Display device

Abstract

To provide a display device capable of suppressing the reflection of external light.SOLUTION: A display device comprises a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, and a liquid crystal layer held between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate includes: an insulating substrate having a main surface; a switching element, a first pixel electrode electrically connected to the switching element; a second pixel electrode adjacent to the first pixel electrode; a wiring line arranged between the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode; a convex portion arranged between the wiring line and the liquid crystal layer, overlapping the wiring line, and extending along the wiring line; and a blackened film formed into a belt-like shape overlapping the convex portion, and having an inclined surface which inclines with respect to the main surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Display devices such as liquid crystal display devices are provided with metal layers for scanning lines, signal lines, etc. These metal layers can reflect external light, so some measures are required. One known example is a technique for providing irregularities on the surface of a protective panel disposed in front of a liquid crystal panel, while another known example is a technique for providing a black matrix that overlaps a metal layer in a plan view. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-126026 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-35884 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the embodiment is to provide a display device that can suppress reflection of external light. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one embodiment, the display device comprises: The liquid crystal display device comprises a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, and a liquid crystal layer held between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the first substrate comprises an insulating substrate having a main surface, a switching element, a first pixel electrode electrically connected to the switching element, a second pixel electrode adjacent to the first pixel electrode, wiring arranged between the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode, a convex portion arranged between the wiring and the liquid crystal layer, overlapping the wiring and extending along the wiring, and a blackening film formed in a strip shape overlapping the convex portion, and having an inclined surface inclined with respect to the main surface.

[0006] According to another embodiment, the display device comprises: The liquid crystal display device comprises a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, and a liquid crystal layer held between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the first substrate comprises an insulating substrate having a main surface, a switching element, a first pixel electrode electrically connected to the switching element, a second pixel electrode adjacent to the first pixel electrode, wiring arranged between the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode, a recess arranged between the wiring and the liquid crystal layer, overlapping the wiring and extending along the wiring, and a blackening film formed in a strip shape overlapping the recess, having an inclined surface inclined with respect to the main surface.

[0007] According to yet another embodiment, the display device comprises: The display device comprises a display panel, an illumination device that illuminates the display panel, and a magnifying optical system facing the display panel, wherein the display panel comprises an insulating substrate having a main surface, a switching element, a first pixel electrode electrically connected to the switching element, a second pixel electrode adjacent to the first pixel electrode, and a blackening film that is arranged between the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode in a planar view, is formed in a strip shape, and has an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the main surface. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a display device 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the display panel 2. As shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the layout of the subpixels SPR, SPG, and SPB. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing some of the elements of a sub-pixel. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view for explaining an example of the blackening film BK. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view for explaining another example of the blackening film BK. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display panel 2 including the subpixel shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display panel 2 including the subpixel shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view for explaining an example of the positional relationship between the common electrode CE and the blackening film BK. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view for explaining an example of the cross-sectional shape of the blackening film BK. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view for explaining another example of the cross-sectional shape of the blackened film BK. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view for explaining another example of the cross-sectional shape of the blackened film BK. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the inclination angle θ of the inclined surface BKS. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display panel 2 including spacers PS and a blackening film BK. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the configuration of the display panel 2 including the subpixel shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, this 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 clarity of explanation, 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 orthogonal X-, Y-, and Z-axes. However, the X-, Y-, and Z-axes may intersect at an angle other than 90°. The direction along the X-axis is referred to as the X-direction or first direction X, the direction along the Y-axis is referred to as the Y-direction or second direction Y, and the direction along the Z-axis is referred to as the Z-direction or third direction Z. The plane defined by the X-axis and Y-axis is referred to as the XY plane, and viewing the XY plane is referred to as planar view.

[0011] In this embodiment, a liquid crystal display device having a liquid crystal display element is disclosed as an example of a display device, but the individual technical ideas disclosed in this embodiment can also be applied to display devices including other types of display elements, such as an organic electroluminescence display element, a micro LED, or a mini LED.

[0012] The display device described below can be used in a variety of devices, such as in-vehicle devices, smartphones, tablet devices, mobile phone devices, personal computers, television receivers, game devices, and even head-mounted displays that display images for VR (Virtual Reality).

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a display device 1 according to this embodiment. The display device 1 includes a display panel 2 and an illumination device 3. The illumination device 3 is configured to illuminate the display panel 2. In the example of FIG. 1, the illumination device 3 is a side-edge type that includes a light guide LG facing the display panel 2 and a plurality of light-emitting elements LS facing the side surface of the light guide LG. However, the configuration of the illumination device 3 is not limited to the example of FIG. 1, and may be, for example, a direct type in which a plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged to face the display panel 2.

[0014] 1, the display panel 2 and the light guide LG are both formed in a rectangular shape with a short side along the X direction and a long side along the Y direction, and are opposed to each other in the Z direction. However, the display panel 2 and the light guide LG are not limited to being rectangular, and may have other shapes.

[0015] The display panel 2 is a transmissive liquid crystal panel and includes a first substrate SUB1 (array substrate), a second substrate SUB2 (counter substrate) facing the first substrate SUB1, and a liquid crystal layer LC held between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2. The first substrate SUB1 faces the illumination device 3 in the Z direction. The display panel 2 has, for example, a rectangular display area DA.

[0016] The display device 1 further includes an optical sheet group 4, a first polarizing plate 5, and a second polarizing plate 6. The optical sheet group 4 is disposed between the light guide LG and the display panel 2. For example, the optical sheet group 4 includes a diffusion sheet DF that diffuses light emitted from the light guide LG, and a first prism sheet PR1 and a second prism sheet PR2 on which a large number of prisms are formed.

[0017] The first polarizing plate 5 is disposed between the optical sheet group 4 and the first substrate SUB1. The second polarizing plate 6 is disposed above the second substrate SUB2. The polarization axes of the first polarizing plate 5 and the second polarizing plate 6 are in a crossed Nicol relationship, i.e., perpendicular to each other.

[0018] The display device 1 may also include a magnifying optical system 7 facing the display panel 2 depending on the application. The magnifying optical system 7 faces the second substrate SUB2 in the Z direction. The magnifying optical system 7 includes at least a beam splitter BS and a reflective polarizer RP. The beam splitter BS and the reflective polarizer RP face each other with an interval in the Z direction. The beam splitter BS may be a polarizing beam splitter that separates polarized light, or may be a half mirror (semi-transmissive layer). The reflective polarizer RP, for example, reflects a first linearly polarized light and transmits a second linearly polarized light that is orthogonal to the first linearly polarized light. The magnifying optical system 7 further includes a circular polarizer CP and a wave plate WP. The circular polarizer CP is disposed between the first polarizer 5 and the beam splitter BS, and converts the linearly polarized light transmitted through the first polarizer 5 into circularly polarized light. The wave plate WP is disposed between the beam splitter BS and the reflective polarizer RP, and imparts a phase difference of ¼ wavelength to the transmitted light.

[0019] Such a magnifying optical system 7 can form an optical path that passes three times between the beam splitter BS and the reflective polarizer RP. That is, in the magnifying optical system 7, the optical distance between the beam splitter BS and the reflective polarizer RP is approximately three times the actual distance between the beam splitter BS and the reflective polarizer RP. This makes it possible to provide a display device 1 that can be made thinner and lighter. Such a display device 1 is suitable for, for example, a head-mounted display for VR.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the display panel 2. As shown in FIG. The display panel 2 has a display area DA and a peripheral area SA surrounding the display area DA. In the example of Fig. 2, the bottom side of the first substrate SUB1 in the drawing protrudes further in the Y direction than the second substrate SUB2. This forms a mounting area MA on the first substrate SUB1 that does not overlap with the second substrate SUB2. The mounting area MA is part of the peripheral area SA.

[0021] In the display area DA, a plurality of pixels PX are arranged in a matrix. Each pixel PX has a plurality of sub-pixels. In this embodiment, as an example, each pixel PX has a red sub-pixel SPR, a green sub-pixel SPG, and a blue sub-pixel SPB. However, each pixel PX may also have sub-pixels of other colors, such as white.

[0022] The display panel 2 includes a plurality of scanning lines G, a plurality of signal lines S (video lines), a first scanning driver GD1, a second scanning driver GD2, and a selector circuit ST. The plurality of scanning lines G extend in the X direction and are aligned in the Y direction. The plurality of signal lines S extend in the Y direction and are aligned in the X direction. Each scanning line G is connected to at least one of the first scanning driver GD1 and the second scanning driver GD2. Each signal line S is connected to the selector circuit ST.

[0023] In the example of Fig. 2, the controller CT is mounted in a mounting area MA. Furthermore, a terminal portion T is provided in the mounting area MA, and a flexible circuit board F is connected to this terminal portion T. The controller CT may be mounted on the flexible circuit board F. The controller CT can be configured by an IC or various circuit elements.

[0024] The flexible circuit board F inputs various signals sent from the board of the electronic device on which the display device 1 is mounted to the controller CT. Based on the input signals, the controller CT supplies video signals to the selector circuit ST and controls the first scan driver GD1, the second scan driver GD2, and the selector circuit ST. The first scan driver GD1 and the second scan driver GD2 sequentially supply scan signals to each scan line G. The selector circuit ST sequentially supplies the input video signals to the signal lines S.

[0025] Each pixel PX includes a pixel electrode PE, a switching element SW (thin film transistor), and a common electrode CE to which a common voltage is supplied. The switching element SW is connected to the pixel electrode PE, a scanning line G, and a signal line S, and when a scanning signal is supplied to the scanning line G, it supplies a video signal from the signal line S to the pixel electrode PE. The common electrode CE is formed across multiple sub-pixels. When a video signal is supplied to the pixel electrode PE, a potential difference is formed between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE, and the resulting electric field acts on the liquid crystal layer LC.

[0026] In this embodiment, the scanning lines G, signal lines S, first scanning driver GD1, second scanning driver GD2, selector circuit ST, switching elements SW, pixel electrodes PE, and common electrode CE are all arranged on the first substrate SUB1. Note that the common electrode CE may also be arranged on the second substrate SUB2.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the layout of the subpixels SPR, SPG, and SPB. A red color filter CFR is arranged in the subpixel SPR, a green color filter CFG is arranged in the subpixel SPG, and a blue color filter CFB is arranged in the subpixel SPB. In this embodiment, for example, the color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB are all arranged on the first substrate SUB1. However, the color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB may also be arranged on the second substrate SUB2.

[0028] In the example of FIG. 3, the subpixels SPR, SPG, and SPB are arranged in this order in the X direction. The subpixels SPR, SPB, and SPG are also arranged in this order in the Y direction. As a result, subpixels SPR of the same color are arranged in a diagonal direction intersecting the X and Y directions. Similarly, the subpixels SPG are arranged in a diagonal direction, and the subpixels SPB are also arranged in a diagonal direction. The color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB are arranged in a dot-like (island-like) shape with respect to the subpixels SPR, SPG, and SPB.

[0029] The layout of the subpixels SPR, SPG, and SPB is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 3. For example, a red pixel row in which the subpixels SPR are aligned in the Y direction, a green pixel row in which the subpixels SPG are aligned in the Y direction, and a blue pixel row in which the subpixels SPB are aligned in the Y direction may be aligned in this order in the X direction.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing some of the elements of a sub-pixel. Here, the description will be focused on one sub-pixel defined by two scanning lines G1 and G2 extending in the X direction and two signal lines S1 and S2 extending in the Y direction.

[0031] As indicated by the dashed dotted lines, the pixel electrode PE is located between the signal lines S1 and S2 in the X direction and between the scanning lines G1 and G2 in the Y direction. The pixel electrode PE is also located between the pixel electrodes PE1 and PE2 in the X direction and between the pixel electrodes PE3 and PE4 in the Y direction.

[0032] As indicated by dotted lines, the common electrode CE overlaps the scanning lines G1 and G2, the signal lines S1 and S2, and the pixel electrodes PE, PE1, PE2, PE3, and PE4. The common electrode CE also has one slit SL overlapping the pixel electrode PE. The slit SL extends, for example, in a diagonal direction intersecting the X and Y directions. The common electrode CE may also have multiple slits SL overlapping one pixel electrode PE.

[0033] The blackening film BK is a film that can be visually recognized as black, and may be an insulator such as a dielectric multilayer film, or a conductor such as a light-shielding metal film. The blackening film BK is formed in a lattice shape having a plurality of first portions BKx extending in the X direction and a plurality of second portions BKy extending in the Y direction. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the blackening film BK surrounds the pixel electrode PE.

[0034] The first portions BKx are formed in strip shapes extending in the X direction and having a width WY1 in the Y direction. Each first portion BKx overlaps the scanning lines G1 and G2. When the illustrated pixel electrode PE and pixel electrode PE3 are the first pixel electrode and second pixel electrode adjacent in the Y direction, the first portion BKx and the scanning line G1 are disposed between the first pixel electrode PE and the second pixel electrode PE3.

[0035] In the illustrated example, the width WY1 of the first portion BKx is smaller than the width WY2 of the scanning line G1 in the Y direction. However, the width WY1 of the first portion BKx may be equal to or larger than the width WY2 of the scanning line G1. In this case, the first portion BKx may overlap the scanning line G1 so as to cover the entire scanning line G1.

[0036] The second portions BKy are formed in strip shapes extending in the Y direction and having a width WX1 in the X direction. Each second portion BKy overlaps the signal lines S1 and S2. When the illustrated pixel electrode PE and pixel electrode PE1 are the first pixel electrode and second pixel electrode adjacent in the X direction, the second portions BKy and signal line S1 are disposed between the first pixel electrode PE and the second pixel electrode PE1.

[0037] In the illustrated example, the width WX1 of the second portion BKy is larger than the width WX2 of the signal line S1 in the X direction. The second portion BKy overlaps the signal line S1 so as to cover the entire signal line S1. However, the width WX1 of the second portion BKy may be smaller than the width WX2 of the signal line S1.

[0038] In this manner, in this embodiment, the blackening film BK is arranged so as to overlap, in plan view, both the boundaries between sub-pixels adjacent in the X direction (or between pixel electrodes adjacent in the X direction) and the boundaries between sub-pixels adjacent in the Y direction (or between pixel electrodes adjacent in the Y direction). The blackening film BK may be provided on either the first substrate SUB1 or the second substrate SUB2.

[0039] An aperture APX surrounded by two first portions BKx adjacent to each other in the Y direction and two second portions BKy adjacent to each other in the X direction is formed for each sub-pixel. The pixel electrode PE overlaps most of the aperture APX.

[0040] At a position overlapping with the first portion BKx, a contact hole CH1 for connecting the switching element SW and the pixel electrode PE is formed.

[0041] 5 is a perspective view for explaining an example of the blackening film BK, in which the blackening film BK is provided on the first substrate SUB1.

[0042] The insulating substrate 10 has a main surface 10A. The main surface 10A is a surface parallel to the XY plane. The scanning lines G1 and G2 are located between the insulating substrate 10 and a first portion BKx of the blackening film BK. The signal lines S1 and S2 are located between the insulating substrate 10 and a second portion BKy of the blackening film BK.

[0043] The convex portions CV are formed in a grid pattern having a plurality of first convex portions CVx extending in the X direction and a plurality of second convex portions CVy extending in the Y direction. The first convex portions CVx extend in the X direction and overlap with the scanning lines G1 and G2. The second convex portions CVy extend in the Y direction and overlap with the signal lines S1 and S2. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the convex portions CV surround the pixel electrode PE. Such a protrusion CV is, for example, an insulator and may be made of either an inorganic material or an organic material. Note that the protrusion CV may also be made of a conductor.

[0044] The blackening film BK overlaps and covers the convex portions CV. That is, the first portions BKx overlap the first convex portions CVx, and the second portions BKy overlap the second convex portions CVy. The blackening film BK is formed in a lattice pattern similar to the convex portions CV and surrounds the pixel electrodes PE. The surface of the blackening film BK is provided with inclined surfaces BKS inclined with respect to the main surface 10A (or the XY plane). Such blackening film BK absorbs, for example, reflected light (external light) from the magnifying optical system 7 shown in FIG. 1 and suppresses undesired reflections on the scanning lines G1 and G2 and the signal lines S1 and S2. The inclined surfaces BKS can also function as reflective surfaces that reflect external light not absorbed by the blackening film BK. As will be described later, the inclination angle of the inclined surfaces BKS is set to confine external light within the display panel 2. This suppresses undesired reflected light toward the magnifying optical system 7 and suppresses deterioration of the display quality of the displayed image.

[0045] 6 is a perspective view for explaining another example of the blackening film BK, in which the blackening film BK is provided on the first substrate SUB1.

[0046] The recesses CC are formed in a lattice shape having a plurality of first recesses CCx extending in the X direction and a plurality of second recesses CCy extending in the Y direction. The first recesses CCx extend in the X direction and overlap with the scanning lines G1 and G2. The second recesses CCy extend in the Y direction and overlap with the signal lines S1 and S2. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the recesses CC surround the pixel electrode PE. Such recesses CC are formed in, for example, an insulating film, but may also be formed in a metal film.

[0047] The blackening film BK overlaps the recessed portion CC and covers the recessed portion CC. That is, the first portion BKx overlaps the first recessed portion CCx, and the second portion BKy overlaps the second recessed portion CCy. The blackening film BK surrounds the pixel electrode PE. An inclined surface BKS inclined with respect to the main surface 10A (or the XY plane) is formed on the surface of the blackening film BK. Even in this example, the same effect as the example shown in FIG. 5 can be obtained.

[0048] Fig. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display panel 2 including the subpixel shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 7 shows a cross-section of the display panel 2 taken along line AB in Fig. 4. Here, a case where the blackening film BK overlaps the convex portion CV will be described.

[0049] The first substrate SUB1 includes the signal lines S1 and S2, the switching elements SW having the semiconductor layers SC, the pixel electrodes PE, the common electrodes CE, the convex portions CV, the blackening films BK, and the color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB. The first substrate SUB1 further includes an insulating substrate 10, insulating films 11 to 15, and an alignment film 16.

[0050] The insulating substrate 10 is made of, for example, glass, but may also be made of a resin material such as polyimide. A main surface 10A of the insulating substrate 10 is located on the side facing the second substrate SUB2. The insulating films 11 to 14 are inorganic insulating films formed of an inorganic material such as silicon nitride or silicon oxide. The insulating film 15 is an organic insulating film formed of an organic material such as acrylic resin. The pixel electrodes PE and the common electrode CE are transparent electrodes formed of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO). The scanning lines G1 and G2 and the signal lines S1 and S2 are metal wiring formed of a metal material such as molybdenum, aluminum, titanium, or tungsten.

[0051] The insulating film 11 is disposed on the main surface 10A of the insulating substrate 10. The semiconductor layer SC is disposed on the insulating film 11. The insulating film 12 covers the semiconductor layer SC and the insulating film 11. The insulating film 13 covers the insulating film 12. The scanning lines and the gate electrodes of the switching elements SW are disposed at least either between the insulating substrate 10 and the insulating film 11 or between the insulating films 12 and 13. The signal lines S1 and S2 are disposed on the insulating film 13. The signal lines S1 and S2 are in contact with the semiconductor layer SC through contact holes that penetrate the insulating films 12 and 13, respectively.

[0052] The color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB are disposed on the signal lines S1 and S2 and the insulating film 13. The insulating film 15 covers the color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB. The color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB and the insulating film 15 are formed thicker than the other insulating films 11 to 14. The insulating film 15 flattens out any irregularities caused by the switching elements SW and the color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB.

[0053] The pixel electrode PE is disposed on the insulating film 15. The pixel electrode PE is electrically connected to the semiconductor layer SC through a contact hole (contact hole CH1 shown in FIG. 4) that penetrates the insulating film 15. Note that another conductive layer may be interposed between the pixel electrode PE and the semiconductor layer SC.

[0054] The pixel electrode PE of each subpixel faces color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB. For example, color filter CFG corresponds to a first color filter and is disposed between the insulating substrate 10 and the pixel electrode PE. Color filter CFR corresponds to a second color filter and is disposed between the insulating substrate 10 and the pixel electrode PE1. Color filter CFB corresponds to a third color filter and is disposed between the insulating substrate 10 and the pixel electrode PE2.

[0055] The insulating film 14 covers the pixel electrodes PE and the insulating film 15. The common electrode CE is disposed on the insulating film 14. The common electrode CE faces the pixel electrodes PE via the insulating film 14. The slits SL of the common electrode CE overlap the pixel electrodes PE. The common electrode CE is covered with an alignment film 16.

[0056] The second convex portions CVy of the convex portions CV are disposed between the signal lines S1 and S2 and the liquid crystal layer LC. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the second convex portions CVy are disposed on the insulating film 14 and overlap the signal lines S1 and S2, respectively. When such a protrusion CV is made of an insulator, the protrusion CV may be formed integrally with the insulating film 14 or may be formed separately from the insulating film 14. Furthermore, the protrusion CV may be disposed not only between the insulating film 14 and the common electrode CE but also between the insulating film 15 and the insulating film 14.

[0057] The second portion BKy of the blackening film BK overlaps the second convex portion CVy. The second portion BKy is located between the second convex portion CVy and the common electrode CE and is in contact with both. If the blackening film BK is a metal film, the blackening film BK is electrically connected to the common electrode CE and has the same potential as the common electrode CE. The reflectance of the blackened film BK is smaller than that of the signal lines S1 and S2. Therefore, even if undesired reflection occurs on the surface of the blackened film BK, the brightness of the reflected light can be reduced compared to when undesired reflection occurs on the surfaces of the signal lines S1 and S2. The second portion BKy of the blackening film BK overlaps the boundary between the color filter CFR and the color filter CFG, and the boundary between the color filter CFG and the color filter CFB.

[0058] The second substrate SUB2 includes an insulating substrate 20 and an alignment film 21. The insulating substrate 20 is made of the same material as the insulating substrate 10. The insulating substrate 20 has a main surface 20A facing the first substrate SUB1. The main surface 20A is a surface parallel to the XY plane. The alignment film 21 covers the main surface 20A.

[0059] The first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 are bonded together in the peripheral area SA by an annular seal, and a liquid crystal layer LC is sealed between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2.

[0060] When a video signal is supplied to the pixel electrode PE, an electric field is formed between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE. This electric field acts on the liquid crystal layer LC through the slit SL, thereby controlling the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal layer LC.

[0061] Fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display panel 2 including the subpixel shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 8 shows a cross-section of the display panel 2 taken along line CD in Fig. 4. Here, a case where the blackening film BK overlaps the convex portion CV will be described.

[0062] The first substrate SUB1 is provided with the above-mentioned scanning lines G1 and G2. In the example shown in FIG.

[0063] The first convex portion CVx of the convex portion CV is disposed between the scanning lines G1 and G2 and the liquid crystal layer LC. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the first convex portion CVx is disposed on the insulating film 14 and overlaps the scanning lines G1 and G2, respectively. The first convex portion CVx is formed integrally with the second convex portion CVy shown in Fig. 7.

[0064] The first portion BKx of the blackened film BK overlaps the first convex portion CVx. The first portion BKx is located between the first convex portion CVx and the common electrode CE and is in contact with both. If the first portion BKx is a metal film, the first portion BKx is electrically connected to the common electrode CE. The reflectance of the blackened film BK is smaller than that of the scanning lines G1 and G2. Therefore, even if undesired reflection occurs on the surface of the blackened film BK, the brightness of the reflected light can be reduced compared to when undesired reflection occurs on the surfaces of the scanning lines G1 and G2. The first portion BKx of the blackening film BK overlaps the boundary between the color filter CFR and the color filter CFG, and the boundary between the color filter CFG and the color filter CFB.

[0065] 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the positional relationship between the common electrode CE and the blackening film BK. Although the blackening film BK is shown in FIG. 9 as having a flat surface, its surface has a concave or convex inclined surface as described above.

[0066] 9, the common electrode CE is disposed on the blackened film BK. That is, the common electrode CE is located between the blackened film BK and the alignment film 16, and is in contact with the blackened film BK. 9, the common electrode CE is disposed below the blackened film BK. That is, the blackened film BK is located between the common electrode CE and the alignment film 16, and is in contact with the common electrode CE. 9, an insulating film IL is interposed between the common electrode CE and the blackening film BK. In one example, the blackening film BK is located between the common electrode CE and the alignment film 16, but the common electrode CE may also be located between the blackening film BK and the alignment film 16. When the blackening film BK is a metal film, the blackening film BK may be in contact with the common electrode CE via a through-hole that penetrates the insulating film IL.

[0067] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the cross-sectional shape of the blackening film BK. Note that FIG. 10 omits the structure between the blackening film BK and the wiring WL. The wiring WL is, for example, the signal line or scanning line described above. The blackening film BK in each example shown in FIG. 10 has a convex surface that protrudes from the insulating film IL.

[0068] In the example shown in the upper part of Fig. 10, the blackening film BK is disposed on the insulating film IL directly above the wiring WL and is formed to have a triangular cross section. In other words, the convex portion CV shown in Fig. 5 is omitted, and the cross section of the blackening film BK is formed so that its thickness decreases from the center toward the periphery. In the example shown in the middle of FIG. 10, the blackening film BK is formed directly above the wiring WL so as to overlap two protruding portions CV. In the example shown in the lower part of FIG. 10, the blackening film BK is formed directly above the wiring WL so as to overlap a plurality of minute protrusions CV.

[0069] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view for explaining another example of the cross-sectional shape of the blackened film BK. Between the wiring WL and the blackening film BK are interposed a plurality of insulating films IL1, IL2, and IL3 and conductive layers M1 and M2. The insulating film IL3 forms a convex portion CV directly above the wiring WL due to the influence of the steps caused by the wiring WL and the conductive layers M1 and M2. The blackening film BK overlaps the convex portion CV of the insulating film 13 so as to cover it. This results in the formation of a blackening film BK with a convex surface.

[0070] Some examples of cross-sectional shapes of the blackened film BK shown in Figures 10 and 11 can be combined with the example of the positional relationship between the common electrode CE and the blackened film BK shown in Figure 9, and can further be replaced with the cross-sectional shape of the blackened film BK shown in Figure 5.

[0071] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another example of the cross-sectional shape of the blackening film BK. Note that Fig. 12 omits the structure between the blackening film BK and the wiring WL. The wiring WL is, for example, the signal line or scanning line described above. The blackening film BK in the example shown in Fig. 12 has a concave surface.

[0072] In the example shown in the upper part of FIG. 12, the blackening film BK is formed immediately above the wiring WL so as to overlap two recesses CC formed in the insulating film IL. In the example shown in the lower part of FIG. 12, the blackened film BK is formed directly above the wiring WL so as to overlap a plurality of minute recesses CC.

[0073] Some examples of cross-sectional shapes of the blackened film BK shown in Figure 12 can be combined with the examples of the positional relationship between the common electrode CE and the blackened film BK shown in Figure 9, and can further be replaced with the cross-sectional shape of the blackened film BK shown in Figure 6.

[0074] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the inclination angle θ of the inclined surface BKS. Here, the display panel 2 is shown schematically. It is also assumed that the refractive index n of the entire display panel 2, including the components in contact with the blackened film BK, is the same. When the inclination angle of the inclined surface BKS with respect to the XY plane is θ, the angle between incident light Li and reflected light Lr from the inclined surface BKS when external light is incident from the front of the display panel 2 is 2θ. The angle of incidence when the reflected light Lr is totally reflected at the interface between the display panel 2 and air is also 2θ. When the refractive index of air is 1 and the refractive index n of the entire display panel 2 is 1.5, the condition for the reflected light Lr to be totally reflected inside the display panel 2 is that θ is approximately 21° or greater. In other words, it is desirable to set the inclination angle θ of the inclined surface BKS to 21° or greater. As a result, the external light Li incident on the display panel 2 is confined within the display panel 2, and is prevented from becoming undesired reflected light.

[0075] FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display panel 2 including spacers PS and a blackening film BK. For example, the spacers PS are formed in a columnar shape and are located between the color filters CFR and CFB immediately above the intersections of the scan lines G and signal lines S. The spacers PS form a cell gap for holding the liquid crystal layer LC between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2. In the illustrated example, the spacers PS are formed on the first substrate SUB1, with their tips in contact with the second substrate SUB2. As another example, the spacers PS may be formed on the second substrate SUB2, with their tips in contact with the first substrate SUB1.

[0076] The blackening film BK is formed to have the inclined surfaces BKS as described above, but the portions overlapping with the spacers PS are flattened, thereby suppressing variations in the cell gap.

[0077] FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the configuration of the display panel 2 including the subpixel shown in FIG. The example shown in Fig. 15 differs from the above examples in that the blackening film BK is provided on the second substrate SUB2. Even when the blackening film BK is provided on the second substrate SUB2, when the display panel 2 is viewed in plan, the blackening film BK overlaps the scanning lines and signal lines as in the example shown in Fig. 4. Furthermore, although the case where the blackening film BK overlaps the convex portions CV will be described here, the blackening film BK may also overlap the concave portions CC.

[0078] The first substrate SUB1 includes an insulating substrate 10, scanning lines G, signal lines S, pixel electrodes PE, a common electrode CE, color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB, insulating films 11 to 1 and 5, and an alignment film 16. The second substrate SUB2 includes an insulating substrate 20, protrusions CV, a blackening film BK, and an alignment film 21. In the cross-sectional view in the illustrated XZ plane, second protrusions CVy are shown as parts of the protrusions CV, and second portions BKy are shown as parts of the blackening film BK. In the cross-sectional view in the YZ plane, first protrusions CVx and first portions BKx similar to those in the example shown in FIG. 8 are provided on the second substrate SUB2. The second convex portion CVy is formed on the main surface 20A and overlaps the signal line S. The second portion BKy is located directly above the signal line S and overlaps the second convex portion CVy. The reflectance of the second portion BKy is smaller than the reflectance of the signal line S. The alignment film 21 covers the blackening film BK and also covers the main surface 20A. The liquid crystal layer LC is held between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2.

[0079] Even with this configuration example, the same effects as those in the above example can be obtained.

[0080] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a display device that can suppress reflection of external light.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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]

[0084] 1... display device 2... display panel 3... lighting device 7... magnification optical system SUB1: First substrate SUB2: Second substrate LC: Liquid crystal layer PE: Pixel electrode CE...Common electrode CFR,CFG,CFB...Color filter BK...Black film CV...Convex part CC...Concave part

Claims

1. a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, and a liquid crystal layer held between the first substrate and the second substrate; The first substrate is an insulating substrate having a main surface; A switching element; a first pixel electrode electrically connected to the switching element; a second pixel electrode adjacent to the first pixel electrode; a wiring disposed between the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode; a protrusion disposed between the wiring and the liquid crystal layer, overlapping the wiring and extending along the wiring; a blackening film formed in a strip shape overlapping the protrusion and having an inclined surface inclined with respect to the main surface; a common electrode facing the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode; a first color filter disposed between the insulating substrate and the first pixel electrode; a second color filter disposed between the insulating substrate and the second pixel electrode; Equipped with the protrusion and the blackened film surround the first pixel electrode and overlap the boundary between the first color filter and the second color filter; the blackened film is a light-shielding metal film having a reflectance lower than that of the wiring, and is electrically connected to the common electrode; The display device, wherein the second substrate does not include a light-shielding layer directly above the wiring.

2. the wiring is a signal line that supplies a video signal to the switching element, The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the width of the blackening film is greater than the width of the signal line.

3. the wiring is a scanning line that supplies a scanning signal to the switching element, The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the width of the blackening film is smaller than the width of the scanning line.

4. moreover, an illumination device facing the first substrate; The display device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a magnifying optical system facing the second substrate.

5. A display device as described in Claim 3, wherein a contact hole for electrically connecting the switching element and the first pixel electrode is located directly above the scanning line and overlaps the blackening film.

6. The first substrate further comprises: an organic insulating film covering the first color filter and the second color filter; an inorganic insulating film disposed on the organic insulating film, interposed between the first pixel electrode and the common electrode, and interposed between the second pixel electrode and the common electrode; The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the organic insulating film and the inorganic insulating film are interposed between the wiring and the convex portion.

7. Further, a columnar spacer is provided for forming a cell gap between the first substrate and the second substrate, The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the spacers overlap the light-shielding layer but do not overlap the convex portions.

Images