JP5271658B2 - Electro-optical device and electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrooptical device capable of preventing breakage or chipping of an electrooptical panel by adopting the characteristic structure of a frame supporting the electrooptical panel. <P>SOLUTION: A liquid crystal device includes: a liquid crystal display panel in which a liquid crystal layer is retained between first and second substrates; and first and second frames holding the liquid crystal display panel. The first and second frames respectively have abutted parts which are abutted directly or indirectly to the liquid crystal display panel and first and second recessed faces disposed to be recessed from the abutted part to the liquid crystal display panel side. The first and second recessed faces are respectively disposed on positions planarly superimposed on side edges of surfaces of opposite side to the display side of the first and second substrates. As the result, a gap is formed between the first and second recessed faces and the side edges of surfaces of opposite side to the display side of the first and second substrates, and the first and second recessed faces respectively are not in contact with the side edges of surfaces of opposite side to the display side of the first and second substrates. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electro-optical device suitable for displaying various information.

  Currently, in an electronic device such as a mobile phone, a portable information terminal, and a computer display, an electro-optical device incorporating a display panel such as a liquid crystal device or an EL (Electro Luminescence) device is widely used to display an image. .

  For example, a liquid crystal device is known that includes a liquid crystal display panel in which a liquid crystal layer is sandwiched between a pair of substrates, and a lower metal frame and an upper metal frame that are accommodated so as to sandwich the liquid crystal display panel. In the liquid crystal device having such a configuration, the liquid crystal display panel comes into contact with the lower metal frame and the upper metal frame. However, when a breakable member such as glass is used as the substrate constituting the liquid crystal display panel, if an impact (external force) such as dropping is applied to the liquid crystal device, the impact is applied to the lower metal frame or the upper metal plate. Depending on the magnitude of the impact transmitted to the substrate through the frame, the substrate may break.

  In this regard, for example, Patent Document 1 describes an LCD mounting structure in which an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is not damaged even if the housing is slightly deformed by an external force.

  In the LCD mounting structure described in Patent Document 1, a first portion of a protective cover formed of an elastic member is interposed between the casing and the peripheral edge of the LCD, and the LCD and the circuit. A second portion of the protective cover is interposed between the substrate and the substrate.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-2765

  Incidentally, the LCD mounting structure described in Patent Document 1 has a restriction that a protective cover for supporting the LCD must be formed of an elastic member in order to prevent damage to the LCD due to external force.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an electro-optical device capable of preventing the electro-optical panel from being cracked or chipped by a characteristic structure of a frame that supports the electro-optical panel, and the same It is an object to provide an electronic device using the device.

In one aspect of the present invention, an electro-optical device includes an electro-optical panel, a first frame that accommodates the electro-optical panel, and a second frame that engages with the first frame . The first frame includes a side wall that bends and extends substantially perpendicularly from the main surface, and a first abutting portion that abuts directly or indirectly on the electro-optic panel , and the first frame includes the electro-optic A second abutting portion that abuts against a side surface of the panel, wherein the second frame is bent at a substantially right angle from the main surface and extends to the other surface side of the electro-optic panel; Each of the inner surfaces of the side walls of the second frame is in contact with the outer surfaces of the side walls of the first frame, and the first frame and the second frame. Each of the formed openings In a state of being arranged in the display area and overlaps in plan view the position of the optical panel, the second frame is a one that fitted to the first frame, the first contact portion, the electro-optical panel The display surface side of the electro-optical panel , the second contact portion, and the second contact portion. Since the three abutting portions do not abut against the end side of the electro-optic panel , a gap is formed between the end side and the main surface and the side wall of the first frame , and the end side ing and clearance is formed between the second frame. Electro-optical panel, the display surface has a facing surface 及 beauty side opposite to the display surface, the first contact portion may be disposed so as to abut on the one. The first contact portion may be in direct contact with the electro-optical panel, or may be in contact indirectly with an adhesive element, for example.

  According to this electro-optical device, the first abutting portion does not abut on an end side constituted by the side surface of the electro-optical panel and the display surface or the opposed surface, and the end side and the A gap is formed between the first frame and the first frame.

  Therefore, even if an impact due to an external factor is applied to the first frame, it is possible to prevent the first frame from colliding with the edge of the electro-optical panel due to the impact. Here, examples of the external factor include factors such as an assembling operation of the illumination device with respect to the electro-optical panel, a case where the electro-optical device is dropped, and the like. In this configuration, when an electro-optical panel is manufactured from a large panel, even if a micro crack is generated in the electro-optical panel, the impact is applied to the electro-optical panel with the crack as a base point. It is possible to prevent cracks and chips from occurring.

  In the above electro-optical device, the second contact portion that contacts the side surface of the electro-optical panel when the first contact portion is in contact with the display surface side of the electro-optical panel or the opposite surface side of the display surface. May be provided in the first frame. The second contact portion is disposed so as not to contact the end side of the electro-optical panel and to form a gap between the end side and the first frame. More specifically, the first frame is disposed so as to face the display surface or the facing surface of the electro-optical panel, and has a side wall facing the side surface of the electro-optical panel, and the second contact portion is the side wall. It is comprised by the protrusion formed in. Here, if the height from the side wall of the protrusion to the tip of the protrusion is too high, the electro-optical panel is pushed inward of the first frame, and the end of the electro-optical panel reaches the first contact portion. End up. Therefore, the protrusion constituting the second contact portion is configured to have such a height that the tip of the protrusion fits between the first contact portion and the side wall of the first frame.

  For example, in the case where a liquid crystal panel in which a liquid crystal material is sandwiched between a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other is employed as the electro-optical panel, the second contact portion is the end of the liquid crystal panel, The first substrate is arranged so as not to contact the outer edge of the first substrate and / or the outer edge of the second substrate. Of course, it is more preferable that the second contact portion does not contact the inner edge of the first substrate and the inner edge of the second substrate. In the case of a liquid crystal panel, the first substrate and the first substrate A sealing member is interposed between the two substrates, and the diffusion of cracks is alleviated to some extent by the sealing member. Therefore, the effect of the present invention can be obtained even when the second contact portion contacts the inner edge of the first substrate and / or the inner edge of the second substrate. In particular, when the second contact portion is configured to contact the inner edge of the first substrate and the inner edge of the second substrate, a wide contact surface can be secured. Therefore, reliable positioning can be performed. Further, when an EL panel in which a self-luminous material is supported on a substrate is employed as the electro-optical panel, the second contact portion is disposed so as not to contact the edge of the substrate.

  With this configuration, a space is formed between the first frame and the edge of the electro-optical panel. Therefore, even if a minute crack is generated in at least a part of the edge, the space from the outside is formed. It is possible to prevent the electro-optical panel from being cracked or chipped by the impact as a starting point.

  In another aspect of the electro-optical device, the first contact portion is in contact with one of the display surface side of the electro-optical panel and the surface facing the display surface, A third abutting portion that abuts on the other surface side of the electro-optic panel; and a second frame that engages with the first frame, wherein the third abutting portion is an edge of the electro-optic panel. And a gap is formed between the end side and the second frame.

  According to this aspect, the edge of the electro-optical panel is not in contact with the second frame. Therefore, when producing an electro-optical panel from a large panel, even if a minute crack has occurred on at least a part of the display side surface of the electro-optical panel, the crack is caused by an external impact. It is possible to prevent the electro-optical panel from being cracked or chipped from this point.

  The second frame has a second side wall engaged with a surface of the side wall of the first frame opposite to the electro-optical panel side. As a result, the first and second frames can be engaged together to support the electro-optical panel.

  In another aspect of the invention, an electronic apparatus including any one of the above electro-optical devices as a display unit can be configured.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[Configuration of liquid crystal device]
First, the configuration of a liquid crystal device 100 as an example of an electro-optical device according to an embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the liquid crystal device 100 according to the present embodiment as viewed from the display side (side seen by an observer). FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid crystal device 100 according to the present embodiment as viewed from the display side. FIG. 3A is a plan view of the first frame 53 constituting the liquid crystal device 100 according to the present embodiment as viewed from the side opposite to the display side. FIG. 3B is a plan view of the second frame 54 constituting the liquid crystal device 100 according to the present embodiment as viewed from the display side. FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of each main part of the liquid crystal device 100 taken along the cutting lines A-A ′, B-B ′, and C-C ′ of FIG. 1. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the liquid crystal device 100 taken along a cutting line D-D ′ in FIG. FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the liquid crystal device 100 taken along the cutting lines EE ′, FF ′, and GG ′ of FIG. An engagement structure between the projection 53p to be formed and the first substrate 1 is shown. FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the liquid crystal device 100 taken along the cutting line HH ′ of FIG. 1, and in particular, the engagement between the projection 53 p of the first frame 53 and the first substrate 1. The structure is shown.

  The liquid crystal device 100 includes a liquid crystal display panel 50 as an example of an electro-optical panel, a pair of polarizing plates (51, 52), a pair of frames (a first frame 53 and a second frame 54), and an illumination device 55. And comprising.

  The liquid crystal display panel 50 is a transmissive or transflective display panel, and includes a first substrate 1 made of a transparent material such as glass and a second substrate 2 also made of a transparent material such as glass. The liquid crystal layer 4 as an example of the electro-optic layer is sandwiched between the regions separated by the sealing material 3 and partitioned by the sealing material 3. A plurality of data lines 11 and a plurality of scanning lines 12 are arranged in a lattice pattern on the surface of the first substrate 1 on the liquid crystal layer 4 side. A sub-pixel region (not shown) serving as a minimum display unit is formed at the intersection position of each data line 11 and each scanning line 12. In the liquid crystal device 100, a region in which the sub-pixel regions are formed in a matrix form is a display region (rectangular one-dot chain region in FIGS. 1 and 2) V for displaying an image. In the liquid crystal device 100, the area outside the display area V is a non-display area.

  Further, the first substrate 1 has a mounting region 1 h that projects outward from one end 2 e of the second substrate 2. An X driver IC (Integrated Circuit) 13, a plurality of Y driver ICs (Integrated Circuit) 14, a plurality of external connection wirings 15, a wiring board 16, and the like are mounted on the surface of the mounting region 1 h on the second substrate 2 side. Is formed. The X driver IC 13 supplies a data signal corresponding to the display content to each data line 11. Each Y driver IC 14 supplies a scanning signal to each scanning line 12. Each external connection wiring 15 is electrically connected to the X driver IC 13 or Y driver IC 14 and the wiring board 16.

  On the other hand, on the surface of the second substrate 2 on the liquid crystal layer 4 side, although not shown, a colored layer provided corresponding to each sub-pixel region, a light shielding layer for partitioning each colored layer, and the like are provided.

  In the present invention, the liquid crystal display panel 50 is not limited to the above-described configuration, and may adopt various known configurations.

  The polarizing plate 51 has a shape smaller than an opening 53a of the first frame 53 described later, and is disposed on the surface opposite to the liquid crystal layer 4 side of the first substrate 1. On the other hand, the polarizing plate 52 has a shape smaller than an opening 54a of the second frame 54 described later, and is disposed on the surface of the second substrate 2 opposite to the liquid crystal layer 4 side. For example, the transmission axis of the polarizing plate 52 is set to approximately 90 [°] with respect to the transmission axis of the polarizing plate 51.

  The first frame 53 is formed of, for example, a metal material. The first frame 53 has an opening 53a formed slightly larger than the display area V, and the first frame 53 is disposed in a position overlapping the display area V of the liquid crystal display panel 50 in a plane. The substrate 1 is disposed on the side opposite to the second substrate 2 side. The detailed configuration of the first frame 53 will be described later.

  The second frame 54 is made of, for example, a metal material. The second frame 54 has an opening 54a formed slightly larger than the display area V, and the second frame 54 is disposed in a position overlapping the display area V of the liquid crystal display panel 50 in a planar manner. Arranged on the opposite side to the first substrate 1 with respect to the substrate 2. The second frame 54 is engaged (fitted in this example) with the first frame 53. The second frame 54 and the first frame 53 sandwich the liquid crystal display panel 50 between them. The detailed configuration of the second frame 54 will be described later.

  The lighting device 55 is disposed on the opposite side of the liquid crystal display panel 50 with the first frame 53 as a reference. The light L emitted from the illumination device 55 illuminates the liquid crystal display panel 50 through the opening 53 a of the first frame 53. The illumination device 55 is, for example, an edge light system having a light source, a light guide plate and an optical sheet, or a direct type having a light source and an optical sheet.

  In the liquid crystal device 100 having the above configuration, the light L emitted from the illumination device 55 is emitted toward the display region V of the liquid crystal display panel 50 as indicated by the broken line arrows in FIG. At this time, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 4 is controlled in the liquid crystal display panel 50, and a desired display image is visually recognized by an observer.

(Engagement structure between a pair of frames and a liquid crystal display panel)
Next, an engagement structure between the pair of frames (the first frame 53 and the second frame 54) and the liquid crystal display panel 50 that characterize the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the detailed configuration of the first frame 53 will be described.

  The first frame 53 includes a main surface 53e facing the first substrate 1, an opening 53a provided in the main surface 53e, and side walls 53L, 53U, 53R, and 53D that bend and extend substantially perpendicularly from the main surface 53e. And a plurality of protrusions (second contact portions) 53p protruding from the inner surfaces of the side walls 53L, 53U, 53R, 53D toward the first substrate 1 side.

  The main surface 53e is provided between a contact part (first contact part) 53c having a frame-like planar shape, and the contact part 53c and the side walls 53L, 53U, 53R, 53D, and has a frame-like planar shape. And a concave surface (first concave surface) 53b. The contact portion 53c is directly on the surface of the first substrate 1 opposite to the liquid crystal layer 4 side (display side of the liquid crystal display panel 50) or indirectly through, for example, an adhesive element (not shown). It is in contact. The concave surface 53b is a concave or grooved region in which the main surface 53e is subjected to so-called beat processing, and the side opposite to the display side of the liquid crystal display panel 50 (or side walls 53L, 53U, 53R, etc.) from the contact portion 53c. It is recessed in the direction opposite to the extending direction of 53D. The concave surface 53b is located at a position where the end surface of the first substrate 1 is planarly overlapped with the intersection of the surface of the first substrate 1 opposite to the liquid crystal layer 4 side and the side surface of the first substrate 1. is there. Therefore, a gap k1 is formed between the surface opposite to the liquid crystal layer 4 side of the first substrate 1 and the concave surface 53b. Each protrusion 53 p abuts on the side surface of the first substrate 1 and supports the first substrate 1 with respect to the first frame 53.

  Next, a detailed configuration of the second frame 54 will be described.

  The second frame 54 includes a main surface 54e facing the second substrate 2, an opening 54a provided in the main surface 54e, and side walls 54L, 54U, 54R, 54D extending from the main surface 54e by bending at a substantially right angle. . The main surface 54e is provided between a contact part (third contact part) 54c having a frame-like planar shape, and the contact part 54c and the side walls 54L, 54U, 54R, 54D, and has a frame-like planar shape. And a concave surface (second concave surface) 54b. The contact portion 54c is directly on the surface of the second substrate 2 opposite to the liquid crystal layer 4 side (display side of the liquid crystal display panel 50), or indirectly, for example, via an adhesive element (not shown). It is in contact. The concave surface 54b is a concave or groove-shaped region where the main surface 54e is so-called beat-processed, and the side opposite to the display side of the liquid crystal display panel 50 (or the side walls 54L, 54U, 54R, etc.) from the contact portion 54c. It is recessed in the direction opposite to the extending direction of 54D. The concave surface 54b is located at a position overlapping the end side of the second substrate 2 formed by the intersection of the surface of the second substrate 2 opposite to the liquid crystal layer 4 side and the side surface of the second substrate 2 in a plane. is there. Therefore, a gap k2 is formed between the surface opposite to the liquid crystal layer 4 side of the second substrate 2 and the concave surface 54b.

  Next, the engagement structure between the first frame 53 and the second frame 54 and the liquid crystal display panel 50 is as follows.

  As described above, the first frame 53 and the second frame 54 are engaged with each other and sandwich the liquid crystal display panel 50. In this example, in the second frame 54, the inner surfaces of the side walls 54L, 54U, 54R, 54D of the second frame 54 respectively contact the outer surfaces of the side walls 53L, 53U, 53R, 53D of the first frame 53. The first frame with the opening 53a of the first frame 53 and the opening 54a of the second frame 54 arranged in a plane overlapping the display region V of the liquid crystal display panel 50 in contact with each other. 53.

  Ends 1 sL, 1 sU, 1 sR, and 1 sD on the opposite side of the liquid crystal layer 4 side of the first substrate 1 are at positions corresponding to the side walls 53L, 53U, 53R, and 53D of the first frame 53, respectively. It is arranged at a position along. Further, the edges 2sL, 2sU, 2sR, 2sD opposite to the liquid crystal layer 4 side of the second substrate 2 are respectively at positions corresponding to the side walls 54L, 54U, 54R, 54D of the second frame 54, and It is arranged at a position along. Furthermore, the concave surface 53b of the first frame 53 is disposed at a position corresponding to the edges 1sL, 1sU, 1sR, 1sD opposite to the liquid crystal layer 4 side of the first substrate 1 and overlapping in a plane. In addition, the concave surface 54b of the second frame 54 is located at a position corresponding to the edges 2sL, 2sU, 2sR, 2sD on the opposite side of the liquid crystal layer 4 side of the second substrate 2 and overlapping in a plane. Has been placed.

  According to the engagement structure having the above configuration, advantageous effects can be obtained as compared with the comparative example described below.

  In general, the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 are manufactured as follows. First, prepare a large panel made of transparent material such as glass, scratch the outer periphery of both sides of the formation area of each substrate partitioned in a matrix in the large panel with a cutter, and then tap the substrate. By applying an impact, a plurality of substrates are produced. Each edge of the substrate manufactured in this manner is in a rugged or rough state by scratching with a cutter, and a minute crack may occur on each edge.

  For this reason, in the comparative example assumed below, the following problems may arise. As a comparative example, in FIG. 4, both the first frame 53 and the second frame 54 do not have concave surfaces 53 b and 54 b, that is, between the first frame 53 and the second frame 54 and the liquid crystal panel 50. The contact portions 53c of the first frame 53 are in contact with the edges 1sL, 1sU, 1sR, 1sD of the first substrate 1 without forming the gaps k1, k2, respectively. It is assumed that the contact portion 54c is in contact with the end sides 2sL, 2sU, 2sR, and 2sD of the second substrate 2, respectively.

  In the comparative example having such an engagement structure, when an impact due to an external factor is applied to the first frame 53 and / or the second frame 54, the impact is applied to the first frame 53 and / or the second frame 54. 2 through one of the frames 54, one of the edges 1 sL, 1 sU, 1 sR, 1 sD of the first substrate 1 and / or one of the edges 2 sL, 2 sU, 2 sR, 2 sD of the second substrate 2. Communicated. Here, as external factors, for example, factors such as an assembling operation of the lighting device to the liquid crystal display panel, a case where the liquid crystal device is dropped, and the like can be cited. In the comparative example, one of the short sides 1 sL, 1 sU, 1 sR, 1 sD of the first substrate 1 and / or the edge 2 sL, 2 sU, 2 sR, 2 sD of the second substrate 2 is very small. If a crack has occurred, the impact may cause a crack or chip in the first substrate 1 and / or the second substrate 2 with the crack portion as a base point.

  In recent years, an area outside the display area V of the liquid crystal display panel and an area where wiring such as the scanning lines 12 is routed (also referred to as a “frame area”) has been increasingly narrowed. Along with this, the distance from the outer periphery of the liquid crystal display panel to the wiring is becoming smaller. For this reason, in the comparative example, the first substrate 1 and / or the second substrate 2 may be cracked or chipped, which may cause disconnection of the wiring.

  In this regard, in the liquid crystal device 100 according to the present embodiment, the concave surface 53b of the first frame 53 corresponds to the edges 1sL, 1sU, 1sR, 1sD on the opposite side of the liquid crystal layer 4 side of the first substrate 1. The concave surface 54b of the second frame 54 is disposed on the edge 2sL, 2sU, 2sR, 2sD on the opposite side of the liquid crystal layer 4 side of the second substrate 2 and is disposed in a position overlapping with the plane. It arrange | positions in the position which overlaps in the corresponding position and planarly.

  That is, a gap k1 is formed between the surface of the first substrate 1 opposite to the liquid crystal layer 4 side and the concave surface 53b. The edges 1 sL, 1 sU, 1 sR, and 1 sD of the first substrate 1 are at positions corresponding to the concave surface 53 a of the first frame 53 and are not in direct contact with the first frame 53. Similarly, a gap k2 is formed between the surface opposite to the liquid crystal layer 4 side of the second substrate 2 and the concave surface 54b. The edges 2sL, 2sU, 2sR, 2sD of the second substrate 2 are located at positions corresponding to the concave surface 54a of the second frame 54 and are not in direct contact with the second frame 54.

  Therefore, even when the impact due to the external factors described above acts on the first frame 53 and the second frame 54, the first frame 53 causes the edge 1sL of the first substrate 1 to be affected by the impact. 1sU, 1sR, and 1sD can be prevented from colliding with each other, and the second frame 54 can be prevented from colliding with the edges 2sL, 2sU, 2sR, and 2sD of the second substrate 2. Therefore, when the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 are manufactured from the large panel, at least one of the edges 1sL, 1sU, 1sR, 1sD of the first substrate 1 and / or the second Even when a minute crack has occurred on at least one of the edges 2sL, 2sU, 2sR, 2sD of the substrate 2, the first substrate 1 and / or It is possible to prevent the second substrate 2 from being cracked or chipped.

  Accordingly, even if the frame region of the liquid crystal device 100 is narrowed, the first substrate 1 and / or the second substrate 2 are not cracked or chipped due to such an impact, and thus are drawn around the frame region. In addition, disconnection or the like does not occur in the wiring (in this example, the scanning line 12).

  In the liquid crystal device 100, the side walls 53 </ b> L, 53 </ b> U, 53 </ b> R, and 53 </ b> D of the first frame 53 project to the outer surface side of the liquid crystal display panel 50 and are in contact with the outer surface of the liquid crystal display panel 50. The protrusion 53p is partially provided. The plurality of protrusions 53p do not come into contact with each of the end sides 1sL, 1sU, 1sR, 1sD of the first substrate 1, and each of the end sides 1sL, 1sU, 1sR, 1sD and the side walls 53L, 53U. , 53R and 53D are provided so as to form a gap k3.

  Thereby, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a protrusion 53p forming portion is formed between the side walls 53L, 53U, 53R, and 53D of the first frame 53 and the outer surface of the liquid crystal display panel 50. A space A1 is formed in other than the above. That is, according to this configuration, the gap k3 is provided between each of the side walls 53L, 53U, 53R, and 53D of the first frame 53 and each of the edges 1sL, 1sU, 1sR, and 1sD of the first substrate 1. The side walls 53L, 53U, 53R, and 53D of the first frame 53 are not in contact with the edges 1sL, 1sU, 1sR, and 1sD of the first substrate 1, respectively. Therefore, even when the impact due to the external factors described above is applied to the first frame 53, the side walls 53L, 53U, 53R, 53D of the first frame 53 are affected by the impact. Can be prevented from colliding with each of the edge sides 1sL, 1sU, 1sR, and 1sD. Therefore, even when a minute crack is generated on at least one of the end sides 1sL, 1sU, 1sR, and 1sD of the first substrate 1, the first substrate 1 is based on the crack portion by the impact. It is possible to prevent cracks and chips from occurring.

  Further, in this liquid crystal device 100, the first substrate 53 and the second substrate 2 can be characterized by providing the structure of only the first frame 53 and the second frame 54, that is, the structure of a single material. It is possible to prevent cracks and chips. Therefore, the thickness of the liquid crystal device 100 does not have to be increased as compared with the structure in which the composite material is combined to prevent the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 from being cracked or chipped. The first frame 53 and the second frame 54 can be easily recycled.

[Modification]
The liquid crystal device according to the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the liquid crystal device 100 according to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit thereof.

  For example, in the above embodiment, since the liquid crystal display panel 50 is a transmissive or transflective display panel, the illumination light from the illumination device 55 is applied to the first frame 53 and the second frame 54. Openings 53a and 54a for allowing transmission were provided. If the liquid crystal display panel 50 is a so-called reflective display panel, it is not necessary to provide the openings 53 a and 54 a for the first frame 53 and the second frame 54.

  In the above embodiment, the gap k1 is formed between the concave surface 53b of the first frame 53 and each of the edges 1sL, 1sU, 1sR, and 1sD of the first substrate 1, and the first A gap k <b> 2 is formed between the concave surface 54 b of the second frame 54 and each of the edges 2 sL, 2 sU, 2 sR, and 2 sD of the second substrate 2. However, when the thickness of each of the first frame 53 and the second frame 54 cannot be sufficiently increased from the viewpoint of reducing the weight of the liquid crystal device 100 or the like, the concave surface 53b with respect to the surface 53c of the first frame 53 The depth and the depth of the concave surface 54b with respect to the surface 54c of the second frame 54 are also reduced. In such a configuration, when an impact due to the above-described external factors acts, the first frame 53 collides with the edge of the first substrate 1 due to the impact, and the second frame 54 2 may collide with the edge of the second substrate 2.

  Therefore, when the thicknesses of the first frame 53 and the second frame 54 cannot be sufficiently increased, the concave surface of the first frame 53 is shown in FIGS. 5 (a) to 5 (d). It is desirable to arrange a buffer member 60 having a buffering action on 53b and the concave surface 54b of the second frame 54.

  FIGS. 5A to 5D are cross-sectional views of main parts of a liquid crystal device 100a including a buffer member 60 according to a modification, corresponding to FIGS. 4A to 4D, respectively.

  In the present invention, the buffer member 60 may be disposed over the entire surface of the concave surface 53b, or a plurality of buffer members 60 may be disposed at appropriate intervals on the concave surface 53b. Alternatively, at least one buffer member 60 may be disposed corresponding to each of the side walls 53L, 53U, 53R, and 53D of the first frame 53.

  According to this configuration, when the impact due to the external factors described above is applied to the first frame 53 and the second frame 54, the impact is applied to the edges 1sL, 1sU, 1sR, 1sD of the first substrate 1 and The buffer member 60 absorbs the edges 2sL, 2sU, 2sR, and 2sD of the second substrate 2. Therefore, the shock applied to the edges 1 sL, 1 sU, 1 sR, 1 sD of the first substrate 1 and the edges 2 sL, 2 sU, 2 sR, 2 sD of the second substrate 2 can be reduced by the buffering action of the buffer member 60. The first substrate 1 and / or the second substrate 2 can be cracked on the basis of a crack portion generated on at least one edge of each of the first substrate 1 and / or the second substrate 2. It is possible to prevent chipping and the like from occurring.

  In the present invention, it is not essential to provide the first frame 53 and the second frame 54 for the liquid crystal device. For example, although not shown, only one of the first frame 53 and the second frame 54 may be provided.

  Alternatively, in the present invention, the first frame 53 and the second frame 54 may not be provided for the liquid crystal device. For example, FIGS. 6A and 6B show a cross-sectional configuration of a liquid crystal device 100b according to a modification that does not include the first frame 53 and the second frame 54. FIG. Specifically, FIGS. 6A and 6B are main part cross-sectional views of a liquid crystal device 100b according to a modification corresponding to FIGS. 4A and 4B, respectively.

  The liquid crystal device 100b does not include the first frame 53 and the second frame 54 as compared with the liquid crystal device 100 described above, and includes a frame-like frame 56 that houses the lighting device 55 instead. The other points are the same as in the liquid crystal device 100 described above.

  The frame 56 is disposed on the side opposite to the liquid crystal layer 4 side of the first substrate 1, and has an opening 56 a having substantially the same size as the lighting device 55 and a contact portion having a frame-like planar shape ( (Fourth abutting portion) 56c, a concave surface (corresponding to the third concave surface) 56b provided on the outside of the abutting portion 56c and having a frame-like planar shape, and each side wall along each outer surface of the lighting device 55 (Not shown). The contact portion 56c is directly on the surface of the first substrate 1 opposite to the liquid crystal layer 4 side (that is, the display side of the liquid crystal display panel 50), or indirectly through, for example, an adhesive element (not shown). Abut. The concave surface 56b is a concave or groove-shaped region in which the main surface of the frame 56 facing the liquid crystal display panel 50 is subjected to so-called beat processing, and the contact portion 56c is opposite to the display side of the liquid crystal display panel 50. It becomes depressed.

  In particular, in the liquid crystal device 100b, the concave surface 56b of the frame 56 overlaps with a position corresponding to the edges 1sL, 1sU, 1sR, 1sD opposite to the liquid crystal layer 4 side of the first substrate 1 in a plane. Is arranged. That is, a gap k4 is formed between the ends 1sL, 1sU, 1sR, 1sD opposite to the liquid crystal layer 4 side of the first substrate 1 and the concave surface 56b of the frame 56. For this reason, the edges 1 sL, 1 sU, 1 sR, and 1 sD of the first substrate 1 are not in contact with the frame 56.

  Therefore, even when the impact due to the external factors described above acts on the frame 56 and the like, it is possible to prevent the frame 56 from colliding with the edge of the first substrate 1 due to the impact. Therefore, even if a minute crack is generated on the edge of the first substrate 1, it is possible to prevent the first substrate 1 from being cracked or chipped, and to be routed to the frame region. It is possible to prevent disconnection or the like from occurring in the connected wiring.

  Further, in this liquid crystal device 100b as well, like the liquid crystal device 100a, it is possible to prevent the first substrate 1 from being cracked or chipped by giving a characteristic to the structure of the frame 56 itself. Compared with a structure that prevents the first substrate 1 from being cracked or chipped in combination, the thickness of the liquid crystal device 100b does not have to be increased correspondingly, and the frame 56 can be easily recycled.

  Similarly to the liquid crystal device 100a, when the thickness of the frame 56 cannot be sufficiently increased, as shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b), the cushioning member with respect to the concave surface 56b of the frame 56 is used. 60 is desirable. FIGS. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of main parts of a liquid crystal device 100c including a buffer member 60 according to a modification, corresponding to FIGS. 6A and 6B, respectively. In this case, the arrangement method of the buffer member 60 is the same as that of the liquid crystal device 100a.

  Further, in the liquid crystal devices 100 and 100a, the concave surface 53b of the first frame 53 is arranged along the wiring in order to prevent disconnection of the wiring (scanning line 12 in this example) routed to the frame region or the like. It is possible to provide only regions that overlap each of the edges 1 sL, 1 sU, 1 sR, and 1 sD of the first substrate 1. Alternatively, the concave surface 53 b of the first frame 53 may be provided with the edges 1 sL and 1 sL of the first substrate 1. You may provide in the area | region which overlaps with at least one part of at least 1 edge side among 1sU, 1sR, and 1sD planarly. Similarly, the concave surface 54b of the second frame 54 may be provided only in a region that overlaps with each of the edges 2sL, 2sU, 2sR, and 2sD of the second substrate 2 along the wiring. The concave surface 54b of the second frame 54 may be provided in a region that overlaps with at least a part of at least one of the edges 2sL, 2sU, 2sR, and 2sD of the second substrate 2 in a planar manner.

  Similarly, in the liquid crystal devices 100b and 100c, the concave surface 56b of the frame 56 may be provided only in a region that planarly overlaps each of the edges 1sL, 1sU, 1sR, and 1sD of the first substrate 1 along the wiring. Alternatively, the concave surface (third concave surface) 56b of the frame 56 is provided in a region that planarly overlaps at least a part of at least one of the end sides 1sL, 1sU, 1sR, and 1sD of the first substrate 1. May be.

  In addition, in the present invention, the material forming the first frame 53, the second frame 54, and the frame 56 is not limited, and the concave surface 53b of the first frame 53, the concave surface 54b of the second frame 54, and The shape of the concave surface 56b of the frame 56 is not limited.

[Electronics]
Next, the liquid crystal device 100 according to the above-described embodiment, or any one of the liquid crystal devices 100a, 100b, and 100c according to the above-described modifications (hereinafter referred to as “liquid crystal device 1000” as a representative). A specific example of an electronic device including the above will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, an example in which the liquid crystal device 1000 according to the present invention is applied to a display unit of a portable personal computer (so-called notebook personal computer) will be described. FIG. 8A is a perspective view showing the configuration of this personal computer. As shown in the figure, a personal computer 710 includes a main body 712 having a keyboard 711 and a display 713 to which the liquid crystal device 1000 according to the present invention is applied.

  Next, an example in which the liquid crystal device 1000 according to the present invention is applied to a display unit of a mobile phone will be described. FIG. 8B is a perspective view showing the configuration of this mobile phone. As shown in the figure, a cellular phone 720 includes a plurality of operation buttons 721, a reception port 722, a transmission port 723, and a display unit 724 to which the liquid crystal device 1000 according to the present invention is applied.

  Note that, as an electronic device to which the liquid crystal device 1000 according to the present invention can be applied, in addition to the personal computer shown in FIG. 8A and the mobile phone shown in FIG. Monitor direct-view video tape recorders, car navigation devices, pagers, electronic notebooks, calculators, word processors, workstations, videophones, POS terminals, digital still cameras, etc.

The perspective view which looked at the liquid crystal device concerning the embodiment of the present invention from the display side. The disassembled perspective view which looked at the liquid crystal device concerning this embodiment from the display side. The top views which looked at the 1st and 2nd frame from the inner side facing a liquid crystal display panel. Sectional drawing of each principal part showing the engagement structure of the first and second frames and the liquid crystal display panel. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of main parts of a liquid crystal device according to a modification corresponding to FIG. 4. Sectional drawing of each principal part of the liquid crystal device which concerns on the other modification corresponding to Fig.4 (a) and (b). Sectional drawing of each principal part of the liquid crystal device which concerns on the other modification corresponding to Fig.4 (a) and (b). FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an electronic device including the liquid crystal device of the invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 1st board | substrate, 1sL, 1sU, 1sR, 1sD edge, 2nd board | substrate, 2sL, 2sU, 2sR, 2sD edge, 3 sealing material, 4 liquid crystal layer (electro-optic layer), 50 liquid crystal display panel ( Electro-optical panel), 51, 52 polarizing plate, 53 first frame, 53a opening, 53b concave surface (first concave surface), 53c contact portion (first contact portion), 53L, 53U, 53R, 53D side wall, 53p Protrusion (second contact portion), 54 second frame, 54a opening, 54b concave surface (second concave surface), 54c contact portion (third contact portion), 54L, 54U, 54R, 54D side wall, 55 Illumination device, 56 frame, 56a opening, 56b concave surface (third concave surface), 56c contact portion (fourth contact portion), 100, 100a, 100b, 100c liquid crystal device Electro-optical device)

Claims (3)

An electro-optic panel;
A first frame that houses the electro-optic panel; and a second frame that engages with the first frame ;
The first frame includes a side wall that bends and extends substantially perpendicularly from a main surface, and a first contact portion that directly or indirectly contacts the electro-optical panel,
The first frame further includes a second contact portion that contacts a side surface of the electro-optical panel,
The second frame has a side wall that bends and extends substantially perpendicularly from the main surface, and a third contact portion that contacts the other surface side of the electro-optic panel,
Openings formed in the first frame and the second frame, respectively, in a state where the inner surfaces of the sidewalls of the second frame are in contact with the outer surfaces of the sidewalls of the first frame, respectively. The second frame is fitted to the first frame in a state where the second frame is disposed in a position overlapping the display area of the electro-optical panel in a plane,
The first contact portion is in contact with either the display surface side of the electro-optical panel or the surface facing the display surface, and is not in contact with the edge of the electro-optical panel. ,
In addition, the second contact portion and the third contact portion do not contact the edge of the electro-optical panel,
Ru electric optical device name and a gap is formed between the with the gap is formed, said end side and said second frame between the principal surface and sidewalls of the first frame and the end side.   The electro-optical device according to claim 1, wherein a buffer member is disposed in the gap on the one surface side and / or the gap on the other surface side. An electronic apparatus comprising the electro-optical device according to claim 1 as a display unit.

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