Display device

Abstract

To provide a display device that can deal with complicated shapes without requiring design of arrangement of pixels and wiring of electrodes conforming to a desired shape.SOLUTION: A display device includes: a first substrate; a plurality of first electrodes for display with a plurality of colors; an insulating layer formed on the first electrodes; a plurality of second electrodes disposed on the insulating layer and forming a display part and an electrode part; a second substrate disposed facing the first substrate; a counter electrode formed on the second substrate; a display layer interposed between the second electrode and the counter electrode; and a third electrode formed at a position of the electrode part of the insulating layer and electrically conducted to the counter electrode through a conductive material. The first electrodes for the color display are electrically conducted to the second electrode for the corresponding color formed in the insulating layer corresponding to the electrode part through a contact hole. One second electrode in the display part is electrically conducted to two or more first electrodes for the same color display through the contact hole formed in the insulating layer corresponding to the display part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Liquid crystal displays (LCD), organic light-emitting diode displays (OLED), and micro light-emitting diode (LED) displays can be made to have complex shapes, such as curves. Normally, to make a display device with a complex shape, it is necessary to design the electrode wiring and pixel arrangement to match the shape to be used. There is a demand for a display device that can accommodate complex shapes without the need to design the electrode wiring and pixel arrangement to match the shape to be used. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-075229 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a display device that can accommodate complex shapes without the need to design electrode wiring and pixel arrangement to match the desired shape. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A display device according to one embodiment includes a first substrate, a plurality of linear first electrodes for displaying a plurality of colors, the linear first electrodes extending along a first direction and spaced apart on the first substrate along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, an insulating layer formed on the first electrodes, a plurality of linear second electrodes extending along a second direction and spaced apart on the insulating layer along the first direction, forming a display portion for displaying a plurality of colors and an electrode portion for supplying power to the display portion, a second substrate disposed opposite the first substrate, a counter electrode formed on the second substrate so as to face the second electrode forming the display portion, a display layer interposed between the second electrode forming the display portion and the counter electrode, and a third electrode formed at the electrode portion of the insulating layer and conducting with the counter electrode through a conducting material. The first electrodes for each color display are electrically connected to the second electrodes of the corresponding colors formed in the insulating layer corresponding to the electrode portions through contact holes. One second electrode in the display portion is electrically connected to the first electrodes for displaying two or more of the same colors through contact holes formed in the insulating layer corresponding to the display portions. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present disclosure, a display device is provided that can accommodate complex shapes without the need to design electrode wiring and pixel arrangement according to a desired shape. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a structure of a pattern electrode of a display device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the display device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the structure of a display element of the display device. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an example of a panel produced by cutting the display element having the structure of FIG. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an example of a panel produced by cutting the display element having the structure of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to Modification 1 of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to the second modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating a color filter according to Modification 3 of the first embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a color filter according to Modification 3 of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a fourth modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a structure of a pattern electrode of a display device according to a first example of the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a structure of a pattern electrode of a display device according to a second example of the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display example in the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. (First embodiment) First, the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a plan view showing the structure of a pattern electrode of a display device according to the first embodiment. The display device of the example of Fig. 1 shows the structure of a pattern electrode in a display device capable of displaying three colors, RGB.

[0009] As shown in FIG. 1, the pattern electrode has first electrodes 13R, 13G, and 13B, second electrodes 15R, 15G, and 15B, and a third electrode 16. The first electrodes 13R, 13G, and 13B, and the second electrodes 15R, 15G, and 15B form a display portion D, and the first electrodes 13R, 13G, and 13B, the second electrodes 15R, 15G, and 15B, and the third electrode 16 form electrode portions E11, E12, and E2. The display portion D is a portion for displaying colors on the display device. The electrode portions E11, E12, and E2 are portions for supplying power that are formed around the display portion D. In FIG. 1, the electrode portion E11 is an electrode portion formed on the right side of the display portion D. The electrode portion E12 is an electrode portion formed on the left side of the display portion D. The electrode portion E2 is an electrode portion formed below the display portion D. The electrode portion E2 may be formed above the display portion D.

[0010] The first electrodes 13R, 13G, and 13B are linear transparent electrodes. The first electrodes 13R, 13G, and 13B may be, for example, ITO electrodes. The first electrode 13R is, for example, an electrode for displaying R, the first electrode 13G is, for example, an electrode for displaying G, and the first electrode 13B is, for example, an electrode for displaying B.

[0011] In Fig. 1, the first electrodes 13R, 13G, and 13B are formed in the horizontal direction as a first direction, that is, from the electrode portion E11 to the display portion D and the electrode portion E12, and are arranged at equal intervals along the vertical direction of the display device. In Fig. 1, the first electrodes 13R, 13G, and 13B are arranged in the order of the first electrodes 13B, 13G, and 13R from the top. The arrangement order of the first electrodes 13R, 13G, and 13B is not limited to this order.

[0012] The second electrodes 15R, 15G, and 15B are linear transparent electrodes. The second electrodes 15R, 15G, and 15B may be, for example, ITO electrodes. The second electrodes 15R, 15G, and 15B are electrodes formed on the first electrodes 13R, 13G, and 13B via an insulating layer. The second electrode 15R is, for example, an electrode for R display, the second electrode 15G is, for example, an electrode for G display, and the second electrode 15B is, for example, an electrode for B display.

[0013] The second electrodes 15R, 15G, and 15B are arranged at equal intervals along the horizontal direction in the display portion D. A contact hole CR is formed at the position where the second electrode 15R intersects with the first electrode 13R, and the second electrode 15R is electrically connected to the first electrode 13R through the contact hole CR. Similarly, a contact hole CG is formed at the position where the second electrode 15G intersects with the first electrode 13G, and the second electrode 15G is electrically connected to the first electrode 13G through the contact hole CG. Similarly, a contact hole CB is formed at the position where the second electrode 15B intersects with the first electrode 13B, and the second electrode 15B is electrically connected to the first electrode 13B through the contact hole CB. Here, in the embodiment, one second electrode 15R is electrically connected to two or more first electrodes 13R through the contact holes CR. Similarly, one second electrode 15G is electrically connected to two or more first electrodes 13G via contact holes CG, and one second electrode 15B is electrically connected to two or more first electrodes 13B via contact holes CB.

[0014] Furthermore, of the second electrodes 15R, 15G, and 15B of the display portion D, two second electrodes 15R, two second electrodes 15G, and two second electrodes 15B are further extended from the lower end of the display portion D. The two extended second electrodes 15R are commonized, the two extended second electrodes 15G are commonized, and the two extended second electrodes 15B are commonized, thereby forming an electrode portion E2 together with the third electrode 16.

[0015] 1, two second electrodes 15R, two second electrodes 15G, and two second electrodes 15B are further extended from the lower end of the display portion D. In contrast, three or more second electrodes 15R, three or more second electrodes 15G, and three or more second electrodes 15B may be further extended from the lower end of the display portion D to form the electrode portion E2.

[0016] Further, the second electrodes 15R, 15G, and 15B are disposed one by one in the electrode portions E11 and E12. Furthermore, a third electrode 16 is disposed in the electrode portions E11 and E12. The third electrode 16 is an electrode for supplying power to the counter electrode. A conductive material 22 is provided on the third electrode 16. Furthermore, the third electrode 16 is extended vertically to form the electrode portion E2.

[0017] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the display device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line II-II in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the display device according to the first embodiment has a first substrate 10 and a second substrate 18.

[0018] The first substrate 10 is a substrate on which the pattern electrode shown in Fig. 1 is formed. The first substrate 10 may be a transparent substrate such as a glass substrate, or may be an opaque substrate. The second substrate 18 is disposed opposite the first substrate 10, and is a substrate on which a counter electrode 19 is formed. The second substrate 18 is a transparent substrate such as a glass substrate.

[0019] A reflective layer 11 is formed on the first substrate 10. The reflective layer 11 is, for example, a metal layer having high reflectivity such as aluminum. A first insulating layer 12 is formed on the reflective layer 11. The first insulating layer 12 is a transparent insulating layer such as a silicon nitride (SiN) layer.

[0020] First electrodes 13R, 13G, and 13B are formed on the first insulating layer 12 as shown in Fig. 1. However, since Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line II-II in Fig. 1, only the first electrode 13R is shown in Fig. 2.

[0021] A second insulating layer 14 is formed on the first electrodes 13R, 13G, and 13B. The second insulating layer 14 is a transparent electrode layer such as a silicon nitride (SiN) layer.

[0022] On the second insulating layer 14, the second electrodes 15R, 15G, 15B and the third electrode 16 are formed as shown in FIG. 1. The second electrodes 15R, 15G, 15 forming the display portion D are formed within the area surrounded by the seal 21. On the other hand, the second electrodes 15R, 15G, 15B and the third electrode 16 forming the electrode portions E11, E12, E2 are formed outside the area surrounded by the seal 21. The second electrodes 15R, 15G, 15B and the third electrode 16 forming the electrode portions E11, E12, E2 may be connected to a drive circuit (not shown). The drive circuit is a circuit that applies a signal for display to the electrodes.

[0023] The second electrodes 15R, 15G, and 15B are electrically connected to the first electrodes 13R, 13G, and 13B, respectively, through contact holes CR, CG, and CB formed in the second insulating layer 14. However, since Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line II-II in Fig. 1, only the contact hole CR that electrically connects the second electrode 15R and the first electrode 13R is shown in Fig. 2.

[0024] Color filters 17R, 17G, and 17B are formed on the second electrodes 15R, 15G, and 15B. The color filter 17R is a color filter corresponding to red, and transmits red light of the incident light and absorbs light other than red. The color filter 17G is a color filter corresponding to green, and transmits green light of the incident light and absorbs light other than green. The color filter 17B is a color filter corresponding to blue, and transmits blue light of the incident light and absorbs light other than blue. Here, the second electrodes 15R, 15G, and 15B are formed with a gap between them to maintain insulation. On the other hand, the color filters 17R, 17G, and 17B are not conductive, so there is no need to form them with a gap between them.

[0025] A counter electrode 19 is formed on the second substrate 18 disposed opposite the first substrate 10. The counter electrode 19 is a planar transparent electrode formed to face the second electrodes 15R, 15G, and 15B forming the display portion D and the third electrode 16 forming the electrode portions E11 and E12. The counter electrode 19 may be, for example, an ITO electrode. The counter electrode 19 may be connected to a drive circuit (not shown) via a conductive material 22 and the third electrode 16.

[0026] A display layer 20 is interposed between the second electrodes 15R, 15G, and 15B of the display portion D and the counter electrode 19 via color filters 17R, 17G, and 17B. The display portion D including the display layer 20 is sealed by the first substrate 10, the second substrate 18, and a seal 21. The display layer 20 is, for example, a polymer network (PN) liquid crystal layer. The PN liquid crystal is a composite in which a liquid crystal material having a continuous phase is filled in a polymer network having a three-dimensional mesh structure made of a polymer material. A photocurable resin can be used as the polymer material. The PN liquid crystal is formed, for example, by irradiating a mixture of a liquid crystal material, a photopolymerizable polymer precursor (monomer), and a polymerization initiator with ultraviolet light to induce photopolymerization phase separation and form a three-dimensional mesh-like polymer network in which liquid crystal molecules are dispersed.

[0027] 1, a conductive material 22 is formed on the third electrode 16. The conductive material 22 is formed so as to be in contact with both the third electrode 16 and the counter electrode 19. The conductive material 22 is made of silver paste, gold micropearls, or the like, and provides electrical continuity between the third electrode 16 and the counter electrode 19.

[0028] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the structure of a display element of the display device having the configuration shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The display element is a linear pixel formed by second electrodes 15R, 15G, 15B in the display portion D, a counter electrode 19, and a display layer 20 therebetween. In Fig. 3, the red display element is shown as PR, the green display element as PG, and the blue display element as PB.

[0029] In the display device having the configuration shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, color display can be performed by applying a voltage from a drive circuit to any of the second electrodes 15R, 15G, 15B and third electrode 16 that form electrode portion E11, the second electrodes 15R, 15G, 15B and third electrode 16 that form electrode portion E12, and the second electrodes 15R, 15G, 15B and third electrode 16 that form electrode portion E2.

[0030] Specifically, for example, when the display layer 20 is a PN liquid crystal layer, when no voltage is applied from the drive circuit to the second electrodes 15R, 15G, 15B and the third electrode 16 forming the electrode portion E11, the second electrodes 15R, 15G, 15B and the third electrode 16 forming the electrode portion E12, and the second electrodes 15R, 15G, 15B and the third electrode 16 forming the electrode portion E2, the liquid crystal molecules dispersed in the polymer network are randomly arranged. In this case, the light incident from the second substrate 18 to the display layer 20 is scattered at the light entrance surface and the light exit surface of the display layer 20, and enters the eyes of the user who is the observer. At this time, the display portion D is visually recognized by the user who is the observer as a cloudy non-display state.

[0031] When a voltage is applied from the drive circuit to any of the second electrodes 15R, 15G, 15B and the third electrode 16 forming the electrode portion E11, the second electrodes 15R, 15G, 15B and the third electrode 16 forming the electrode portion E12, and the second electrodes 15R, 15G, 15B and the third electrode 16 forming the electrode portion E2, the liquid crystal molecules dispersed in the polymer network are aligned along the direction of the electric field formed between the second electrode 15R and the counter electrode 19, between the second electrode 15G and the counter electrode 19, and between the second electrode 15B and the counter electrode 19. In this case, the incident light from the second substrate 18 to the display layer 20 is transmitted through the display layer 20. The light transmitted through the display layer 20 is reflected by the reflective layer 11, passes through the color filters 17R, 17G, 17B, and then transmits through the display layer 20 again, and enters the eye of the user who is the observer. At this time, the display portion D is visually recognized by a user, who is an observer, as a state in which the colors corresponding to the arrangement of the color filters are displayed.

[0032] Here, the display device of the first embodiment has a two-layer pattern electrode having linear first electrodes 13R, 13G, and 13B formed in the horizontal direction of the first substrate 10 and linear second electrodes 15R, 15G, and 15B formed in the vertical direction of the first substrate 10, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The first electrode 13R and the second electrode 15R are connected by a contact hole CR, the first electrode 13G and the second electrode 15G are connected by a contact hole CG, and the first electrode 13B and the second electrode 15B are connected by a contact hole CB. With this configuration, electrodes corresponding to each color can be routed around the periphery of the first substrate 10.

[0033] Therefore, if the display element includes at least one each of the second electrodes 15R, 15G, 15B of the display portion D facing the counter electrode 19, the contact holes CR, CG, CB corresponding to these second electrodes 15R, 15G, 15B, and the first electrodes 13R, 13G, 13B connected to the second electrodes 15R, 15G, 15B and the third electrode 16 forming the electrode portions E11, E12, E2 via the contact holes CR, CB, CR, color display can be performed no matter how the display element is cut. For example, if the display element is cut so that the portion P shown in Fig. 1 remains, the second electrodes 15R, 15G, 15B of all the display portions D are conductive with the second electrodes 15R, 15G, 15B of the electrode portion E11 regardless of the shape of the other portions, and color display can be performed using the second electrodes 15R, 15G, 15B of the display portion D that are conductive with the portion P.

[0034] Figures 4A and 4B show examples of panels produced by cutting from a display element having the structure shown in Figure 3. Figure 4A shows a display panel produced by cutting from a display element having the structure shown in Figure 3 to include second electrodes 15R, 15G, and 15B, a third electrode 16, and first electrodes 13R, 13G, and 13B connected thereto, which form electrode portion E11. Figure 4B shows a panel produced by cutting from a display element having the structure shown in Figure 3 to include second electrodes 15R, 15G, and 15B, a third electrode 16, and first electrodes 13R, 13G, and 13B connected thereto, which form electrode portion E2.

[0035] The display panel in FIG. 4A includes a portion that is cut in a curved manner, and if all of the second electrodes 15R, 15G, 15B in the portion that is cut in a curved manner are connected to the first electrodes 13R, 13G, 13B via contact holes CR, CG, CB, and all of these first electrodes 13R, 13G, 13B are connected to the second electrodes 15R, 15G, 15B that form the electrode portion E11 via contact holes CR, CG, CB, then display can be performed even in the portion that is cut in a curved manner.

[0036] Similarly, the display panel in FIG. 4B also includes a portion that is cut in a curved manner, but if all of the second electrodes 15R, 15G, 15B in the portion that is cut in a curved manner are connected to the first electrodes 13R, 13G, 13B via contact holes CR, CG, CB, and all of these first electrodes 13R, 13G, 13B are connected to the second electrodes 15R, 15G, 15B that form electrode portion E2 via contact holes CR, CG, CB, then display can be performed even in the portion that is cut in a curved manner.

[0037] Depending on how the display panel is cut, the display portion D of the display panel may not be sealed with the seal 21. In this case, the display portion D may be sealed with the seal 21 again.

[0038] As described above, according to the first embodiment, a display panel with a complex shape can be produced simply by changing the cutting method while keeping the electrode wiring and pixel arrangement in the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2. In other words, complex shapes can be produced without the need to design the electrode wiring and pixel arrangement to match the desired shape.

[0039] (Modification 1 of the first embodiment) Hereinafter, a modification of the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to a first modification of the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line II-II in Fig. 1.

[0040] In the first modification of the first embodiment, the second electrode 15R is divided into a second electrode 15R1 and a second electrode 15R2. Similarly, the second electrode 15G is divided into a second electrode 15G1 and a second electrode 15G2. Similarly, the second electrode 15B is divided into a second electrode 15B1 and a second electrode 15B2.

[0041] In FIG. 5, the second electrode 15R1 is electrically connected to the first electrode 13R through a contact hole CR, similar to the second electrode 15R shown in FIG. 2. A color filter 17R is formed on the second electrode 15R1. Furthermore, a second electrode 15R2 is formed on the color filter 17R. The second electrode 15R1 and the second electrode 15R2 are electrically connected to each other through a contact hole CR formed in the color filter 17R. Similarly, the second electrode 15G1 is electrically connected to the first electrode 13G through a contact hole CG. A color filter 17G is formed on the second electrode 15G1. Furthermore, a second electrode 15G2 is formed on the color filter 17G. The second electrode 15G1 and the second electrode 15G2 are electrically connected to each other through a contact hole CG formed in the color filter 17G. Similarly, the second electrode 15B1 is electrically connected to the first electrode 13B through a contact hole CB. A color filter 17B is formed on the second electrode 15B1. Furthermore, a second electrode 15B2 is formed on the color filter 17B. The second electrode 15B1 and the second electrode 15B2 are electrically connected to each other through a contact hole CB formed in the color filter 17B. The other configurations are the same as those in FIG.

[0042] In the first modification of the first embodiment, the second electrodes 15R2, 15G2, and 15B2 face the counter electrode 19 without the color filters 17R, 17G, and 17B. By not using the color filters 17R, 17G, and 17B, the display layer 20 can be driven with a lower voltage than in the configuration of the first embodiment. In this way, in the first modification of the first embodiment, the driving voltage is reduced, and power consumption can be reduced.

[0043] (Modification 2 of the first embodiment) 6 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to Modification 2 of the first embodiment, taken along line II-II in FIG.

[0044] In the second modification of the first embodiment, the second electrode 15R, the second electrode 15G, and the second electrode 15B are formed on the color filters 17R, 17G, and 17B, not on the second insulating layer 14. The second electrode 15R is electrically connected to the first electrode 13R through a contact hole CR formed from the color filter 17R to the second insulating layer 14. Similarly, the second electrode 15G is electrically connected to the first electrode 13G through a contact hole CG formed from the color filter 17G to the second insulating layer 14. Similarly, the second electrode 15B is electrically connected to the first electrode 13B through a contact hole CB formed from the color filter 17B to the second insulating layer 14. The other configurations are the same as those in FIG. 2.

[0045] In the second modification of the first embodiment, although it is necessary to form contact holes penetrating two layers, the color filter and the insulating layer, the number of electrodes can be reduced compared to the first modification of the first embodiment.

[0046] (Modification 3 of the first embodiment) In the above-described embodiment, the shape of the color filters 17R, 17G, and 17B is not particularly limited. The shape of the color filters 17R, 17G, and 17B is not particularly limited as long as it can be formed on the second electrodes 15R, 15G, and 15B that form the display portion D. For example, the shape of the color filters 17R, 17G, and 17B may be a line shape similar to the shape of the second electrodes 15R, 15G, and 15B, as shown in FIG. 7A. Here, unlike the second electrodes 15R, 15G, and 15B, the color filters 17R, 17G, and 17B may be in contact with each other, so that the color filters 17R, 17G, and 17B may be formed wider than the second electrodes 15R, 15G, and 15B.

[0047] Furthermore, color filters 17R, 17G, and 17B may be linear with a portion bulging into a circle as shown in Fig. 7B. Color filters 17R, 17G, and 17B shaped as shown in Fig. 7B are expected to reduce moire compared to the linear filters shown in Fig. 7A.

[0048] (Fourth Modification of the First Embodiment) In the configuration shown in Fig. 2, the second electrodes 15R, 15G, and 15B are formed with a gap between them to maintain insulation. In this case, the display layer 20 located between the second electrodes 15R and 15G and between the second electrodes 15G and 15B is not driven. On the other hand, in the configuration shown in Fig. 2, the reflective layer 11 is also present between the second electrodes 15R and 15G and between the second electrodes 15G and 15B, so that stray light transmitted through the display layer 20 may be reflected by the reflective layer 11 located between the second electrodes 15R and 15G and between the second electrodes 15G and 15B, affecting the display.

[0049] 8, the reflective layer 11 may be formed to have gaps G at the positions between the second electrodes 15R and 15G and between the second electrodes 15G and 15B. Since there is no reflective layer 11 at these positions, these positions become the same as in the non-display state. This can improve the display contrast.

[0050] Second embodiment Next, the second embodiment will be described. Fig. 9 is a plan view showing the structure of the pattern electrodes of a display device according to a first example of the second embodiment. The display device of the example of Fig. 9 also shows the structure of the pattern electrodes in a display device capable of displaying three colors, RGB.

[0051] In the first embodiment, the first electrode 13R is connected to the second electrode 15R, the first electrode 13G is connected to the second electrode 15G, and the first electrode 13B is connected to the second electrode 15B. In this case, the second electrodes 15R display red, the second electrodes 15G display green, and the second electrodes 15B display blue.

[0052] In the second embodiment, some of the second electrodes in the display portion D are electrically connected to first electrodes of a different color via contact holes.

[0053] For example, the display device in Fig. 9 includes a portion P1 and a portion P2. In the portion P1, the second electrodes 15R, 15G, and 15B are formed at intervals from the other portions. Similarly, in the portion P2, the second electrodes 15R, 15G, and 15B are formed at intervals from the other portions. In other words, the second electrodes 15R, 15G, and 15B including the portion P1 and the portion P2 are composed of a plurality of second electrodes 15R, 15G, and 15B extending in the vertical direction.

[0054] In portion P1, the first electrode 13R and the second electrode 15G are electrically connected through a contact hole CG, the first electrode 13G and the second electrode 15B are electrically connected through a contact hole CB, and the first electrode 13B and the second electrode 15R are electrically connected through a contact hole CR. That is, in portion P1, the positions at which the contact holes are formed are different from those in the first embodiment.

[0055] In addition, in portion P2, the first electrode 13R and the second electrode 15B are electrically connected through a contact hole CB, the first electrode 13G and the second electrode 15R are electrically connected through a contact hole CR, and the first electrode 13B and the second electrode 15G are electrically connected through a contact hole CG. That is, in portion P2 as well, the formation positions of the contact holes are different from those in the first embodiment.

[0056] In parts other than part P1 and part P2, as in the first embodiment, the first electrode 13R and the second electrode 15R are electrically connected via a contact hole CR, the first electrode 13G and the second electrode 15G are electrically connected via a contact hole CB, and the first electrode 13B and the second electrode 15B are electrically connected via a contact hole CR.

[0057] 9, for example, when a display state voltage is applied to second electrode 15R in electrode portion E11, E12, or E2, and a non-display state voltage is applied to second electrode 15G and second electrode 15B, the pixels corresponding to second electrode 15R other than portions P1 and P2 of display portion D display red. On the other hand, the pixels corresponding to second electrode 15R in portion P1 display green, and the pixels corresponding to second electrode 15R in portion P2 display blue.

[0058] 9, only the portion P1 and the portion P2 are formed as independent electrodes spaced apart from the electrodes of the other portions. However, if the display of one column is to be the same color, it is not necessary that only the portion P1 and the portion P2 are independent from the other portions. For example, if one second electrode 15R is made conductive with all the first electrodes 13B to form the portion P1, this second electrode 15R may be formed integrally in the vertical direction.

[0059] Fig. 10 is a plan view showing a structure of pattern electrodes of a display device according to a second example of the second embodiment. The display device of the example of Fig. 10 also shows a structure of pattern electrodes in a display device capable of displaying three colors, RGB.

[0060] In the first example of the second embodiment, only the second electrodes 15R, 15G, and 15B in the portion P1 and the portion P2 are formed independently of the other portions. In contrast, in the second example of the second embodiment, the second electrodes 15R, 15G, and 15B in the portions other than the portion P1 and the portion P2 are also formed independently. That is, in FIG. 10, not only the second electrodes 15R, 15G, and 15B including the portion P1 and the portion P2, but also the second electrodes 15R, 15G, and 15B not including the portions P1 and P2 are composed of a plurality of second electrodes 15R, 15G, and 15B extending in the vertical direction.

[0061] In portion P1, the first electrode 13R and the second electrode 15G are electrically connected through a contact hole CG, the first electrode 13G and the second electrode 15B are electrically connected through a contact hole CB, and the first electrode 13B and the second electrode 15R are electrically connected through a contact hole CR. That is, in portion P1, the positions at which the contact holes are formed are different from those in the first embodiment.

[0062] In addition, in portion P2, the first electrode 13R and the second electrode 15B are electrically connected through a contact hole CB, the first electrode 13G and the second electrode 15R are electrically connected through a contact hole CR, and the first electrode 13B and the second electrode 15G are electrically connected through a contact hole CG. That is, in portion P2 as well, the formation positions of the contact holes are different from those in the first embodiment.

[0063] In parts other than part P1 and part P2, as in the first embodiment, the first electrode 13R and the second electrode 15R are electrically connected via a contact hole CR, the first electrode 13G and the second electrode 15G are electrically connected via a contact hole CB, and the first electrode 13B and the second electrode 15B are electrically connected via a contact hole CR.

[0064] The configuration of Fig. 10 can also produce a display similar to that of Fig. 9. In addition, in the configuration of Fig. 9, only some of the second electrodes 15R, 15G, and 15B of the display portion D are formed independently, so only this portion can produce a display different from other colors by applying the same voltage. In contrast, in the configuration of Fig. 10, a portion that produces a display different from other colors by applying the same voltage at any position can be formed simply by changing the formation position of the contact hole. The formation position of the contact hole can be changed by changing the mask for forming the contact hole.

[0065] Here, in the first and second examples of the second embodiment, by changing the cutting method, a display panel having a complex shape including curves can be produced. However, in the second embodiment, it is necessary to cut the display portion D so as to include the portions P1 and P2.

[0066] 11, 12, and 13 are diagrams showing display examples in the second embodiment. In Fig. 11, 12, and 13, a display state voltage is applied to the second electrode 15R in the electrode portion E11, E12, or E2, and a non-display state voltage is applied to the second electrode 15G and the second electrode 15B. At this time, most of the display portion D except for the portion P1 and the portion P2 is displayed in red, the portion P1 is displayed in green, and the portion P2 is displayed in blue.

[0067] FIG. 11 shows an example in which the second electrodes 15R in the third and sixth columns from the left form portion P1, and the second electrodes 15R in the fourth and fifth columns from the left form portion P2.

[0068] 12 shows an example in which some of the second electrodes 15R in the 5th to 11th columns from the left form part P1, and some of the second electrodes 15R in the 7th to 9th columns from the left form part P2. By forming parts P1 and P2 of a specific pattern of the display portion D, it is possible to realize a color display of a specific pattern, such as a diamond shape, as shown in FIG.

[0069] Fig. 13 shows a display example in the second example of the second embodiment. Fig. 13 shows an example in which a part of the second electrodes 15R in the 5th to 11th columns from the left forms a part P1, and a part of the second electrodes 15R in the 7th to 9th columns from the left forms a part P2. By forming parts P1 and P2 of a specific pattern of the display part D, a color display of a specific pattern such as a diamond shape as shown in Fig. 13 can be realized. Also, in the example of Fig. 13, the formation positions of parts P1 and P2 can be changed simply by changing the formation positions of the contact holes.

[0070] As described above, according to the second embodiment, a display panel of a complex shape can be produced by simply changing the cutting method without changing the electrode wiring and pixel arrangement as in the first embodiment. In addition, in the second embodiment, a color display of a shape such as a logo can be also performed on the produced display panel.

[0071] (Other variations) Hereinafter, a common modified example of the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the display layer 20 is a polymer network liquid crystal layer. However, the display layer 20 does not necessarily have to be a polymer network liquid crystal layer. For example, the display layer 20 may be a polymer dispersion (PD) liquid crystal layer. The display layer 20 may also be a TN liquid crystal layer or the like. However, in the case of a TN liquid crystal layer, a polarizing plate is required instead of the reflective layer 11, and a light source must also be prepared separately. In addition, the display layer 20 may be an organic light emitting diode layer (OLED), a micro light emitting diode (LED) layer, an electrochromic display layer, or the like. By changing the display layer 20, the configuration shown in FIG. 2 is also appropriately changed. However, the pattern electrodes corresponding to the pixel side are those shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 9, or FIG. 10.

[0072] In the first and second embodiments, a display device capable of displaying three colors, RGB, is exemplified. However, the display device may be a display device capable of displaying two colors, or a display device capable of displaying four or more colors. The color combination may be determined appropriately. Even in these cases, it is sufficient that the connection configuration between the first electrode and the second electrode is changed according to the color to be displayed.

[0073] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the gist of the invention. In addition, the embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combination, and in that case, the combined effect can be obtained. Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiment includes various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combinations selected from the multiple components disclosed. For example, if the problem can be solved and the effect can be obtained even if some components are deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment, the configuration from which the components are deleted can be extracted as an invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 10 first substrate, 11 reflective layer, 12 insulating layer, 13R, 13G, 13B first electrode, 14 first insulating layer, 15R, 15G, 15B second electrode, 16 third electrode, 17R, 17G, 17B color filter, 18 second substrate, 19 counter electrode, 20 display layer, 21 seal, 22 conductive material.

Claims

1. A first substrate; a plurality of first electrodes in a line shape for displaying a plurality of colors, the first electrodes extending along a first direction and arranged on the first substrate at intervals along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; an insulating layer formed on the first electrode; a plurality of linear second electrodes extending along the second direction, disposed on the insulating layer at intervals along the first direction, and forming a display portion for displaying a plurality of colors and an electrode portion for supplying power to the display portion; A second substrate disposed opposite the first substrate; a counter electrode formed on the second substrate so as to face the second electrode forming the display portion; a display layer interposed between the second electrode and the counter electrode forming the display portion; a third electrode formed at the position of the electrode portion of the insulating layer and electrically connected to the counter electrode via a conductive material; Equipped with The first electrodes for displaying each color are electrically connected to the second electrodes of the corresponding colors formed in the insulating layer corresponding to the electrode portions through contact holes, one of the second electrodes in the display portion is electrically connected to the first electrodes for displaying two or more of the same colors through a contact hole formed in the insulating layer corresponding to the display portion; Display device.

2. a color filter having a corresponding color formed on each of the second electrodes in the display portion; a fourth electrode formed on each of the color filters; Further comprising: the second electrode in the display portion is electrically connected to the fourth electrode through a contact hole formed in the color filter; The display device according to claim 1 .

3. a color filter having a corresponding color formed between the insulating layer and each of the second electrodes in the display portion; the second electrode in the display portion is electrically connected to the first electrode via a contact hole formed in the color filter and the insulating layer; The display device according to claim 1 .

4. a part of the second electrode for displaying the same color in the display portion is electrically connected to the first electrode for displaying a different color through a contact hole formed in the insulating layer corresponding to the display portion; The display device according to claim 1 .

5. At least a portion of the second electrode is a portion of the second electrode that is divided in the second direction. The display device according to claim 4.

6. the part of the second electrode is a part of the second electrode that is divided into a pattern in the display portion; The display device according to claim 4.

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