Display device

Abstract

To provide a display device capable of improving display quality.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, a display device includes a display panel including a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal including a polymer and a liquid crystal molecule in a display region for displaying an image, and a light source unit disposed along an edge portion of the display panel, wherein the display panel includes a scanning line, a signal line intersecting the scanning line, a switching element electrically connected to the scanning line and the signal line, a pixel electrode electrically connected to the switching element, and an insulating layer formed in a lattice shape overlapping the scanning line, the signal line, and the switching element, the insulating layer has a first side surface facing the light source unit and a second side surface opposite to the first side surface, and the first side surface has a plurality of inclined surfaces inclined at different angles.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD An embodiment of the present invention relates to a display device. [Background technology]

[0002] Various display devices using polymer dispersed liquid crystals have been proposed that can switch between a scattering state in which incident light is scattered and a transparent state in which incident light is transmitted. Display devices using polymer dispersed liquid crystals sometimes use an edge light system in which a light emitting module is arranged at the edge of the display panel.

[0003] A portion of the illumination light emitted from the light-emitting module may be reflected by wiring perpendicular to its direction of travel. If this undesired reflected light leaks outside the display panel near the wiring, it will result in a decrease in display quality. On the other hand, if a wide light-shielding layer is placed directly above the wiring to suppress the leakage of such reflected light, it will result in a decrease in the aperture area of ​​the pixel. Therefore, a technology has been proposed to form the wiring in a curved shape. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-66640 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the embodiment is to provide a display device capable of improving display quality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one embodiment, the display device comprises: The display panel includes a display area for displaying an image, the display area including a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal containing a polymer and liquid crystal molecules, and a light source unit arranged along the edge of the display panel. The display panel includes scanning lines, signal lines intersecting the scanning lines, switching elements electrically connected to the scanning lines and the signal lines, pixel electrodes electrically connected to the switching elements, and an insulating layer formed in a lattice shape and overlapping the scanning lines, the signal lines, and the switching elements. The insulating layer has a first side surface facing the light source unit and a second side surface opposite to the first side surface, and the first side surface has a plurality of inclined surfaces inclined at different angles from each other.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the display device comprises: The display panel includes a display area for displaying an image, the display area including a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal containing a polymer and liquid crystal molecules, and a light source unit arranged along the edge of the display panel. The display panel includes scanning lines, signal lines intersecting the scanning lines, switching elements electrically connected to the scanning lines and the signal lines, pixel electrodes electrically connected to the switching elements, and an insulating layer formed in a lattice shape and overlapping the scanning lines, the signal lines, and the switching elements. The insulating layer has a first side surface facing the light source unit, a second side surface opposite the first side surface, and an upper surface located directly above the scanning lines between the first side surface and the second side surface. The first side surface is a rough surface having irregularities compared to the upper surface. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a display device 1. As shown in FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the display device 1 taken along line AB in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of a wiring section included in the display panel 100. As shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a part of the insulating layer IL shown in FIG. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view including the insulating layer IL taken along line CD shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the display panel 100 including the insulating layer IL shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the configuration of the display device 1. As shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a part of the insulating layer IL applied to the display device 1 shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view including the insulating layer IL taken along line CD shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The disclosure is merely an example, and appropriate modifications that a person skilled in the art can easily make while maintaining the gist of the invention are naturally included within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the drawings may be schematic in terms of the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part compared to the actual embodiment for the sake of clarity, but these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention. Furthermore, in this specification and each drawing, components that perform the same or similar functions as those described above with reference to the previous drawings are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant detailed descriptions may be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] In addition, to facilitate understanding, the drawings depict, where necessary, mutually perpendicular X, Y, and Z axes. 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. Viewing various elements parallel to the third direction Z is referred to as a planar view. Note that terms referring to the relative positions of two or more components, such as above, above, between, and facing, include not only cases where the two or more components are in direct contact, but also cases where they are separated from each other by a gap or another component.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a display device 1. As shown in FIG.

[0012] The display device 1 includes a display panel 100 configured to display an image, and a light source unit 200 configured to illuminate the display panel 100.

[0013] The display panel 100 includes a transparent substrate 110, a transparent substrate 120, a liquid crystal layer LC, and a seal SE. Each of the transparent substrates 110 and 120 is formed in a flat plate shape parallel to an XY plane defined by a first direction X and a second direction Y. The transparent substrates 110 and 120 overlap each other in a planar view. The transparent substrate 110 extends further in the second direction Y than the transparent substrate 120. In the illustrated example, the transparent substrates 110 and 120 are both formed in a rectangular shape, but this is not limiting. For example, the transparent substrates 110 and 120 may have any shape other than a rectangular shape, such as a polygon, a circle, an ellipse, or a semicircle.

[0014] The liquid crystal layer LC is located between the transparent substrate 110 and the transparent substrate 120, and is disposed across a display area DA where an image is displayed. The liquid crystal layer LC is sealed with a seal SE. The alignment treatment direction D1 of the alignment film AL1 located between the transparent substrate 110 and the liquid crystal layer LC and the alignment treatment direction D2 of the alignment film AL2 located between the transparent substrate 120 and the liquid crystal layer LC1 are parallel to each other and directed in opposite directions. In the illustrated example, the alignment treatment direction D1 and the alignment treatment direction D2 are both parallel to the first direction X. The alignment treatments applied to the alignment films AL1 and AL2 may be rubbing treatments or photo-alignment treatments.

[0015] As shown enlarged and schematically in the figure, the liquid crystal layer LC comprises a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal containing a polymer PL and liquid crystal molecules LM. In one example, the polymer PL is a liquid crystal polymer. The polymer PL and the liquid crystal molecules LM each have optical anisotropy or refractive index anisotropy. The response of the polymer PL to an electric field is lower than the response of the liquid crystal molecules LM to an electric field.

[0016] As described above, since the alignment treatment direction D1 and the alignment treatment direction D2 are parallel to the first direction X, the polymer PL is formed in stripes extending along the first direction X. The liquid crystal molecules LM are dispersed in the gaps between the polymer PL and are aligned so that their major axes are aligned along the first direction X. In other words, the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules LM is set to the first direction X.

[0017] The alignment direction of the polymer PL hardly changes regardless of whether an electric field is applied or not. On the other hand, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules LM changes in response to an electric field when a high voltage above the threshold is applied to the liquid crystal layer LC. When no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer LC, the optical axes of the polymer PL and the liquid crystal molecules LM are parallel to each other, and light incident on the liquid crystal layer LC is transmitted through the liquid crystal layer LC with almost no scattering within the liquid crystal layer LC (transparent state). When a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer LC, the optical axes of the polymer PL and the liquid crystal molecules LM intersect with each other, and light incident on the liquid crystal layer LC is scattered within the liquid crystal layer LC (scattered state).

[0018] The configuration of the polymer dispersed liquid crystal including the polymer PL and the liquid crystal molecules LM is not limited to the above example.

[0019] The display area DA includes a plurality of pixels PX arranged in a matrix in the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0020] As shown enlarged in the figure, each pixel PX includes a switching element SW, a pixel electrode PE, a common electrode CE, a liquid crystal layer LC, etc. The switching element SW is configured by, for example, a thin film transistor (TFT), and is electrically connected to a scanning line G and a signal line S.

[0021] The scanning lines G extend in the first direction X and are electrically connected to the switching elements SW in each of the pixels PX aligned in the first direction X. That is, the alignment treatment direction D1 and the alignment treatment direction D2 are parallel to the scanning lines G. The streaky polymer PL extends along the scanning lines G.

[0022] The signal lines S extend in the second direction Y, intersect with the scanning lines G, and are electrically connected to the switching elements SW in each of the pixels PX aligned in the second direction Y. In other words, the alignment treatment direction D1 and the alignment treatment direction D2 intersect or are perpendicular to the signal lines S. In addition, the stripe-shaped polymer PL extends so as to intersect with the signal lines S.

[0023] The pixel electrodes PE are electrically connected to the switching elements SW. Each pixel electrode PE faces a common electrode CE, and the liquid crystal layer LC (particularly, liquid crystal molecules LM) is driven by an electric field generated between the pixel electrodes PE and the common electrodes CE. The capacitance CS is formed, for example, between an electrode having the same potential as the common electrode CE and an electrode having the same potential as the pixel electrodes PE.

[0024] The scanning lines G, signal lines S, switching elements SW, and pixel electrodes PE are formed between the transparent substrate 110 and the liquid crystal layer LC1. The common electrode CE is formed between the transparent substrate 120 and the liquid crystal layer LC.

[0025] The IC chip CP and a flexible printed circuit board (not shown) are mounted on the transparent substrate 110 .

[0026] The light source unit 200 is configured to emit illumination light for illuminating the liquid crystal layer LC. The light source unit 200 includes a plurality of light-emitting elements LD arranged at intervals in a first direction X. The light source unit 200 is disposed along the edge of the display panel 100. In the illustrated example, the edge extends in the first direction X.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the display device 1 taken along line AB in FIG.

[0028] In the display panel 100, the scanning lines, signal lines, switching elements, insulating films, etc. are not shown.

[0029] The transparent substrate 110 and the transparent substrate 120 face each other in the third direction Z. A liquid crystal layer LC is located between the transparent substrate 110 and the transparent substrate 120. Each pixel electrode PE of the pixel PX is located between the transparent substrate 110 and the liquid crystal layer LC and is covered with an alignment film AL1. A common electrode CE facing the multiple pixel electrodes PE is located between the transparent substrate 120 and the liquid crystal layer LC and is covered with an alignment film AL2. The liquid crystal layer LC is in contact with the alignment films AL1 and AL2. The pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE are transparent electrodes formed of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO).

[0030] In the illustrated example, the display panel 100 further includes a transparent substrate 130 and a transparent substrate 140. The transparent substrate 130 is adhered to the transparent substrate 110 via a transparent adhesive layer AD1. The transparent substrate 140 is adhered to the transparent substrate 120 via a transparent adhesive layer AD2. A main surface 130A of the transparent substrate 130 and a main surface 140A of the transparent substrate 140 are both parallel to the XY plane and are in contact with air.

[0031] In the illustrated example, the transparent substrate 140 extends further in the second direction Y than the transparent substrate 120. The side surface 120E of the transparent substrate 120 is located between the side surface 140E of the transparent substrate 140 and the display area DA in the second direction Y. The side surfaces 120E and 140E may overlap in the third direction Z. Both the side surfaces 120E and 140E extend in the first direction X.

[0032] The adhesive layer AD1 and the adhesive layer AD2 have the same refractive index as the transparent substrate 110, the transparent substrate 120, the transparent substrate 130, and the transparent substrate 140. Therefore, undesired interface reflection between the transparent substrate 110 and the transparent substrate 130 and between the transparent substrate 120 and the transparent substrate 140 is suppressed.

[0033] The light source unit 200 faces the side surface 140E of the transparent substrate 140 in the second direction Y. In this case, the side surface 140E corresponds to the edge of the display panel 100. The light source unit 200 may face both the side surface 120E and the side surface 140E. The light source unit 200 includes a light-emitting element LD and a light guide LG. Although not described in detail, the light-emitting element LD includes a red light-emitting portion, a green light-emitting portion, and a blue light-emitting portion. These red light-emitting portion, green light-emitting portion, and blue light-emitting portion may be lit sequentially or all at the same time. The light guide LG is located between the light-emitting element LD and the transparent substrate 140 in the second direction Y.

[0034] The transparent substrates 110, 120, 130, and 140 are, for example, glass substrates, but may also be resin substrates. The transparent substrates 130 and 140 function as cover members. The transparent substrate 140 also functions as a light guide plate that propagates the illumination light L emitted from the light source unit 200 along the second direction Y.

[0035] In one example, the transparent substrate 130 is thicker than the transparent substrate 110, and the transparent substrate 140 is thicker than the transparent substrate 120. At least one of the transparent substrate 130 and the transparent substrate 140 may be omitted. When the transparent substrate 140 is omitted, the light source unit 200 is disposed so as to face the side surface 120E of the transparent substrate 120 in the second direction Y.

[0036] In such a display panel 100, when a voltage is applied to each pixel PX, the illumination light L emitted from the light source unit 200 is scattered by the liquid crystal layer LC of each pixel PX to become display light, and an image is displayed in the display area DA. The display light emitted from the display panel 100 is linearly polarized light parallel to the first direction X.

[0037] When the liquid crystal layer LC is in a transparent state, when the display panel 100 is observed from the side of the main surface 130A, the background can be observed through the display panel 100, and similarly, when the display panel 100 is observed from the side of the main surface 140A, the background can be observed through the display panel 100.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of a wiring section included in the display panel 100. As shown in FIG.

[0039] The plurality of scanning lines G each extend in a first direction X and are aligned in a second direction Y. The plurality of signal lines S each extend in the second direction Y and are aligned in the first direction X. The switching elements SW are shown in a simplified form here and are provided at the intersections of the scanning lines G and the signal lines S.

[0040] The auxiliary wiring GA is disposed between two adjacent signal lines S directly above the scanning line G, and extends in the first direction X. The auxiliary wiring GA is electrically connected to the scanning line G through a contact hole CH. Such auxiliary wiring GA is a conductive layer located in the same layer as the signal lines S, and is spaced apart from the signal lines S.

[0041] As shown in the figure, when the main traveling direction of the illumination light L emitted from the light source unit 200 is the second direction Y, the scanning line G has a side GS perpendicular to the traveling direction of the illumination light L, and the auxiliary wiring GA has a side GAS perpendicular to the traveling direction of the illumination light L.

[0042] The insulating layer IL, indicated by the dashed dotted line, is formed in a grid pattern. A first portion ILX of the insulating layer IL extending in the first direction X has a side surface IS1 facing the light source unit 200 and a side surface IS2 opposite to the side surface IS1. The scanning lines G and the auxiliary wiring GA are located between the side surface IS1 and the side surface IS2 in a plan view. The side surface IS1 is located between the side surface GS of the scanning lines G and the light source unit 200, and is also located between the side surface GAS of the auxiliary wiring GA and the light source unit 200.

[0043] Of the insulating layer IL, the second portion ILY extending in the second direction Y has a side surface IS3 and a side surface IS4 opposite to the side surface IS3. The signal line S is located between the side surfaces IS3 and IS4 in a plan view.

[0044] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a part of the insulating layer IL shown in FIG.

[0045] The first portion ILX of the insulating layer IL has a side surface IS1 and a side surface IS2, as well as a top surface TS located between the side surfaces IS1 and IS2 and directly above the scan line G. The side surface IS1 is a rough surface having irregularities compared to the top surface TS. The top surface TS has almost no irregularities. Here, a rough surface corresponds to a surface having a greater surface roughness when, for example, the surface roughnesses Ra of multiple surfaces of interest are compared.

[0046] In the illustrated example, side surface IS1 is rougher than side surface IS2. Side surface IS2 has almost no unevenness. Also, side surface IS1 is rougher than side surfaces IS3 and IS4. Side surfaces IS3 and IS4 have almost no unevenness.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view including the insulating layer IL taken along line CD shown in FIG.

[0048] The insulating layer 111 is disposed on the transparent substrate 110. The scanning lines G are disposed on the insulating layer 111. The insulating layer 112 is disposed on the insulating layer 111. These insulating layers 111 and 112 are inorganic insulating layers formed of, for example, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, or the like. The insulating layer IL is disposed on the insulating layer 112. The insulating layer IL is an organic insulating layer.

[0049] The scanning lines G are disposed on an insulating layer 111 and covered with an insulating layer 112. The scanning lines G are formed as a multilayer body including, for example, a first layer L11 disposed on the insulating layer 111 and a second layer L12 disposed on the first layer L11. The first layer L11 is an aluminum layer formed from an aluminum-based material. The second layer L12 is a titanium layer formed from a titanium-based material.

[0050] The auxiliary wiring GA is disposed on the insulating layer 112 and covered with the insulating layer IL. The auxiliary wiring GA is formed as a multilayer body including, for example, a first layer L21 disposed on the insulating layer 112, a second layer L22 disposed on the first layer L21, and a third layer L23 disposed on the second layer L22. The first layer L21 and the third layer L23 are titanium layers formed from a titanium-based material. The second layer L22 is an aluminum layer formed from an aluminum-based material.

[0051] The signal line S shown in Figure 3, etc. is formed from the same material as the auxiliary wiring GA, and is formed as a multilayer body including, for example, a first layer (titanium layer) L21, a second layer (aluminum layer) L22, and a third layer (titanium layer) L23.

[0052] The materials for forming the scanning lines G, auxiliary wiring GA, and signal lines S are not limited to the above examples. For example, the first layer L21 and the third layer L23 may be molybdenum layers formed of a molybdenum-based material.

[0053] In the insulating layer IL, the side surface IS1 has a plurality of inclined surfaces SS11, SS12, and SS13 inclined at different angles. In the illustrated example, the plurality of inclined surfaces SS11, SS12, and SS13 are each curved and concave. That is, on the side surface IS1, the inclined surfaces SS11, SS12, and SS13 each form a recess, and the connection portion between the inclined surface SS11 and the inclined surface SS12 and the connection portion between the inclined surface SS12 and the inclined surface SS13 each form a protrusion, forming a rough surface as described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0054] Each of the plurality of inclined surfaces SS11, SS12, and SS13 may be a flat surface.

[0055] For example, when a plane parallel to the main surface 110A of the transparent substrate 110 or the XY plane is taken as a reference plane, the inclined surface SS11 is inclined at an angle θ1 with respect to the reference plane. The inclined surface SS12 is inclined at an angle θ2 with respect to the reference plane. The inclined surface SS13 is inclined at an angle θ3 with respect to the reference plane. The angles θ1, θ2, and θ3 are different from one another. In the illustrated example, the angle θ2 is smaller than the angle θ1, and the angle θ3 is smaller than the angle θ2. Note that when the inclined surface is curved, the inclination angle of the inclined surface is defined as the angle between the tangent to the bottom portion of the inclined surface and the reference plane.

[0056] The top surface TS located directly above the scanning line G is a substantially flat surface. The side surface IS2 does not have a plurality of recesses or a plurality of protrusions formed thereon.

[0057] In the cross section of the insulating layer IL shown in the figure, the shape of the side surface IS1 is different from the shape of the side surface IS2. That is, the insulating layer IL is formed to have an asymmetric shape with the scanning line G as the center.

[0058] The transparent electrode TE covers the insulating layer IL, that is, the transparent electrode TE directly covers the side surface IS1, the side surface IS2, and the top surface TS.

[0059] The insulating layer IL having the above-described shape is formed, for example, as follows. That is, after the auxiliary wiring GA and the signal line S are formed, an organic insulating material is applied onto the insulating layer 112. Here, a positive insulating material is used as the insulating material for forming the insulating layer IL. Then, a mask is placed facing the insulating material, and the insulating material is exposed to light through the mask. At this time, the exposure amount in the region where the insulating material is to be completely removed is set to the maximum value, and the exposure amount in the region where the top surface TS is to be formed is set to the minimum value. The exposure amount in the region where the inclined surface SS11 is to be formed is set to a first exposure amount that is smaller than the maximum value. The exposure amount in the region where the inclined surface SS12 is to be formed is set to a second exposure amount that is smaller than the first exposure amount. The exposure amount in the region where the inclined surface SS13 is to be formed is set to a third exposure amount that is smaller than the second exposure amount and greater than the minimum value. The insulating material is then developed and baked, thereby forming the insulating layer IL.

[0060] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the display panel 100 including the insulating layer IL shown in FIG.

[0061] The insulating layer 113 is disposed on the insulating layer 112 and covers the transparent electrode TE. The pixel electrode PE is disposed on the insulating layer 113. The insulating layer 113 is interposed between the transparent electrode TE and the pixel electrode PE. The alignment film AL1 covers the pixel electrode PE and the insulating layer 113 and is in contact with the liquid crystal layer LC.

[0062] The light-shielding layer BM is disposed between the transparent substrate 120 and the liquid crystal layer LC. The light-shielding layer BM is located directly above the scanning lines G and auxiliary wiring GA, and also above the insulating layer IL. Although not shown, the light-shielding layer BM is also located directly above the signal lines S and switching elements SW.

[0063] The common electrode CE faces the pixel electrode PE in the third direction Z and covers the light-shielding layer BM. The alignment film AL2 covers the common electrode CE and is in contact with the liquid crystal layer LC.

[0064] In this display panel 100, illumination light L emitted from the light source unit propagates along the second direction Y. When it reaches the insulating layer IL, it is scattered by the side surface IS1, which is a rough surface. That is, the illumination light L that reaches the side surface IS1 contains a small amount of reflected components that are reflected at a fixed angle and a large amount of diffused components that are reflected at different angles. Furthermore, the illumination light L that reaches the side surface GS of the scanning line G and the side surface GAS of the auxiliary wiring GA is reduced. This suppresses light leakage due to undesired reflections on the scanning line G or the auxiliary wiring GA, improving display quality.

[0065] Furthermore, there is no need to form the light-shielding layer BM wide in order to block undesired reflected light. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 6, there is no need to increase the width of the light-shielding layer BM in the second direction Y. This prevents a decrease in the aperture area of ​​the pixel.

[0066] Furthermore, there is no need to form the wiring in a curved shape in order to suppress undesired reflected light, which prevents an undesired increase in the wiring resistance or capacitance.

[0067] Next, another configuration example will be described.

[0068] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the configuration of the display device 1. As shown in FIG.

[0069] 7 differs from the configuration example shown in Fig. 2 in that two light source units 201 and 202 are provided on either side of the display panel 100. Note that the configuration of the display panel 100 is the same as that of the above configuration example, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0070] The transparent substrate 140 has a side surface 140E1 and a side surface 140E2 opposite to the side surface 140E1. The side surface 140E1 and the side surface 140E2 face each other in the second direction Y.

[0071] The light source unit 201 faces a side surface 140E1 of the transparent substrate 140 in the second direction Y, and is configured to emit illumination light L1 toward the side surface 140E1. In this case, the side surface 140E1 corresponds to a first edge portion of the display panel 100.

[0072] The light source unit 202 faces the side surface 140E2 of the transparent substrate 140 in the second direction Y, and is configured to emit illumination light L2 toward the side surface 140E2. In this case, the side surface 140E2 corresponds to a second edge portion of the display panel 100.

[0073] Each of the light source units 201 and 202 has the same configuration as the above-mentioned light source unit 200, and includes a light emitting element LD and a light guide LG.

[0074] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a part of the insulating layer IL applied to the display device 1 shown in FIG.

[0075] The side surfaces IS1 and IS2 are rougher than the top surface TS. The side surfaces IS1 and IS2 have approximately the same surface roughness Ra. The side surfaces IS1 and IS2 are also rougher than the side surfaces IS3 and IS4.

[0076] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view including the insulating layer IL taken along line CD shown in FIG.

[0077] In the insulating layer IL, the side surface IS1 has a plurality of inclined surfaces SS11, SS12, and SS13 inclined at angles different from one another, similar to the configuration example shown in FIG. Furthermore, side surface IS2 has a plurality of inclined surfaces SS21, SS22, and SS23 inclined at different angles. In the illustrated example, the plurality of inclined surfaces SS21, SS22, and SS23 are each curved and concave. That is, on side surface IS2, inclined surfaces SS21, SS22, and SS23 each form a recess, and the connection portion between inclined surface SS21 and inclined surface SS22 and the connection portion between inclined surface SS22 and inclined surface SS23 each form a protrusion, forming a rough surface as described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0078] This configuration example also achieves the same effects as the above configuration example. That is, when illumination light L1 emitted from the light source unit 201 propagates along the second direction Y and reaches the insulating layer IL, it is scattered by the side surface IS1, which is a rough surface. Similarly, when illumination light L2 emitted from the light source unit 202 propagates along the second direction Y and reaches the insulating layer IL, it is scattered by the side surface IS2, which is a rough surface. This reduces the amount of illumination light L1 and illumination light L2 that reaches the side surface GS of the scanning line G and the side surface GAS of the auxiliary wiring GA. This suppresses light leakage due to undesired reflections on the scanning line G or the auxiliary wiring GA, thereby improving display quality.

[0079] Furthermore, there is no need to form the light-shielding layer BM to be wide in order to block undesired reflected light. Furthermore, there is no need to form the wiring in a curved shape in order to suppress undesired reflected light.

[0080] In the above embodiment, for example, transparent substrate 110 corresponds to the first transparent substrate, transparent substrate 120 corresponds to the second transparent substrate, transparent substrate 130 corresponds to the third transparent substrate, and transparent substrate 140 corresponds to the fourth transparent substrate. Alignment film AL1 corresponds to the first alignment film, and alignment film AL2 corresponds to the second alignment film. Side surface IS1 corresponds to the first side surface, side surface IS2 corresponds to the second side surface, side surface IS3 corresponds to the third side surface, and side surface IS4 corresponds to the fourth side surface. Insulating layer 112 corresponds to the first insulating layer, and insulating layer 113 corresponds to the second insulating layer.

[0081] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a display device capable of improving display quality.

[0082] All display devices that can be implemented by a person skilled in the art by appropriately modifying the design based on the display devices described above as embodiments of the present invention also fall within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the gist of the present invention.

[0083] Within the scope of the concept of the present invention, a person skilled in the art may conceive of various modifications, and these modifications are also understood to fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, even if a person skilled in the art appropriately adds or deletes components or modifies the design of the above-described embodiment, or adds or omits steps or modifies conditions, these modifications are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they maintain the gist of the present invention.

[0084] Furthermore, with regard to other effects brought about by the aspects described in the above embodiments, those that are clear from the description in this specification or that can be appropriately thought of by a person skilled in the art are naturally understood to be brought about by the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1...Display device 100...Display panel 100A...Display area PX...Pixel 110...Transparent substrate 120...Transparent substrate LC...Liquid crystal layer AL1...Alignment film AL2...Alignment film G...Scanning line GA...Auxiliary wiring S...Signal line SW...Switching element PE: pixel electrode TE: transparent electrode CE: common electrode 200...Light source unit IL...insulating layer IS1, IS2, IS3, IS4...side surface TS...top surface

Claims

1. a display panel including a polymer dispersed liquid crystal containing a polymer and liquid crystal molecules in a display area for displaying an image; a light source unit disposed along an edge of the display panel; The display panel includes: Scan lines and signal lines intersecting the scanning lines; a switching element electrically connected to the scanning line and the signal line; a pixel electrode electrically connected to the switching element; an insulating layer formed in a grid shape and overlapping the scanning lines, the signal lines, and the switching elements; the insulating layer has a first side surface facing the light source unit and a second side surface opposite to the first side surface, The first side surface has a plurality of inclined surfaces inclined at different angles from each other. Display device.

2. Each of the plurality of inclined surfaces is curved. The display device according to claim 1 .

3. In a cross section of the insulating layer, the shape of the first side surface is different from the shape of the second side surface. The display device according to claim 1 .

4. The second side surface has a plurality of inclined surfaces inclined at different angles from each other. The display device according to claim 1 .

5. a display panel including a polymer dispersed liquid crystal containing a polymer and liquid crystal molecules in a display area for displaying an image; a light source unit disposed along an edge of the display panel; The display panel includes: Scan lines and signal lines intersecting the scanning lines; a switching element electrically connected to the scanning line and the signal line; a pixel electrode electrically connected to the switching element; an insulating layer formed in a grid shape and overlapping the scanning lines, the signal lines, and the switching elements; the insulating layer has a first side surface facing the light source unit, a second side surface opposite to the first side surface, and an upper surface located directly above the scanning line between the first side surface and the second side surface, The first side surface is a rough surface having irregularities compared to the upper surface. Display device.

6. The first side surface is rougher than the second side surface. The display device according to claim 5 .

7. The first side surface and the second side surface are rougher than the upper surface. The display device according to claim 5 .

8. the insulating layer further has a third side surface and a fourth side surface opposite to the third side surface, the signal line is located between the third side surface and the fourth side surface, The first side surface is rougher than the third side surface and the fourth side surface. The display device according to claim 5 .

9. moreover, a first insulating layer covering the scan lines; an auxiliary wiring located directly above the scanning line, disposed on the first insulating layer, electrically connected to the scanning line, and covered with the insulating layer; the scanning lines and the auxiliary wiring are multilayer structures including an aluminum layer and a titanium layer; The display device according to claim 1 or 5.

10. moreover, a transparent electrode covering the insulating layer; a second insulating layer interposed between the transparent electrode and the pixel electrode; The display device according to claim 1 or 5.

Images