Display device

Abstract

To provide a display device capable of having higher display quality.SOLUTION: A display device in an embodiment includes a display panel having a first end part and a second end part existing on the opposite side of the first end part, a first light source that irradiates the first end part with light, and a first reflection material. The display panel includes an array substrate, a counter substrate facing the array substrate, and a liquid crystal layer provided between the array substrate and the counter substrate. The array substrate has a first end surface on the first end part side where the first reflection material is provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In recent years, display devices have been proposed that include a display panel having a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) layer, a light source unit, etc. The polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer can be switched between a transparent state in which light is transmitted and a scattering state in which light is scattered, depending on the application of a voltage. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6877910 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 7005243 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a display device capable of improving display quality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A display device according to one embodiment includes a display panel having a first end and a second end located opposite the first end, a first light source that irradiates the first end with light, and a first reflector. The display panel includes an array substrate, a counter substrate facing the array substrate, and a liquid crystal layer provided between the array substrate and the counter substrate, and the array substrate has a first end surface located on the first end side and provided with the first reflector. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a display device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a configuration of the display panel shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a main part of the display device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration example of the display device illustrated in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the simulation results. [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 cross-sectional 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 a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the disclosure is merely an example, and any appropriate modification that a person skilled in the art can easily conceive while maintaining the gist of the invention is naturally included within the scope of the present invention.

[0008] In addition, in order to clarify the description, the drawings may show the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part in a schematic manner compared to the actual embodiment, but these are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of the present invention. In this specification and each drawing, components that have the same or similar functions as those described above with respect to the previous drawings are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated detailed descriptions may be omitted as appropriate.

[0009] In each embodiment, a first direction X, a second direction Y, and a third direction Z are defined as shown in each drawing. The first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are perpendicular to each other, but may intersect at an angle other than 90°. Hereinafter, viewing the XY plane defined by the first direction X and the second direction Y is referred to as planar viewing.

[0010] In this embodiment, a liquid crystal display device (a so-called transparent display device) having high light transmission properties that uses a polymer dispersed liquid crystal is disclosed as an example of a display device. However, the configuration disclosed in this embodiment can also be applied to other types of display devices.

[0011] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a display device DSP. The display device DSP includes a display panel PNL, a plurality of light sources LS1 (first light sources), a light guide LG1, a wiring board 1, and an IC chip 2. The plurality of light sources LS1 form a light source unit LU1. In Fig. 1, the light source unit LU1 and the light guide LG1 are partially cut away.

[0012] The display panel PNL has an array substrate AR, a counter substrate CT facing the array substrate AR, a liquid crystal layer LC, and a seal SE. The array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT are formed in the shape of a flat plate substantially parallel to the XY plane.

[0013] Here, "substantially parallel" means parallel as a design concept, and includes variations in angle that occur during the manufacturing process because it is difficult to achieve ideal parallelism during manufacturing.

[0014] The array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT overlap in a plan view. The array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT are bonded together by a seal SE. The liquid crystal layer LC is provided between the array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT and is sealed by the seal SE. In FIG. 1, the liquid crystal layer LC is indicated by dots and the seal SE is indicated by diagonal lines. The liquid crystal layer LC contains polymer dispersed liquid crystal.

[0015] 1, the liquid crystal layer LC includes a polymer P1 and liquid crystal molecules P2. In one example, the polymer P1 is a liquid crystal polymer. The polymer P1 is formed in stripes extending along a first direction X and aligned in a second direction Y.

[0016] The liquid crystal molecules P2 are dispersed in the gaps of the polymer P1 and are aligned such that their major axes are aligned along the first direction X. Each of the polymer P1 and the liquid crystal molecules P2 has optical anisotropy or refractive index anisotropy. The response of the polymer P1 to an electric field is lower than the response of the liquid crystal molecules P2 to an electric field.

[0017] In one example, the alignment direction of the polymer P1 hardly changes regardless of the presence or absence of an electric field, whereas the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules P2 changes in response to the electric field when a high voltage equal to or greater than a threshold voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer LC.

[0018] For example, when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer LC, the optical axes of the polymer P1 and the liquid crystal molecules P2 are substantially parallel to each other, and light incident on the liquid crystal layer LC is transmitted through the liquid crystal layer LC with almost no scattering within the liquid crystal layer LC (transparent state).

[0019] When a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer LC, the optical axes of the polymer P1 and the liquid crystal molecules P2 cross each other, and light incident on the liquid crystal layer LC is scattered within the liquid crystal layer LC (scattering state). In other words, the liquid crystal layer LC can be switched between a transparent state and a scattering state depending on the voltage applied.

[0020] The width of the array substrate AR in the second direction Y is greater than the width of the counter substrate CT in the second direction Y. As a result, the array substrate AR has an extension portion Ex1 that does not overlap the counter substrate CT.

[0021] The display panel PNL has a display area DA for displaying an image and a peripheral area PA surrounding the display area DA. Both the display area DA and the peripheral area PA are formed in an area where the array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT overlap. The seal SE is located in the peripheral area PA. The display area DA includes pixels PX arranged in a matrix in the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0022] 1, a plurality of scanning lines G and a plurality of signal lines S are arranged in the display area DA. The plurality of scanning lines G extend in a first direction X and are lined up in a second direction Y. The plurality of signal lines S extend in the second direction Y and are lined up in the first direction X.

[0023] Each pixel PX includes a switching element SW, a pixel electrode PE, a common electrode CE, a liquid crystal layer LC, etc. The switching element SW is formed of, for example, a thin film transistor (TFT), and is electrically connected to the scanning line G and the signal line S.

[0024] The scanning lines G are electrically connected to the switching elements SW in each of the pixels PX aligned in the first direction X. The signal lines S are electrically connected to the switching elements SW in each of the pixels PX aligned in the second direction Y.

[0025] The pixel electrode PE is electrically connected to the switching element SW. The common electrode CE is provided in common to the plurality of pixel electrodes PE. The liquid crystal layer LC (particularly, the liquid crystal molecules P2) is driven by an electric field generated between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE. The capacitance CS is formed, for example, between the common electrode CE and an electrode having the same potential, and between the pixel electrode PE and an electrode having the same potential.

[0026] 2, the scanning lines G, the signal lines S, the switching elements SW and the pixel electrodes PE are provided on the array substrate AR, and the common electrode CE is provided on the counter substrate CT. In the array substrate AR, the scanning lines G and the signal lines S are electrically connected to the wiring substrate 1 or the IC chip 2.

[0027] The light sources LS1 and the light guide LG1 are arranged along the extending portion Ex1. The light sources LS1 are arranged at intervals in the first direction X. The light source LS1 irradiates the light guide LG1 with light. The light guide LG1 may be, for example, a lens such as a prism lens.

[0028] For example, the light sources LS1 include a light emitting element that emits red light, a light emitting element that emits green light, and a light emitting element that emits blue light. These light emitting elements may be aligned in the first direction X or stacked in the third direction Z. As the light emitting elements, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) may be used.

[0029] The wiring board 1 is, for example, a bendable flexible printed circuit board. The IC chip 2 has, for example, a built-in display driver that outputs signals necessary for image display. The IC chip 2 may be mounted on the wiring board 1.

[0030] 1, the display device DSP includes a single wiring board 1, but may include multiple wiring boards. The display device DSP includes a single IC chip 2, but may include multiple IC chips.

[0031] The display panel PNL has a first end E1, a second end E2, a third end E3, and a fourth end E4. Here, the end means an end and an area adjacent thereto. The first end E1 includes an extension Ex1.

[0032] The first end E1 and the second end E2 extend in the first direction X and are aligned in the second direction Y. The third end E3 and the fourth end E4 extend in the second direction Y and are aligned in the first direction X.

[0033] In the display panel PNL, the side on which the multiple light sources LS1 are located in the second direction Y may be referred to as the light incident side, and the side opposite the light incident side may be referred to as the anti-light incident side. The first end E1 is located on the light incident side, and the second end E2 is located on the anti-light incident side.

[0034] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the display panel PNL shown in Fig. 1. The array substrate AR has a transparent substrate 10, insulating films 11 and 12, a capacitance electrode 13, a switching element SW, a pixel electrode PE, and an alignment film AL1. The transparent substrate 10 has a main surface 10A facing the counter substrate CT with a liquid crystal layer LC sandwiched therebetween.

[0035] The switching element SW is provided on the main surface 10A. The insulating film 11 is provided on the main surface 10A and covers the switching element SW. The scanning line G and the signal line S described with reference to FIG. 1 are provided between the transparent substrate 10 and the insulating film 11, but are not shown here. The capacitance electrode 13 is provided between the insulating film 11 and the insulating film 12.

[0036] The pixel electrode PE is provided for each pixel PX between the insulating film 12 and the alignment film AL1. From another point of view, the capacitance electrode 13 is provided between the transparent substrate 10 and the pixel electrode PE.

[0037] The pixel electrode PE is electrically connected to the switching element SW through an opening OP of the capacitance electrode 13. The pixel electrode PE overlaps the capacitance electrode 13 with the insulating film 12 interposed therebetween, forming a capacitance CS of the pixel PX. The alignment film AL1 covers the pixel electrode PE.

[0038] The counter substrate CT has a transparent substrate 20, a common electrode CE, and an alignment film AL2. The transparent substrate 20 has a main surface 20A facing the array substrate AR. The common electrode CE is provided on the main surface 20A. The alignment film AL2 covers the common electrode CE. The liquid crystal layer LC is located between the main surface 10A and the main surface 20A, and is in contact with the alignment films AL1 and AL2.

[0039] In addition, on the counter substrate CT, a light-shielding layer may be provided immediately above each of the switching elements SW, the scanning lines G, and the signal lines S. A transparent insulating film may be provided between the transparent substrate 20 and the common electrode CE, or between the common electrode CE and the alignment film AL2.

[0040] The common electrode CE is disposed across the pixels PX and faces the pixel electrodes PE. The common electrode CE has the same potential as the capacitance electrode 13. The liquid crystal layer LC is located between the pixel electrodes PE and the common electrode CE.

[0041] The transparent substrates 10 and 20 are, for example, glass substrates, but may be insulating substrates such as plastic substrates. The insulating film 11 includes a transparent inorganic insulating film such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, and a transparent organic insulating film such as acrylic resin. The insulating film 12 is a transparent inorganic insulating film such as silicon nitride.

[0042] The capacitance electrode 13, the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE are transparent electrodes formed of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO).

[0043] The alignment films AL1 and AL2 are horizontal alignment films having an alignment regulating force substantially parallel to the XY plane. In one example, the alignment films AL1 and AL2 are aligned along the first direction X. The alignment treatment may be a rubbing treatment or a photo-alignment treatment.

[0044] 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the main parts of the display device DSP according to this embodiment, in which the wiring board 1, the IC chip 2, etc. are omitted.

[0045] The array substrate AR has a main surface F1, a main surface F2 opposite to the main surface F1, and end surfaces 31, 41, 51, and 61 connecting the main surfaces F1 and F2. In this embodiment, the end surface 31 corresponds to a first end surface. The main surface F1 corresponds to the surface opposite to the main surface 10A (shown in FIG. 2) of the transparent substrate 10.

[0046] The end faces 31, 41 extend in the first direction X and are aligned in the second direction Y, and the end faces 51, 61 extend in the second direction Y and are aligned in the first direction X.

[0047] The end faces 31 and 41 are surfaces that are substantially parallel to the XZ plane defined by the first direction X and the third direction Z. The end faces 51 and 61 are surfaces that are substantially parallel to the YZ plane defined by the second direction Y and the third direction Z.

[0048] The counter substrate CT has a main surface F3 facing the main surface F2, a main surface F4 opposite the main surface F3, and end surfaces 33, 43, 53, and 63 connecting the main surfaces F3 and F4. The main surface F4 corresponds to the surface opposite the main surface 20A (shown in FIG. 2) of the transparent substrate 20.

[0049] The end faces 33, 43 extend in the first direction X and are aligned in the second direction Y, and the end faces 53, 63 extend in the second direction Y and are aligned in the first direction X. The end faces 33, 43 are surfaces that are substantially parallel to the XZ plane. The end faces 53, 63 are surfaces that are substantially parallel to the YZ plane.

[0050] The display panel PNL further includes cover members CM1 and CM2. In this embodiment, the cover member CM1 corresponds to a first cover member, and the cover member CM2 corresponds to a second cover member.

[0051] The cover member CM1, the array substrate AR, the counter substrate CT, and the cover member CM2 are stacked in this order in the third direction Z. In this embodiment, the third direction Z corresponds to the stacking direction.

[0052] 3, the size of the cover member CM2 is larger than the size of the cover member CM1 in a plan view. The size of the cover member CM2 may be smaller than or equal to the size of the cover member CM1 in a plan view.

[0053] 3, the cover members CM1 and CM2 do not overlap the extending portion Ex1 in the third direction Z. The cover members CM1 and CM2 are, for example, transparent glass substrates, but may be transparent insulating substrates such as plastic substrates.

[0054] The cover member CM1 faces the array substrate AR. The cover member CM1 has a main surface F5 facing the main surface F1, a main surface F6 opposite the main surface F5, and end surfaces 35, 45, 55, and 65 connecting the main surfaces F5 and F6. In this embodiment, the end surface 35 corresponds to the second end surface.

[0055] The principal surfaces F5 and F6 are surfaces that are substantially parallel to the XY plane. The end surfaces 35 and 45 extend in the first direction X and are aligned in the second direction Y, and the end surfaces 55 and 65 extend in the second direction Y and are aligned in the first direction X. The end surfaces 35 and 45 are surfaces that are substantially parallel to the XZ plane. The end surfaces 55 and 65 are surfaces that are substantially parallel to the YZ plane.

[0056] The cover member CM2 faces the counter substrate CT. The cover member CM2 has a main surface F7 facing the main surface F4, a main surface F8 opposite the main surface F7, and end surfaces 37, 47, 57, and 67 connecting the main surfaces F7 and F8. The main surfaces F7 and F8 are surfaces that are substantially parallel to the XY plane.

[0057] The end faces 37, 47 extend in the first direction X and are aligned in the second direction Y, and the end faces 57, 67 extend in the second direction Y and are aligned in the first direction X. The end faces 37, 47 are surfaces that are substantially parallel to the XZ plane. The end faces 57, 67 are surfaces that are substantially parallel to the YZ plane.

[0058] In the display panel PNL, the end faces 31, 33, 35, and 37 are located on the first end E1 side, the end faces 41, 43, 45, and 47 are located on the second end E2 side, the end faces 51, 53, 55, and 57 are located on the third end E3 side, and the end faces 61, 63, 65, and 67 are located on the fourth end E4 side.

[0059] The light sources LS1 irradiate the first end E1 with light via the light guide LG1. Specifically, the light sources LS1 irradiate the end faces 33 and 37 with light.

[0060] 3, the display device DSP further includes a wiring board F. The light sources LS1 are mounted on the wiring board F. The wiring board F is, for example, a printed circuit board, and has higher rigidity than the wiring board 1 (shown in FIG. 1).

[0061] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration example of the display device DSP shown in Fig. 3. In Fig. 4, the wiring board 1, the IC chip 2, etc. are omitted. Note that, as for the display panel PNL, only the main parts are shown in a simplified manner. In Fig. 4, the display device DSP is seen in the opposite direction to the first direction X.

[0062] The display device DSP further includes adhesive layers AD1 and AD2. The adhesive layer AD1 is located between the array substrate AR and the cover member CM1, and the adhesive layer AD2 is located between the counter substrate CT and the cover member CM2.

[0063] Specifically, the adhesive layer AD1 bonds the main surface F1 of the array substrate AR to the main surface F5 of the cover member CM1, and the adhesive layer AD2 bonds the main surface F4 of the counter substrate CT to the main surface F7 of the cover member CM2.

[0064] The adhesive layers AD1 and AD2 are transparent and are formed of, for example, Optical Clear Adhesive (OCA). The adhesive layers AD1 and AD2 may be formed of Optical Clear Resin (OCR).

[0065] The refractive indices of the transparent substrates 10 and 20 (shown in FIG. 2), the adhesive layers AD1 and AD2, and the cover members CM1 and CM2 are equal to each other. Here, "equal" does not necessarily mean that the difference in refractive index is zero, but also means that the difference in refractive index is 0.1 or less.

[0066] The display device DSP further includes reflectors RM1, RM2, and RM3. In this embodiment, the reflector RM1 corresponds to a first reflector, the reflector RM2 corresponds to a second reflector, and the reflector RM3 corresponds to a fourth reflector.

[0067] The reflecting materials RM1, RM2, and RM3 reflect light propagating inside the display panel PNL. The reflecting materials RM1, RM2, and RM3 are formed of a metal material having light reflectivity, such as silver.

[0068] As an example, the reflective materials RM1, RM2, and RM3 are reflective tapes (silver tapes). As another example, the reflective materials RM1, RM2, and RM3 may be reflective films formed by deposition or the like.

[0069] Reflective materials RM1 and RM2 are provided at the first end E1, and reflective material RM3 is provided at the second end E2. Specifically, reflective material RM1 is provided at end face 31, reflective material RM2 is provided at end face 35, and reflective material RM3 is provided from end face 45 to end face 47. From another perspective, reflective materials RM1 and RM2 are located on the light incident side, and reflective material RM3 is located on the anti-light incident side.

[0070] 4, the end surface 37 is located directly above the end surface 33, and the end surface 35 is not located directly below the end surface 33. The end surfaces 41, 43, 45, and 47 are aligned in the third direction Z. In other words, the end surfaces 41, 43, 45, and 47 are located on the same plane.

[0071] The light source LS1 faces each of the end faces 33 and 37 with the light guide LG1 therebetween in the second direction Y. From another perspective, the light guide LG1 is located between the cover member CM2 and the light source LS1 and between the counter substrate CT and the light source LS1 in the second direction Y.

[0072] An end face 71 of the light guide LG1 faces the end faces 33 and 37. The light source LS1 irradiates light onto the end faces 33 and 37. The light emitted from the light source LS1 travels in the direction of the arrow indicating the second direction Y.

[0073] Next, the propagation of the light L1 in the display device DSP will be described. Light L1 emitted from the light source LS1 is appropriately diffused in the light guide LG1, enters the counter substrate CT from an end face 33, and enters the cover member CM2 from an end face 37.

[0074] This light L1 travels toward the opposite light-entering side while repeatedly being totally reflected between the principal surface F6 and the principal surface F8. The light L1 that reaches the second end E2 is reflected by the reflector RM3 and travels toward the light-entering side while repeatedly being totally reflected between the principal surface F6 and the principal surface F8. Fig. 4 shows, as an example, the propagation of light that enters the cover member CM2 from the end surface 37.

[0075] The display device DSP includes reflectors RM1 and RM2 provided on the light-entering side. When the light reflected by the reflector RM3 reaches the end faces 31 and 35, it is reflected by the reflectors RM1 and RM2 and travels back toward the side opposite the light-entering side. In FIG. 4, the propagation of the light L2 reflected by the reflector RM1 is shown as an example.

[0076] In this way, by providing the reflectors RM1, RM2, and RM3, it is possible to suppress the light from leaking out from the end faces 31, 35, 41, 43, 45, and 47. In other words, the light is likely to remain between the first end E1 and the second end E2. As a result, in the display device DSP, the light irradiated from the light source LS1 can be reused, and the light utilization efficiency can be improved.

[0077] In the vicinity of the pixel PX in the transparent state, the light is hardly scattered by the liquid crystal layer LC. Therefore, the light hardly leaks out of the cover members CM1 and CM2. On the other hand, in the vicinity of the pixel PX in the scattering state, the light is scattered by the liquid crystal layer LC.

[0078] This scattered light SL is emitted from the cover members CM1 and CM2 and is visually recognized by the user as a display image. It is also possible to realize gradational expression of the degree of scattering (brightness) by gradually defining the voltage applied to the pixel electrode PE within a predetermined range.

[0079] In addition, in the vicinity of the pixel PX in the transparent state, external light incident on the cover members CM1 and CM2 is transmitted through the liquid crystal layer LC with almost no scattering. That is, when the display device DSP is viewed from the cover member CM1 side, the background on the cover member CM2 side is visible, and when the display device DSP is viewed from the cover member CM2 side, the background on the cover member CM1 side is visible.

[0080] For example, the method of image display by the display device DSP may be a field sequential method that repeats a first subframe in which red light-emitting elements among the multiple light sources LS1 are turned on to display a red image, a second subframe in which green light-emitting elements are turned on to display a green image, and a third subframe in which blue light-emitting elements are turned on to display a blue image.

[0081] Next, the simulation results will be described. 5 is a diagram showing the results of a simulation. Here, the light intensity in the liquid crystal layer LC was simulated assuming that light is irradiated from a plurality of light sources LS1. Hereinafter, the light intensity may be referred to as "intensity."

[0082] Since the display image and the like in the display device DSP are realized by scattering of light in the liquid crystal layer LC, the luminance of the display device is proportional to the intensity of the light. Figure 5 shows the simulation results of the display device DSP and the display device according to the comparative example.

[0083] The conditions in the simulation are as follows. The array substrate AR has a thickness of 0.7 mm, the counter substrate CT has a thickness of 0.7 mm, the cover members CM1 and CM2 have a thickness of 0.7 mm, and the adhesive layers AD1 and AD2 have a thickness of 0.125 mm. The length of the array substrate AR in the second direction Y is 128.75 mm, the length of the counter substrate CT and the cover member CM2 in the second direction Y is 123.65 mm, and the length of the cover member CM1 in the second direction Y is 120 mm.

[0084] The display device DSP includes reflectors RM1, RM2, and RM3 as described with reference to Fig. 4. The display device according to the comparative example differs from the display device DSP in that it does not include the reflectors RM1 and RM2.

[0085] In Fig. 5, the horizontal axis indicates the distance [mm] from the light incident side of the liquid crystal layer LC, and the vertical axis indicates the intensity [au]. In Fig. 5, the luminance of the display device DSP is indicated by a solid line, and the intensity of the display device according to the comparative example is indicated by a dashed line.

[0086] 5, it was confirmed that the display device DSP had a greater overall strength than the display device according to the comparative example. Specifically, it was confirmed that the strength of the display device DSP was improved by about 5%.

[0087] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a display device DSP that is capable of improving display quality.

[0088] For example, in order to improve the brightness, it is conceivable to increase the power input to the LED light source. However, from the viewpoint of energy saving and heat dissipation design in the display device DSP, it is more desirable to improve the brightness by efficiently using the light from the light source LS1 rather than increasing the input power.

[0089] The display device DSP can efficiently use the light emitted from the light source LS1, and therefore can improve the luminance of the display light without increasing the power input to the light source LS1. In other words, the display light with the same luminance can be realized with reduced power consumption.

[0090] Next, other embodiments will be described. In the other embodiments and modifications described below, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted or simplified.

[0091] [Second embodiment] 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device DSP10 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the shape of a cover member CM1 is different from that of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the end surface 31 corresponds to the first end surface, and the end surface 35 corresponds to the second end surface.

[0092] The size of the cover member CM1 is approximately equal to the size of the array substrate AR in the example shown in Fig. 6. In relation to the cover member CM2, the size of the cover member CM1 is larger than the size of the cover member CM2.

[0093] In this embodiment, the end surface 35 of the cover member CM1 is located directly below the end surface 31 of the array substrate AR. In other words, the end surface 35 is aligned with the end surface 31 in the third direction Z.

[0094] In this embodiment, the reflective material RM1 is provided across the end surface 31 and the end surface 35. The reflective material RM1 can be formed of, for example, a single piece of reflective tape.

[0095] The configuration of this embodiment can also provide the same effects as those of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, since the end face 35 is aligned with the end face 31, the reflective material RM1 can be provided simultaneously on the end face 31 and the end face 35. Compared to providing separate reflective materials on the end faces 31 and 35, the time required for attaching the reflective material can be shortened, and therefore the cost required for manufacturing the display device DSP10 can be reduced.

[0096] [Third embodiment] 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device DSP20 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the shapes of a light source LS1 and a light guide LG1 are different from those of the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the end face 31 corresponds to the first end face, the end face 33 corresponds to the fourth end face, the end face 35 corresponds to the second end face, and the end face 37 corresponds to the third end face.

[0097] The light source LS1 faces the end face 37 across the light guide LG1 in the second direction Y, but does not face the end face 33. The end face 71 of the light guide LG1 faces the end face 37, but does not face the end face 33. The light source LS1 irradiates the end face 37 with light.

[0098] The display device DSP20 further includes a reflector RM4 (third reflector). The reflector RM4 is provided on the end surface 33. The reflector RM4 is formed of, for example, the same material as the above-mentioned reflector RM1.

[0099] The configuration of this embodiment can also provide the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiments. In this embodiment, a reflector RM4 is provided on the end face 33. As a result, when light reflected by the reflector RM3 reaches the light incident side, it can be reflected by the reflector RM4.

[0100] In other words, it is possible to suppress leakage of light from the end surface 33 and improve the light utilization efficiency in the display device DSP 20. The light source LS1 and the light guide LG1 in this embodiment can be applied to the display device DSP according to the first embodiment.

[0101] [Fourth embodiment] 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device DSP30 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, end surface 31 corresponds to the first end surface, end surface 33 corresponds to the fourth end surface, end surface 35 corresponds to the second end surface, end surface 37 corresponds to the third end surface, end surface 41 corresponds to the fifth end surface, and end surface 45 corresponds to the sixth end surface.

[0102] 8, the array substrate AR further has an extension portion Ex2 that does not overlap with the counter substrate CT. The extension portion Ex2 is located on the opposite side to the extension portion Ex1. The second end portion E2 includes the extension portion Ex2.

[0103] The display device DSP30 further includes a plurality of light sources LS2 (second light sources) and a light guide LG2. The light sources LS2 and the light guide LG2 are arranged along the extension portion Ex2. The light sources LS2 are arranged at intervals in the first direction X. The light source LS2 irradiates light to the light guide LG2. As with the light guide LG1, a lens such as a prism lens can be used as the light guide LG2.

[0104] The light source LS2 faces the end faces 43 and 47 in the second direction Y, sandwiching the light guide LG2 therebetween. The end faces 73 of the light guide LG2 face the end faces 43 and 47, respectively. The light sources LS2 irradiate light to the second end E2 through the light guide LG2. Specifically, the light sources LS2 irradiate light to the end faces 43 and 47.

[0105] The display device DSP30 further includes a reflecting material RM5 (a fifth reflecting material). An end surface 45 of the cover member CM1 is located immediately below an end surface 41 of the array substrate AR. In other words, the end surface 45 is aligned with the end surface 41 in the third direction Z. An end surface 35 of the cover member CM1 is located immediately below an end surface 31 of the array substrate AR. In other words, the end surface 35 is aligned with the end surface 31 in the third direction Z.

[0106] In this embodiment, the reflective material RM1 is provided across the end surface 31 and the end surface 35, and the reflective material RM5 is provided across the end surface 41 and the end surface 45. The reflective materials RM1 and RM5 can each be formed, for example, from a single piece of reflective tape. The reflective material RM5 is formed, for example, from the same material as the above-mentioned reflective material RM1.

[0107] The configuration of this embodiment can also provide the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments. In this embodiment, the display device DSP30 includes a plurality of light sources LS1 and LS2.

[0108] As a result, the luminance of the display device DSP30 can be made greater than that of the display devices according to the above-described embodiments. The display device DSP30 includes the reflectors RM1 and RM5, which can suppress leakage of light from the end faces 31, 35, 41, and 45, thereby improving the efficiency of light utilization.

[0109] The light sources LS1 and LS2 and the light guides LG1 and LG2 in this embodiment can have the same shapes as the light source LS1 and the light guide LG1 in the third embodiment. In this case, a reflective material may be further provided on the end faces 33 and 43 of the counter substrate CT.

[0110] In this embodiment, an example is disclosed in which end face 35 is aligned with end face 31 and end face 45 is aligned with end face 41, but end face 35 does not have to be aligned with end face 31, and end face 45 does not have to be aligned with end face 41.

[0111] In the above-described embodiments, the examples in which the reflective material is provided at the first end E1 and the second end E2 have been disclosed, but the reflective material may be provided at the third end E3 and the fourth end E4. Specifically, the reflective material may be provided at the end faces 51 and 61 of the array substrate AR, the end faces 53 and 63 of the counter substrate CT, the end faces 55 and 65 of the cover member CM1, and the end faces 57 and 67 of the cover member CM2. This makes it more difficult for light to leak from the display panel PNL, and further improves the light utilization efficiency.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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 each of the above-mentioned embodiments, 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.

[0114] Furthermore, with regard to other effects and advantages brought about by the aspects described in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, those which are obvious from the description in this specification or which can be appropriately conceived by a person skilled in the art are naturally understood to be brought about by the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 31, 33, 35, 37...end surface, 41, 43, 45, 47...end surface, AR...array substrate, CM1, CM2...cover member, CT...counter substrate, DSP...display device, E1...first end portion, E2...second end portion, LC...liquid crystal layer, LG1, LG2...light guide, LS1, LS2...light source, PNL...display panel, RM1, RM2, RM3, RM4, RM5...reflective material.

Claims

1. a display panel having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; A first light source that irradiates light to the first end portion; A first reflector, the display panel includes an array substrate, a counter substrate facing the array substrate, and a liquid crystal layer provided between the array substrate and the counter substrate; the array substrate is located on the first end side and has a first end surface on which the first reflective material is provided; Display device.

2. Further comprising a second reflector; the display panel further includes a first cover member facing the array substrate; The first cover member is located on the first end side and has a second end surface on which the second reflecting material is provided. The display device according to claim 1 .

3. the display panel further includes a first cover member facing the array substrate; The first cover member is located on the first end side and has a second end surface aligned with the first end surface in a stacking direction. The display device according to claim 1 .

4. The first reflector is provided on the first end surface and the second end surface. The display device according to claim 3 .

5. the display panel further includes a second cover member facing the opposing substrate, the second cover member has a third end surface located on the first end side, The first light source faces the third end surface. The display device according to claim 2 .

6. Further comprising a third reflector; the opposing substrate is located on the first end side and has a fourth end surface on which the third reflector is provided; The display device according to claim 5 .

7. Further comprising a fourth reflector provided at the second end. The display device according to claim 1 .

8. a second light source for irradiating light onto the second end; and a fifth reflector, the array substrate is located on the second end side and has a fifth end surface on which the fifth reflective material is provided; The display device according to claim 1 .

9. the display panel further includes a first cover member facing the array substrate; The first cover member has a second end surface located on the first end side and aligned with the first end surface in the stacking direction, and a sixth end surface located on the second end side and aligned with the fifth end surface in the stacking direction. The display device according to claim 8.

10. the first reflector is provided on the first end surface and the second end surface, The fifth reflector is provided on the fifth end surface and the sixth end surface. The display device according to claim 9.

11. The display panel further includes a second cover member facing the opposing substrate. The display device according to claim 8 .

12. The liquid crystal layer includes a polymer dispersed liquid crystal. The display device according to claim 1 .

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