JP2008242307A - Liquid crystal display panel with microlens array - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid crystal display panel of high reliability and high quality wherein occurrence of trouble is suppressed during manufacturing and use. <P>SOLUTION: A liquid crystal display panel 10 includes: a bonded substrate 12 including a pair of substrate and a liquid crystal layer 34 disposed between the pair of substrates; a microlens array 14 provided to the light incidence side of the bonded substrate 12; a support 26 provided to the light incidence side of the bonded substrate 12 so as to surround the microlens array 14; and an optical film 23 stuck to the bonded substrate 12 through the support 26. The support 26 includes at least one gap formed in the support 26 or at least one slit extending from the surface of the support 26 to the inside of the support 26. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display panel, and more particularly to a liquid crystal display panel and a liquid crystal display device provided with a microlens array.

  In recent years, liquid crystal display devices have been widely used as display devices in monitors, projectors, portable information terminals, mobile phones, and the like. In general, a liquid crystal display device displays images and characters by changing the transmittance (or reflectance) of a liquid crystal display panel according to a drive signal and modulating the intensity of light from a light source irradiated on the liquid crystal display panel. The liquid crystal display device includes a direct-view display device that directly observes an image displayed on the liquid crystal display panel, and a projection display device (projector) that projects an image displayed on the display panel on a screen by a projection lens. and so on.

  The liquid crystal display device changes the optical characteristics of the liquid crystal layer in each pixel by applying a driving voltage corresponding to the image signal to each of the pixels regularly arranged in a matrix, and polarized light arranged before and after that. An element (typically, a polarizing plate) displays images, characters, and the like by dimming the transmitted light in accordance with the optical characteristics of the liquid crystal layer. In a direct-view liquid crystal display device, this polarizing plate is usually directly bonded to each of a light incident side substrate (back substrate) and a light emission side substrate (front substrate or observer side substrate) of the liquid crystal display panel.

  As a method of applying an independent driving voltage to each pixel, there are a simple matrix method and an active matrix method. Among these, an active matrix liquid crystal display panel needs to be provided with a switching element and wiring for supplying a driving voltage to the pixel electrode. As the switching element, a non-linear two-terminal element such as an MIM (metal-insulator-metal) element or a three-terminal element such as a TFT (thin film transistor) element is used.

  By the way, in an active matrix liquid crystal display device, when strong light is incident on a switching element (especially a TFT) provided in a display panel, the element resistance in the OFF state decreases, and the charge charged in the pixel capacitor is discharged when a voltage is applied. Since a predetermined display state cannot be obtained, there is a problem that light leaks even in a black state and the contrast ratio is lowered.

  Therefore, in an active matrix liquid crystal display panel, for example, in order to prevent light from entering a TFT (particularly a channel region), a TFT substrate provided with a TFT or a pixel electrode, or a liquid crystal layer with respect to the TFT substrate. A light-shielding layer (referred to as a black matrix) is provided on a counter substrate that is opposed to each other.

  However, in a liquid crystal display device that performs display using transmitted light, the effective pixel area is reduced by providing a light shielding layer in addition to TFTs, gate bus lines, and source bus lines that do not transmit light, and the entire display area is reduced. The ratio of the effective pixel area to the area, that is, the aperture ratio decreases.

  This tendency becomes more prominent as the liquid crystal display panel becomes higher definition and smaller. This is because even if the pixel pitch is reduced, TFTs, bus lines, and the like cannot be made smaller than a certain size due to restrictions in electrical performance, manufacturing technology, and the like.

  In recent years, as a display device of a mobile device, display is performed using light from a backlight under dark illumination, and display is performed by reflecting light incident on a display surface of a liquid crystal display panel under bright illumination. A transflective liquid crystal display device has become widespread. Since the transflective liquid crystal display device has a region (reflection region) for displaying in the reflective mode and a region (transmissive region) for displaying in the transmissive mode on each pixel, display can be achieved by reducing the pixel pitch. The ratio of the transmissive region area to the total area of the region (the aperture ratio of the transmissive region) is significantly reduced. For this reason, the transflective liquid crystal display device has an advantage that a display with a high contrast ratio can be realized regardless of the surrounding brightness, but has a problem that the luminance is lowered.

  Therefore, in order to improve the light use efficiency of the liquid crystal display device, there is a method of improving the effective aperture ratio of the liquid crystal display panel by providing the liquid crystal display panel with a microlens that collects light on each pixel. For example, as described in Patent Document 1, there is a method in which a convex microlens is provided on the backlight light incident side of a bonded substrate obtained by bonding a TFT substrate and a counter substrate.

In a structure in which a convex microlens is provided on the backlight light incident side of the bonded substrate obtained by bonding the TFT substrate and the counter substrate, an optical film is pasted on the convex portion of the microlens. However, when the optical film is directly attached to the convex portion of the microlens, the attaching strength of the optical film is lowered and the optical film is easily peeled off. Further, the adhesive layer is buried in the lens by attaching the optical film, so that the function as a lens is not sufficiently performed. For this reason, a protrusion (hereinafter referred to as a support) that is the same as or higher than the microlens is provided around a microlens array composed of a plurality of microlenses, and an optical film is attached to the support using an adhesive Patent Documents 2 and 3 disclose a method of attaching and fixing.
JP 2005-196139 A JP 2005-195733 A JP-A-2005-208553

  FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a liquid crystal display panel in which convex microlenses are arranged on the incident side of backlight light and a support is provided in the periphery thereof. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display panel taken along the line A′-A ′ in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, this liquid crystal display panel includes a bonded substrate 112 in which a TFT substrate 130 and a CF substrate (color filter substrate) 132 which is a counter substrate are bonded together. A liquid crystal layer 134 is disposed between the TFT substrate 130 and the CF substrate 132, and the periphery of the liquid crystal layer 134 is covered with a seal 136 for enclosing the liquid crystal. A microlens array 114 composed of a plurality of microlenses 114a is disposed on the backlight incident side of the bonded substrate 112, and a support 126 is formed around the microlens array 114. A protective layer 135 in contact with the microlens array 114 and the support 126 is further arranged on the backlight incident side of the bonded substrate 112, and adhesive layers 124 and 137 are provided on both surfaces of the liquid crystal display panel. Optical films 122 and 123 are attached.

  The liquid crystal display panel having such a structure can stably hold the protective layer 135 and the optical film 123 on the microlens array 114. However, such a liquid crystal display panel has a problem that the support 126 is likely to be cracked due to the occurrence of thermal stress due to an external temperature change during manufacture, use, or the like, or an external impact. It was.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a highly reliable liquid crystal display panel with a microlens that is less likely to cause cracks in a support.

  A liquid crystal display panel of the present invention includes a bonded substrate including a pair of substrates and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the pair of substrates, a microlens array provided on a light incident side of the bonded substrate, A support provided on the light incident side of the bonded substrate so as to surround the microlens array; and an optical film bonded to the bonded substrate via the support; Includes at least one gap formed inside the support, or at least one slit extending from the surface of the support toward the inside of the support.

  In one embodiment, the gap or slit has a width of 10 μm or more and 500 μm or less.

  In one embodiment, the gap or slit has a width of 30 μm or more and 250 μm or less.

  In one embodiment, the slit extends from the surface of the support toward the inside of the support to a depth of 20% to 80% of the width of the support.

  In one embodiment, the slit extends from the surface of the support on the side where the microlens array is formed toward the inside of the support.

  In one embodiment, a plurality of the slits are formed in the support.

  In one embodiment, a distance between two adjacent slits of the plurality of slits is 500 μm or more and 5000 μm or less.

  In one embodiment, a distance between two adjacent slits of the plurality of slits is 1000 μm or more and 3000 μm or less.

  An embodiment includes a protective layer disposed between the optical film and the support, and the protective layer is formed from at least one gap formed inside the protective layer, or from the surface of the protective layer. At least one slit extending toward the inside of the protective layer is included.

  In one embodiment, the width of the gap or slit of the protective layer is 10 μm or more and 500 μm or less.

  In one embodiment, the width of the gap or slit of the protective layer is 30 μm or more and 250 μm or less.

  In one embodiment, the slit of the protective layer extends from the surface of the protective layer toward the inside of the protective layer to a depth of 20% to 80% of the width of the protective layer.

  In one embodiment, the slit of the protective layer extends from the outer surface of the protective layer toward the inside of the protective layer.

  In one embodiment, a plurality of slits extending from the surface of the protective layer toward the inside of the protective layer are formed in the protective layer.

  An embodiment includes a protective layer disposed between the optical film and the support, and the support is formed to extend from the surface of the support toward the inside of the support. A plurality of first slits are formed, and the protective layer is formed with a plurality of second slits formed so as to extend from the surface of the protective layer toward the inside of the protective layer, When viewed from the plane perpendicular to the pair of substrates, the first slits and the second slits are alternately formed along the direction in which the support extends.

  Another liquid crystal display panel according to the present invention includes a bonded substrate including a pair of substrates and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the pair of substrates, a microlens array provided on a light incident side of the bonded substrate, A support provided on the light incident side of the bonded substrate so as to surround the microlens array, an optical film bonded to the bonded substrate via the support, and the optical film. A protective layer disposed between the support and the protective layer, the protective layer facing at least one gap formed inside the protective layer, or from the surface of the protective layer toward the inside of the protective layer. At least one slit extending in the direction.

  According to the liquid crystal display panel of the present invention, even when the liquid crystal display panel is subjected to thermal stress or external impact due to external temperature change, the thermal stress or impact is formed on the support portion or the protective layer. It can be absorbed and mitigated by the gap or slit, and the occurrence of cracks and deformation at the outer periphery of the liquid crystal display panel can be prevented. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a high-quality liquid crystal display panel with high reliability.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, a liquid crystal display panel according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the liquid crystal display panel 10 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display panel 10 taken along the line AA in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the liquid crystal display panel 10 of the present embodiment includes a bonded substrate 12 and a plurality of micros provided on the backlight light incident side (lower side in FIG. 1) of the bonded substrate 12. The microlens array 14 including the lens 14a, the optical film 22 provided on the observer side (upper side in FIG. 1) of the bonded substrate 12, and the protective layer 35 provided on the backlight incident side of the microlens array 14. And an optical film 23.

  The bonded substrate 12 includes a TFT substrate 30 on which a switching element is formed for each pixel, a CF substrate 32 which is a counter substrate, and a liquid crystal layer 34 disposed between the TFT substrate 30 and the CF substrate 32. The liquid crystal layer 34 is sealed with a sealing material 36 having a substantially rectangular planar shape provided on the outer periphery of the display between the TFT substrate 30 and the CF substrate 32.

  The optical film 22 is attached to the bonded substrate 12 via the adhesive layer 24, and the optical film 23 is attached to the protective layer 35 via the adhesive layer 37. The optical films 22 and 23 may include a viewing angle compensation plate, a retardation plate, a polarizing plate, and the like.

  The microlens 14a has a semi-cylindrical shape, and is provided on the backlight light incident side surface of the bonded substrate 12 so that the backlight light incident side direction is convex, corresponding to a plurality of columns of pixels. The microlens array 14 is obtained, for example, by irradiating UV light from the CF substrate 32 side to a dry film made of UV curable resin attached to the backlight incident side of the TFT substrate 30. At this time, in order to realize a semi-cylindrical lens shape, a self-alignment method is used in which the incident angle of the irradiated UV light to the liquid crystal panel is changed stepwise or continuously.

  The microlens array 14 is formed of an acrylic UV curable resin having a high visible light transmittance, but may be formed of an epoxy UV curable resin, a thermosetting resin, or the like. Each microlens 14a of the microlens array 14 is a lenticular lens that covers a plurality of pixels, but each microlens 14a may be formed of a hemispherical microlens corresponding to each pixel.

  A columnar support 26 is formed around the microlens array 14. The support 26 is obtained, for example, by attaching a dry film made of a UV curable resin on the backlight light incident side of the TFT substrate 30 and irradiating the dry film with UV light through a photomask.

  The protective layer 35 and the microlens array 14 are formed so that the protective layer 35 is in contact with only the vicinity of the apex of each microlens 14a, and a gap is formed between the microlens array 14 and the protective layer 35. Yes. There may be a configuration in which the protective layer 35 is supported only by the support 26 and the microlens 14 a is not in contact with the protective layer 35. Further, there may be a configuration in which a protrusion is provided at the tip of the microlens 14 a and the protrusion is in contact with the protective layer 35.

  The protective layer 35 is formed of an acrylic UV curable resin having a high visible light transmittance, like the microlens array 14, but the protective layer 35 is also made of an epoxy UV curable resin or a thermosetting material. It is also possible to apply a resin. The protective layer 35 is preferably formed of the same material as the microlens 14a or a material having substantially the same refractive index as the material constituting the microlens 14a, but may be formed of different materials. The support 26 is also preferably formed of the same material as that of the microlenses 14a, but may be formed of a different material.

  Next, the shape of the support 26 will be described in more detail.

  3A and 3B are views showing a part of the support body 26 and its peripheral region, where FIG. 3A is a plan view of the region S in FIG. 2, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view showing a BB cross section of FIG. It is.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the support 26 is formed with a plurality of slits (or grooves) 26 a cut in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the bonded substrate 12. The slit 26a has an opening on a side surface (also referred to as an inner surface) of the support body 26 on the microlens array 14 side, and does not reach the side surface (also referred to as an outer surface) of the opposing support body 26. It is located inside the outer surface of 26. The width of the support (the width in the left-right direction in FIG. 3A) is about 1500 μm, and the slit 26a extends from the surface of the support 26 to the depth of about 1000 μm (the left and right sides in FIG. 3A). Direction width is 1000 μm). The depth of the slit 26a is preferably 20% to 80% of the width of the support 26.

  A plurality of slits 26a are arranged at almost constant intervals over the entire region surrounding the microlens array 14 along the direction in which the support 26 extends (the vertical and horizontal directions in FIG. 2 and the vertical direction in FIG. 3A). Yes. The distance between two adjacent slits 26a is about 2000 μm. This distance is preferably 500 μm or more and 5000 μm or less, and more preferably 1000 μm or more and 3000 μm or less. The width of the slit 26a is about 50 μm. The width of the slit 26a is preferably 10 μm or more and 500 μm or less, and more preferably 30 μm or more and 250 μm or less.

  The support 26 is formed at a predetermined distance a from the end of the microlens 14, and the value of a is about 50 μm. The predetermined distance a is preferably 200 μm or less, more preferably 30 μm or more and 100 μm or less.

  According to the liquid crystal display panel of the present embodiment, since the above-described slit 26a is formed in the support 26, even if the liquid crystal display panel is subjected to thermal stress or impact due to external temperature change during manufacture or use, the stress And the shock can be absorbed and relaxed by the slit 26a, and the occurrence of distortion and cracks in the vicinity of the support 26 of the liquid crystal display panel can be prevented.

  When a support is provided around the microlens array, it is necessary to hold a space around the microlens array by supporting the substrate and the optical film by the support. Therefore, in the conventional liquid crystal display panel with a microlens, it is necessary to form the support more firmly, and no gaps such as slits and grooves are formed in the support, and the necessity is recognized. It wasn't been done.

  However, as a result of repeated experiments by the inventor of the present invention to produce a higher quality liquid crystal display panel, it is not always possible to obtain a sufficiently strong support simply by forming the support firmly. It has been found that distortions and cracks may occur in the vicinity of the support due to heat and stress received during manufacture or use, thereby reducing the quality and yield of the liquid crystal display panel. In order to solve this problem peculiar to the liquid crystal display panel with a microlens array, the inventors have repeatedly studied, and as a result, the heat and stress are appropriately diffused by forming the slit of the above-described form on the support. As a result, a liquid crystal display panel in which generation of distortion and cracks is suppressed can be manufactured with high yield.

  Next, a modification of the first embodiment will be described.

  4A and 4B are views showing a part of the support 26 and the protective layer 35 and their peripheral regions, where FIG. 4A is a plan view of the region S in FIG. 2, and FIG. (C) is sectional drawing showing the DD cross section of (a). In addition, the liquid crystal display panel of this modification differs from the liquid crystal display panel of Embodiment 1 described above only in the configuration of the protective layer 35, and the other parts are the same. Therefore, the following description will focus on the different parts, and description of the other parts will be omitted.

  In the liquid crystal display panel of the modified example, the protective layer 35 is formed with a plurality of slits (or grooves) 35 a as shown in FIG. 4 cut perpendicularly to the surface of the bonded substrate 12. The slit 35a has an opening on the outer surface (right side surface in the figure) of the protective layer 35, and does not reach the inner surface (the surface on the microlens array 14 side), and its terminal end is on the inner side of the inner surface of the protective layer 35. To position. The slit 35a extends from the outer surface of the protective layer 35 to the inner side to the depth of about 1000 μm (left direction in FIG. 4A). The depth of the slit 35a is preferably 20% or more and 80% or less of the width of the support 26.

  A plurality of slits 35 a are arranged on the support 26 along the extending direction of the support 26 over the entire region surrounding the microlens array 14 with a substantially constant interval. The distance between two adjacent slits 35a is about 2000 μm. This distance is preferably 500 μm or more and 5000 μm or less, and more preferably 1000 μm or more and 3000 μm or less. The width of the slit 35a is about 50 μm. The width of the slit 35a is preferably 10 μm or more and 500 μm or less, and more preferably 30 μm or more and 250 μm or less.

  In this modification as well, the support 26 is formed with a slit 26a similar to that shown in FIG. The slits 26a of the support 26 and the slits 35a of the protective layer 35 are alternately formed at equal intervals.

  Next, a second modification of the first embodiment will be described.

  5A and 5B are diagrams showing a part of the support 26 and the protective layer 35 and their peripheral regions. FIG. 5A is a plan view of the region S in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in FIG. (C) is sectional drawing showing the FF cross section of (a). The liquid crystal display panel of this modification is different from the liquid crystal display panel of the first modification described above only in the depths of the slits 26a and the slits 35a, and the other parts are the same. Therefore, the following description will focus on the different parts, and description of the other parts will be omitted.

  In the second modification, the support 26 is formed with a plurality of slits 26a having openings on the inner surface of the support 26, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5B, the slit 26 a is formed so as to reach from the upper surface of the support body 26 to the vicinity of the center thereof. The slit 26a does not reach the lower surface as in the first modification.

  A plurality of slits 35 a having openings on the outer surface of the protective layer 35 are formed in the protective layer 35. As shown in FIG. 5C, the slit 35a is formed so as to reach from the upper surface of the protective layer 35 to the vicinity of the central portion thereof. The slit 35a does not reach the lower surface as in the first modification.

  In this modification, the slit 26a and the slit 35a are formed shallower than the thickness of the support 26 and the protective layer 35 (the height in the vertical direction), respectively, but only one of the support 26 or the protective layer is formed. You may form so that 35 may be penetrated to an up-down direction.

  In the first and second modifications, the slit 26a formed on the support 26 and the slit 35a formed on the protective layer 35 are not connected to each other, and the slit 26a connects the support 26 (from the inner surface). It does not penetrate (to the outside). Therefore, the developer or the etching solution used when forming the slit 35a in the protective layer 35 does not flow into the microlens array 14 side, and the microlens array 14 is prevented from being damaged by the developer or the etching solution. Is done.

  In the embodiment and the modification described above, the slit is formed in the support 26 or formed in both the support 26 and the protective layer 35, but the slit may be formed only in the protective layer 35. . This corresponds to the case where no slit is formed in the support 26 in the first or second modification described above.

  The slits 26a and 35a extend perpendicular to the direction in which the support 26 and the protective layer 35 extend. However, the slits 26a and 35a may extend in a direction other than perpendicular to the direction in which the support 26 and the protective layer 35 extend. Good. Further, the slits 26a and 35a do not have to extend in a straight line, and may be bent or bent in the middle.

  In the embodiment and the modification described above, the slit 26 a extends from the inner surface of the support body 26 toward the outer surface. However, the slit 26 a may be formed so as to extend from the outer surface of the support body 26 toward the inner surface. In the modification, the slit 35a extends from the outer surface to the inner surface of the protective layer 35. However, the slit 35a may be formed from the inner surface to the outer surface. In the modification, the slit 26a and the slit 35a have openings on the surfaces facing each other. However, they may have openings on the same surface.

  In the above-described embodiment and its modification, the microlens 14a and the support 26 are formed at the same height, and the protective layer 35 is in contact with the microlens 14a. However, the liquid crystal display panel of the present invention is protected. The layer 35 is not limited to be in contact with the microlens 14a, and the support 26 may be formed higher than the microlens 14a, and the protective layer 35 and the microlens 14a may not be in contact with each other.

  In the above-described embodiment and its modifications, the protective layer 35 is formed on the support 26 and the microlens array 14, but the liquid crystal display panel of the present invention does not have the protective layer 35. The optical sheet 23 may be provided directly on the microlens array 14 via an adhesive.

  In addition, the support 26 is formed in a closed frame shape surrounding the periphery of the microlens array 14 when viewed from the vertical direction of the substrate, but the support 26 is not particularly limited to this shape, and has a frame shape. It may have a shape having an opening partly, and may have a vent hole for ventilating the area surrounded by the microlens array 14 and the protective layer 35 and the outside. Furthermore, the support 26 may be composed of a plurality of independent columns around the microlens array 14.

  According to the liquid crystal display panel of the embodiment of the present invention and the modified example thereof, the support and / or the gap between the support and / or the protective layer formed as described above and the support and / or at the time of manufacture or use. Alternatively, heat, impact, or stress received in the vicinity of the protective layer can be absorbed and relaxed. Therefore, problems unique to a liquid crystal display panel with a microlens array, such as the occurrence of distortion and cracks in the vicinity of the support, have been solved, and a high-quality liquid crystal display device can be provided with a high yield.

(Embodiment 2)
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the liquid crystal display panel according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The liquid crystal display panel of the present embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment only in the configuration of the support 26 and the protective layer 35 and basically has the same structure as the liquid crystal display panel of the first embodiment. Therefore, the structure of the support 26 and the protective layer 35 will be mainly described below, and the description of the same components as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

  6A and 6B are views showing a part of the support body 26 of the present embodiment and its peripheral region, where FIG. 6A is a plan view of the region S in FIG. 2, and FIG. 6B is a GG cross section of FIG. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the support 26 is formed with a gap (or groove) 26 b that extends parallel to the direction in which the support 26 extends. When viewed from the vertical direction of the substrate, the gap 26b extends near the center of the support 26 as shown in FIG. 6 (a). When the cross section is viewed, the upper surface as shown in FIG. 6 (b). It is formed so as to penetrate from the (surface in contact with the protective layer 35) to the lower surface (surface in contact with the TFT substrate 30). The gap 26b is formed continuously in the entire region of the support 26 surrounding the microlens array 14. The width of the gap 26b is about 50 μm. The width of the gap 26b is preferably 10 μm or more and 500 μm or less, and more preferably 30 μm or more and 250 μm or less.

  According to the liquid crystal display panel of the present embodiment, since the gap 26b described above is formed in the support 26, even if the liquid crystal display panel is subjected to thermal stress or impact due to external temperature changes during manufacture or use, the stress And the shock can be absorbed and relaxed by the gap 26b, and as described in Embodiment 1, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of distortion and cracks in the vicinity of the support 26 of the liquid crystal display panel.

  Next, a first modification of the second embodiment will be described.

  7A and 7B are views showing a part of the support 26 and the protective layer 35 and their peripheral regions. FIG. 7A is a plan view of the region S in FIG. 2, and FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along line HH in FIG. FIG. In addition, the liquid crystal display panel of this modification differs from the liquid crystal display panel of Embodiment 2 described above only in the configuration of the protective layer 35, and the other parts are the same. Therefore, the following description will focus on the different parts, and description of the other parts will be omitted.

  In the liquid crystal display panel of the modification, a gap 26b similar to that shown in FIG. 6 is formed on the support 26, and further, a gap 35b as shown in FIG. Yes. The gap 35b is formed on the gap 26b of the support 26 so as to penetrate from the upper surface (the surface in contact with the adhesive layer 37) to the lower surface (the surface in contact with the support 26) of the protective layer 35 so as to communicate with the gap 26b. ing. Like the gap 26b, the gap 35b is formed so as to surround the microlens array 14 when viewed from the substrate vertical direction in parallel to the direction in which the support 26 extends. The width of the gap 35b is about 50 μm. The width of the gap 35b is preferably 10 μm or more and 500 μm or less, and more preferably 30 μm or more and 250 μm or less.

  In this modification, the gap 35b of the protective layer 35 is formed on the gap 26b of the support 26. However, the gap 35b does not necessarily have to be formed on the gap 26b, and the vertical direction of the substrate When viewed from above, the gap 35b and the gap 26b may be arranged at different positions so as not to overlap each other.

  Next, a second modification of the second embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the support 26 and the protective layer 35 and the peripheral region thereof in the second modification of the second embodiment, and is a cross-section of the same part as the part shown in FIG. Represents. The liquid crystal display panel of this modification is different from the liquid crystal display panel of Embodiment 2 described above only in the cross-sectional shape of the support 26, and the other parts are the same. Therefore, the following description will focus on the different parts, and description of the other parts will be omitted.

  In the liquid crystal display panel of the second modified example, a gap (or groove) 26c extending around the microlens array 14 is formed on the support 26 in parallel to the direction in which the support 26 extends, as in the second embodiment. ing. As shown in FIG. 8, the gap 26c extends from the upper surface to a depth that is half the thickness of the support 26, and is not formed so as to penetrate to the lower surface. The width of the gap 26c is about 50 μm, and the depth is about half of the thickness of the support 26 in the vertical direction. The width of the gap 26c is preferably 10 μm or more and 500 μm or less, and more preferably 30 μm or more and 250 μm or less.

  In the present modification, the gap 26 c is formed only in the support 26, but the same gap 35 b as in the second modification may be formed in the protective layer 35. In this case, the gap 35b may be a gap that extends from the upper surface or the lower surface of the protective layer 35 to a certain depth and does not reach the opposing surface. Further, the gap 26c of the support 26 may be a gap formed from the lower surface of the support 26 to a certain depth in the upper surface direction and not reaching the upper surface.

  Next, a third modification of the second embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the support 26 and the microlens array 14 in the third modification of the second embodiment. The liquid crystal display panel of this modification is different from the liquid crystal display panel of the second embodiment described above only in the shape of the gap 26b in the support 26, and the other parts are the same. Therefore, the following description will focus on the different parts, and description of the other parts will be omitted.

  In the liquid crystal display panel of the third modified example, a gap 26 d extending in parallel with the extending direction of the support 26 is formed on the support 26 so as to surround the microlens array 14 as in the second embodiment. However, in the third modified example, the gap 26d has a plurality of openings 26e communicating with the outer surface of the support 26, and the vent hole 40 is formed in a portion of the support 26 where the gap 26d is not formed. Is formed.

  The air hole 40 is a gap formed in the support 26 so as to connect the internal space formed between the microlens array 14 and the protective layer 35 and the external space of the liquid crystal display panel. Thus, the air can freely move between the internal space and the external space. If the vent hole 40 is not present, the air confined in the internal space may expand and contract due to a temperature difference that occurs during manufacture, use, etc., and deformation or cracks may occur in the liquid crystal display panel. The presence of the pores 40 prevents such problems.

  The ventilation hole 40 can be employed not only in the third modification but also in the above-described embodiment and its modification. In the third modification, the opening 26e communicates with the outer surface of the support 26. However, the opening 26e may be formed so as to communicate with the inner surface of the support 26. Such an opening 26e can also be employed in the first and second modifications of the second embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, only one gap 26b, 26c, 26d, and 35b is formed in the support 26 or the protective layer 35 along the extending direction of the support 26 so as to surround the microlens array 14. However, a plurality of gaps 26b, 26c, 26d, and 35b may be formed. The gaps 26b, 26c, 26d, and 35b do not necessarily have to be formed as one continuous gap, and may be divided at one or a plurality of places around the microlens array 14.

  According to the liquid crystal display panel of the embodiment of the present invention and the modified example thereof, the support and / or the gap between the support and / or the protective layer formed as described above and the support and / or at the time of manufacture or use. Alternatively, heat, impact, or stress received in the vicinity of the protective layer can be absorbed and relaxed. Further, by forming a vent hole in the support, the expansion / contraction of the internal space can be suppressed. As a result, problems inherent to the liquid crystal display panel with a microlens array, such as distortion, deformation, and generation of cracks around the support, which were not recognized before the examination by the inventors of the present application, are solved, and a high quality liquid crystal display device Can be provided with a high yield.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the generation | occurrence | production of the malfunction at the time of manufacture and use of the liquid crystal display panel which improved the utilization efficiency of light using a micro lens array is suppressed, and a reliable high quality liquid crystal display panel is provided. It becomes possible.

It is sectional drawing which showed typically the structure of the liquid crystal display panel by this invention. It is the figure showing the AA cross section in FIG. 1 of the liquid crystal display panel by this invention. It is a figure showing a part of support body of Embodiment 1, and its peripheral region, (a) is a top view of field S in Drawing 2, (b) is a sectional view showing a BB section of (a). is there. It is a figure showing the support body and protective layer in the 1st modification of Embodiment 1, and its peripheral region, (a) is a top view of the area | region S in FIG. 2, (b) is CC of (a). A sectional view showing a section, (c) is a sectional view showing a DD section of (a). It is a figure showing a part of support body and protection layer 35 in the 2nd modification of Embodiment 1, and its peripheral field, (a) is a top view of field S in Drawing 2, and (b) is (a). Sectional drawing showing the EE cross section of (a), (c) is sectional drawing showing the FF cross section of (a). It is the figure showing a part of support body of this Embodiment 2, and its peripheral region, (a) is a top view of the area | region S in FIG. 2, (b) is a cross section showing GG cross section of (a). FIG. It is a figure showing a part of support body and protection layer 35 in the 1st modification of Embodiment 2, and its peripheral field, (a) is a top view of field S in Drawing 2, and (b) is (a). It is sectional drawing showing the HH cross section of. It is sectional drawing showing a part of support body and protection layer 35 in the 2nd modification of Embodiment 2, and its peripheral region, and represents the section of the same portion as the portion shown in Drawing 7 (b). 10 is a plan view showing a support body 26 and a microlens array 14 in a third modification of Embodiment 2. FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the liquid crystal display panel by which the convex-shaped microlens is arrange | positioned at the incident side of backlight light, and the support body was provided in the periphery. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional shape in the A′-A ′ cross section of the liquid crystal display panel illustrated in FIG. 10.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Liquid crystal display panel 12 Bonding board | substrate 14 Micro lens array 14a Micro lens 22, 23 Optical film 24, 37 Adhesive layer 26 Support body 26a Slit 26b Gap 30 TFT substrate 32 CF board 34 Liquid crystal layer 35 Protective layer 35a Slit 35b Gap 35c Opening Part 36 Seal 40 Ventilation hole 112 Bonded substrate 114 Microlens array 114a Microlens 122, 123 Optical film 124, 137 Adhesive 126 Support 132 CF substrate 130 TFT substrate 134 Liquid crystal layer 135 Protective layer 136 Seal

Claims (16)

A bonded substrate including a pair of substrates and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the pair of substrates;
A microlens array provided on the light incident side of the bonded substrate;
A support provided on the light incident side of the bonded substrate so as to surround the microlens array;
An optical film attached to the bonded substrate through the support, and
The liquid crystal display panel, wherein the support includes at least one gap formed inside the support, or at least one slit extending from the surface of the support toward the inside of the support.   The liquid crystal display panel according to claim 1, wherein a width of the gap or slit is 10 μm or more and 500 μm or less.   The liquid crystal display panel according to claim 2, wherein a width of the gap or slit is 30 μm or more and 250 μm or less.   4. The slit according to claim 1, wherein the slit extends from the surface of the support toward the inside of the support to a depth of 20% to 80% of the width of the support. 5. LCD display panel.   5. The liquid crystal display panel according to claim 1, wherein the slit extends from the surface of the support on the side where the microlens array is formed toward the inside of the support. 6.   The liquid crystal display panel according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the slits are formed in the support.   The liquid crystal display panel according to claim 6, wherein a distance between two adjacent slits of the plurality of slits is 500 μm or more and 5000 μm or less.   The liquid crystal display panel according to claim 7, wherein a distance between two adjacent slits of the plurality of slits is 1000 μm or more and 3000 μm or less. Comprising a protective layer disposed between the optical film and the support;
The said protective layer is at least 1 gap | interval formed in the inside of the said protective layer, or at least 1 slit extended toward the inner side of the said protective layer from the surface of the said protective layer, The any one of Claim 1-8 2. A liquid crystal display panel according to item 1.   The liquid crystal display panel according to claim 9, wherein a width of the gap or slit of the protective layer is 10 μm or more and 500 μm or less.   The liquid crystal display panel according to claim 10, wherein a width of the gap or slit of the protective layer is 30 μm or more and 250 μm or less.   The slit of the protective layer extends from the surface of the protective layer toward the inside of the protective layer to a depth of 20% to 80% of the width of the protective layer. 2. A liquid crystal display panel according to item 1.   The liquid crystal display panel according to claim 9, wherein the slit of the protective layer extends from the outer surface of the protective layer toward the inside of the protective layer.   The liquid crystal display panel according to claim 9, wherein a plurality of slits extending from a surface of the protective layer toward an inner side of the protective layer are formed in the protective layer. Comprising a protective layer disposed between the optical film and the support;
The support is formed with a plurality of first slits formed so as to extend from the surface of the support toward the inside of the support.
A plurality of second slits formed to extend from the surface of the protective layer toward the inside of the protective layer are formed in the protective layer,
2. The liquid crystal according to claim 1, wherein when viewed from a plane perpendicular to the pair of substrates, the first slit and the second slit are alternately formed along a direction in which the support extends. Display panel. A bonded substrate including a pair of substrates and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the pair of substrates;
A microlens array provided on the light incident side of the bonded substrate;
A support provided on the light incident side of the bonded substrate so as to surround the microlens array;
An optical film attached to the bonded substrate through the support;
A protective layer disposed between the optical film and the support,
The liquid crystal display panel, wherein the protective layer includes at least one gap formed inside the protective layer or at least one slit extending from the surface of the protective layer toward the inside of the protective layer.

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