Display device

Abstract

To provide a display device that can suppress deterioration of designability.SOLUTION: In an embodiment, a display device includes a display panel including a display region to display images, a cover member including an inner surface facing the display panel, and a resin layer formed on the inner surface and overlapping with the display region. The resin layer includes a first region and a second region being adjacent to the first region and having a refractive index different from that of the first region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

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

[0003] However, since a step is generated depending on the presence or absence of the ink, light is scattered at the corner of the ink, so that when the display panel is in the on state, the pattern is visually recognized overlapping the displayed image, and the display quality may deteriorate.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a display device capable of suppressing deterioration of design property.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one embodiment, a display device includes a display panel having a display area for displaying an image, a cover member having an inner surface facing the display panel, and a resin layer formed on the inner surface and overlapping the display area, 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.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a display device includes: a display panel having a display area for displaying an image; a cover member having an inner surface facing the display panel; and a resin layer formed on the inner surface and overlapping the display area, 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, and being formed of a material whose refractive index changes by ultraviolet light.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Some embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The disclosure is merely an example, and for those that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art as appropriate modifications while maintaining the gist of the invention, they are naturally included in the scope of the present invention. Also, for the purpose of making the description clearer, the drawings may schematically represent the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part compared to the actual embodiment, but this is merely an example and does not limit the interpretation of the present invention. Further, in this specification and each drawing, components that exhibit the same or similar functions as those previously described with respect to the existing drawings may be assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions that are repeated may be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] In addition, in the drawings, for the purpose of facilitating understanding as necessary, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis that are perpendicular to each other are described. The direction along the X-axis is referred to as the first direction X, the direction along the Y-axis is referred to as the second direction Y, and the direction along the Z-axis is referred to as the third direction Z. Looking at various elements parallel to the third direction Z is referred to as a plan view.

[0011] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a display device DSP according to the 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 board 6, and a resin layer 30. Further, as will be described later, the display device DSP includes an illumination device for illuminating the display panel PNL.

[0012] 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 a flat plate shape parallel to the X-Y plane. In FIG. 1, the respective shapes of the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 in plan view are rectangles having long sides parallel to the second direction Y. However, the respective shapes of the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 in plan view are not limited to this example, and may be other shapes such as a rectangle having a long side parallel to the first direction X, a square, a circle, or an ellipse.

[0013] 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 includes a plurality of pixels PX arranged in a matrix in the first direction X and the 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.

[0014] As shown enlarged in FIG. 1, the plurality of 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 constituted by, 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 arranged in the first direction X. The signal line SL is electrically connected to the switching element SW in each of the pixels PX arranged in the second direction Y. The pixel electrode PE is electrically connected to the switching element SW. Each of the pixel electrodes PE faces the common electrode CE, and drives the liquid crystal layer LC by the electric field generated between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE. The capacitor 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.

[0015] In one example, the scanning line GL, the signal line SL, the switching element SW, the pixel electrode PE, and the common electrode CE are provided on the first substrate SUB1. However, the pixel electrode PE may be provided on the first substrate SUB1 and the common electrode CE may be provided on the second substrate SUB2.

[0016] In the illustrated example, the IC chip 5 and the wiring board 6 are mounted on the mounting portion MT. The IC chip 5 incorporates, for example, a display driver that outputs signals necessary for image display. The wiring board 6 is a flexible printed circuit board that can be bent. Note that the IC chip 5 may be mounted on the wiring board 6.

[0017] 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. Note that 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.

[0018] 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-described first substrate SUB1 and second substrate SUB2, and a liquid crystal layer LC.

[0019] 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 on the insulating layer 11 over a plurality of pixels PX. The insulating layer 12 is disposed on the common electrode CE. The plurality of pixel electrodes PE are disposed on the insulating layer 12 for each pixel PX. The first alignment film AL1 covers the plurality of pixel electrodes PE and the insulating layer 12. Note that the common electrode CE may be disposed above the plurality of pixel electrodes PE. The scanning line GL, signal line SL, and switching element SW shown in FIG. 1 are disposed between the transparent substrate 10 and the common electrode CE.

[0020] 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, etc. may be further provided on the second substrate SUB2. However, the color filter layer may be provided on the first substrate SUB1.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The transparent substrates 10 and 20 are insulating substrates such as glass and plastic, for example. The insulating layer 11 is formed of a transparent insulating material. In one example, the insulating layer 11 includes an inorganic insulating layer and an organic insulating layer.

[0023] The insulating layer 12 is formed of a transparent inorganic insulating material such as silicon nitride (SiNx), for example. The common electrode CE and the pixel electrode PE are formed of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) and indium zinc oxide (IZO), for example.

[0024] The first alignment layer AL1 and the second alignment layer AL2 are horizontal alignment layers having an alignment regulating force along the X-Y plane. The first alignment layer AL1 and the second alignment layer AL2 are photo-alignment layers to which an alignment regulating force is imparted by irradiation with ultraviolet light. Note that the first alignment layer AL1 and the second alignment layer AL2 may be rubbed alignment layers.

[0025] The display device DSP further includes a first polarizing plate POL1, a second polarizing plate POL2, an adhesive layer AD, and a cover member CO. 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 adhered to the lower surface of the first substrate SUB1. Specifically, the first polarizing plate POL1 is adhered 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 adhered to the upper surface of the second substrate SUB2. Specifically, the second polarizing plate POL2 is adhered 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 the X-Y plane, for example.

[0026] The resin layer 30 is located on the side opposite to the liquid crystal layer LC with the second substrate SUB2 interposed therebetween. The adhesive layer AD adheres the lower surface 30L of the resin layer 30 and the upper surface POL2U of the second polarizing plate POL2. The adhesive layer AD is formed of a transparent material such as, for example, OCA (Optical Clear Adhesive) or OCR (Optical Clear Resin). The refractive index of the adhesive layer AD is about 1.4 to 1.55, but is not limited thereto.

[0027] 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 upon ultraviolet irradiation, or may be formed of a material whose refractive index decreases upon ultraviolet irradiation.

[0028] In one example, the resin layer 30 is formed of an aromatic polyurethane. The aromatic polyurethane is synthesized, for example, by polyaddition reaction of an aromatic diisocyanate and a bifunctional alcohol. As the aromatic diisocyanate, for example, 4,4'-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), tolylene-2,4'-diisocyanate (TDI), or the like can be used. As the bifunctional alcohol, 1,4-bis(hydroxymethyl)benzene (HMB), 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol (MPDO), 1,3-propanediol (PDO), or the like can be used. The aromatic polyurethane is an example of a material whose refractive index increases when irradiated with ultraviolet rays. The refractive index of the aromatic polyurethane is about 1.58 to 1.65. Note that the refractive index of the above aromatic polyurethane includes the refractive index before ultraviolet irradiation and the refractive index after ultraviolet irradiation.

[0029] The cover member CO is disposed above the display panel PNL. The cover member CO has an inner surface COL facing the display panel PNL in the third direction Z. The resin layer 30 is formed on the inner surface COL.

[0030] The cover member CO is made of a transparent material such as glass or plastic. In one example, the cover member CO is made of alkali aluminosilicate glass. Note that the cover member CO may be formed in a film shape, for example. Further, the cover member CO may have a function of shielding ultraviolet rays contained in external light. In this case, the cover member CO can suppress a change in the refractive index of the resin layer 30 due to ultraviolet rays contained in external light. The refractive index of the cover member CO is about 1.5.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display device DSP in which the lighting device BL and the display panel PNL are in the off or on state. The left diagram of FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the display device DSP. The upper right diagram of FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the lighting device BL and the display panel PNL in the off state. The lower right diagram of FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the lighting device BL and the display panel PNL in the on state.

[0032] The off state of the lighting device BL corresponds to a state in which all the light sources included in the lighting device BL are turned off. 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 lit.

[0033] 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 during the period when the lighting device BL is in the off state. Therefore, no image is displayed in the display area DA during the period when the display panel PNL and the lighting device BL are in the off state.

[0034] 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 during the period when the lighting device BL is in the on state. Therefore, an image can be displayed in the display area DA during the period when the display panel PNL and the lighting device BL are in the on state.

[0035] 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 that is adjacent to the first region AR1 and has a refractive index different from that of the first region AR1. The first region AR1 and the second region AR2 have the same thickness. For this reason, no step is formed at the boundary between the first region AR1 and the second region AR2. That is, 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 a region representing 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.

[0036] Note that the refractive index of the second region AR2 may be higher than the refractive index of the first region AR1. Also, the resin layer 30 may have three or more regions with different refractive indices from each other.

[0037] As shown in the upper right of FIG. 3, during the period when the lighting device BL and the display panel PNL are in the off state, when external light enters the display device DSP, the external light is refracted in the first region AR1 and the second region AR2. Since the refractive indices of the first region AR1 and 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 respectively. Thus, since the traveling directions of the light passing through the first region AR1 and the light passing through the second region AR2 are different from each other, the user can visually recognize the first region AR1 as the 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 may be at least 0.003 or more, and the refractive index difference in this embodiment is 0.03 to 0.04. Note that since the pattern M is formed by the refractive index difference between the first region AR1 and the second region AR2, from the viewpoint of improving the visibility of the pattern M, it is desirable that the refractive index difference be large.

[0038] As shown in the lower right of FIG. 3, when the lighting device BL and the display panel PNL are in the on state, the display panel PNL is illuminated by the light from the lighting device BL, and the 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. Thereby, the user can visually recognize the image P. At this time, if the refractive index difference between the first region AR1 and the second region AR2 is large, the display light is refracted in different directions in the first region AR1 and the second region AR2, and there is a possibility that the pattern M and the image P are visually recognized in an overlapping manner. Therefore, from the viewpoint of suppressing the deterioration of the visibility of the image P, the difference between the refractive index of the first region AR1 and the refractive index of the second region AR2 is desirably 0.1 or less.

[0039] 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. First, as shown in FIG. 4(a), a cover member CO is prepared. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 4(b), after applying a material for forming the resin layer 30 to the cover member CO and then drying it, the resin layer 30 is formed. As a method for applying the material, for example, an inkjet method or a spin coating method can be used. As the material, for example, aromatic polyurethane is used.

[0040] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 4(c), a mask MS is installed above the resin layer 30. The mask MS has, for example, an opening OP corresponding to the first region AR1 shown in FIG. 3. Thereafter, ultraviolet light UL is irradiated onto the resin layer 30 through the opening OP of the mask MS from an ultraviolet irradiation device UD. The refractive index of the region irradiated with the ultraviolet light UL increases as compared with that before the ultraviolet irradiation. On the other hand, the refractive index of the region not irradiated with the ultraviolet light UL hardly changes as compared with that before the ultraviolet 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 the ultraviolet irradiation.

[0041] As a result, as shown in FIG. 4(d), a first region (high refractive index region) AR1 irradiated with ultraviolet light UL and a second region (low refractive index region) AR2 not irradiated with ultraviolet light UL are formed.

[0042] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 4(e), a first polarizing plate POL1 and a second polarizing plate POL2 are attached to a display panel PNL laminated in the order of a first substrate SUB1, a liquid crystal layer LC, and a second substrate SUB2, and a cover member CO having a resin layer 30 is attached to the second polarizing plate POL2 with an adhesive.

[0043] According to the present embodiment, the resin layer 30 overlapping the display region DA has a first region AR1 and a second region AR2 having different refractive indexes from each other. Due to this refractive index difference, the first region AR1 or the second region AR2 can be visually recognized as a pattern M. Thereby, the design property can be improved.

[0044] Also, the resin layer 30 is covered with the cover member CO. Therefore, the cover member CO can prevent wear on the surface of the resin layer 30 and the like. Therefore, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the design property due to the loss of the resin layer 30.

[0045] In addition, the first region AR1 and the second region AR2 have the same thickness, and no step is generated at the boundary between the first region AR1 and the second region AR2, so that undesired light scattering can be suppressed. In particular, it is possible to suppress the scattering of external light and the scattering of display light when the lighting device BL and the display panel PNL are in the on state. Thereby, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the display quality of the image displayed in the display region DA.

[0046] In the above embodiment, the resin layer 30 is in contact with the cover member CO and the adhesive layer AD. In such an embodiment, if a predetermined refractive index difference is formed between at least one of the resin layer 30 and the cover member CO and between the resin layer 30 and the adhesive layer AD, the pattern M of the resin layer 30 can be visually recognized.

[0047] For example, when a predetermined refractive index difference is formed between the resin layer 30 and the cover member CO, light refracts at the interface between the resin layer 30 and the cover member CO, and the pattern M can be visually recognized. Note that the refractive index of the resin layer 30 may be larger or smaller than the refractive index of the cover member CO.

[0048] Further, when a predetermined refractive index difference is formed between the resin layer 30 and the adhesive layer AD, light refracts at the interface between the resin layer 30 and the adhesive layer AD, and the pattern M can be visually recognized. Note that the refractive index of the resin layer 30 may be larger or smaller than the refractive index of the adhesive layer AD.

[0049] Note that even when a predetermined refractive index difference is formed both between the resin layer 30 and the cover member CO and between the resin layer 30 and the adhesive layer AD, the resin layer 30 has an extremely small thickness of about 1 μm and does not cause deterioration in visibility due to multiple reflections.

[0050] As a result of the inventor's study, in order to visually recognize the pattern M of the resin layer 30, the above refractive index difference may be 0.1 or more, and more preferably 0.2 or more.

[0051] Further, the inventor conducted a simple experiment to confirm the visibility of the pattern M of the resin layer 30. The content of the experiment is as follows. First, as the cover member CO, glass with a refractive index of 1.5 was applied, and the resin layer 30 was formed of aromatic polyurethane on the cover member CO. The refractive index of the resin layer 30 was about 1.58 to 1.65, and the thickness of the resin layer 30 was 1 μm. Then, as the adhesive layer AD, a transparent liquid with a refractive index of 1.3 was applied, and the resin layer 30 and the second polarizing plate POL2 were adhered. In this state, when observed from the cover member CO side, the pattern M of the resin layer 30 could be visually recognized.

[0052] [Second Embodiment] Next, the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device DSP according to the second embodiment. The same or similar elements as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0053] In the display device DSP shown in FIG. 5, an air layer 40 is interposed between the resin layer 30 and the second polarizing plate POL2. Since the refractive index of the resin layer 30 is larger than that of the air layer 40, light is refracted at the interface (lower surface 30L) between the resin layer 30 and the air layer 40. Therefore, in the display device DSP shown in FIG. 5 as well, the pattern M can be visually recognized. Further, since the resin layer 30 is covered by the cover member CO, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the design property due to the defect of the resin layer 30.

[0054] In addition, the display device DSP according to the second embodiment exhibits the same effects as the display device DSP according to the first embodiment.

[0055] [Third Embodiment] Next, the third embodiment will be described. The same or similar elements as those in the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the overlapping descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0056] FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of a display device DSP according to the third embodiment. The display device DSP according to the third embodiment is an organic electroluminescence display device including, for example, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) as a display element. The display device DSP includes a display panel PNL. The display panel PNL includes an insulating substrate 110. In FIG. 6, the shape of the insulating substrate 110 in plan view is a rectangle having a long side parallel to the second direction Y. However, the shape of the insulating substrate 110 in plan view is not limited to this example, and may be other shapes such as a rectangle having a long side parallel to the first direction X, a square, a circle, or an ellipse. 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 the first direction X and the second direction Y. The 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. Note that the pixel PX may include four or more sub-pixels including sub-pixels of other colors such as white in addition to the three-color sub-pixels described above.

[0058] As shown enlarged in FIG. 6, the sub-pixel 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 driving transistor 3, and a capacitor 4. The pixel switch 2 and the driving transistor 3 are switching elements formed of, 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 the 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 driving transistor 3 and the capacitor 4. In the driving transistor 3, one of the source electrode and the drain electrode is connected to the power supply 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 illustrated example.

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

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

[0062] The circuit layer 111 includes various circuits such as the pixel circuit 1 shown in FIG. 7 and various wirings such as a scanning line GL, a signal line SL, and a power supply line 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 disposed for each sub-pixel SP. The common electrode CE is an electrode commonly disposed for a plurality of display elements DE. The organic layer OR is disposed 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 portion 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 formed of an organic EL material. Further, the organic layer OR 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 a plurality of 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 rib 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, an adhesive layer AD, and a cover member CO disposed above the insulating layer 113.

[0068] The polarizing plate POL is adhered to the upper surface of the insulating layer 113. The resin layer 30 faces the polarizing plate POL in the third direction Z. The adhesive layer AD adheres the lower surface 30L of the resin layer 30 and the upper surface POLU of the polarizing plate POL.

[0069] Also in the display device shown in FIG. 7, since the resin layer 30 is covered by the cover member CO, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the design property due to the defect of the resin layer 30.

[0070] In addition, the display device DSP according to the third embodiment exhibits the same effects as the display device DSP according to the first embodiment.

[0071] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, the fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device DSP according to the fourth embodiment. The same or similar elements as those in the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0072] In the display device shown in FIG. 8, an air layer 40 is interposed between the resin layer 30 and the second polarizing plate POL2. Even in such an embodiment, the pattern M can be visually recognized.

[0073] Also, since the resin layer 30 is covered by the cover member CO, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the design property due to the defect of the resin layer 30.

[0074] In addition, the display device DSP according to the fourth embodiment exhibits the same effects as the display device DSP according to the above-described embodiments.

[0075] As described above, based on the display device described as an embodiment of the present invention, all display devices that can be appropriately designed and modified by those skilled in the art also belong to the scope of the present invention as long as they include the gist of the present invention.

[0076] Within the scope of the idea of the present invention, those skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications, and these modifications are also understood to belong to the scope of the present invention. For example, with respect to the above-described embodiments, those obtained by appropriately adding, deleting, or changing the design of components by those skilled in the art, or those obtained by adding, omitting, or changing the conditions of processes, are included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the gist of the present invention.

[0077] In addition, with respect to other operational effects brought about by the aspects described in the above-described embodiments, those that are obvious from the description of this specification or can be appropriately conceived by those skilled in the art are naturally understood to be brought about by the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0078] DSP... Display device, PNL... Display panel, BL... Lighting 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 polarizing plate, POL2... Second polarizing plate, AD... Adhesive layer, CO... Cover member, 30... Resin layer, UD... Ultraviolet irradiation device.

Claims

1. A display panel having a display area for displaying an image, A cover member having an inner surface facing the display panel, A resin layer formed on the inner surface and overlapping the display area, and comprising: 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. A display device.

2. The difference between the refractive index of the resin layer and the refractive index of the cover member is 0.1 or more. The display device according to Claim 1.

3. 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.

4. The first region overlaps the display area. The display device according to Claim 1.

5. The resin layer is formed of aromatic polyurethane. The display device according to Claim 1.

6. Furthermore, an illumination device for illuminating the display panel, A first polarizing plate and a second polarizing plate, and comprising: 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 first polarizing plate is disposed between the first substrate and the illumination device. The second polarizing plate is disposed between the second substrate and the resin layer. The resin layer faces the second polarizing plate. The display device according to Claim 1.

7. Furthermore, an adhesive layer for bonding the resin layer and the second polarizing plate is provided. The display device according to Claim 6.

8. An air layer is interposed between the resin layer and the second polarizing plate. The display device according to Claim 6.

9. The display panel includes an insulating substrate, a plurality of display elements facing the insulating substrate, and an insulating layer covering the plurality of display elements. Furthermore, a polarizing plate facing the insulating layer is provided. The resin layer faces the polarizing plate. The display device according to Claim 1.

10. Furthermore, an adhesive layer for bonding the resin layer and the polarizing plate is provided. The display device according to Claim 9.

11. An air layer is interposed between the resin layer and the polarizing plate. 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. The difference between the refractive index of the resin layer and the refractive index of the adhesive layer is 0.1 or more. The display device according to Claim 7 or 10.

14. A display panel having a display area for displaying an image, A cover member having an inner surface facing the display panel; A resin layer formed on the inner surface and overlapping the display area; and 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 by ultraviolet light. A display device.

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

16. The resin layer is formed of a material whose refractive index decreases by ultraviolet light. The display device according to claim 14.

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