Display device

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-056414, filed Mar. 26, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a display device.

Recently, various liquid crystal display devices each comprising a liquid crystal layer between a first substrate comprising a first spacer and a second substrate comprising a second spacer have been proposed. In this liquid crystal display device, in a main spacer, the first spacer and the second spacer are in contact with each other and form a cell gap. In a sub-spacer, normally, in a state where a display surface is not pressed, the first spacer and the second spacer are apart from each other. In this sub-spacer, if the second substrate is relatively displaced along a first direction with respect to the first substrate, a side surface of the first spacer and a side surface of the second spacer contact each other, and an excessive displacement is suppressed.

However, if a force causing a displacement along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction is applied, there is no structure which suppresses this displacement. Therefore, when the first spacer and the second spacer contact alignment films, respectively, the alignment films may be damaged in association with the displacement. If the alignment films are damaged, the alignment of liquid crystal molecules is lost, and this may cause light leakage. Although light leakage can be suppressed by disposing a light-shielding layer over a wide range, this causes a decrease of an area (opening area) contributing to display of each pixel, a decrease of transmittance, deterioration of color balance, and the like.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a display device DSP of the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a pixel PX shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is an illustration showing an example of a pixel layout in a display region DA shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a first substrate SUB 1 corresponding to the pixel layout shown in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a second substrate SUB 2 corresponding to the pixel layout shown in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view of a first sub-spacer SS 1 shown in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along line A-B of a display panel PNL including the first sub-spacer SS 1 shown in FIG. 6 .

FIG. 8 is an enlarged plan view of a second sub-spacer SS 2 shown in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view along line C-D of the display panel PNL including the second sub-spacer SS 2 shown in FIG. 8 .

FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view of a third sub-spacer SS 3 shown in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view along line E-F of the display panel PNL including the third sub-spacer SS 3 shown in FIG. 10 .

FIG. 12 is an enlarged plan view of a main spacer MS shown in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view along line G-H of the display panel PNL including the main spacer MS shown in FIG. 12 .

FIG. 14 is an enlarged plan view of a modification example of the main spacer MS.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view along line I-J of the display panel PNL including the main spacer MS shown in FIG. 14 .

FIG. 16 is an enlarged plan view of a modification example of a sub-spacer SS.

FIGS. 17A to 17D are illustrations for explaining the effects of the sub-spacer SS shown in FIG. 16 .

FIG. 18 is an enlarged plan view of another modification example of the sub-spacer SS.

FIGS. 19A to 19D are illustrations for explaining the effects of the sub-spacer SS shown in FIG. 18 .

In general, according to one embodiment, there is provided a display device comprising a first substrate, a second substrate and a liquid crystal layer. The first substrate comprises first to third scanning lines extending in a first direction and arranged in order in a second direction, a plurality of signal lines extending in the second direction, a first protrusion portion and a second protrusion portion disposed on the second scanning line and arranged in the first direction, a third protrusion portion disposed on a side close to the third scanning line on the second scanning line, and a fourth protrusion portion disposed on a side close to the first scanning line on the second scanning line. The second substrate comprises a fifth protrusion portion disposed between the first protrusion portion and the second protrusion portion, a sixth protrusion portion disposed on a side close to the first scanning line on the second scanning line, and a seventh protrusion portion disposed on a side close to the third scanning line on the second scanning line in planar view. The liquid crystal layer is held between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first to fourth protrusion portions are apart from the second substrate. The fifth to seventh protrusion portions are apart from the first substrate. The third protrusion portion and the sixth protrusion portion are arranged in the second direction. The fourth protrusion portion and the seventh protrusion portion are arranged in the second direction.

According to another embodiment, there is provided a display device comprising a first substrate, a second substrate and a liquid crystal layer. The first substrate comprises a scanning line extending in a first direction, a signal line extending in a second direction, and first to fourth protrusion portions. The second substrate comprises fifth to seventh protrusion portions. The liquid crystal layer is held between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first to fourth protrusion portions are apart from the second substrate. The fifth to seventh protrusion portions are apart from the first substrate. In planar view, the first protrusion portion and the second protrusion portion are arranged in the first direction, the fifth protrusion portion is disposed between the first protrusion portion and the second protrusion portion, the third protrusion portion and the sixth protrusion portion are arranged in the second direction, the fourth protrusion portion and the seventh protrusion portion are arranged in the second direction, the third protrusion portion and the seventh protrusion portion are arranged in the first direction, and the fourth protrusion portion and the sixth protrusion portion are arranged in the first direction.

The present embodiment will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. The disclosure is merely an example, and proper changes in keeping with the spirit of the invention, which are easily conceivable by a person of ordinary skill in the art, come within the scope of the invention as a matter of course. In addition, in some cases, in order to make the description clearer, the widths, thicknesses, shapes and the like, of the respective parts are illustrated schematically in the drawings, rather than as an accurate representation of what is implemented. However, such schematic illustration is merely exemplary, and in no way restricts the interpretation of the invention. In addition, in the specification and drawings, constituent elements which function in the same or a similar manner to those described in connection with preceding drawings are denoted by the same reference symbols, and detailed explanations of them that are considered redundant may be omitted unless necessary.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a display device DSP of the present embodiment. In one example, a first direction X, a second direction Y and a third direction Z are orthogonal to one another. However, they may cross one another at an angle other than 90 degrees. The first direction X and the second direction Y correspond to directions parallel to the main surface of a substrate constituting the display device DSP, and the third direction Z corresponds to the thickness direction of the display device DSP. In the present embodiment, viewing an XY-plane defined by the first direction X and the second direction Y is referred to as planar view.

The display device DSP comprises a display panel PNL. The display panel PNL is, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and comprises a first substrate SUB 1 , a second substrate SUB 2 , and a liquid crystal layer LC as a display function layer. The first substrate SUB 1 and the second substrate SUB 2 are opposed to each other in the third direction Z, and are bonded together by a sealant SE. The liquid crystal layer LC is held between the first substrate SUB 1 and the second substrate SUB 2 and is sealed in by the sealant SE.

The display panel PNL comprises a plurality of pixels PX in a display region DA which displays an image. The pixels PX are arranged in a matrix in the first direction X and the second direction Y. The pixel PX here indicates a minimum unit which can be individually controlled according to a pixel signal, and may be referred to also as a sub-pixel.

The first substrate SUB 1 comprises a mounting portion MT extending more outward than the second substrate SUB 2 . A flexible printed circuit board F and an IC chip I indicated by dotted lines are mounted on the mounting portion MT. In some cases, the IC chip I may be mounted on the flexible printed circuit board F.

The display panel PNL may be any of a panel comprising an organic electroluminescent element, a micro-light-emitting diode (LED), a mini-LED or the like, a panel comprising an electrophoretic element, a panel employing micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), a panel employing electrochromism, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a configuration example of the pixel PX shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 shows the first substrate SUB 1 employing a fringe field switching (FFS) mode which is one of display modes using a lateral electric field. Although the first substrate SUB 1 comprises a common electrode, the illustration of the common electrode is omitted here.

The first substrate SUB 1 comprises a plurality of scanning lines G, a plurality of signal lines S, a switching element SW electrically connected to the scanning line G and the signal line S, and a pixel electrode PE electrically connected to the switching element SW. The scanning lines G extend in the first direction X and are arranged spaced apart from each other in the second direction Y. The signal lines S extend in the second direction Y and are arranged spaced apart from each other in the first direction X. The pixel PX corresponds to a region surrounded by two adjacent scanning lines G and two adjacent signal lines S.

The switching element SW is a double-gate thin-film transistor in one example. The switching element SW comprises a semiconductor layer SG, gate electrodes GE 1 and GE 2 , and a relay electrode RE. A portion SC 1 of the semiconductor layer SC is located directly under the signal line S, and crosses the scanning line G. The portion SC 1 is electrically connected to the signal line S in a contact hole CH 1 . A part of the signal line S which is connected to the semiconductor layer SC functions as, for example, a source electrode of the switching element SW. A portion SC 2 of the semiconductor layer SC crosses the scanning line G, and is electrically connected to the relay electrode RE in a contact hole CH 2 . The relay electrode RE functions as, for example, a drain electrode of the switching element SW. A region of the scanning line G which overlaps the portion SC 1 functions as a gate electrode GE 1 , and a part of the scanning line G which overlaps the portion SC 2 functions as a gate electrode GE 2 .

The pixel electrode PE comprises an electrode portion PA and a contact portion PB. The electrode portion PA and the contact portion PB are integrally formed with each other. The electrode portion PA is formed in a strip shape having a substantially constant width, and extends in the second direction Y. Note that the number of electrode portions PA may be one or greater than or equal to three. In addition, the electrode portion PA may extend in a direction crossing the first direction X and the second direction Y and may be partially bent. The pixel electrode PE is electrically connected to the relay electrode RE in a contact hole CH 3 . Accordingly, the switching element SW and the pixel electrode PE are electrically connected to each other.

FIG. 3 is an illustration showing an example of a pixel layout in the display region DA shown in FIG. 1 . The display panel PNL comprises, as the pixel PX, a red pixel PXR which displays red, a blue pixel PXB which displays blue, and a green pixel PXG which displays green. The red pixel PXR comprises a red color filter, and is indicated by downward-sloping diagonal lines in the drawing. The blue pixel PXB comprises a blue color filter, and is indicated by horizontal lines in the drawing. The green pixel PXG comprises a green color filter, and is indicated by upward-sloping diagonal lines in the drawing. The red pixel PXR, the blue pixel PXB and the green pixel PXG are arranged in this order in the first direction X. In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the pixels PX of the same color are arranged in the second direction Y. However, the pixels PX of different colors may be arranged in the second direction Y.

In addition, the display panel PNL comprises a first sub-spacer SS 1 , a second sub-spacer SS 2 , a third sub-spacer SS 3 and a main spacer MS. All the first to third sub-spacers SS 1 to SS 3 and the main spacer MS are disposed close to the blue pixel PXB in one example. As will be described later, the first to third sub-spacers SS 1 to SS 3 and the main spacer MS are composed of a first spacer SP 1 disposed in the first substrate SUB 1 and a second spacer SP 2 disposed in the second substrate SUB 2 .

In the specification, the sub-spacer SS is composed such that the first spacer SP 1 is apart from the second substrate SUB 2 and the second spacer SP 2 is apart from the first substrate SUB 1 in a steady state where no external force is applied to the display panel PNL, and the first spacer SP 1 and the second spacer SP 2 contact each other when an external force is applied. The main spacer MS is composed such that the first spacer SP 1 and the second spacer SP 2 are in contact with each other in the steady state, and forms a predetermined cell gap for forming the liquid crystal layer LC between the first substrate SUB 1 and the second substrate SUB 2 .

The first spacer SP 1 includes a first protrusion portion P 1 , a second protrusion portion P 2 , a third protrusion portion P 3 , a fourth protrusion portion P 4 and an eighth protrusion portion P 8 . The second spacer SP 2 includes a fifth protrusion portion P 5 , a sixth protrusion portion P 6 , a seventh protrusion portion P 7 and a ninth protrusion portion P 9 . The first to fourth protrusion portions P 1 to P 4 and the fifth to seventh protrusion portions P 5 to P 7 do not overlap in planar view.

The first sub-spacer SS 1 is composed of the first protrusion portion P 1 , the second protrusion portion P 2 and the fifth protrusion portion P 5 arranged in the first direction X. The fifth protrusion portion P 5 is disposed between the first protrusion portion P 1 and the second protrusion portion P 2 .

The second sub-spacer SS 2 is composed of the third protrusion portion P 3 and the sixth protrusion portion P 6 arranged in the second direction Y.

The third sub-spacer SS 3 is composed of the fourth protrusion portion P 4 and the seventh protrusion portion P 7 arranged in the second direction Y. The third protrusion portion P 3 and the seventh protrusion portion P 7 are arranged in the first direction X. In addition, the fourth protrusion portion P 4 and the sixth protrusion portion P 6 are arranged in the first direction X.

The main spacer MS is composed of the eighth protrusion portion P 8 and the ninth protrusion portion P 9 . The ninth protrusion portion P 9 overlaps the eighth protrusion portion P 8 in planar view.

The first sub-spacer SS 1 , the second sub-spacer SS 2 , the third sub-spacer SS 3 and the main spacer MS are collinearly arranged along the first direction X.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the first substrate SUB 1 corresponding to the pixel layout shown in FIG. 3 . The illustrations of the switching element, the pixel electrode, the common electrode and the like are omitted here.

The scanning lines G extending in the first direction X include a first scanning line G 1 , a second scanning line G 2 and a third scanning line G 3 . The first to third scanning lines G 1 to G 3 are arranged in this order in the second direction Y.

The signal lines S extending in the second direction Y include a first signal line S 1 , a second signal line S 2 , a third signal line S 3 , a fourth signal line S 4 , a fifth signal line S 5 , a sixth signal line S 6 , a seventh signal line S 7 , an eighth signal line S 8 , a ninth signal line S 9 and a tenth signal line S 10 . The first to fourth signal lines S 1 to S 4 are arranged in this order in the first direction X. The fifth signal line S 5 and the sixth signal line S 6 are arranged adjacent to each other in the first direction X. The seventh signal line S 7 and the eighth signal line S 8 are arranged adjacent to each other in the first direction X. The ninth signal line S 9 and the tenth signal line S 10 are arranged adjacent to each other in the first direction X.

The first protrusion portion P 1 and the second protrusion portion P 2 are disposed on the second scanning line G 2 , and are arranged in the first direction X. The first protrusion portion P 1 is disposed between the first signal line S 1 and the second signal line S 2 , and the second protrusion portion P 2 is disposed between the third signal line S 3 and the fourth signal line S 4 .

The third protrusion portion P 3 is disposed on a side close to the third scanning line G 3 on the second scanning line G 2 , and is disposed between the fifth signal line S 5 and the sixth signal line S 6 .

The fourth protrusion portion P 4 is disposed on a side close to the first scanning line G 1 on the second scanning line G 2 , and is disposed between the seventh signal line S 7 and the eighth signal line S 8 .

The eighth protrusion portion P 8 is disposed on the second scanning line G 2 , extends in the first direction X, and crosses the ninth signal line S 9 and the tenth signal line S 10 .

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the second substrate SUB 2 corresponding to the pixel layout shown in FIG. 3 .

The second substrate SUB 2 comprises a light-shielding layer LS, a red color filter CFR, a blue color filter CFB and a green color filter CFG.

The light-shielding layer LS comprises an opening OPR corresponding to the red pixel PXR, an opening OPB corresponding to the blue pixel PXB, and an opening OPG corresponding to the green pixel PXG. The area of the opening OPB is less than each of the area of the opening OPR and the area of the opening OPG. In the example shown in FIG. 5 , the openings are all substantially equal in length along the first direction X, but the opening OPB is less in length along the second direction Y than each of the openings OPR and OPG. Regardless of the presence or absence of the protrusion portion, the presence or absence of the sub-spacer, and the presence or absence of the main spacer shown in FIG. 3 , the areas of the openings OPB are all equal over the entire display region DA. Similarly, the areas of the openings OPR are all equal, and the areas of the openings OPG are all equal. That is, the area contributing to display of the blue pixel PXB is constant over the entire display region DA, and similarly, the area contributing to display of the red pixel PXR and the area contributing to display of the green pixel PXG are constant over the entire display region DA.

The color filter CFR, the color filter CFB and the color filter CFG extend in the second direction Y, and are disposed in the respective openings OP.

In planar view, the fifth protrusion portion P 5 , the sixth protrusion portion P 6 , the seventh protrusion portion P 7 and the ninth protrusion portion P 9 overlap the second scanning line G 2 . The sixth protrusion portion P 6 is disposed on a side close to the first scanning line G 1 on the second scanning line G 2 . The seventh protrusion portion P 7 is disposed on a side close to the third scanning line G 3 on the second scanning line G 2 .

FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view of the first sub-spacer SS 1 shown in FIG. 3 .

The first protrusion portion P 1 is disposed between the first signal line S 1 and the second signal line S 2 arranged in the first direction X, and is disposed between red pixels PXR 1 and PXR 2 arranged in the second direction Y.

The second protrusion portion P 2 is disposed between the third signal line S 3 and the fourth signal line S 4 arranged in the first direction X, and is disposed between green pixels PXG 1 and PXG 2 arranged in the second direction Y. The first protrusion portion P 1 and the second protrusion portion P 2 each are formed in, for example, a substantially rectangular shape extending in the first direction X.

The fifth protrusion portion P 5 is disposed between the second signal line S 2 and the third signal line S 3 arranged in the first direction X, and is disposed between blue pixels PXB 1 and PXB 2 arranged in the second direction Y. That is, the first protrusion portion P 1 and the fifth protrusion portion P 5 are adjacent to each other across one second signal line S 2 , and the second protrusion portion P 2 and the fifth protrusion portion P 5 are adjacent to each other across one third signal line S 3 .

The fifth protrusion portion P 5 is formed in, for example, a substantially rectangular shape extending in the second direction Y. A length LY 5 along the second direction Y of the fifth protrusion portion P 5 is greater than a length LY 1 along the second direction Y of the first protrusion portion P 1 . A side surface 501 of the fifth protrusion portion P 5 is opposed to a side surface 101 of the first protrusion portion P 1 in the first direction X. In addition, a side surface 502 of the fifth protrusion portion P 5 is opposed to a side surface 201 of the second protrusion portion P 2 in the first direction X.

The area of a first opening OPB 1 formed in the blue pixel (first blue pixel) PXB 1 is equal to the area of a second opening OPB 2 formed in the blue pixel (second blue pixel) PXB 2 .

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along line A-B of the display panel PNL including the first sub-spacer SS 1 shown in FIG. 6 .

The first substrate SUB 1 comprises an insulating substrate 10 , insulating films 11 to 13 , the relay electrode PE of the switching element SW, the second signal line S 2 and the third signal line S 3 , the common electrode CE, the pixel electrode PE, an alignment film AL 1 and the like. The illustrations of layer structures such as the scanning line, the semiconductor layer and various insulating films located between the insulating substrate 10 and the relay electrode RE and between the insulating substrate 10 and each of the second signal line S 2 and the third signal line S 3 are omitted.

The insulating film 11 is disposed on the second signal line S 2 and the third signal line S 3 . The insulating film 11 comprises a through hole CH 31 penetrating to the relay electrode RE. The common electrode CE is disposed on the insulating film 11 and is covered with the insulating film 12 . The insulating film 12 comprises a through hole CH 32 penetrating to the relay electrode RE. These through holes CH 31 and CH 32 form the contact hole CH 3 shown in FIG. 2 .

The pixel electrode PE located between the second signal line S 2 and the third signal line S 3 is in contact with the relay electrode RE in the contact hole CH 3 . The insulating film 13 for forming the first spacer SP 1 shown in FIG. 3 is disposed on the pixel electrode PE and the insulating film 12 between the pixel electrodes PE adjacent to each other. A part of the insulating film 13 protrudes toward the second substrate SUB 2 . In addition, the contact hole CH 3 is filled with the insulating film 13 . The alignment film AL 1 is disposed on the insulating film 13 .

The insulating film 11 corresponds to a first organic insulating film formed of a transparent organic insulating material. The insulating film 12 corresponds to an inorganic insulating film formed of a transparent inorganic insulating material such as silicon nitride, for example. The insulating film 13 corresponds to a second organic insulating film formed of a transparent organic insulating material. The common electrode CE and the pixel electrode PE each correspond to a transparent electrode formed of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO).

The second substrate SUB 2 comprises an insulating substrate 20 , the light-shielding layer LS, the color filters CFR, CFG and CFB, an overcoat layer OC, an insulating film 21 , an alignment film AL 2 and the like. The light-shielding layer LS is disposed on a side of the insulating substrate 20 which is opposed to the first substrate SUB 1 . The color filers CFR, CFG and CFB overlap the light-shielding layer LS. The overcoat layer OC covers the color filters CFR, CFG and CFB.

The insulating film 21 for forming the second spacer SP 2 shown in FIG. 3 is disposed directly under the light-shielding layer LS and the color filter CFB, and protrudes toward the first substrate SUB 1 . In addition, the insulating film 21 is located directly above the contact hole CH 3 . Note that the insulating film 21 is not disposed directly under the color filters CFR and CFG. The alignment film AL 2 covers the overcoat layer OC, and covers at least a part of the insulating film 21 .

The insulating substrates 10 and 20 each are a transparent substrate such as a glass substrate or a resin substrate. The alignment films AL 1 and AL 2 each are a horizontal alignment film having an alignment restriction force along the XY-plane, for example, but may each be a vertical alignment film having an alignment restriction force along the third direction Z. The insulating film 21 corresponds to an organic insulating film formed of a transparent organic insulating material.

The first protrusion portion P 1 and the second protrusion portion P 2 each include a part of the insulating film 13 which protrudes toward the second substrate SUB 2 , and the alignment film AL 1 . The first protrusion portion P 1 is located directly under the light-shielding layer LS and the color filter CFR, and the second protrusion portion P 2 is located directly under the light-shielding layer LS and the color filter CFG. The insulating film 21 is not disposed directly above the first protrusion portion P 1 and the second protrusion portion P 2 . A concave portion of the first substrate SUB 1 is formed between the first protrusion portion P 1 and the second protrusion portion P 2 . The first protrusion portion P 1 and the second protrusion portion P 2 are apart from the second substrate SUB 2 or the alignment film AL 2 . That is, the liquid crystal layer LC is interposed between the first protrusion portion P 1 and the alignment film AL 2 and between the second protrusion portion P 2 and the alignment film AL 2 in the third direction Z.

The fifth protrusion portion P 5 includes the insulating film 21 and the alignment film AL 2 . The fifth protrusion portion P 5 is located directly under the light-shielding layer LS and the color filter CFB. The fifth protrusion portion P 5 is apart from the first substrate SUB 1 or the alignment film AL 1 . That is, the liquid crystal layer LC is interposed between the fifth protrusion portion P 5 and the alignment film AL 1 in the third direction Z.

A height H 1 along the third direction Z of the first protrusion portion P 1 and a height H 2 along the third direction Z of the second protrusion portion P 2 are equal to each other, but are greater than a thickness T 1 of the liquid crystal layer LC located between the fifth protrusion portion P 5 and the first substrate SUB 1 . That is, the point of the fifth protrusion portion P 5 goes in between the first protrusion portion P 1 and the second protrusion portion P 2 . In other words, the fifth protrusion portion P 5 enters the concave portion of the first substrate SUB 1 .

In the first sub-spacer SS 1 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , for example, if the second substrate SUB 2 is displaced in the direction of an arrow indicating the first direction X with respect to the first substrate SUB 1 , the side surface 502 of the fifth protrusion portion P 5 contacts the side surface 201 of the second protrusion portion P 2 . In addition, if the second substrate SUB 2 is displaced in a direction opposite to the arrow indicating the first direction X with respect to the first substrate SUB 1 , the side surface 501 of the fifth protrusion portion P 5 contacts the side surface 101 of the first protrusion portion P 1 . Accordingly, excessive displacements along the first direction X are suppressed.

In the example shown in FIG. 7 , the pixel electrodes PE may not be disposed directly under the first protrusion portion P 1 and directly under the second protrusion portion P 2 , and the contact hole CH 3 may not be disposed directly under the fifth protrusion portion P 5 .

FIG. 8 is an enlarged plan view of the second sub-spacer SS 2 shown in FIG. 3 .

The third protrusion portion P 3 and the sixth protrusion portion P 6 are disposed between the fifth signal line S 5 and the sixth signal line S 6 arranged in the first direction X, and are disposed between blue pixels PXB 31 and PXB 32 arranged in the second direction Y. The third protrusion portion P 3 and the sixth protrusion portion P 6 are arranged in the second direction Y, and the sixth protrusion portion P 6 is disposed between the blue pixel (third blue pixel) PXB 31 and the third protrusion portion P 3 .

The third protrusion portion P 3 and the sixth protrusion portion P 6 each are formed in, for example, a substantially rectangular shape extending in the first direction X. A side surface 301 of the third protrusion portion P 3 is opposed to a side surface 601 of the sixth protrusion portion P 6 in the second direction Y.

The area of an opening OPB 31 formed in the blue pixel PXB 31 is equal to the area of an opening OPB 32 formed in the blue pixel PXB 32 .

No protrusion portion is formed between the red pixels PXR arranged in the second direction Y and between the green pixels PXG arranged in the second direction Y around the second sub-spacer SS 2 .

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view along line C-D of the display panel PNL including the second sub-spacer SS 2 shown in FIG. 8 .

The third protrusion portion P 3 includes a part of the insulating film 13 which protrudes toward the second substrate SUB 2 , and the alignment film AL 1 . The third protrusion portion P 3 is located directly under the light-shielding layer LS and the color filter CFB. The insulating film 21 is not disposed directly above the third protrusion portion P 3 . The third protrusion portion P 3 is apart from the second substrate SUB 2 . That is, the liquid crystal layer LC is interposed between the third protrusion portion P 3 and the alignment film AL 2 in the third direction Z.

The sixth protrusion portion P 6 includes the insulating film 21 and the alignment film AL 2 . The sixth protrusion portion P 6 is located directly under the light-shielding layer LS and the color filter CFB. The sixth protrusion portion P 6 is apart from the first substrate SUB 1 . That is, the liquid crystal layer LC is interposed between the sixth protrusion portion P 6 and the alignment film AL 1 in the third direction Z.

A height H 3 along the third direction Z of the third protrusion portion P 3 is greater than a thickness T 2 of the liquid crystal layer LC located between the sixth protrusion portion P 6 and the first substrate SUB 1 .

In the second sub-spacer SS 2 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , for example, if the second substrate SUB 2 is displaced in the direction of an arrow indicating the second direction Y with respect to the first substrate SUB 1 , the side surface 601 of the sixth protrusion portion P 6 contacts the side surface 301 of the third protrusion portion P 3 . Accordingly, an excessive displacement along the second direction Y is suppressed.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view of the third sub-spacer SS 3 shown in FIG. 3 .

The fourth protrusion portion P 4 and the seventh protrusion portion P 7 are disposed between the seventh signal line S 7 and the eighth signal line S 8 arranged in the first direction X, and are disposed between blue pixels PXB 41 and PXB 42 arranged in the second direction Y. The fourth protrusion portion P 4 and the seventh protrusion portion P 7 are arranged in the second direction Y, and the fourth protrusion portion P 4 is disposed between the blue pixel (fourth blue pixel) PXB 41 and the seventh protrusion portion P 7 .

The fourth protrusion portion P 4 and the seventh protrusion portion P 7 each are formed in, for example, a substantially rectangular shape extending in the first direction X. A side surface 401 of the fourth protrusion portion P 4 is opposed to a side surface 701 of the seventh protrusion portion P 7 in the second direction Y.

The area of an opening OPB 41 formed in the blue pixel PXB 41 is equal to the area of an opening OPB 42 formed in the blue pixel PXB 42 .

No protrusion portion is formed between the red pixels PXR arranged in the second direction Y and between the green pixels PXG arranged in the second direction Y around the third sub-spacer SS 3 .

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view along line E-F of the display panel PNL including the third sub-spacer SS 3 shown in FIG. 10 .

The fourth protrusion portion P 4 includes a part of the insulating film 13 which protrudes toward the second substrate SUB 2 , and the alignment film AL 1 . The fourth protrusion portion P 4 is located directly under the light-shielding layer LS and the color filter CFB. The insulating film 21 is not disposed directly above the fourth protrusion portion P 4 . The fourth protrusion portion P 4 is apart from the second substrate SUB 2 . That is, the liquid crystal layer LC is interposed between the fourth protrusion portion P 4 and the alignment film AL 2 in the third direction Z.

The seventh protrusion portion P 7 includes the insulating film 21 and the alignment film AL 2 . The seventh protrusion portion P 7 is located directly under the light-shielding layer LS and the color filter CFB. The seventh protrusion portion P 7 is apart from the first substrate SUB 1 . That is, the liquid crystal layer LC is interposed between the seventh protrusion portion P 7 and the alignment film AL 1 in the third direction Z.

A height H 4 along the third direction Z of the fourth protrusion portion P 4 is greater than a thickness T 3 of the liquid crystal layer LC located between the seventh protrusion portion P 7 and the first substrate SUB 1 .

In the third sub-spacer SS 3 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , for example, if the second substrate SUB 2 is displaced in a direction opposite to an arrow indicating the second direction Y with respect to the first substrate SUB 1 , the side surface 701 of the seventh protrusion portion P 7 contacts the side surface 401 of the fourth protrusion portion P 4 . Accordingly, an excessive displacement along the second direction Y is suppressed.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged plan view of the main spacer MS shown in FIG. 3 .

The eighth protrusion portion P 8 comprises a first portion 81 , a second portion 82 and a third portion 83 . The first portion 81 is disposed between the ninth signal line S 9 and the tenth signal line S 10 arranged in the first direction X, and is disposed between blue pixels PXB 51 and PXB 52 arranged in the second direction Y. The second portion 82 crosses the ninth signal line S 9 and extends in the first direction X. A part of the second portion 82 is disposed between the red pixels PXR arranged in the second direction Y. The third portion 83 crosses the tenth signal line S 10 and extends in the first direction X. A part of the third portion 83 is disposed between the green pixels PXG arranged in the second direction Y. The first portion 81 , the second portion 82 and the third portion 83 are integrally formed with one another. The width along the second direction Y of each of the second portion 82 and the third portion 83 is less than the width along the second direction Y of the first portion 81 .

The ninth protrusion portion P 9 is disposed between the ninth signal line S 9 and the tenth signal line S 10 , and overlaps the first portion 81 .

The first portion 81 and the ninth protrusion portion P 9 each are formed in, for example, a substantially rectangular shape extending in the second direction Y. The second portion 82 and the third portion 83 each are formed in, for example, a substantially rectangular shape extending in the first direction X.

The area of an opening OPB 51 formed in the blue pixel PXB 51 is equal to the area of an opening OPB 52 formed in the blue pixel PXB 52 .

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view along line G-H of the display panel PNL including the main spacer MS shown in FIG. 12 .

The eighth protrusion portion P 8 includes a part of the insulating film 13 which protrudes toward the second substrate SUB 2 , and the alignment film AL 1 . The ninth protrusion portion P 9 includes the insulating film 21 and the alignment film AL 2 . The eighth protrusion portion P 8 and the ninth protrusion portion P 9 are located directly under the light-shielding layer LS and the color filter CFB. The eighth protrusion portion P 8 and the ninth protrusion portion P 9 are opposed to each other in the third direction Z, and the points of them are in contact with each other. That is, the liquid crystal layer LC is not interposed between the eighth protrusion portion P 8 and the ninth protrusion portion P 9 . The main spacer MS composed as described above forms a cell gap for holding the liquid crystal layer LC.

In the main spacer MS, for example, if the second substrate SUB 2 is displaced in the first direction X with respect to the first substrate SUB 1 , the contact position of the ninth protrusion portion P 9 and the eighth protrusion portion P 8 moves from the first portion 81 to the second portion 82 or the third portion 83 , but the contact state of the eighth protrusion portion P 8 and the ninth protrusion portion P 9 is maintained. Therefore, the predetermined cell gap is maintained.

According to the present embodiment, excessive displacements along the first direction X of the second substrate SUB 2 with respect to the first substrate SUB 1 can be suppressed by the first sub-spacer SS 1 . In addition, excessive displacements along the second direction Y of the second substrate SUB 2 with respect to the first substrate SUB 1 can be suppressed by the second sub-spacer SS 2 and the third sub-spacer SS 3 .

Therefore, damage to the alignment film AL 2 from the displacement of the first substrate SUB 1 side protrusion portion (first spacer SP 1 ) and damage to the alignment film AL 1 from the displacement of the second substrate SUB 2 side protrusion portion (second spacer SP 2 ) can be suppressed. Consequently, the area of the light-shielding layer LS spreading around these protrusion portions can be reduced, and the decrease of the area contributing to display of each pixel PX can be suppressed.

In addition, regardless of the presence or absence of the protrusion portion, the presence or absence of the sub-spacer, and the presence or absence of the main spacer, the areas of all the openings OPB are equal, the areas of all the openings OPR are equal, and the areas of all the openings OPG are equal over the entire display region DA. Therefore, the area ratio of the openings OPR, OPG and OPB is constant over the entire display region DA, and adjustment of color balance is not required. Furthermore, the decrease of the transmittance of the entire display region DA can be suppressed.

Accordingly, deterioration of display quality can be suppressed.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged plan view of a modification example of the main spacer MS. The modification example shown in FIG. 14 is different from the example shown in FIG. 12 in that the main spacer MS is disposed between blue pixels PXB 61 and PXB 62 arranged in the second direction Y and between green pixels PXG 61 and PXG 62 arranged in the second direction Y. The main spacer MS may be disposed between the red pixels arranged in the second direction Y instead of the green pixels.

In the eighth protrusion portion P 8 , the first portion 81 overlaps the tenth signal line S 10 . The second portion 82 is disposed between the ninth signal line S 9 and the tenth signal line S 10 arranged in the first direction X, and is disposed between the blue pixels PXB 61 and PXB 62 arranged in the second direction Y. The third portion 83 is disposed between the tenth signal line S 10 and the eleventh signal line S 11 arranged in the first direction X, and is disposed between the green pixels PXG 61 and PXG 62 arranged in the second direction Y. The second portion 82 and the third portion 83 extend in the first direction X.

The ninth protrusion portion P 9 overlaps the first portion 81 .

The area of an opening OPB 61 formed in the blue pixel PXB 61 is equal to the area of an opening OPB 62 formed in the blue pixel PXB 62 . The area of an opening OPG 61 formed in the green pixel PXG 61 is equal to the area of an opening OPG 62 formed in the green pixel PXG 62 . In addition, the area of the opening OPB 61 is equal to the area of the opening OPG 61 .

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view along line I-J of the display panel PNL including the main spacer MS shown in FIG. 14 .

The eighth protrusion portion P 8 includes a part of the insulating film 13 which protrudes toward the second substrate SUB 2 , and the alignment film AL 1 . The ninth protrusion portion P 9 includes the insulating film 21 and the alignment film AL 2 . The eighth protrusion portion P 8 and the ninth protrusion portion P 9 are located directly under the light-shielding layer LS and the color filters CFB and CFG. The eighth protrusion portion P 8 and the ninth protrusion portion P 9 are opposed to each other in the third direction Z, and the points of them are in contact with each other. The main spacer MS composed as described above forms a cell gap for holding the liquid crystal layer LC.

Effects similar to those described above are also obtained when the main spacer MS shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 is applied.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged plan view of a modification example of the sub-spacer SS. The sub-spacer SS of the modification example shown in FIG. 16 can replace the second sub-spacer SS 2 and the third sub-spacer SS 3 .

The third protrusion portion P 3 , the fourth protrusion portion P 4 , the sixth protrusion portion P 6 and the seventh protrusion portion P 7 are disposed between the fifth signal line S 5 and the sixth signal line S 6 arranged in the first direction X, and are disposed between the blue pixels PXB arranged in the second direction Y.

The third protrusion portion P 3 and the seventh protrusion portion P 7 are disposed on a side close to the third scanning line G 3 on the second scanning line G 2 , and are arranged in the first direction X. The fourth protrusion portion P 4 and the sixth protrusion portion P 6 are disposed on a side close to the first scanning line G 1 on the second scanning line G 2 , and are arranged in the first direction X. In addition, the third protrusion portion P 3 and the sixth protrusion portion P 6 are arranged in the second direction Y along the fifth signal line S 5 . The fourth protrusion portion P 4 and the seventh protrusion portion P 7 are arranged in the second direction Y along the sixth signal line S 6 .

The side surface 301 of the third protrusion portion P 3 is opposed to the side surface 601 of the sixth protrusion portion P 6 in the second direction Y. A side surface 302 of the third protrusion portion P 3 is opposed to a side surface 702 of the seventh protrusion portion P 7 in the first direction X. The side surface 401 of the fourth protrusion portion P 4 is opposed to the side surface 701 of the seventh protrusion portion P 7 in the second direction Y. A side surface 402 of the fourth protrusion portion P 4 is opposed to a side surface 602 of the sixth protrusion portion P 6 in the first direction X.

FIGS. 17A to 17D are illustrations for explaining the effect of the sub-spacer SS shown in FIG. 16 .

As shown in FIG. 17A , in the sub-spacer SS, if the second substrate SUB 2 is displaced in the direction of an arrow indicating the second direction Y with respect to the first substrate SUB 1 , the seventh protrusion portion P 7 moves away from the fourth protrusion portion P 4 , but the sixth protrusion portion P 6 moves toward the third protrusion portion P 3 , and the side surface 601 of the sixth protrusion portion P 6 contacts the side surface 301 of the third protrusion portion P 3 .

As shown in FIG. 17B , if the second substrate SUB 2 is displaced in a direction opposite to the arrow indicating the second direction Y with respect to the first substrate SUB 1 , the sixth protrusion portion P 6 moves away from the third protrusion portion P 3 , but the seventh protrusion portion P 7 moves toward the fourth protrusion portion P 4 , and the side surface 701 of the seventh protrusion portion P 7 contacts the side surface 401 of the fourth protrusion portion P 4 .

Accordingly, excessive displacements along the second direction Y are suppressed. This sub-spacer SS can replace the second sub-spacer SS 2 and the third sub-spacer SS 3 .

As shown in FIG. 17C , in the sub-spacer SS, if the second substrate SUB 2 is displaced in the direction of an arrow indicating the first direction X with respect to the first substrate SUB 1 , the seventh protrusion portion P 7 moves away from the third protrusion portion P 3 , but the sixth protrusion portion P 6 moves toward the fourth protrusion portion P 4 , and the side surface 602 of the sixth protrusion portion P 6 contacts the side surface 402 of the fourth protrusion portion P 4 .

As shown in FIG. 17D , if the second substrate SUB 2 is displaced in a direction opposite to the arrow indicating the first direction X with respect to the first substrate SUB 1 , the sixth protrusion portion P 6 moves away from the fourth protrusion portion P 4 , but the seventh protrusion portion P 7 moves toward the third protrusion portion P 3 , and the side surface 702 of the seventh protrusion portion P 7 contacts the side surface 302 of the third protrusion portion P 3 .

Accordingly, excessive displacements along the first direction X are suppressed. This sub-spacer SS can replace the first sub-spacer SS 1 . That is, the first to third sub-spacers SS 1 to SS 3 can be omitted by applying the sub-spacer SS 1 shown in FIG. 16 .

FIG. 18 is an enlarged plan view of another modification example of the sub-spacer SS. The sub-spacer SS of the modification example shown in FIG. 18 can replace the sub-spacer SS shown in FIG. 16 .

The third protrusion portion P 3 and the sixth protrusion portion P 6 are disposed between the fifth signal line S 5 and the sixth signal line S 6 arranged in the first direction X, and are disposed between the blue pixels PXB arranged in the second direction Y.

The fourth protrusion portion P 4 and the seventh protrusion portion P 7 are disposed between the seventh signal line S 7 and the eighth signal line S 8 arranged in the first direction X, and are disposed between the blue pixels PXB arranged in the second direction Y. The third protrusion portion P 3 , the fourth protrusion portion P 4 , the sixth protrusion portion P 6 and the seventh protrusion portion P 7 are disposed on the second scanning line G 2 .

The third protrusion portion P 3 comprises a first portion 31 extending in the first direction X on a side close to the third scanning line G 3 , and a second portion 32 extending in the second direction Y along the fifth signal line S 5 . The sixth protrusion portion P 6 comprises a portion 61 extending in the first direction X on a side close to the first scanning line G 1 , and a portion 62 extending in the second direction Y along the sixth signal line S 6 .

The first portion 31 and the portion 61 are arranged in the second direction Y, and the first portion 31 and the portion 62 are arranged in the first direction X. In addition, the second portion 32 and the portion 61 are arranged in the first direction X.

A side surface 311 of the first portion 31 is opposed to a side surface 621 of the portion 62 in the first direction X. A side surface 312 of the first portion 31 is opposed to a side surface 611 of the portion 61 in the second direction Y. A side surface 321 of the second portion 32 is opposed to a side surface 612 of the portion 61 in the first direction X.

The fourth protrusion portion P 4 comprises a third portion 43 extending in the first direction X on a side close to the first scanning line G 1 , and a fourth portion 44 extending in the second direction Y along the eighth signal line S 8 . The seventh protrusion portion P 7 comprises a portion 73 extending in the first direction X on a side close to the third scanning line G 3 , and a portion 74 extending in the second direction Y along the seventh signal line S 7 .

The third portion 43 and the portion 73 are arranged in the second direction Y, and the third portion 43 and the portion 74 are arranged in the first direction X. In addition, the fourth portion 44 and the portion 73 are arranged in the first direction X.

A side surface 431 of the third portion 43 is opposed to a side surface 741 of the portion 74 in the first direction X. A side surface 432 of the third portion 43 is opposed to a side surface 731 of the portion 73 in the second direction Y. A side surface 441 of the fourth portion 44 is opposed to a side surface 732 of the portion 73 in the first direction X.

FIGS. 19A to 19D are illustrations for explaining the effects of the sub-spacer SS shown in FIG. 18 .

As shown in FIG. 19A , in the sub-spacer SS, if the second substrate SUB 2 is displaced in the direction of an arrow indicating the second direction Y with respect to the first substrate SUB 1 , the sixth protrusion portion P 6 moves toward the third protrusion portion P 3 , and the side surface 611 of the portion 61 contacts the side surface 312 of the first portion 31 .

As shown in FIG. 19B , if the second substrate SUB 2 is displaced in a direction opposite to the arrow indicating the second direction Y with respect to the first substrate SUB 1 , the seventh protrusion portion P 7 moves toward the fourth protrusion portion P 4 , and the side surface 731 of the portion 73 contacts the side surface 432 of the third portion 43 . Accordingly, excessive displacements along the second direction Y are suppressed. This sub-spacer SS can replace the second sub-spacer SS 2 and the third sub-spacer SS 3 .

As shown in FIG. 19C , in the sub-spacer SS, if the second substrate SUB 2 is displaced in the direction of an arrow indicating the first direction X with respect to the first substrate SUB 1 , the seventh protrusion portion P 7 moves toward the fourth protrusion portion P 4 , the side surface 741 of the portion 74 contacts the side surface 431 of the third portion 43 , and the side surface 732 of the portion 73 contacts the side surface 411 of the fourth portion 44 .

As shown in FIG. 19D , if the second substrate SUB 2 is displaced in a direction opposite to the arrow indicating the first direction X with respect to the first substrate SUB 1 , the sixth protrusion portion P 6 moves toward the third protrusion portion P 3 , the side surface 612 of the portion 61 contacts the side surface 321 of the second portion 32 , and the side surface 621 of the portion 62 contacts the side surface 311 of the first portion 31 .

Accordingly, excessive displacements along the first direction X are suppressed. This sub-spacer SS can replace the first sub-spacer SS 1 . That is, the first to third sub-spacers SS 1 to SS 3 can be omitted by applying the sub-spacer SS shown in FIG. 18 .

As described above, according to the present embodiment, a display device capable of suppressing deterioration of display quality can be provided.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.