Display device and electronic apparatus

Abstract

To secure a sufficient amount of transmitted light and suppress a change to a hue of the transmitted light.SOLUTION: A display device 11 comprises: a first substrate 20 having a principal surface divided into a display region AA and a non-display region NAA; a second substrate 21 disposed by being spaced apart from the first substrate 20; a vacuum layer 23 sandwiched between the first substrate 20 and the second substrate 21 and disposed in some of the non-display region NAA; a first seal part 24 sandwiched between the first substrate 20 and the second substrate 21 and surrounding the vacuum layer 23; a light-shielding layer 38 provided on the principal surface on the vacuum layer 23 side of the first substrate 20 and disposed in at least the non-display region NAA; and a first light-transmitting layer 41 provided on the principal surface on the vacuum layer 23 side of the first substrate 20 and the second substrate 21 and disposed in at least some of the non-display region NAA. A first opening 38A facing the vacuum layer 23 and a second opening 38B facing the vacuum layer 23 and disposed by being spaced part from the first opening 38A are provided to the light-shielding layer 38. The first light-transmitting layer 41 is disposed not overlapping the first opening 38A and overlapping the second opening 38B.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a display device and an electronic device in which a sufficient amount of transmitted light is ensured and a change in the color of the transmitted light is suppressed. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, one example of a liquid crystal display device, which is one type of display device, is known, as described in Patent Document 1 below. In the liquid crystal display device described in Patent Document 1, camera light passes through a portion of the liquid crystal panel. In the liquid crystal panel, the retardation in the liquid crystal layer in the camera light transmitting region through which the camera light passes is R1=mλ (m is a positive integer, and λ is the wavelength of light passing through the liquid crystal layer). In addition, the retardation in the liquid crystal layer in the camera light non-transmitting region excluding the camera light transmitting region is R2=λ / 2(2k+1) (k is 0 or an integer). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-184828 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] According to the aforementioned Patent Document 1, when externally polarized light is incident on a camera through a liquid crystal layer, it is possible to prevent the adverse effects of birefringence of light from affecting the camera image. However, a pair of alignment films is arranged in the camera's light-transmitting region, sandwiching the liquid crystal layer. As a result, light heading toward the camera may be absorbed by the alignment films as it passes through the pair of alignment films, or the color of the alignment films may be reflected in the color of the transmitted light. As a result, there is a risk that the brightness and color of the image captured by the camera may differ from the intended color.

[0005] The technology described in this specification was developed based on the above circumstances, and aims to ensure a sufficient amount of transmitted light and suppress changes in the color of the transmitted light. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) A display device according to the technology described in this specification includes a first substrate having a main surface divided into a display area where an image is displayed and a non-display area where the image is not displayed, the first substrate having light-transmitting properties, a second substrate having light-transmitting properties and spaced apart from the first substrate, a vacuum layer sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and disposed in a portion of the non-display area, a first sealing portion sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and surrounding the vacuum layer, a light-shielding layer provided on a main surface of the first substrate facing the vacuum layer, disposed in at least the non-display area, and blocking light, and a first light-transmitting layer provided on a main surface of at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate facing the vacuum layer, disposed in a portion of the non-display area, the light-shielding layer having a first opening facing the vacuum layer and a second opening spaced apart from the first opening and facing the vacuum layer, the first light-transmitting layer being disposed so as not to overlap the first opening but to overlap the second opening.

[0007] (2) In addition to the above (1), the display device may be configured such that the first light-transmitting layer is provided on each of the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0008] (3) In addition to the above (1) or (2), the display device may also have a refractive index higher than that of the substrate on which the first light-transmitting layer is provided, among the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0009] (4) In addition to the above (3), the display device may further include a pair of alignment films provided on the main surfaces of the first substrate and the second substrate facing the vacuum layer and arranged in the display area, and the first light-transmitting layer may be made of the same material as the alignment films.

[0010] (5) In addition to any one of (1) to (4), the display device may further include a second light-transmitting layer provided on a main surface of at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate facing the vacuum layer, arranged in a part of the non-display area, and having light-transmitting properties, the second light-transmitting layer not overlapping the first opening and the second opening and arranged overlapping the light-shielding layer.

[0011] (6) In addition to the above (5), the display device may be configured such that the second light-transmitting layer is provided on at least the first substrate.

[0012] (7) In addition to the above (5) or (6), the display device may be configured such that the second light-transmitting layer is provided on each of the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0013] (8) In addition to any one of (5) to (7), the display device may be configured such that the second light-transmitting layer is not formed around the first opening and is formed around the second opening.

[0014] (9) In addition to any of (1) to (8), the display device may further include a second sealing portion sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and surrounding the display area, and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and surrounded by the second sealing portion.

[0015] (10) An electronic device relating to the technology described in this specification comprises a display device described in any one of (1) to (9) above, an imaging element located on the opposite side of the second substrate from the first substrate and arranged to overlap the first opening, and a light receiving element or a light emitting element located on the opposite side of the second substrate from the first substrate and arranged to overlap the second opening. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the technology described in this specification, it is possible to ensure a sufficient amount of transmitted light and suppress changes in the color of the transmitted light. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view of an electronic device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device according to the first embodiment taken along line ii-ii in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a pixel array of a liquid crystal panel of a liquid crystal display device provided in an electronic device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional configuration of a display area of ​​a liquid crystal panel according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the configuration of a portion of the non-display area of ​​the liquid crystal panel according to the first embodiment that overlaps with the vacuum layer. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal panel according to the first embodiment taken along line vi-vi in ​​FIG. 5 . [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal panel according to the first embodiment taken along line vii-vii in FIG. 5 . [Figure 8] Table showing experimental results of Comparative Experiment 1 according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the configuration of a portion of the non-display area of ​​the liquid crystal panel according to the second embodiment that overlaps with the vacuum layer. [Figure 10] 9 of the liquid crystal panel according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] <Embodiment 1> A first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 8. In this embodiment, an electronic device 1 including a liquid crystal display device 10 will be illustrated. Note that the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are shown in a portion of each drawing, and each axis direction is depicted as being in the direction shown in each drawing. Also, the upper side of Figs. 2, 4, 6, and 7 is the front side, and the lower side of each drawing is the back side.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 1, the electronic device 1 includes a horizontally long rectangular liquid crystal display device 10, and an image sensor 2, a light receiving element 3, and a light emitting element 4, each of which is arranged on the back side (rear side) of the liquid crystal display device 10. Specific examples of the electronic device 1 include tablet terminals, notebook computers, and smartphones. In Fig. 1, the image sensor 2, the light receiving element 3, and the light emitting element 4, which are arranged on the back side of the liquid crystal display device 10, are indicated by dashed lines.

[0020] 1 and 2, a liquid crystal display device 10 includes at least a liquid crystal panel (display device, display panel) 11 capable of displaying an image, and a backlight device (illumination device) 12 which is an external light source that irradiates the liquid crystal panel 11 with light to be used for display. The backlight device 12 is disposed on the back side of the liquid crystal panel 11, and includes a light source (such as an LED) that emits white light, an optical member that applies an optical effect to the light from the light source to convert it into planar light, and the like.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the central portion of the screen (main surface) of the liquid crystal panel 11 is a display area AA where an image is displayed. In contrast, the frame-shaped (frame-like) outer peripheral portion of the screen of the liquid crystal panel 11 surrounding the display area AA is a non-display area NAA where no image is displayed. As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid crystal panel 11 is formed by bonding a pair of substrates 20 and 21 together. The substrate on the front side (front surface) of the pair of substrates 20 and 21 is a counter substrate (first substrate) 20, and the substrate on the rear side (rear surface) is an array substrate (second substrate) 21. Both the counter substrate 20 and the array substrate 21 are made of glass, and various films are laminated on their inner surfaces using known photolithography methods. Specifically, the counter substrate 20 and the array substrate 21 are made of a substantially transparent inorganic glass material (e.g., alkali-free glass or quartz glass) with a refractive index of, for example, approximately 1.5.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the counter substrate 20 has a shorter side dimension than the array substrate 21, and is attached to the array substrate 21 such that one end of the counter substrate 20 in the short-side direction (Y-axis direction) is aligned with the array substrate 21. Therefore, the other end of the array substrate 21 in the short-side direction (Y-axis direction) is a protruding portion (exposed portion) 21A that protrudes laterally from the counter substrate 20 and does not overlap with the counter substrate 20. A driver (signal supply unit) 13 for supplying various signals is provided in this protruding portion 21A. The driver 13 is mounted on the protruding portion 21A of the array substrate 21 by COG (chip-on-glass). The driver 13 is an LSI chip having a drive circuit therein and processes various signals supplied from the outside. A flexible substrate is connected to the protruding portion 21A to supply signals to the driver 13 from an external signal supply source (e.g., a control board).

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, a liquid crystal layer (medium layer) 22 containing liquid crystal molecules, a substance whose optical properties change when an electric field is applied, and a vacuum layer 23 containing almost no air are interposed between the pair of substrates 20 and 21. The liquid crystal layer 22 is arranged to overlap the entire display area AA. The vacuum layer 23 is arranged to overlap a portion of the non-display area NAA. Specifically, the vacuum layer 23 is arranged to overlap an end portion of the non-display area NAA on the opposite side (right side in FIG. 2) from the protruding portion 21A (driver 13) in the Y-axis direction, and has a horizontally elongated area extending along the X-axis direction (see FIG. 1). A first seal portion 24 surrounding the vacuum layer 23 (part of the non-display area NAA) and a second seal portion 25 surrounding the liquid crystal layer 22 (display area AA) are respectively interposed between the pair of substrates 20 and 21. The first sealing portion 24 is formed in the shape of a long, narrow rectangular frame (endless ring) in a plan view so as to surround the vacuum layer 23, and is able to maintain the vacuum layer 23 in a vacuum state. The second sealing portion 25 is formed in the shape of a long, narrow rectangular frame in a plan view so as to surround the liquid crystal layer 22, and is able to maintain the liquid crystal layer 22 in a sealed state. The first sealing portion 24 and the second sealing portion 25 share a portion located at the boundary between the display area AA and the non-display area NAA in the Y-axis direction (the portion separating the liquid crystal layer 22 and the vacuum layer 23). Polarizing plates 14 are attached to the outer surfaces of both substrates 20 and 21, respectively.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2 , the backlight device 12 is disposed so as to overlap the entire display area AA of the liquid crystal panel 11 and a portion of the non-display area (excluding the vacuum layer 23). Meanwhile, the imaging element 2, the light receiving element 3, and the light emitting element 4 are disposed so as to overlap a portion of the non-display area (vacuum layer 23) of the liquid crystal panel 11. That is, the imaging element 2, the light receiving element 3, and the light emitting element 4 are disposed so as to be adjacent to each other in the Y-axis direction relative to the backlight device 12. The imaging element 2 receives light incident on the front side of the liquid crystal panel 11 through the liquid crystal panel 11 and can capture an image based on the received light. The light receiving element 3 can receive light incident on the front side of the liquid crystal panel 11 through the liquid crystal panel 11. The light receiving element 3 may be, for example, an illuminance sensor that receives visible light, an infrared sensor that receives infrared light, or an infrared camera. The light emitting element 4 can emit light toward the front side, and the emitted light can be emitted to the outside of the front side of the liquid crystal panel 11 through the liquid crystal panel 11. The light-emitting element 4 is, for example, an infrared LED that emits infrared light or an LED that emits visible light. Although the image sensor 2 is shown as a representative in FIG. 2, the light-receiving element 3 and the light-emitting element 4 are also arranged in the same manner as the image sensor 2.

[0025] Next, the configuration of the display area AA of the liquid crystal panel 11 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of gate lines (scanning lines) 26 and a plurality of source lines (image lines) 27 are arranged in a grid pattern on the inner surface of the display area AA of the array substrate 21. TFTs (switching elements, thin film transistors) 28 and pixel electrodes 29 are provided near the intersections of the gate lines 26 and source lines 27. The gate lines 26 extend generally along the X-axis direction across the display area AA and are connected to gate electrodes 28A of the TFTs 28. Multiple gate lines 26 are arranged side by side at intervals in the Y-axis direction. The source lines 27 extend generally along the Y-axis direction across the display area AA and are connected to source electrodes 28B of the TFTs 28. Multiple source lines 27 are arranged at intervals in the X-axis direction. Although the gate lines 26 and source lines 27 intersect with each other, they are insulated from each other by an insulating film (a gate insulating film 39, described later) interposed between them. The TFTs 28 and pixel electrodes 29 are regularly arranged in a matrix (rows and columns) along the X-axis and Y-axis directions. The pixel electrodes 29 are connected to the drain electrodes 28C of the TFTs 28. The pixel electrodes 29 are made of a transparent electrode material such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide). In addition to the gate electrodes 28A, source electrodes 28B, and drain electrodes 28C, the TFTs 28 have a semiconductor section 28D. The semiconductor section 28D is made of a semiconductor material and is connected to the source electrodes 28B and 28C. When the TFTs 28 are driven based on a scanning signal supplied to the gate lines 26, they charge the pixel electrodes 29 to a potential based on an image signal (data signal) supplied to the source lines 27. Note that in FIG. 4, the gate lines 26, source lines 27, and TFTs 28 are simplified and illustrated as a "pixel circuit section 30."

[0026] As shown in FIG. 4, the display area AA of the array substrate 21 constituting the liquid crystal panel 11 is provided with, from bottom to top, a pixel circuit section 30, a planarization film 31, a common electrode 32, a second interlayer insulating film 33, pixel electrodes 29, and a first alignment film (alignment film) 34. The common electrode 32 is made of a transparent electrode material, similar to the pixel electrodes 29. The common electrode 32 has a size equivalent to the display area AA. The common electrode 32 is disposed over all of the pixel electrodes 29 via the second interlayer insulating film 33. A common potential (reference potential) is supplied to the common electrode 32. Therefore, a potential difference based on the potential charged to the pixel electrodes 29 can be generated between the common electrode 32 and the pixel electrodes 29. This potential difference can be used to control the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal layer 22. A first alignment film 34 for aligning the liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal layer 22 is provided above the pixel electrodes 29 (on the innermost surface of the array substrate 21). The first alignment film 34 is made of polyimide or the like, and has a refractive index of, for example, about 1.6.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 4, the display area AA of the counter substrate 20 constituting the liquid crystal panel 11 is provided with a large number of color filters 35 at positions overlapping the pixel electrodes 29 of the array substrate 21. The color filters 35 are arranged in a striped pattern, with red (R), green (G), and blue (B) colors alternately arranged along the X-axis and extending along the Y-axis. Each color filter 35 faces a corresponding pixel electrode 29 on the array substrate 21. The display area AA of the counter substrate 20 is provided with a black matrix 36 to separate adjacent color filters 35 and prevent color mixing. The black matrix 36 is made of a light-blocking material such as carbon black or a metal material and has excellent light-blocking (light-absorbing) properties. The black matrix 36 is located below the color filters 35 (on the counter substrate 20 side). The black matrix 36 is in a lattice pattern so as to overlap the gate lines 26 and source lines 27. A second alignment film (alignment film) 37 is provided on the upper layer side (the innermost surface of the counter substrate 20) between the color filters 35 to align the liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal layer 22. Like the first alignment film 34, the second alignment film 37 is made of polyimide or the like, and has a refractive index of, for example, about 1.6.

[0028] Next, the configuration of the portion of the non-display area NAA of the liquid crystal panel 11 overlapping with the vacuum layer 23 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a light-blocking layer 38 is provided on the main surface of the counter substrate 20 facing the vacuum layer 23 (inner side). The light-blocking layer 38 is disposed in a generally solid pattern across the entire non-display area NAA of the main surface of the counter substrate 20. The light-blocking layer 38 makes it difficult for structures present in the non-display area NAA of the liquid crystal panel 11 to be seen from the outside. The light-blocking layer 38 is made of the same light-blocking material as the black matrix 36 disposed in the display area AA and is formed in the same process during the manufacturing of the array substrate 21. A first opening 38A and a second opening 38B are provided in the portion of the light-blocking layer 38 overlapping with the vacuum layer 23. As shown in FIG. 5, the first opening 38A and the second opening 38B are arranged in a row along the X-axis direction, spaced apart from each other along the X-axis direction. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , one first opening 38A is provided at a position overlapping the imaging element 2. The first opening 38A faces the vacuum layer 23. The first opening 38A allows light incident on the front side of the opposing substrate 20 from the outside to enter the imaging element 2. This allows the imaging element 2 to capture an image. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 , multiple second openings 38B are provided at positions overlapping the light receiving element 3 and the light emitting element 4, respectively, and are spaced apart from the first opening 38A in the X-axis direction. Note that while FIG. 7 shows the light receiving element 3 as a representative, the light emitting element 4 is also disposed in the same manner as the light receiving element 3. Each second opening 38B faces the vacuum layer 23. The second openings 38B overlapping the light receiving element 3 allow light incident on the front side of the opposing substrate 20 from the outside to enter the light receiving element 3. This allows the light receiving element 3 to detect the amount of light, etc. The second opening 38B overlapping with the light emitting element 4 allows the light emitted from the light emitting element 4 to be emitted to the outside on the front side of the counter substrate 20.

[0029] In the following, as shown in Figures 5 to 7, among the areas (areas surrounded by the first sealing portion 24) on the opposing substrate 20 and the array substrate 21 that overlap with the vacuum layer 23, the area that overlaps with the light-shielding layer 38 will be referred to as the first area A1, the area that overlaps with the first opening 38A will be referred to as the second area A2, and the area that overlaps with the second opening 38B will be referred to as the third area A3.

[0030] Here, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , light (external light) present on the front side of the liquid crystal panel 11 is irradiated onto the counter substrate 20 from the side opposite the vacuum layer 23. In the portion of the counter substrate 20 overlapping with the light-shielding layer 38 (first region A1), most of the light passes through the counter substrate 20 and is absorbed by the light-shielding layer 38, while a portion of the light is reflected by a pair of main surfaces of the counter substrate 20 (the main surface facing the vacuum layer 23 and the main surface opposite the vacuum layer 23). In contrast, in the portions of the counter substrate 20 overlapping with the first opening 38A and the second opening 38B (second region A2 and third region A3), most of the light passes through the counter substrate 20 and enters the vacuum layer 23 through the first opening 38A and the second opening 38B, respectively, while a portion of the light is reflected by the pair of main surfaces of the counter substrate 20. The light that enters the vacuum layer 23 is absorbed to some extent by the light-shielding layer 38 as it is repeatedly reflected within the vacuum layer 23. For this reason, there is a concern that the amount of light emitted from inside vacuum layer 23 toward counter substrate 20 through first opening 38A and second opening 38B will be less than the amount of light incident on vacuum layer 23. In particular, if the amount of light emitted from second opening 38B is reduced, a difference in appearance will occur between the portion of counter substrate 20 overlapping with light-shielding layer 38 (first region A1) and the portion of counter substrate 20 overlapping with second opening 38B (third region A3), which could deteriorate the appearance.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the main surface of the array substrate 21 facing the vacuum layer 23 (inner side) is provided with a gate insulating film 39 and a first interlayer insulating film 40 in addition to the planarization film 31 and second interlayer insulating film 33 described above. The gate insulating film 39 is located closest to the array substrate 21, and the first interlayer insulating film 40 is located between the gate insulating film 39 and the planarization film 31. The gate insulating film 39 and the first interlayer insulating film 40 are also provided in the display area AA. The planarization film 31 is selectively not formed in an area overlapping the vacuum layer 23 in the non-display area NAA. That is, the planarization film 31 is provided with a first groove portion 31A overlapping the vacuum layer 23. Like the vacuum layer 23, the first groove portion 31A is formed in a horizontally elongated area along the X-axis direction. Furthermore, a plurality of second grooves 31B extending along the extension direction of the first seal portion 24 are provided in the planarization film 31 in a portion overlapping with a portion (non-shared portion) of the first seal portion 24. The second grooves 31B enhance the adhesive strength of the first seal portion 24. The second grooves 31B are also provided in a portion (non-shared portion) of the second seal portion 25 in addition to the first seal portion 24. The gate insulating film 39, the first interlayer insulating film 40, and the second interlayer insulating film 33 are selectively not formed in areas overlapping with the first opening 38A and the second opening 38B of the light-shielding layer 38 in the non-display area NAA. That is, the gate insulating film 39, the first interlayer insulating film 40, and the second interlayer insulating film 33 are provided with a first hole H1 overlapping with the first opening 38A and a second hole H2 overlapping with the second opening 38B, which are connected to each other.

[0032] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, a first light-transmitting layer 41 and a second light-transmitting layer 42, both of which are light-transmitting, are provided on the main surfaces of the counter substrate 20 and the array substrate 21 provided in the liquid crystal panel 11 according to this embodiment, facing the vacuum layer 23, in areas that overlap with a portion of the non-display area NAA in a plan view. In Figure 5, the areas in which the first light-transmitting layer 41 and the second light-transmitting layer 42 are formed are shown shaded. The first light-transmitting layer 41 and the second light-transmitting layer 42 are formed in the area of ​​the non-display area NAA that is surrounded by the first seal portion 24, that is, in the area that overlaps with the vacuum layer 23, and are not formed in the areas that overlap with each seal portion 24, 25.

[0033] 5 to 7, the first light-transmitting layer 41 is disposed so as not to overlap the first opening 38A but to overlap the second opening 38B. That is, the first light-transmitting layer 41 is not formed in the area overlapping with the first opening 38A (second region A2), but is formed in the area overlapping with the second opening 38B (third region A3). The first light-transmitting layer 41 is provided on both the counter substrate 20 and the array substrate 21. Hereinafter, when distinguishing between the first light-transmitting layers 41, the first light-transmitting layer 41 provided on the counter substrate 20 will be referred to as the "counter-side first light-transmitting layer (one first light-transmitting layer) 41α" and the first light-transmitting layer 41 provided on the array substrate 21 will be referred to as the "array-side first light-transmitting layer (the other first light-transmitting layer) 41β." The first light-transmitting layer 41 is made of the same material as each of the alignment films 34 and 37. That is, the first light-transmitting layer 41 is made of polyimide or the like, and has a refractive index of, for example, about 1.6. The first light-transmitting layer 41 has a refractive index higher than both the counter substrate 20 and the array substrate 21.

[0034] In this way, the first light transmitting layer 41 is arranged so as not to overlap with the first opening 38A but to overlap with the second opening 38B, and therefore, light irradiated from the outside of the front side onto the portion of the counter substrate 20 overlapping with the first opening 38A (second region A2) is not directly reflected by the pair of main surfaces of the first light transmitting layer 41 or directly transmitted through the first light transmitting layer 41, as shown in Fig. 6, but is partially reflected by the pair of main surfaces of the counter substrate 20. In contrast, light irradiated from the outside of the front side onto the portion of the counter substrate 20 overlapping with the second opening 38B (third region A3) is partially reflected by the pair of main surfaces of the counter substrate 20 and also reflected by the pair of main surfaces of the first light transmitting layer 41, as shown in Fig. 7. That is, the amount of light emitted from the portion of the counter substrate 20 overlapping with the second opening 38B (third region A3) toward the front side (the side opposite to the vacuum layer 23) is greater than the amount of light emitted from the portion of the counter substrate 20 overlapping with the first opening 38A (second region A2) toward the front side. Therefore, even if the amount of light emitted from the second opening 38B decreases because the light that entered the vacuum layer 23 through the second opening 38B is absorbed by the light-shielding layer 38 during repeated reflection within the vacuum layer 23, the amount of light emitted from the portion of the counter substrate 20 overlapping with the second opening 38B (third region A3) toward the front side can be made close to the amount of light emitted from the portion of the counter substrate 20 overlapping with the light-shielding layer 38 toward the front side (first region A1). This reduces the difference between the appearance perceived by light directed toward the front side from the portion of the counter substrate 20 overlapping with the light-shielding layer 38 (first region A1) and the appearance perceived by light directed toward the front side from the portion of the counter substrate 20 overlapping with the second opening 38B (third region A3). In other words, the second opening 38B is less likely to be perceived as a structure existing in the non-display area NAA. Note that in both the light receiving element 3 and the light emitting element 4, since light passing through the second opening 38B passes through the first light-transmitting layer 41, it is affected by light reflection and absorption by the first light-transmitting layer 41. However, compared to the image sensor 2, this has a minor adverse effect on optical performance.

[0035] On the other hand, light that enters the vacuum layer 23 and travels toward the portion of the array substrate 21 that overlaps with the first opening 38A (second region A2) is less susceptible to light reflection and absorption by the first light-transmitting layer 41, as shown in FIG. 6 . Therefore, the amount of light transmitted through the portion of the array substrate 21 that overlaps with the first opening 38A (second region A2) is greater than the amount of light transmitted through the portion of the array substrate 21 that overlaps with the second opening 38B (third region A3), and the change in color is reduced. This allows the brightness and color of an image captured by the imager 2, which is disposed on the opposite side of the vacuum layer 23 from the array substrate 21 and overlaps with the first opening 38A, to be closer to their original brightness and color. Furthermore, by disposing the first light-transmitting layer 41 so as not to overlap with the first opening 38A but so as to overlap with the second opening 38B, the light-receiving element 3 and the light-emitting element 4 are less visible from the outside, whereas the imager 2 is intentionally more visible from the outside. This improves the appearance of the electronic device 1.

[0036] 7, the first light-transmitting layer 41 is provided on both the counter substrate 20 and the array substrate 21. Therefore, light irradiated from the front side onto the portion of the counter substrate 20 overlapping with the second opening 38B (third region A3) is partially reflected by a pair of main surfaces of the counter-side first light-transmitting layer 41α provided on the counter substrate 20 and is also partially reflected by a pair of main surfaces of the array-side first light-transmitting layer 41β provided on the array substrate 21. This increases the amount of light emitted from the portion of the counter substrate 20 overlapping with the second opening 38B (third region A3) toward the front side. This reduces the difference between the appearance perceived by light directed toward the front side from the portion of the counter substrate 20 overlapping with the light-shielding layer 38 (first region A1) and the appearance perceived by light directed toward the front side from the portion of the counter substrate 20 overlapping with the second opening 38B (third region A3).

[0037] Furthermore, the first light-transmitting layer 41 has a refractive index (approximately 1.6) higher than the refractive indexes (approximately 1.5) of the counter substrate 20 and the array substrate 21. In this way, the reflectance of reflected light occurring at the interface between the first light-transmitting layer 41 and the vacuum layer 23 is higher than the reflectance of reflected light occurring at the interface between the counter substrate 20 or the array substrate 21 and the vacuum layer 23 if the first light-transmitting layer 41 were not formed. This increases the amount of light emitted toward the front side from the portion of the counter substrate 20 overlapping with the second opening 38B (third region A3). This makes it less likely that a difference will occur between the appearance perceived by light directed toward the front side from the portion of the counter substrate 20 overlapping with the light-shielding layer 38 (first region A1) and the appearance perceived by light directed toward the front side from the portion of the counter substrate 20 overlapping with the second opening 38B (third region A3). Furthermore, since the first light-transmitting layer 41 is made of the same material as the alignment films 34 and 37, the material of the first light-transmitting layer 41 can be applied without a photolithography process during manufacturing. Specifically, by using an inkjet device, for example, it is possible to apply the material of the first light-transmitting layer 41 with pinpoint accuracy to the area surrounded by the first sealing portion 24. This makes it possible to easily form the first light-transmitting layer 41.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 , the second light-transmitting layer 42 does not overlap the first opening 38A and the second opening 38B, but overlaps the light-shielding layer 38. That is, the second light-transmitting layer 42 is not formed in the ranges overlapping with the first opening 38A and the second opening 38B (the second region A2 and the third region A3), but is formed in the range overlapping with the light-shielding layer 38 (the first region A1). The second light-transmitting layer 42 is provided on both the counter substrate 20 and the array substrate 21. Hereinafter, when distinguishing between the second light-transmitting layers 42, the second light-transmitting layer 42 provided on the counter substrate 20 will be referred to as the "counter-side second light-transmitting layer (one second light-transmitting layer) 42α," and the second light-transmitting layer 42 provided on the array substrate 21 will be referred to as the "array-side second light-transmitting layer (the other second light-transmitting layer) 42β." The second light-transmitting layer 42 is made of the same material as the alignment films 34, 37 and the first light-transmitting layer 41. That is, the second light-transmitting layer 42 is made of polyimide or the like, and has a refractive index of, for example, about 1.6. The second light-transmitting layer 42 has a refractive index higher than both the counter substrate 20 and the array substrate 21.

[0039] In this way, the second light-transmitting layer 42 does not overlap the first opening 38A and the second opening 38B but is arranged to overlap the light-shielding layer 38, so that most of the light irradiated from the front side onto the portion of the counter substrate 20 overlapping with the first opening 38A and the second opening 38B (third region A3) passes through the counter substrate 20, passes through the first opening 38A and the second opening 38B, and enters the vacuum layer 23, where it is reflected by the main surface of the second light-transmitting layer 42 that overlaps with the light-shielding layer 38 within the vacuum layer 23. This suppresses light absorption by the light-shielding layer 38 within the vacuum layer 23, so that it is possible to increase the amount of light that exits from the vacuum layer 23 to the front side (counter substrate 20 side) through the first opening 38A and the second opening 38B.

[0040] 6 and 7, the second light-transmitting layer 42 is provided on the counter substrate 20, and thus the light-shielding layer 38 is sandwiched between the second light-transmitting layer 42 and the counter substrate 20. Light traveling toward the light-shielding layer 38 within the vacuum layer 23 is reflected by the main surface of the second light-transmitting layer 42, thereby effectively suppressing light absorption by the light-shielding layer 38. This increases the amount of light emitted from the vacuum layer 23 to the front side through the first openings 38A and the second openings 38B. Moreover, the second light-transmitting layer 42 is provided on both the counter substrate 20 and the array substrate 21. Light traveling toward the light-shielding layer 38 within the vacuum layer 23 is reflected by the main surface of the counter-side second light-transmitting layer 42α provided on the counter substrate 20, thereby effectively suppressing light absorption by the light-shielding layer 38. On the other hand, light traveling toward the array substrate 21 within the vacuum layer 23 is reflected by the main surface of the array-side second light-transmitting layer 42β provided on the array substrate 21, and can be directed toward the second light-transmitting layer 42 provided on the counter substrate 20, or toward the first opening 38A or the second opening 38B. This makes it possible to increase the amount of light that travels from within the vacuum layer 23 through the first opening 38A or the second opening 38B to the front side.

[0041] 5 to 7, the second light-transmitting layer 42 is not formed around the first opening 38A but is formed around the second opening 38B. That is, the second light-transmitting layer 42 is not formed over the entire first region A1 of both substrates 20 and 21 that overlaps with the light-shielding layer 38, but is selectively not formed in the annular region surrounding the first opening 38A. Therefore, light is not reflected by or transmitted through the second light-transmitting layer 42 around the first opening 38A within the vacuum layer 23. As a result, light entering the vacuum layer 23 and traveling toward the portion of the array substrate 21 that overlaps with the first opening 38A (the second region A2) is less susceptible to reflection or absorption by the second light-transmitting layer 42. This ensures a sufficient amount of light transmission through the portion of the array substrate 21 that overlaps with the first opening 38A (the second region A2), and maintains color.

[0042] Next, to verify the superiority of the liquid crystal panel 11 according to the present embodiment, the following Comparative Experiment 1 was conducted. In Comparative Experiment 1, the brightness of reflected light when external light was irradiated from the front side of each liquid crystal panel according to Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3 was measured, and the appearance was evaluated. Examples 1 to 4 are liquid crystal panels 11 having the configuration described above. Examples 1 and 2 differ from Examples 3 and 4 in the light-shielding material used in the light-shielding layer 38 and the material used in the color filter 35. Examples 3 and 4 differ in the baking temperature used to bake the color filter 35 during the manufacture of the counter substrate 20. Comparative Examples 1 to 3 differ in configuration from the liquid crystal panel 11 having the configuration described above in that they do not include the first light-transmitting layer 41 and the second light-transmitting layer 42. Comparative Examples 1 to 3 are from different manufacturing lots. In Comparative Experiment 1, external light was irradiated from the front side of each of the liquid crystal panels according to Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3. The light reflected by each liquid crystal panel and directed toward the front side was detected using a specific measuring device, and the Y value (luminous reflectance: unit: "%)," an index of brightness, was measured in the first region A1 and the third region A3. In Comparative Experiment 1, a spectrophotometer "CM-700d" manufactured by Konica Minolta, Inc. was used as the measuring device. In Comparative Experiment 1, the difference in Y value was calculated by subtracting the Y value of the first region A1 from the measured Y value of the third region A3. Furthermore, while external light was irradiated from the front side of each of the liquid crystal panels according to Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3, an inspector visually inspected the first region A1 and the third region A3, in particular, and performed a sensory inspection to determine whether the appearance was good or bad. In this sensory test, if the boundary between the first region A1 and the third region A3 (the shape of the opening edge of the second opening 38B) is visible, the appearance is judged as "poor (×)," and if the boundary between the first region A1 and the third region A3 is not generally visible, the appearance is judged as "good (◯)." The experimental results of Comparative Experiment 1 are shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a table showing the appearance judgment results for each of Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3, the Y values ​​of the first region A1 and the third region A3, and the difference in Y values ​​calculated by subtracting the Y value of the first region A1 from the Y value of the third region A3. In FIG. 8, if the judgment result regarding the appearance is good, an "◯" is displayed, and if the judgment result regarding the appearance is poor, an "X" is displayed.

[0043] The results of Comparative Experiment 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the appearance was evaluated as good in Examples 1 to 4, whereas bad in Comparative Examples 1 to 3. Regarding the Y value, the Y value in the third region A3 was significantly lower than the Y value in the first region A1 in Comparative Examples 1 to 3, with the absolute value of the difference being at least 0.68 and at most 0.76. The reason why the Y value in the third region A3 was significantly lower than the Y value in the first region A1 in Comparative Examples 1 to 3 is presumably because light that entered the vacuum layer 23 through the second opening 38B of the light-shielding layer 38 was absorbed by the light-shielding layer 38 while being reflected within the vacuum layer 23, resulting in a decrease in the amount of light emitted to the outside on the front side through the second opening 38B. In contrast, in Examples 1 to 4, the Y values ​​of the first region A1 and the third region A3 are similar, with the absolute difference being a minimum of 0.03 and a maximum of 0.16. In Examples 1 to 4, the Y values ​​of the first region A1 and the third region A3 are similar because, in addition to light traveling from the outside of the front side toward the second opening 38B of the light-shielding layer 38 being reflected by a pair of principal surfaces of the first light-transmitting layer 41, light entering the vacuum layer 23 is reflected by the principal surface of the second light-transmitting layer 42, suppressing light absorption by the light-shielding layer 38, thereby ensuring a sufficient amount of light exiting to the outside of the front side through the second opening 38B. As described above, in Examples 1 to 4, the absolute value of the difference in Y values ​​is kept very low, at less than ¼, compared to Comparative Examples 1 to 3. This means that in Examples 1 to 4, the brightness, or appearance, of the first area A1 and the third area A3 is similar, making the boundary between the first area A1 and the third area A3 difficult to see, which is not inconsistent with the judgment results regarding the quality of the appearance.

[0044] As described above, the liquid crystal panel (display device) 11 of this embodiment comprises a translucent counter substrate (first substrate) 20 having a main surface divided into a display area AA where an image is displayed and a non-display area NAA where no image is displayed, a translucent array substrate (second substrate) 21 arranged at an interval between the counter substrate 20, a vacuum layer 23 sandwiched between the counter substrate 20 and the array substrate 21 and arranged in part of the non-display area NAA, a first seal portion 24 sandwiched between the counter substrate 20 and the array substrate 21 and surrounding the vacuum layer 23, and a second seal portion 25 on the counter substrate 20. The substrate is provided with a light-shielding layer 38 that is provided on the main surface facing the vacuum layer 23, arranged at least in the non-display area NAA, and that blocks light, and a first light-transmitting layer 41 that is provided on the main surface facing the vacuum layer 23 of at least one of the counter substrate 20 and the array substrate 21, arranged in part of the non-display area NAA, and that is light-transmitting, wherein the light-shielding layer 38 is provided with a first opening 38A facing the vacuum layer 23, and a second opening 38B that is arranged at a distance from the first opening 38A and faces the vacuum layer 23, and the first light-transmitting layer 41 is arranged so as not to overlap with the first opening 38A but to overlap with the second opening 38B.

[0045] The first sealing portion 24 sandwiched between the counter substrate 20 and the array substrate 21 surrounds the vacuum layer 23 disposed in part of the non-display area NAA, thereby maintaining the vacuum layer 23 in a vacuum state. When light is irradiated onto the counter substrate 20 from the side opposite the vacuum layer 23, in the portion of the counter substrate 20 overlapping with the light-shielding layer 38, most of the light passes through the counter substrate 20 and is absorbed by the light-shielding layer 38, while some of the light is reflected by the pair of main surfaces of the counter substrate 20. In contrast, in the portion of the counter substrate 20 overlapping with the first opening 38A and the second opening 38B, most of the light passes through the counter substrate 20 and enters the vacuum layer 23 through the first opening 38A and the second opening 38B, respectively, while some of the light is reflected by the pair of main surfaces of the counter substrate 20. The light that enters the vacuum layer 23 is absorbed to some extent by the light-shielding layer 38 as it is repeatedly reflected within the vacuum layer 23. Therefore, the amount of light emitted from inside the vacuum layer toward the opposing substrate 20 through the first opening 38A and the second opening 38B is less than the amount of light incident on the vacuum layer .

[0046] Here, the first light-transmitting layer 41 provided on the main surface of at least one of the counter substrate 20 and the array substrate 21 facing the vacuum layer 23 is arranged so as not to overlap the first opening 38A but to overlap the second opening 38B. Therefore, light irradiated onto the portion of the counter substrate 20 overlapping with the first opening 38A is not directly reflected by the pair of main surfaces of the first light-transmitting layer 41 or directly transmitted through the first light-transmitting layer 41, but is partially reflected by the pair of main surfaces of the counter substrate 20. In contrast, light irradiated onto the portion of the counter substrate 20 overlapping with the second opening 38B is partially reflected by the pair of main surfaces of the counter substrate 20 and also by the pair of main surfaces of the first light-transmitting layer 41. In other words, the amount of light emitted from the portion of the counter substrate 20 overlapping with the second opening 38B toward the opposite side of the vacuum layer 23 is greater than the amount of light emitted from the portion of the counter substrate 20 overlapping with the first opening 38A toward the opposite side of the vacuum layer 23. Therefore, even if the amount of light exiting the second opening 38B decreases due to the light entering the vacuum layer 23 through the second opening 38B being absorbed by the light-shielding layer 38 as it is repeatedly reflected within the vacuum layer 23, the amount of light exiting the counter substrate 20 from the portion overlapping with the second opening 38B toward the opposite side of the vacuum layer 23 can be made close to the amount of light exiting the counter substrate 20 from the portion overlapping with the light-shielding layer 38 toward the opposite side of the vacuum layer 23. This makes it less likely that a difference in appearance will occur between the portion of the counter substrate 20 overlapping with the light-shielding layer 38 and the portion of the counter substrate 20 overlapping with the second opening 38B. On the other hand, light entering the vacuum layer 23 and proceeding toward the portion of the array substrate 21 overlapping with the first opening 38A is less susceptible to the effects of light reflection and absorption by the first light-transmitting layer 41. Therefore, the amount of light transmitted through the portion of the array substrate 21 overlapping with the first opening 38A is greater than the amount of light transmitted through the portion of the array substrate 21 overlapping with the second opening 38B, and the change in color is reduced. As a result, for example, when the imaging element 2 is disposed on the opposite side of the array substrate 21 from the vacuum layer 23, it is possible to make the brightness and color of the image captured by the imaging element 2 closer to the original ones. According to this embodiment, a sufficient amount of transmitted light is ensured, and changes in color of the transmitted light can be suppressed.

[0047] Furthermore, the first light-transmitting layer 41 is provided on each of the counter substrate 20 and the array substrate 21. Light irradiated onto a portion of the counter substrate 20 overlapping with the second opening 38B is partially reflected by a pair of main surfaces of the first light-transmitting layer 41 provided on the counter substrate 20, and is also reflected by a pair of main surfaces of the first light-transmitting layer 41 provided on the array substrate 21. This increases the amount of light emitted from the portion of the counter substrate 20 overlapping with the second opening 38B toward the side opposite the vacuum layer 23, making it less likely that a difference in appearance will occur between the portion of the counter substrate 20 overlapping with the light-shielding layer 38 and the portion of the counter substrate 20 overlapping with the second opening 38B.

[0048] Furthermore, the first light-transmitting layer 41 has a higher refractive index than the counter substrate 20 and the array substrate 21, which are substrates on which the first light-transmitting layer 41 is provided. The reflectance of the reflected light occurring at the interface between the first light-transmitting layer 41 and the vacuum layer 23 is higher than the reflectance of the reflected light occurring at the interface between the counter substrate 20 or the array substrate 21 and the vacuum layer 23 in the case where the first light-transmitting layer 41 is not formed. This increases the amount of light that exits from the portion of the counter substrate 20 overlapping with the second opening 38B toward the side opposite the vacuum layer 23, making it less likely that a difference in appearance will occur between the portion of the counter substrate 20 overlapping with the light-shielding layer 38 and the portion of the counter substrate 20 overlapping with the second opening 38B.

[0049] The liquid crystal display device also includes a pair of alignment films 34, 37 that are provided on the main surfaces of the counter substrate 20 and the array substrate 21 on the vacuum layer 23 side and are arranged in the display area AA, and the first light-transmitting layer 41 is made of the same material as the alignment films 34, 37. The material of the alignment films 34, 37 generally has a higher refractive index than the counter substrate 20 and the array substrate 21. Because the material of the first light-transmitting layer 41 is the same as the material of the alignment films 34, 37, the first light-transmitting layer 41 can be easily formed by applying the material of the first light-transmitting layer 41 without requiring a photolithography process during manufacturing.

[0050] The counter substrate 20 also includes a second light-transmitting layer 42, which is provided on the main surface of at least one of the counter substrate 20 and the array substrate 21 facing the vacuum layer 23 and is disposed in part of the non-display area NAA. The second light-transmitting layer 42 does not overlap the first opening 38A and the second opening 38B, but overlaps the light-shielding layer 38. Most of the light irradiated onto the portion of the counter substrate 20 overlapping the first opening 38A and the second opening 38B from the side opposite the vacuum layer 23 passes through the counter substrate 20, passes through the first opening 38A and the second opening 38B, and enters the vacuum layer 23. The light is then reflected by the main surface of the second light-transmitting layer 42 that overlaps the light-shielding layer 38 within the vacuum layer 23. This suppresses light absorption by the light-shielding layer 38, thereby increasing the amount of light emitted from the vacuum layer 23 toward the counter substrate 20 through the first opening 38A and the second opening 38B.

[0051] Furthermore, the second light-transmitting layer 42 is provided at least on the counter substrate 20. In this manner, the second light-transmitting layer 42 is disposed so that the light-shielding layer 38 is sandwiched between the second light-transmitting layer 42 and the counter substrate 20. Light traveling toward the light-shielding layer 38 within the vacuum layer 23 is reflected by the main surface of the second light-transmitting layer 42, thereby effectively suppressing light absorption by the light-shielding layer 38. This makes it possible to increase the amount of light emitted from within the vacuum layer 23 toward the counter substrate 20 through the first opening 38A and the second opening 38B.

[0052] Furthermore, the second light-transmitting layer 42 is provided on each of the counter substrate 20 and the array substrate 21. Light traveling toward the light-shielding layer 38 in the vacuum layer 23 is reflected by the main surface of the second light-transmitting layer 42 provided on the counter substrate 20, thereby effectively suppressing light absorption by the light-shielding layer 38. On the other hand, light traveling toward the array substrate 21 in the vacuum layer 23 is reflected by the main surface of the second light-transmitting layer 42 provided on the array substrate 21, thereby allowing the light to be directed toward the second light-transmitting layer 42 provided on the counter substrate 20 or toward the first opening 38A or the second opening 38B. This increases the amount of light emitted from the vacuum layer 23 toward the counter substrate 20 through the first opening 38A or the second opening 38B.

[0053] Furthermore, the second light-transmitting layer 42 is not formed around the first opening 38A, but is formed around the second opening 38B. Within the vacuum layer 23, around the first opening 38A, light is not reflected by or transmitted through the second light-transmitting layer 42. As a result, light that enters the vacuum layer 23 and travels toward the portion of the array substrate 21 that overlaps with the first opening 38A is less susceptible to the effects of light reflection or absorption by the second light-transmitting layer 42, ensuring a sufficient amount of light transmission through the portion of the array substrate 21 that overlaps with the first opening 38A and preserving color.

[0054] The display device also includes a second sealing portion 25 sandwiched between the counter substrate 20 and the array substrate 21 and surrounding the display area AA, and a liquid crystal layer 22 sandwiched between the counter substrate 20 and the array substrate 21 and surrounded by the second sealing portion 25. An image can be displayed in the display area AA by controlling the orientation of liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal layer 22. The liquid crystal layer 22 is sealed by being surrounded by the second sealing portion 25, and is prevented from leaking to the vacuum layer 23 surrounded by the first sealing portion 24. Compared to a case in which the liquid crystal layer 22 is formed in the vacuum layer 23, the light introduced through the first opening 38A and the second opening 38B is prevented from being affected by birefringence caused by the liquid crystal layer 22.

[0055] The electronic device 1 according to this embodiment includes the liquid crystal panel 11 described above; an imaging element 2 located on the opposite side of the array substrate 21 from the counter substrate 20 and overlapping the first opening 38A; and a light receiving element 3 or light emitting element 4 located on the opposite side of the array substrate 21 from the counter substrate 20 and overlapping the second opening 38B. The imaging element 2 captures an image using light passing through the portion of the array substrate 21 overlapping the first opening 38A. The light passing through the portion of the array substrate 21 overlapping the first opening 38A is less susceptible to light reflection and absorption by the first light-transmitting layer 41, ensuring a sufficient amount of light received by the imaging element 2 and suppressing changes in the color of the light. This allows the brightness and color of the image captured by the imaging element 2 to be closer to the original. When the light receiving element 3 is positioned so as to overlap the second opening 38B, the light receiving element 3 can detect the amount of light, etc., using light passing through the portion of the array substrate 21 overlapping the second opening 38B. When the light-emitting element 4 is arranged so as to overlap the second opening 38B, light emitted from the light-emitting element 4 passes through the portion of the array substrate 21 that overlaps the second opening 38B, and then passes through the second opening 38B and the opposing substrate 20, where it is emitted to the outside. In both the light-receiving element 3 and the light-emitting element 4, light passing through the second opening 38B passes through the first light-transmitting layer 41. Although light is affected by reflection and absorption by the first light-transmitting layer 41, this has a minor adverse effect on optical performance compared to the image sensor 2. Furthermore, by arranging the first light-transmitting layer 41 so as not to overlap the first opening 38A but to overlap the second opening 38B, the light-receiving element 3 and the light-emitting element 4 are difficult to see from the outside, while the image sensor 2 is easily seen from the outside. This improves the appearance of the electronic device 1.

[0056] <Embodiment 2> 9 and 10. In this embodiment 2, a case where the formation range of the second light transmitting layer 142 is changed is shown. Note that a redundant description of the structure, action, and effect similar to those of the above-mentioned embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0057] 9 and 10, the second light-transmitting layer 142 according to this embodiment is also formed around the first opening 138A of the light-shielding layer 138. That is, the second light-transmitting layer 142 is formed over almost the entire first region A101 of both substrates 120 and 121 that overlaps with the light-shielding layer 138. Note that in FIG. 9, the formation areas of the first light-transmitting layer 141 and the second light-transmitting layer 142 are shown shaded. More specifically, in the counter substrate 120, almost the entire area of ​​the light-shielding layer 138 facing the vacuum layer 123 is covered from the inside by the counter-side second light-transmitting layer 142α. In the array substrate 121, almost the entire area of ​​the inner surface facing the vacuum layer 123 is covered from the inside by the array-side second light-transmitting layer 142β. Therefore, light that enters the vacuum layer 123 from the outside of the front side through the first opening 138A and the second opening 138B is reflected by the main surfaces of the opposing-side second light-transmitting layer 142α and the array-side second light-transmitting layer 142β around both the first opening 138A and the second opening 138B. This further suppresses absorption by the light-shielding layer 138, increasing the amount of light that exits from the first opening 138A and the second opening 138B towards the outside of the front side, resulting in a better appearance.

[0058] <Other embodiments> The technology disclosed in this specification is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings, and the following embodiments, for example, are also included in the technical scope.

[0059] (1) The first light-transmitting layer 41, 141 may be provided only on the counter substrate 20, 120 or only on the array substrate 21, 121.

[0060] (2) The second light-transmitting layer 41, 142 may be provided only on the counter substrate 20, 120 or only on the array substrate 21, 121.

[0061] (3) The material of the first light-transmitting layers 41, 141 and the second light-transmitting layers 41, 142 may be different from the material of the alignment films 34, 37. Specifically, the material of the first light-transmitting layers 41, 141 and the second light-transmitting layers 142 may be, for example, an inorganic insulating material or an organic insulating material.

[0062] (4) The refractive index of the first light-transmitting layer 41, 141 and the second light-transmitting layer 41, 142 may be greater than 1.6 or less than 1.6.

[0063] (5) The second light-transmitting layer 41, 142 may not be formed.

[0064] (6) The light-shielding layers 38, 138 may have a plurality of first openings 38A, 138A. In this case, the electronic device 1 has a plurality of image sensors 2.

[0065] (7) The light-shielding layer 38, 138 may have only one second opening 38B, 138B. In this case, the electronic device 1 has one light-receiving element 3 or one light-emitting element 4.

[0066] (8) The specific planar shapes of the first openings 38A, 138A can be changed as appropriate to shapes other than those shown in the drawings. Similarly, the specific planar shapes of the second openings 38B, 138B can be changed as appropriate to shapes other than those shown in the drawings.

[0067] (9) The counter substrate 20, 120 may be provided with an overcoat film located above the color filter 36 and below the second alignment film 37. By providing the overcoat film, the second alignment film 37 is planarized. In this case, like the planarization film 31, the overcoat film may be selectively removed from the portion overlapping with the vacuum layer 23, 123.

[0068] (10) The specific planar patterns of the first seal portion 24 and the second seal portion 25 can be changed as appropriate to those shown in the drawings. Accordingly, the formation range of the vacuum layers 23, 123 in planar view can also be changed.

[0069] (11) The number of insulating films 33, 39, 40 and planarizing films 31 provided on the array substrates 21 and 121 can be changed as appropriate to other numbers than those shown in the drawings.

[0070] (12) The number of drivers 13 installed can be changed as appropriate to other numbers than those shown in the figure.

[0071] (13) The planar shape of the liquid crystal panel 11 may be a vertically long rectangle, a square, a circle, a semicircle, an oval, an ellipse, a trapezoid, or the like.

[0072] (14) The liquid crystal panel 11 may be a reflective or semi-transmissive type in addition to a transmissive type. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1...electronic device, 11...liquid crystal panel (display device), 2...imaging element, 3...light receiving element, 4...light emitting element, 20,120...opposing substrate (first substrate), 21,121...array substrate (second substrate), 22...liquid crystal layer, 23,123...vacuum layer, 24...first sealing portion, 25...second sealing portion, 34...first alignment film (alignment film), 37...second alignment film (alignment film), 38,138...light-shielding layer, 38A,138A...first opening, 38B,138B...second opening, 41,141...first light-transmitting layer, 42,142...second light-transmitting layer, AA...display area, NAA...non-display area

Claims

1. a first substrate having a main surface divided into a display area where an image is displayed and a non-display area where the image is not displayed, and having light-transmitting properties; a second substrate that is disposed with a gap between it and the first substrate and has light-transmitting properties; a vacuum layer sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and disposed in a part of the non-display area; a first seal portion sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and surrounding the vacuum layer; a light-shielding layer provided on a main surface of the first substrate facing the vacuum layer, disposed in at least the non-display area, and blocking light; a first light-transmitting layer that is provided on a main surface of at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate facing the vacuum layer, that is disposed in a part of the non-display area, and that has light-transmitting properties; the light-shielding layer is provided with a first opening facing the vacuum layer and a second opening disposed at an interval from the first opening and facing the vacuum layer; The display device, wherein the first light-transmitting layer is arranged so as not to overlap the first opening and to overlap the second opening.

2. The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the first light-transmitting layer is provided on each of the first substrate and the second substrate.

3. 3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the first light-transmitting layer has a refractive index higher than that of one of the first substrate and the second substrate on which the first light-transmitting layer is provided.

4. a pair of alignment films provided on the main surfaces of the first substrate and the second substrate facing the vacuum layer and disposed in the display region; The display device according to claim 3 , wherein the first light-transmitting layer is made of the same material as the alignment film.

5. a second light-transmitting layer provided on a main surface of at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate facing the vacuum layer, and disposed in a part of the non-display area, and having light-transmitting properties; 3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the second light-transmitting layer is arranged so as not to overlap the first opening and the second opening, but to overlap the light-shielding layer.

6. The display device according to claim 5 , wherein the second light-transmitting layer is provided on at least the first substrate.

7. The display device according to claim 5 , wherein the second light-transmitting layer is provided on each of the first substrate and the second substrate.

8. 6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein the second light-transmitting layer is not formed around the first opening, but is formed around the second opening.

9. a second sealing portion sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and surrounding the display area; 3. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and surrounded by the second sealing portion.

10. The display device according to claim 1 or 2; an imaging element located on the opposite side of the second substrate from the first substrate and overlapping the first opening; an optical receiving element or an optical emitting element located on the opposite side of the second substrate from the first substrate and arranged to overlap the second opening;

Images