNL...display panel, BL...illumination device, SUB1...first substrate, SUB2...second substrate, AR1...first region, AR2...second region, LC...liquid crystal layer, AL1...first alignment film, AL2...second alignment film, POL1...first polarizer, POL2...second polarizer, AD...adhesive layer, CO...cover member, 30...resin layer, UC...ultraviolet shielding layer, UD...ultraviolet irradiation device.

Claims

1. a display panel having a display area for displaying an image; a resin layer overlapping the display area, the display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; the resin layer is located on the opposite side of the second substrate to the liquid crystal layer, The resin layer has a first region and a second region adjacent to the first region and having a refractive index different from that of the first region.

2. Further, an ultraviolet ray shielding layer is provided to cover the resin layer and shield ultraviolet rays contained in external light. The display device according to claim 1 .

3. The area of ​​the first region is smaller than the area of ​​the second region, The refractive index of the first region is higher than the refractive index of the second region. The display device according to claim 1 .

4. The difference between the refractive index of the first region and the refractive index of the second region is 0.003 or more. The display device according to claim 1 .

5. The first region overlaps with the display region. The display device according to claim 1 .

6. The resin layer is formed of aromatic polyurethane. The display device according to claim 1 .

7. Furthermore, an illumination device that illuminates the display panel; A first polarizing plate and a second polarizing plate, the first polarizing plate is disposed between the first substrate and the lighting device; the second polarizing plate is disposed between the second substrate and the resin layer, The resin layer covers the second polarizing plate. The display device according to claim 1 .

8. Furthermore, a cover member; an adhesive layer that adheres the cover member and the second polarizing plate, The resin layer is formed on an upper surface of the cover member. The display device according to claim 7.

9. a display panel having a display area for displaying an image; a resin layer overlapping the display area, the display panel includes an insulating substrate, a plurality of display elements disposed above the insulating substrate, and an insulating layer covering the plurality of display elements; A polarizing plate is disposed above the insulating layer, the resin layer is disposed above the polarizing plate, The resin layer has a first region and a second region adjacent to the first region and having a refractive index different from that of the first region.

10. The resin layer is formed on the upper surface of the polarizing plate. The display device according to claim 9.

11. Furthermore, a cover member; an adhesive layer that bonds the cover member and the polarizing plate; The resin layer is formed on an upper surface of the cover member. The display device according to claim 9.

12. Each of the plurality of display elements is a light emitting diode. The display device according to claim 9.

13. a display panel having a display area for displaying an image; a resin layer overlapping the display area, A display device, wherein the resin layer has a first region and a second region adjacent to the first region and having a refractive index different from that of the first region, and is formed of a material whose refractive index changes when exposed to ultraviolet light.

14. The resin layer is formed of a material whose refractive index increases when exposed to ultraviolet light. The display device according to claim 13.

15. The resin layer is formed of a material whose refractive index decreases when exposed to ultraviolet light. The display device according to claim 13.

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