JP2024108325A - Electro-optical device and electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an electro-optical device that prevents a reduction in display quality, and an electronic apparatus.SOLUTION: An electro-optical device has a display area displaying an image and a peripheral area provided outside the display area in plan view, and the electro-optical device comprises: a first substrate; a second substrate that faces the first substrate with a seal member provided in the peripheral area therebetween; and an electro-optical layer that is arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate and has optical characteristics changing according to an electric field. One substrate of the first substrate and the second substrate has a plurality of first recesses that are provided in the peripheral area and separated from each other. The other substrate of the first substrate and the second substrate has a plurality of first projections that are provided in the peripheral area and separated from each other. The plurality of first recesses and the plurality of first projections are meshed with each other with the seal member therebetween.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to an electro-optical device and an electronic device.

Electro-optical devices such as liquid crystal displays that can change the optical characteristics of each pixel are used in electronic devices such as projectors. One example of such an electro-optical device is the electro-optical device described in Patent Document 1.

In the electro-optical device described in Patent Document 1, a first substrate and a second substrate are disposed opposite each other with a sealing member interposed therebetween, and liquid crystal is interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. At least one of the first substrate and the second substrate is provided with an alignment film and an insulating film. The insulating film is provided below the alignment film. In addition, a plurality of grooves are formed in the insulating film. By forming the plurality of grooves, the adhesion between the alignment film and the insulating film is improved, and external moisture is prevented from penetrating into the liquid crystal through the interface between the alignment film and the insulating film.

JP 2007-178726 A

However, with the configuration of this document, there is a risk that external moisture may penetrate into the liquid crystal through the inside of the sealing member, making it difficult to adequately prevent moisture penetration. As a result, various problems may occur, such as the occurrence of corner stains, poor alignment of the liquid crystal, or uneven display due to reduced resistivity. This may result in a decrease in display quality.

One aspect of the electro-optical device of the present invention is an electro-optical device having a display area for displaying an image and a peripheral area provided outside the display area in a planar view, comprising a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate via a sealing member provided in the peripheral area, and an electro-optical layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, the optical properties of which change in response to an electric field, wherein one of the first substrate and the second substrate has a plurality of first recesses provided in the peripheral area, and the other of the first substrate and the second substrate has a plurality of first protrusions provided in the peripheral area, and the plurality of first recesses and the plurality of first protrusions are engaged with each other via the sealing member.

1 is a plan view of an electro-optical device according to an embodiment. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the electro-optical device shown in FIG. 1 taken along line AA. 2 is an equivalent circuit diagram showing an electrical configuration of a first substrate in FIG. 1 . 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the electro-optical device of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a planar arrangement of a plurality of first recesses in FIG. 4 . 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a path of moisture infiltration from the outside into a display area in a comparative example. 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating paths of moisture infiltration from a display region to a liquid crystal layer in the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of an electro-optical device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of an electro-optical device according to a third embodiment. 10 is a diagram showing a planar arrangement of a plurality of first recesses and a plurality of second recesses in FIG. 9 . FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electro-optical device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electro-optical device according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a personal computer as an example of an electronic device. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a smartphone as an example of an electronic device. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a projector as an example of an electronic device.

Below, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the dimensions or scale of each part in the drawings may differ from the actual dimensions, and some parts are shown diagrammatically to facilitate understanding. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these forms unless otherwise specified in the following description to the effect that the present invention is limited thereto.

1. Electro-optical device A. First embodiment A-1. Basic configuration FIG. 1 is a plan view of an electro-optical device 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the electro-optical device 100 along line AA shown in FIG. In the following, for convenience of explanation, the mutually orthogonal X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are appropriately used for explanation. In addition, one direction along the X-axis is denoted as the X1 direction, and the direction opposite to the X1 direction is denoted as the X2 direction. Similarly, one direction along the Y-axis is denoted as the Y1 direction, and the direction opposite to the Y1 direction is denoted as the Y2 direction. One direction along the Z-axis is denoted as the Z1 direction, and the direction opposite to the Z1 direction is denoted as the Z2 direction.

In addition, the "electrical connection" between element α and element β includes a configuration in which element α and element β are directly joined to each other to provide electrical conductivity, as well as a configuration in which element α and element β are indirectly electrically conductive via another conductor. Furthermore, when element α and element β "interlock," it includes a configuration in which element α and element β are in contact with each other, as well as a configuration in which element α and element β are in indirect contact with each other via another element.

The electro-optical device 100 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is a transmissive electro-optical device of an active matrix driving system. As shown in FIG. 2, the electro-optical device 100 has a first substrate 2, a second substrate 3, a frame-shaped seal member 4, and a liquid crystal layer 5. In this embodiment, the first substrate 2 corresponds to "one substrate", and the second substrate 3 corresponds to "the other substrate". As shown in FIG. 2, the first substrate 2, the liquid crystal layer 5, and the second substrate 3 are arranged in this order in the Z1 direction. Note that a "planar view" refers to a view from the Z1 direction or the Z2 direction in which the first substrate 2, the liquid crystal layer 5, and the second substrate 3 overlap. In addition, the planar shape of the electro-optical device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a rectangle, but it may be a polygon other than a rectangle or a circle.

The electro-optical device 100 shown in FIG. 2 is a transmissive type, and the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3 are translucent. An image is displayed by modulating the incident light LL while it is being emitted from the first substrate 2 after it enters the second substrate 3. Note that an image may also be displayed by modulating the light that is incident on the first substrate 2 while it is being emitted from the second substrate 3. Furthermore, "translucency" refers to transparency to visible light, and preferably refers to a visible light transmittance of 50% or more.

The first substrate 2 has a first base 21, a first inorganic insulating layer 20, a plurality of pixel electrodes 22, a plurality of dummy pixel electrodes 22d, a peripheral electrode 28, a transparent conductive film 27, and an alignment film 29. The first base 21, the first inorganic insulating layer 20, the plurality of pixel electrodes 22, and the alignment film 29 are stacked in this order in the Z1 direction. The plurality of pixel electrodes 22, the plurality of dummy pixel electrodes 22d, the peripheral electrode 28, and the transparent conductive film 27 are arranged in the same layer. Note that the peripheral electrode 28 and the transparent conductive film 27 are separate bodies, but may be integrated. The dummy pixel electrode 22d and the peripheral electrode 28 may be omitted.

The first base 21 is a flat plate having translucency and insulating properties, and is composed of, for example, a glass substrate or a quartz substrate. The first inorganic insulating layer 20 is disposed between the first base 21 and the liquid crystal layer 5, and between the first base 21 and the sealing member 4. Although not shown in detail, the first inorganic insulating layer 20 includes a plurality of insulating films having translucency and insulating properties. Each insulating film includes an inorganic silicon material. The inorganic silicon material is an inorganic compound containing silicon, such as silicon oxide and silicon oxynitride. The inorganic silicon material includes a BSG film and an NSG film. Although not shown in detail, the first inorganic insulating layer 20 is provided with transistors and various wirings.

The pixel electrodes 22 apply an electric field to the liquid crystal layer 5. The dummy pixel electrodes 22d do not contribute to display, but are driven and controlled in the same way as the pixel electrodes 22. For example, the dummy pixel electrodes 22d are used to reduce noise in the image signals written to the pixel electrodes 22. The dummy pixel electrodes 22d surround the pixel electrodes 22 in a planar view. The peripheral electrode 28 is an electrode for ion trapping that traps ionic impurities in the liquid crystal layer 5. The transparent conductive film 27 is disposed outside the pixel electrodes 22, the dummy pixel electrodes 22d, and the peripheral electrodes 28, and surrounds them in a planar view. The transparent conductive film 27 also overlaps with the seal member 4 in a planar view. Each of the pixel electrodes 22, the dummy pixel electrodes 22d, the peripheral electrode 28, and the transparent conductive film 27 includes a transparent conductive material such as ITO (indium tin oxide), IZO (indium zinc oxide), and FTO (fluorine-doped tin oxide). The pixel electrodes 22, the dummy pixel electrodes 22d, the peripheral electrode 28, and the transparent conductive film 27 are formed collectively, for example, by etching a conductive film that includes the transparent conductive material.

The alignment film 29 is transparent and insulating. The alignment film 29 is in contact with the liquid crystal layer 5 and aligns the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 5. The alignment film 29 is disposed so as to cover the pixel electrodes 22, the dummy pixel electrodes 22d, and the peripheral electrode 28. The alignment film 29 is not provided on the transparent conductive film 27. The alignment film 29 is made of a material such as silicon oxide, and is formed by oblique deposition, for example.

As shown in FIG. 1, a drive circuit 10 and a plurality of external terminals 13 are arranged on the first substrate 2. The drive circuit 10 includes a scanning line drive circuit 11 and a signal line drive circuit 12. Some of the plurality of external terminals 13 are connected to wiring (not shown) that is routed from the scanning line drive circuit 11 or the signal line drive circuit 12. The plurality of external terminals 13 also includes a terminal to which a constant potential Vcom is applied.

As shown in FIG. 2, the second substrate 3 faces the first substrate 2. The second substrate 3 has a second base 31, a second inorganic insulating layer 30, a counter electrode 32, an alignment film 39, and a parting 38. The second base 31, the second inorganic insulating layer 30, the counter electrode 32, and the alignment film 39 are stacked in this order in the Z2 direction.

The second base 31 shown in FIG. 2 is a flat plate having translucency and insulation, and is composed of, for example, a glass substrate or a quartz substrate. The second inorganic insulating layer 30 is disposed between the second base 31 and the liquid crystal layer 5, and between the second base 31 and the sealing member 4. The second inorganic insulating layer 30 has translucency and insulation, and contains an inorganic silicon material. The inorganic silicon material is an inorganic compound containing silicon, such as silicon oxide and silicon oxynitride. The inorganic silicon material includes a BSG film and an NSG film. In addition, a partition 38 is provided in the second inorganic insulating layer 30. Although not shown in detail, the partition 38 functions as a light-shielding partition surrounding the multiple pixel electrodes 22 in a plan view. Note that "light-shielding" means light-shielding property against visible light, and preferably means that the transmittance of visible light is less than 50%, and more preferably means that the transmittance is 10% or less. Although not shown, the second inorganic insulating layer 30 may have, for example, multiple microlenses.

The counter electrode 32 applies an electric field to the liquid crystal layer 5. The counter electrode 32 is translucent and conductive. The counter electrode 32 includes a transparent conductive material such as ITO, IZO, and FTO. The alignment film 39 is translucent and insulating. The alignment film 39 is in contact with the liquid crystal layer 5 and aligns the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 5. The alignment film 39 is disposed on the counter electrode 32. The material of the alignment film 39 is, for example, silicon oxide, and the alignment film 39 is formed by, for example, oblique deposition.

As shown in FIG. 1, the second substrate 3 is provided with a plurality of inter-substrate conductive materials 6. The plurality of inter-substrate conductive materials 6 are conductive materials for electrically connecting the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3. The inter-substrate conductive materials 6 are connected to a terminal among the plurality of external terminals 13 to which a constant potential Vcom is applied, via a lead-out wiring (not shown) arranged on the first substrate 2. Thus, a constant potential Vcom is applied to the opposing electrode 32.

The sealing member 4 is disposed between the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3. The sealing member 4 includes a UV-curable material such as an epoxy resin. UV is an abbreviation for ultraviolet, and specifically refers to light with a wavelength of 100 nm or more and 400 nm or less. The sealing member 4 may also include a gap material made of an inorganic material such as glass.

The liquid crystal layer 5 is disposed within the region surrounded by the first substrate 2, the second substrate 3, and the sealing member 4. The liquid crystal layer 5 is an electro-optical layer whose optical properties change in response to an electric field. The liquid crystal layer 5 contains liquid crystal molecules with positive or negative dielectric anisotropy. The orientation of the liquid crystal molecules changes in response to the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer 5.

As shown in FIG. 1, the electro-optical device 100 has a display area A10 and a peripheral area A20. The display area A10 is an area where an image is displayed. A plurality of pixels P arranged in a matrix are provided in the display area A10. A plurality of pixel electrodes 22 are arranged in a one-to-one relationship for the plurality of pixels P. The aforementioned counter electrode 32 is provided in common to the plurality of pixels P.

The peripheral region A20 is provided outside the display region A10 in a planar view. The peripheral region A20 is a frame surrounding the display region A10 in a planar view. The peripheral region A20 includes a dummy pixel region A21, a peripheral electrode region A22, and a seal region A24. The planar shape of each of these regions is a frame. A plurality of dummy pixel electrodes 22d are arranged in the dummy pixel region A21. A plurality of peripheral electrodes 28 are arranged in the peripheral electrode region A22. A seal member 4 is arranged in the seal region A24. Therefore, the seal member 4 is provided outside the plurality of pixel electrodes 22. In addition, a parting 38 is arranged in the dummy pixel region A21 and the peripheral electrode region A22. In addition, a scanning line driving circuit 11, a signal line driving circuit 12, and a plurality of external terminals 13 are arranged in the peripheral region A20. Furthermore, the distance between the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3 in the display area A10, i.e., the cell gap, is, for example, about 2 μm.

The electro-optical device 100 is also applied to display devices that perform color display, such as personal computers and smartphones, which will be described later. When applied to such display devices, color filters are appropriately used for the electro-optical device 100. The electro-optical device 100 is also applied to, for example, a projection-type projector, which will be described later. In this case, the electro-optical device 100 functions as a light valve. In this case, the color filters are omitted for the electro-optical device 100.

A-2. Electrical Configuration of the First Substrate 2 FIG. 3 is an equivalent circuit diagram showing the electrical configuration of the first substrate 2 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the first substrate 2 has a plurality of transistors 23, n scanning lines 241, m signal lines 242, and n constant potential lines 243. These are arranged on the first inorganic insulating layer 20 of FIG. 2. n and m are each an integer of 2 or more. In addition, the transistors 23 are arranged corresponding to each intersection of the n scanning lines 241 and the m signal lines 242. Each transistor 23 is, for example, a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) that functions as a switching element. Each transistor 23 includes a gate, a source, and a drain.

Each of the n scanning lines 241 extends in the X1 direction, and the n scanning lines 241 are arranged at equal intervals in the Y1 direction. Each of the n scanning lines 241 is electrically connected to the gates of the corresponding transistors 23. The n scanning lines 241 are electrically connected to the scanning line driving circuit 11 shown in FIG. 1. Scanning signals G1, G2, ..., and Gn are supplied line-sequentially to the 1 to n scanning lines 241 from the scanning line driving circuit 11.

Each of the m signal lines 242 shown in FIG. 3 extends in the Y1 direction, and the m signal lines 242 are arranged at equal intervals in the X1 direction. Each of the m signal lines 242 is electrically connected to the sources of the corresponding transistors 23. The m signal lines 242 are electrically connected to the signal line drive circuit 12 shown in FIG. 1. Image signals S1, S2, ..., and Sm are supplied in parallel to the 1 to m signal lines 242 from the signal line drive circuit 12.

The n scanning lines 241 and m signal lines 242 shown in FIG. 3 are electrically insulated from each other and are arranged in a grid pattern in a planar view. An area surrounded by two adjacent scanning lines 241 and two adjacent signal lines 242 corresponds to a pixel P. A transistor 23, a pixel electrode 22, and a storage capacitor 24 are provided for each pixel P. The pixel electrodes 22 are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the transistors 23. Each pixel electrode 22 is electrically connected to the drain of the corresponding transistor 23.

Each of the n constant potential lines 243 extends in the X1 direction, and the n constant potential lines 243 are arranged at equal intervals in the Y1 direction. The n constant potential lines 243 are electrically insulated from the n scanning lines 241 and the m signal lines 242, and are arranged at intervals from these. A constant potential Vcom is applied to each of the constant potential lines 243. Each of the n constant potential lines 243 is electrically connected to one of the two electrodes of the corresponding storage capacitance 24. Each storage capacitance 24 is a storage capacitance for holding the potential of the pixel electrode 22. The storage capacitance 24 is provided in a one-to-one relationship with the transistor 23. The other of the two electrodes of each storage capacitance 24 is electrically connected to the corresponding pixel electrode 22. Therefore, a constant potential Vcom is applied to one electrode of the storage capacitance 24, and the other electrode is electrically connected to the drain of the transistor 23.

When the scanning signals G1, G2, ..., and Gn are successively activated and the n scanning lines 241 are successively selected, the transistor 23 connected to the selected scanning line 241 is turned on. Then, a potential according to the image signals S1, S2, ..., and Sm having a magnitude according to the gradation to be displayed is applied to the pixel electrode 22 of the pixel P corresponding to the selected scanning line 241 via the m signal lines 242. As a result, a voltage according to the gradation to be displayed is applied to the liquid crystal capacitance formed between the pixel electrode 22 and the counter electrode 32, and the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules changes according to the applied voltage. The applied voltage is also held by the storage capacitance 24. This change in the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules modulates the light, making it possible to display gradations.

1C. Peripheral area A20
Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of the electro-optical device 100 in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 shows a portion of the peripheral region A20 of the electro-optical device 100. Fig. 5 is a view showing a planar arrangement of a plurality of first recesses 25 in Fig. 4. Note that the configuration of the peripheral region A20 is simplified in Fig. 2.

As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the first substrate 2 has a plurality of first recesses 25. Each of the first recesses 25 is a recess formed on the surface of the first substrate 2 facing the liquid crystal layer 5. The plurality of first recesses 25 is provided in the sealing region A24 of the peripheral region A20. Thus, the plurality of first recesses 25 overlap with the sealing member 4 in a plan view. Each of the first recesses 25 is a frame-shaped groove formed along the inner edge of the sealing member 4. The plurality of first recesses 25 are spaced apart from each other and aligned from the display region A10 toward the outside. Note that, although the plurality of first recesses 25 are aligned at equal intervals in this embodiment, they do not have to be aligned at equal intervals.

The first inorganic insulating layer 20 has a plurality of third recesses 201. The plurality of third recesses 201 correspond to the plurality of first recesses 25. The plurality of third recesses 201 are recesses formed on the surface of the first inorganic insulating layer 20 facing the liquid crystal layer 5.

A transparent conductive film 27 is disposed on the first inorganic insulating layer 20. The transparent conductive film 27 is disposed between the first inorganic insulating layer 20 and the sealing member 4, and is in contact with the first inorganic insulating layer 20 and the sealing member 4. The transparent conductive film 27 is disposed along the third recesses 201, and is in contact with the third recesses 201. The transparent conductive film 27 has a plurality of recesses that are aligned with the third recesses 201. In this embodiment, the recesses correspond to the first recesses 25. The transparent conductive film 27 is also frame-shaped in plan view, and overlaps the sealing member 4.

The second substrate 3 has a flat portion 300 and a plurality of first protrusions 35. The flat portion 300 is a flat portion of the second substrate 3, and is composed of the second base 31 and a part of the second inorganic insulating layer 30. Each first protrusion 35 is a protrusion protruding from the flat portion 300 toward the seal member 4. The first protrusions 35 are provided in the seal region A24 of the peripheral region A20. Therefore, the first protrusions 35 overlap the seal member 4 in a plan view. Each first protrusion 35 is a frame-shaped protrusion formed along the inner edge of the seal member 4. The first protrusions 35 are spaced apart from each other and arranged from the display region A10 toward the outside. In this embodiment, the first protrusions 35 are arranged at equal intervals, but they do not have to be arranged at equal intervals.

The second inorganic insulating layer 30 has a plurality of third convex portions 301. The plurality of third convex portions 301 correspond to the plurality of first convex portions 35. The plurality of third convex portions 301 are protrusions that protrude from the flat portion of the second inorganic insulating layer 30 toward the sealing member 4.

A counter electrode 32 is disposed on the second inorganic insulating layer 30. The counter electrode 32 has a portion disposed between the second inorganic insulating layer 30 and the sealing member 4, and is in contact with the second inorganic insulating layer 30 and the sealing member 4. A portion of the counter electrode 32 is disposed along the third protrusions 301, and is in contact with the third protrusions 301. In this embodiment, the third protrusions 301 and portions of the counter electrode 32 that are disposed along the third protrusions 301 constitute the first protrusions 35.

The above-mentioned multiple first recesses 25 and multiple first protrusions 35 contact the seal member 4 and engage with each other via the seal member 4. The multiple first recesses 25 and multiple first protrusions 35 are provided in a one-to-one relationship, and one first protrusion 35 is provided in one first recess 25. In other words, multiple first protrusions 35 are provided in multiple first recesses 25, and the multiple first recesses 25 and multiple first protrusions 35 face each other. Also, from another perspective, the multiple first recesses 25 and multiple first protrusions 35 are combined with each other to form a rectangular wave shape. The multiple first protrusions 35 are fitted into the multiple first recesses 25, and the multiple first recesses 25 and multiple first protrusions 35 face each other in a zigzag pattern.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing a route Rx through which moisture penetrates from the outside into the display area A10 in a comparative example. Figure 7 is a diagram showing a route R through which moisture penetrates from the outside into the display area A10 in this embodiment.

In the electro-optical device 100 of this embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the multiple first recesses 25 and the multiple first protrusions 35 are interlocked. In contrast, the electro-optical device 100x of the comparative example shown in FIG. 6 does not have the multiple first recesses 25 and the multiple first protrusions 35. The surface of the first substrate 2x of the electro-optical device 100x facing the liquid crystal layer 5 is uniformly flat. The surface of the second substrate 3x of the electro-optical device 100x facing the liquid crystal layer 5 is uniformly flat.

As shown in FIG. 6, external moisture penetrates into the display area A10 through the seal member 4 between the first substrate 2x and the second substrate 3x. In the comparative example, the moisture penetration path Rx from the outside into the display area A10 is linear. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, multiple first recesses 25 and multiple first protrusions 35 are provided, so that the moisture penetration path R from the outside into the display area A10 is not linear. The penetration path R is longer than the penetration path Rx.

6 and 7, according to this embodiment, the path from the outside to the display area A10 can be made longer than in the comparative example. That is, by engaging the first recesses 25 and the first protrusions 35 through the seal member 4, the path of moisture infiltration can be made longer than when two flat surfaces are connected through the seal member 4. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the risk of external moisture infiltrating into the display area A10 through the inside of the seal member 4. In addition, in this embodiment, by engaging the first recesses 25 and the first protrusions 35 through the seal member 4, it is possible to suppress the risk of external moisture infiltrating into the display area A105 through the interface between the seal member 4 and the first substrate 2 and the interface between the seal member 4 and the second substrate 3. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the risk of external moisture infiltrating into the display area A10 of the liquid crystal layer 5. As a result, the risk of corner stains, poor alignment of liquid crystal molecules, or uneven display due to a decrease in resistivity is suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in display quality.

Furthermore, by engaging the first recesses 25 with the first protrusions 35, the distance between the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3 in the seal area A24 can be made shorter than when the first recesses 25 and the first protrusions 35 are not engaged. This makes it possible to reduce the risk of external moisture penetrating into the display area A10.

The first substrate 2 has multiple first recesses 25 instead of one first recess 25. Similarly, the second substrate 3 has multiple first protrusions 35 instead of one first protrusion 35. The multiple first recesses 25 and the multiple first protrusions 35 are interlocked with each other via the seal member 4. By providing multiple first recesses 25 and multiple first protrusions 35, the path for moisture infiltration can be made longer than when one first recess 25 and one first protrusion 35 are provided. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent external moisture from infiltrating the display area A10 of the liquid crystal layer 5.

In this embodiment, four first recesses 25 are provided as the multiple first recesses 25, but the number of first recesses 25 is not limited to four and may be two, three, or five or more. Four first protrusions 35 are provided as the multiple first protrusions 35, but the number of first protrusions 35 is not limited to four and may be two, three, or five or more. From the viewpoint of suppressing the intrusion of external moisture into the liquid crystal layer 5, it is preferable that the number of first recesses 25 and the number of first protrusions 35 are as large as possible. From the viewpoint of suppressing the intrusion of moisture and ease of manufacturing, it is particularly preferable that the number of first recesses 25 and the number of first protrusions 35 are, for example, 10 or more and 100 or less.

As shown in FIG. 5, each first recess 25 is a groove that is provided in a frame shape along the inner edge of the sealing member 4 in a plan view. Similarly, each first convex portion 35 is a protrusion that is provided in a frame shape along the inner edge of the sealing member 4 in a plan view. This makes it difficult for external moisture to penetrate into the display area A10 around the entire periphery of the electro-optical device 100. This makes it difficult for various problems, such as poor alignment of liquid crystal molecules, to occur.

Note that each first recess 25 and each first protrusion 35 do not have to be frame-shaped. A plurality of first recesses 25 may be, for example, scattered. Similarly, a plurality of first protrusions 35 may be, for example, scattered.

As described above, the first inorganic insulating layer 20 is provided with a plurality of third recesses 201 corresponding to the plurality of first recesses 25. The second inorganic insulating layer 30 is provided with a plurality of third protrusions 301 corresponding to the plurality of first protrusions 35. Each of the first inorganic insulating layer 20 and the second inorganic insulating layer 30 contains an inorganic silicon material. The first inorganic insulating layer 20 and the second inorganic insulating layer 30 containing an inorganic silicon material are easy to form thick. In particular, inorganic silicon materials containing oxygen such as silicon oxide and silicon oxynitride are preferable because they are easy to form thick and have good translucency. For this reason, it is easy to increase the depth of each third recess 201 and the height of each third protrusion 301 shown in FIG. 4. Therefore, it is easy to increase the depth D of each first recess 25 and the height T of each first protrusion 35. By increasing the depth D and height T, the moisture infiltration path R can be lengthened.

The depth D and height T are not particularly limited, but are preferably, for example, 2 μm or more and 8 μm or less. They are preferably greater than or equal to the thickness of the sealing member 4, and are preferably within the above range due to processing constraints on contact holes for establishing electrical connection between the multiple pixel electrodes 22 or counter electrodes 32 and the various wiring layers below them. In addition, the depth D and height T may be the same or different from each other.

In addition, since the first recesses 25 and the first protrusions 35 are engaged with each other via the seal member 4, the width W1 of each first recess 25 is greater than the width W2 of each first protrusion 35. It is desirable that the gap on one side when the widths W1 and W2 are combined is greater than the maximum diameter of the material that constitutes the seal member 4, for example, the gap material contained in the seal member 4. In other words, it is desirable that the width W1 is greater than or equal to the sum of the width W2 and the diameter x 2 of the gap material used. By being within this range, the planar area of the electro-optical device 100 is not excessively thick compared to when it is outside the range, and many first recesses 25 and first protrusions 35 can be provided, so that the moisture infiltration path R can be lengthened.

As described above, the electro-optical device 100 has a plurality of first recesses 25 and a plurality of first protrusions 35, which can suppress the risk of external moisture penetrating into the liquid crystal layer 5. This suppresses the risk of corner stains, poor alignment of liquid crystal molecules, or display unevenness due to reduced resistivity. This can suppress the deterioration of display quality.

B. Second embodiment A second embodiment will be described. In the following examples, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment will be used for elements whose functions are similar to those of the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions of each element will be omitted as appropriate.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electro-optical device 100A of the second embodiment. The electro-optical device 100A of this embodiment differs from the electro-optical device 100 of the first embodiment mainly in that the first substrate 2A has a plurality of first convex portions 26 and the second substrate 3A has a plurality of first concave portions 36.

8, the first substrate 2A has a flat portion 200 and a plurality of first protrusions 26. The flat portion 200 is a flat portion of the first substrate 2A, and is composed of the first base 21 and a part of the first inorganic insulating layer 20A. Each first protrusion 26 is a protrusion protruding from the flat portion 200 toward the seal member 4. The first protrusions 26 are provided in the seal region A24 of the peripheral region A20. Therefore, the first protrusions 26 overlap the seal member 4 in a plan view. Each first protrusion 26 is a frame-shaped protrusion formed along the inner edge of the seal member 4. The first protrusions 26 are spaced apart from each other and arranged from the display region A10 toward the outside. In this embodiment, the first protrusions 26 are arranged at equal intervals, but they do not have to be arranged at equal intervals.

The first inorganic insulating layer 20A has a plurality of third convex portions 202. The plurality of third convex portions 202 correspond to the plurality of first convex portions 26. The plurality of third convex portions 202 are protrusions that protrude from a flat portion of the first inorganic insulating layer 20A toward the sealing member 4.

A transparent conductive film 27A is disposed on the first inorganic insulating layer 20A. The transparent conductive film 27A is disposed along the third convex portions 202 and is in contact with the third convex portions 202. In this embodiment, the third convex portions 202 and the transparent conductive film 27A constitute the first convex portions 26.

The second substrate 3A has a plurality of first recesses 36. Each of the first recesses 36 is a recess formed on the surface of the second substrate 3A facing the sealing member 4. The first recesses 36 are provided in the sealing region A24 of the peripheral region A20. Thus, the first recesses 36 overlap the sealing member 4 in a plan view. Each of the first recesses 36 is a frame-shaped groove formed along the inner edge of the sealing member 4. The first recesses 36 are spaced apart from one another and aligned outward from the display region A10. In this embodiment, the first recesses 36 are aligned at equal intervals, but they do not have to be aligned at equal intervals.

The second inorganic insulating layer 30A has a plurality of third recesses 302. The plurality of third recesses 302 correspond to the plurality of first recesses 36. The plurality of third recesses 302 are recesses formed on the surface of the second inorganic insulating layer 30A facing the liquid crystal layer 5.

A counter electrode 32A is disposed on the second inorganic insulating layer 30A. A portion of the counter electrode 32A is disposed along the third recesses 302 and contacts the third recesses 302. The counter electrode 32A has a plurality of recesses that are aligned with the third recesses 302. In this embodiment, the recesses correspond to the first recesses 36.

The aforementioned multiple first protrusions 26 and multiple first recesses 36 come into contact with the seal member 4 and mesh with each other via the seal member 4. The multiple first protrusions 26 and multiple first recesses 36 are provided in a one-to-one relationship, with one first protrusion 26 provided within one first recess 36. In other words, the multiple first protrusions 26 are provided within the multiple first recesses 36, and the multiple first recesses 36 and the multiple first protrusions 26 face each other.

According to this embodiment, the first convex portions 26 and the first concave portions 36 are engaged with each other through the seal member 4, so that the path of moisture infiltration can be made longer than when two flat surfaces are connected with each other through the seal member 4. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the risk of external moisture infiltrating into the display area A10 through the inside of the seal member 4. In addition, in this embodiment, the first convex portions 26 and the first concave portions 36 are engaged with each other through the seal member 4, so that it is possible to suppress the risk of external moisture infiltrating into the display area A10 through the interface between the seal member 4 and the first substrate 2A and the interface between the seal member 4 and the second substrate 3A. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the risk of external moisture infiltrating into the display area A10 of the liquid crystal layer 5. As a result, the risk of the occurrence of corner stains, poor alignment of liquid crystal molecules, or uneven display due to a decrease in resistivity is suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of display quality.

Furthermore, by engaging the first protrusions 26 with the first recesses 36, the distance between the first substrate 2A and the second substrate 3A in the seal area A24 can be made shorter than when the first protrusions 26 and the first recesses 36 are not engaged. This makes it possible to reduce the risk of external moisture penetrating into the liquid crystal layer 5.

The first substrate 2 has multiple first protrusions 26, rather than one first protrusion 26. Similarly, the second substrate 3 has multiple first recesses 36, rather than one first recess 36. The multiple first protrusions 26 and the multiple first recesses 36 are interlocked with each other via the seal member 4. By providing multiple first protrusions 26 and multiple first recesses 36, the moisture infiltration path R can be made longer than when one first protrusion 26 and one first recess 36 are provided. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent external moisture from infiltrating the display area A10.

In this embodiment, four first protrusions 26 are provided as the multiple first protrusions 26, but the number of first protrusions 26 is not limited to four and may be two, three, five or more. Four first recesses 36 are provided as the multiple first recesses 36, but the number of first recesses 36 is not limited to four and may be two, three, five or more. From the viewpoint of suppressing the intrusion of external moisture into the display area A10, it is preferable that the number of first protrusions 26 and the number of first recesses 36 are as large as possible. From the viewpoint of suppressing the intrusion of moisture and ease of manufacturing, it is particularly preferable that the number of first protrusions 26 and the number of first recesses 36 are, for example, 10 or more and 100 or less.

In addition, each first convex portion 26 is a protrusion that is provided in a frame shape along the inner edge of the sealing member 4 in a plan view. Similarly, each first concave portion 36 is a groove that is provided in a frame shape along the inner edge of the sealing member 4 in a plan view. For this reason, external moisture is unlikely to penetrate into the display area A10 around the entire periphery of the electro-optical device 100A. Therefore, various problems such as poor alignment of liquid crystal molecules are unlikely to occur.

Note that each first protrusion 26 and each first recess 36 do not have to be frame-shaped. The multiple first protrusions 26 may be, for example, scattered. Similarly, the multiple first recesses 36 may be, for example, scattered.

The specific value of the height T of the first convex portion 26 is the same as the height T of the first convex portion 35 in the first embodiment. The specific value of the depth D of the first concave portion 36 is the same as the depth D of the first concave portion 25 in the first embodiment. Since the multiple first concave portions 36 and the multiple first convex portions 26 are engaged with each other via the seal member 4, the width W1 of each first concave portion 36 is larger than the width W2 of each first convex portion 26. The specific value of the width W1 of the first concave portion 36 is the same as the width W1 of the first concave portion 25 in the first embodiment. The specific value of the width W2 of the first convex portion 26 is the same as the width W2 of the first convex portion 35 in the first embodiment.

As described above, the first inorganic insulating layer 20A is provided with a plurality of third convex portions 202 corresponding to the plurality of first convex portions 26. The second inorganic insulating layer 30A is provided with a plurality of third concave portions 302 corresponding to the plurality of first concave portions 36. Each of the first inorganic insulating layer 20A and the second inorganic insulating layer 30A contains an inorganic silicon material. The first inorganic insulating layer 20A and the second inorganic insulating layer 30A containing an inorganic silicon material are easy to form with a large thickness. Therefore, it is easy to increase the height of each third convex portion 202 and the depth of each third concave portion 302. Therefore, it is easy to increase the height T of each first convex portion 26 and the depth D of each first concave portion 36. By increasing the depth D and the height T, the moisture infiltration path R can be lengthened.

As described above, the electro-optical device 100A has a plurality of first convex portions 26 and a plurality of first concave portions 36, which can suppress the risk of external moisture penetrating into the display area A10 of the liquid crystal layer 5. This suppresses the risk of corner stains, poor alignment of liquid crystal molecules, or uneven display due to reduced resistivity. This can suppress the deterioration of display quality.

C. Third embodiment A third embodiment will be described. In the following examples, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment will be used for elements whose functions are similar to those of the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions of each element will be omitted as appropriate.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of an electro-optical device 100B of the third embodiment. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the planar arrangement of the multiple first recesses 25 and multiple second recesses 250 of Figure 9. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that multiple second recesses 250 and multiple second protrusions 350 are provided.

9 and 10, the first substrate 2B has a plurality of second recesses 250. Each second recess 250 is a recess formed on the surface of the first substrate 2 facing the liquid crystal layer 5. The second recesses 250 are arranged inside the first recesses 25 in a plan view, and are arranged between the first recesses 25 and the display area A10. The second recesses 250 do not overlap the seal member 4 in a plan view, and are arranged inside the seal member 4. Each second recess 250 is a frame-shaped groove formed along the inner edge of the seal member 4. The second recesses 250 are spaced apart from each other and line up from the display area A10 toward the outside. In this embodiment, the second recesses 250 are arranged at equal intervals, but they do not have to be arranged at equal intervals.

The first inorganic insulating layer 20B has a plurality of recesses 203. The plurality of recesses 203 correspond to the plurality of second recesses 250. The plurality of recesses 203 are recesses formed on the surface of the first inorganic insulating layer 20B facing the liquid crystal layer 5.

A transparent conductive film 27B is disposed on the first inorganic insulating layer 20B. The transparent conductive film 27B is disposed along the third recesses 201 and the recesses 203, and contacts the third recesses 201 and the recesses 203. The transparent conductive film 27B has a plurality of recesses that are aligned with the recesses 203. In this embodiment, the recesses correspond to the second recesses 250. In this embodiment, the peripheral electrode 28 is omitted. The transparent conductive film 27B functions as an electrode for ion trapping.

The second substrate 3B has a plurality of second convex portions 350. Each second convex portion 350 is a protrusion that protrudes from the flat plate portion 300 toward the liquid crystal layer 5. In addition, the plurality of second convex portions 350 are arranged inside the plurality of first convex portions 35 in a plan view, and are arranged between the plurality of first convex portions 35 and the display area A10. In a plan view, the plurality of second convex portions 350 are arranged inside the seal member 4 without overlapping with the seal member 4. Each second convex portion 350 is a frame-shaped protrusion formed along the inner edge of the seal member 4. The plurality of second convex portions 350 are spaced apart from each other and lined up from the display area A10 toward the outside. In this embodiment, the plurality of second convex portions 350 are arranged at equal intervals, but they do not have to be arranged at equal intervals.

The second inorganic insulating layer 30B has a plurality of convex portions 303. The plurality of convex portions 303 correspond to the plurality of second convex portions 350. The plurality of convex portions 303 are protrusions that protrude from a flat portion of the second inorganic insulating layer 30B toward the liquid crystal layer 5.

A counter electrode 32B is disposed on the second inorganic insulating layer 30B. A portion of the counter electrode 32B is disposed along the third protrusions 301 and the protrusions 303, and is in contact with the third protrusions 301 and the protrusions 303. In this embodiment, the protrusions 303 and the portions of the counter electrode 32B that are disposed along the protrusions 303 form the second protrusions 350.

The aforementioned multiple second recesses 250 and multiple second protrusions 350 contact the liquid crystal layer 5 and mesh with each other via the liquid crystal layer 5. The multiple second recesses 250 and multiple second protrusions 350 are provided in a one-to-one relationship, with one second protrusion 350 provided in one second recess 250. In other words, multiple second protrusions 350 are provided in multiple second recesses 250, and the multiple second recesses 250 and multiple second protrusions 350 face each other.

In this embodiment, the provision of the multiple second recesses 250 and the multiple second protrusions 350 makes the moisture infiltration path longer than when these are not provided. This makes it possible to more effectively suppress the risk of external moisture infiltrating into the display area A10 through the inside of the seal member 4. In addition, it is possible to more effectively suppress the risk of external moisture infiltrating into the display area A10 through the interface between the seal member 4 and the first substrate 2B and the interface between the seal member 4 and the second substrate 3B. This makes it possible to suppress the risk of external moisture infiltrating into the display area A10 of the liquid crystal layer 5. As a result, the risk of the occurrence of corner stains, poor alignment of liquid crystal molecules, or display unevenness due to a decrease in resistivity is suppressed. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in display quality.

Furthermore, by engaging the multiple second recesses 250 with the multiple second protrusions 350, the risk of external moisture penetrating into the display area A10 can be reduced compared to when the multiple second recesses 250 and the multiple second protrusions 350 are not engaged.

In addition, the first substrate 2B has multiple second recesses 250 instead of one second recess 250. Similarly, the second substrate 3B has multiple second protrusions 350 instead of one second protrusion 350. The multiple second recesses 250 and the multiple second protrusions 350 are engaged with each other through a part of the liquid crystal layer 5. By providing multiple second recesses 250 and multiple second protrusions 350, the infiltration path of moisture can be made longer than when one second recess 250 and one second protrusion 350 are provided. Therefore, the risk of external moisture infiltrating into the display area A10 can be further suppressed. In addition, by providing multiple second recesses 250 and multiple second protrusions 350, the distance from the seal member 4 to the display area A10 can be increased. Therefore, impurities eluted from the seal member 4 into the liquid crystal layer 5 are prevented from reaching the display area A10, and as a result, stains and unevenness can be suppressed.

In this embodiment, two second recesses 250 are provided as the plurality of second recesses 250, but the number of second recesses 250 is not limited to two and may be three or more. Similarly, two second protrusions 350 are provided as the plurality of second protrusions 350, but the number of second protrusions 350 is not limited to two and may be three or more. From the viewpoint of suppressing the intrusion of external moisture into the display area A10, it is preferable that the number of second recesses 250 and the number of second protrusions 350 are as large as possible. From the viewpoint of suppressing the intrusion of moisture and ease of manufacturing, it is particularly preferable that the number of second recesses 250 and the number of second protrusions 350 are, for example, 10 or more and 50 or less.

In the illustrated example, the number of second recesses 250 is less than the number of first recesses 25, but may be equal to or greater than the number of first recesses 25. Similarly, the number of second protrusions 350 is less than the number of first protrusions 35, but may be equal to or greater than the number of first protrusions 35. However, it is preferable that the number of second recesses 250 is less than the number of first recesses 25 so that the planar area of the display region A10 is not excessively narrowed and the width of the seal member 4 is not excessively small. From the same viewpoint, it is preferable that the number of second protrusions 350 is less than the number of first protrusions 35.

As described above, each second recess 250 is a groove that is provided in a frame shape along the inner edge of the sealing member 4 in a plan view. Similarly, each second convex portion 350 is a protrusion that is provided in a frame shape along the inner edge of the sealing member 4 in a plan view. For this reason, external moisture is unlikely to penetrate into the display area A10 around the entire periphery of the electro-optical device 100B. This makes it difficult for various problems, such as poor alignment of liquid crystal molecules, to occur.

Note that each second recess 250 and each second protrusion 350 does not have to be frame-shaped. The multiple second recesses 250 may be, for example, scattered. Similarly, the multiple second protrusions 350 may be, for example, scattered.

In the illustrated example, the width of the second recess 250 is smaller than the width W1 of the first recess 25, but may be equal to or larger than the width W1. The width of the second convex portion 350 is smaller than the width W2 of the first convex portion 35, but may be equal to or larger than the width W2. The depth of the second recess 250 is the same as the depth D of the first recess 25, but may be greater or smaller than the depth D. The height of the second convex portion 350 is the same as the height T of the first convex portion 35, but may be greater or smaller than the height T.

As described above, the electro-optical device 100B of this embodiment can better prevent external moisture from penetrating into the display area A10 of the liquid crystal layer 5 than the electro-optical device 100 of the first embodiment. This makes it possible to better prevent degradation of display quality.

D. Fourth embodiment A fourth embodiment will be described. In the following examples, the reference numerals used in the description of the second embodiment will be used for elements whose functions are similar to those of the second embodiment, and detailed descriptions of each element will be omitted as appropriate.

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of an electro-optical device 100C according to the fourth embodiment. This embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that a plurality of second convex portions 260 and a plurality of second concave portions 360 are provided.

11, the first substrate 2C has a plurality of second convex portions 260. Each of the second convex portions 260 is a protrusion that protrudes from the flat plate portion 200 toward the seal member 4. In addition, the plurality of second convex portions 260 are arranged inside the plurality of first convex portions 26 in a plan view, and are arranged between the plurality of first convex portions 26 and the display area A10. In a plan view, the plurality of second convex portions 260 do not overlap the seal member 4, and are arranged inside the seal member 4. Each of the second convex portions 260 is a frame-shaped protrusion formed along the inner edge of the seal member 4. The plurality of second convex portions 260 are spaced apart from each other and are arranged from the display area A10 toward the outside. In this embodiment, the plurality of second convex portions 260 are arranged at equal intervals, but they do not have to be arranged at equal intervals.

The first inorganic insulating layer 20C has a plurality of convex portions 204. The plurality of convex portions 204 correspond to the plurality of second convex portions 260. The plurality of convex portions 204 are protrusions that protrude from a flat portion of the first inorganic insulating layer 20C toward the sealing member 4.

A transparent conductive film 27C is disposed on the first inorganic insulating layer 20C. The transparent conductive film 27A is disposed along the third convex portions 202 and the convex portions 204, and is in contact with the third convex portions 202 and the convex portions 204. In this embodiment, the convex portions 204 and a part of the transparent conductive film 27C form the second convex portions 260. In this embodiment, the peripheral electrode 28 is omitted. The transparent conductive film 27C functions as an electrode for ion trapping.

The second substrate 3C has a plurality of second recesses 360. Each of the second recesses 360 is a protrusion formed on the surface of the second substrate 3C facing the liquid crystal layer 5. The second recesses 360 are arranged inside the first recesses 36 in a plan view, and are arranged between the first recesses 36 and the display area A10. The second recesses 360 do not overlap the seal member 4 in a plan view, and are arranged inside the seal member 4. Each of the second recesses 360 is a frame-shaped groove formed along the inner edge of the seal member 4. The second recesses 360 are spaced apart from each other and are arranged from the display area A10 toward the outside. In this embodiment, the second recesses 360 are arranged at equal intervals, but they do not have to be arranged at equal intervals.

The second inorganic insulating layer 30C has a plurality of recesses 304. The plurality of recesses 304 correspond to the plurality of second recesses 360. The plurality of recesses 304 are recesses formed on the surface of the second inorganic insulating layer 30C facing the liquid crystal layer 5.

A counter electrode 32C is disposed on the second inorganic insulating layer 30C. A portion of the counter electrode 32C is disposed along the third recesses 302 and the recesses 304, and contacts the third recesses 302 and the recesses 304. The counter electrode 32C has a plurality of recesses that are aligned with the recesses 304. In this embodiment, the recesses correspond to the second recesses 360.

The aforementioned multiple second convex portions 260 and multiple second concave portions 360 contact the seal member 4 and mesh with each other via the liquid crystal layer 5. The multiple second convex portions 260 and multiple second concave portions 360 are provided in a one-to-one relationship, with one second convex portion 260 provided in one second concave portion 360. In other words, multiple second convex portions 260 are provided in multiple second concave portions 360, and the multiple second concave portions 360 and multiple second convex portions 260 face each other.

In this embodiment, the provision of the multiple second convex portions 260 and the multiple second concave portions 360 makes the moisture infiltration path longer than when they are not provided. This makes it possible to more effectively suppress the risk of external moisture infiltrating into the display area A10 through the inside of the seal member 4. In addition, it is possible to more effectively suppress the risk of external moisture infiltrating into the display area A10 through the interface between the seal member 4 and the first substrate 2C and the interface between the seal member 4 and the second substrate 3C. This makes it possible to suppress the risk of external moisture infiltrating into the display area A10 of the liquid crystal layer 5. As a result, the risk of the occurrence of corner stains, poor alignment of liquid crystal molecules, or display unevenness due to a decrease in resistivity is suppressed. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in display quality.

Furthermore, by interlocking the second protrusions 260 with the second recesses 360, the risk of external moisture penetrating into the display area A10 can be reduced compared to when the second protrusions 260 and the second recesses 360 are not interlocked.

The first substrate 2C has multiple second convex portions 260, not one second convex portion 260. Similarly, the second substrate 3C has multiple second concave portions 360, not one second concave portion 360. The multiple second convex portions 260 and the multiple second concave portions 360 are engaged with each other through a part of the liquid crystal layer 5. By providing multiple second convex portions 260 and multiple second concave portions 360, the infiltration path of moisture can be made longer than when one second convex portion 260 and one second concave portion 360 are provided. Therefore, the risk of external moisture infiltrating into the display area A10 can be further suppressed. In addition, by providing multiple second convex portions 260 and multiple second concave portions 360, the distance from the seal member 4 to the display area A10 can be increased. Therefore, impurities eluted from the seal member 4 into the liquid crystal layer 5 are prevented from reaching the display area A10, and as a result, stains and unevenness can be suppressed.

In this embodiment, two second convex portions 260 are provided as the plurality of second convex portions 260, but the number of second convex portions 260 is not limited to two and may be three or more. Two second concave portions 360 are provided as the plurality of second concave portions 360, but the number of second concave portions 360 is not limited to two and may be three or more. From the viewpoint of suppressing the intrusion of external moisture into the liquid crystal layer 5, it is preferable that the number of second convex portions 260 and the number of second concave portions 360 are as large as possible. From the viewpoint of suppressing the intrusion of moisture and ease of manufacturing, it is particularly preferable that the number of second convex portions 260 and the number of second concave portions 360 are, for example, 10 or more and 50 or less.

In the illustrated example, the number of second convex portions 260 is less than the number of first convex portions 26, but may be equal to or greater than the number of first convex portions 26. Similarly, the number of second recesses 360 is less than the number of first recesses 36, but may be equal to or greater than the number of first recesses 36. However, it is preferable that the number of second convex portions 260 is less than the number of first convex portions 26 so that the planar area of the display region A10 is not excessively narrowed and the width of the seal member 4 is not excessively small. From the same viewpoint, it is preferable that the number of second recesses 360 is less than the number of first recesses 36.

As described above, each second convex portion 260 is a protrusion that is provided in a frame shape along the inner edge of the sealing member 4 in a plan view. Similarly, each second concave portion 360 is a groove that is provided in a frame shape along the inner edge of the sealing member 4 in a plan view. For this reason, external moisture is unlikely to penetrate into the display area A10 around the entire periphery of the electro-optical device 100C. Therefore, various problems such as poor alignment of liquid crystal molecules are unlikely to occur.

Note that each second convex portion 260 and each second concave portion 360 do not have to be frame-shaped. The multiple second convex portions 260 may be, for example, scattered. Similarly, the multiple second concave portions 360 may be, for example, scattered.

In the illustrated example, the width of the second convex portion 260 is smaller than the width W1 of the first convex portion 26, but may be equal to or larger than the width W1. The width of the second recess 360 is smaller than the width W2 of the first recess 36, but may be equal to or larger than the width W2. The height of the second convex portion 260 is the same as the height T of the first convex portion 26, but may be greater or smaller than the height T. The depth D of the second recess 360 is the same as the depth D of the first recess 36, but may be greater or smaller than the depth D.

As described above, the electro-optical device 100C of this embodiment can better prevent external moisture from penetrating the display area A10 of the liquid crystal layer 5 than the electro-optical device 100A of the second embodiment. This makes it possible to better prevent degradation of display quality.

E. Fifth embodiment A fifth embodiment will be described. In the following examples, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment will be used for elements whose functions are similar to those of the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions of each element will be omitted as appropriate.

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of an electro-optical device 100D of the fifth embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the transparent conductive film 27 is omitted and that a counter electrode 32D is provided instead of the counter electrode 32.

As shown in FIG. 12, the first substrate 2D does not have a transparent conductive film 27. Therefore, the first inorganic insulating layer 20 is in contact with the sealing member 4. In addition, the multiple first recesses 25D are composed of third recesses 201.

The opposing electrode 32D of the second substrate 3D does not overlap the sealing member 4 in a plan view and is not in contact with the sealing member 4. Therefore, the second inorganic insulating layer 30 is in contact with the sealing member 4. In addition, the multiple first convex portions 35D are composed of multiple third convex portions 301.

As described above, the first inorganic insulating layer 20 has a plurality of first recesses 25D and is in contact with the sealing member 4. Therefore, there is no interface between the transparent conductive film 27 and the first inorganic insulating layer 20 in the first embodiment. Therefore, moisture does not penetrate into the display area A10 through the interface. Therefore, compared to the first embodiment, it is possible to further suppress the penetration of moisture into the display area A10. Similarly, the second inorganic insulating layer 30 has a plurality of first protrusions 35D and is in contact with the sealing member 4. Therefore, there is no interface between the counter electrode 32 and the second inorganic insulating layer 30 in the first embodiment. Therefore, there is no penetration of moisture into the display area A10 through the interface. Therefore, compared to the first embodiment, it is possible to further suppress the penetration of moisture into the display area A10.

In the second embodiment, the seal member 4 may be in contact with the first inorganic insulating layer 20A, and the seal member 4 may be in contact with the second inorganic insulating layer 30A. Similarly, in the third embodiment, the seal member 4 may be in contact with the first inorganic insulating layer 20B, and the seal member 4 may be in contact with the second inorganic insulating layer 30B. In the fourth embodiment, the seal member 4 may be in contact with the first inorganic insulating layer 20C, and the seal member 4 may be in contact with the second inorganic insulating layer 30C. Even in these cases, the number of interfaces can be reduced, as in the above-mentioned effect, and the effect of suppressing the intrusion of moisture into the liquid crystal layer 5 can be enhanced.

E. Modifications The above-described embodiment may be modified in various ways. Specific modifications that may be applied to the above-described embodiment are illustrated below. Two or more aspects selected from the following examples may be combined as appropriate to the extent that they are not mutually inconsistent.

In the above embodiment, the alignment films 29 and 39 are not provided in the sealing area A24, but they may be provided in the sealing area A24. In addition, the periphery of the electro-optical device 100 may be covered with a moisture-proof material containing alumina or the like.

In each of the above-described embodiments, an active matrix electro-optical device 100 is exemplified, but the driving method of the electro-optical device 100 is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a passive matrix method.

The driving method of the "electro-optical device" is not limited to the vertical electric field method, but may be a horizontal electric field method. An example of the horizontal electric field method is the IPS (In Plane Switching) mode. Also, an example of the vertical electric field method is the TN (Twisted Nematic) mode, the VA (Vertical Alignment), the PVA mode, and the OCB (Optically Compensated Bend) mode.

In addition, in the above explanation, a liquid crystal display device was described as an example of an "electro-optical device", but the "electro-optical device" is not limited to this. For example, the "electro-optical device" can also be applied to an image sensor, etc.

2. Electronic Devices The electro-optical device 100 can be used in various electronic devices.

Figure 13 is a perspective view showing a personal computer 2000, which is an example of an electronic device. The personal computer 2000 has an electro-optical device 100 that displays various images, a main body 2010 on which a power switch 2001 and a keyboard 2002 are installed, and a control unit 2003. The control unit 2003 includes, for example, a processor and a memory, and controls the operation of the electro-optical device 100.

Figure 14 is a plan view showing a smartphone 3000, which is an example of an electronic device. The smartphone 3000 has an operation button 3001, an electro-optical device 100 that displays various images, and a control unit 3002. The screen content displayed on the electro-optical device 100 changes in response to the operation of the operation button 3001. The control unit 3002 includes, for example, a processor and a memory, and controls the operation of the electro-optical device 100.

Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing a projector, which is an example of an electronic device. The projection display device 4000 is, for example, a three-panel projector. The electro-optical device 1r is an electro-optical device 100 corresponding to the red display color, the electro-optical device 1g is an electro-optical device 100 corresponding to the green display color, and the electro-optical device 1b is an electro-optical device 100 corresponding to the blue display color. In other words, the projection display device 4000 has three electro-optical devices 1r, 1g, and 1b corresponding to the red, green, and blue display colors, respectively. The control unit 4005 includes, for example, a processor and a memory, and controls the operation of the electro-optical device 100.

The illumination optical system 4001 supplies the red component r of the light emitted from the illumination device 4002, which is a light source, to the electro-optical device 1r, the green component g to the electro-optical device 1g, and the blue component b to the electro-optical device 1b. Each of the electro-optical devices 1r, 1g, and 1b functions as an optical modulator such as a light valve that modulates each monochromatic light supplied from the illumination optical system 4001 according to the display image. The projection optical system 4003 combines the light emitted from each of the electro-optical devices 1r, 1g, and 1b and projects it onto the projection surface 4004.

The above electronic devices include the electro-optical device 100 and the control unit 2003, 3002, or 4005. The electro-optical device 100 prevents degradation of display quality. Therefore, by including the electro-optical device 100, it is possible to prevent degradation of display quality in the personal computer 2000, the smartphone 3000, or the projection display device 4000. The same effect can be obtained when the electro-optical device 100A, 100B, 100C, or 100D is used instead of the electro-optical device 100.

The electronic devices to which the electro-optical device of the present invention can be applied are not limited to the devices exemplified above, and include, for example, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), digital still cameras, televisions, video cameras, car navigation devices, in-vehicle displays, electronic organizers, electronic paper, calculators, word processors, workstations, videophones, and POS (Point of Sale) terminals. Furthermore, examples of electronic devices to which the present invention can be applied include printers, scanners, copiers, video players, and devices equipped with touch panels.

The present invention has been described above based on a preferred embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. Furthermore, the configuration of each part of the present invention can be replaced with any configuration that exhibits the same function as the above-mentioned embodiment, and any configuration can be added.

1b...electro-optical device, 1g...electro-optical device, 1r...electro-optical device, 2...first substrate, 2A...first substrate, 2B...first substrate, 2C...first substrate, 2D...first substrate, 2x...first substrate, 3...second substrate, 3A...second substrate, 3B...second substrate, 3C...second substrate, 3D...second substrate, 3x...second substrate, 4...sealing member, 5...liquid crystal layer, 6...inter-substrate conductive material, 10...driving circuit, 11...scanning line driving circuit, 12...signal line driving circuit, 13...external terminal, 20...first inorganic insulating layer, 20A...first inorganic insulating layer, 20B...first inorganic insulating layer, 20C...first inorganic insulating layer, 21...first base, 22...pixel electrode, 22d...dummy pixel electrode, 23...transistor, 24...storage capacitance, 25...first recess, 25D...first recess, 26...first convex portion, 27...transparent conductive film, 27A...transparent conductive film, 27B...transparent conductive film, 27C...transparent conductive film, 28...peripheral electrode, 29...alignment film, 30...second inorganic insulating layer, 30A...second inorganic insulating layer, 30B...second inorganic insulating layer, 30C...second inorganic insulating layer, 31...second base, 32...counter electrode, 32A...counter electrode, 32B...counter electrode, 32C...counter electrode, 32D...counter electrode, 35...first convex portion, 35D...first convex portion, 36...first recess , 38...partition, 39...alignment film, 100...electro-optical device, 100A...electro-optical device, 100B...electro-optical device, 100C...electro-optical device, 100D...electro-optical device, 100x...electro-optical device, 200...flat plate portion, 201...third recess, 202...third convex portion, 203...concave, 204...convex portion, 241...scanning line, 242...signal line, 243...constant potential line, 250...second recess, 260...second convex portion, 300...flat plate portion, 301...third convex portion, 302...third recess, 303...convex portion, 304...concave, 350...second convex portion, 360...second recess, 2000...personal computer computer, 2001...power switch, 2002...keyboard, 2003...controller, 2010...main body, 3000...smartphone, 3001...operation button, 3002...controller, 4000...projection display device, 4001...illumination optical system, 4002...illumination device, 4003...projection optical system, 4004...projection surface, 4005...controller, A10...display area, A20...peripheral area, A21...dummy pixel area, A22...peripheral electrode area, A24...seal area, LL...incident light, P...pixel, R...penetration path, Rx...penetration path, T...height, D...depth, W1...width, W2...width.

Claims (10)

1. An electro-optical device having a display area for displaying an image and a peripheral area provided outside the display area in a plan view,
A first substrate;
a second substrate facing the first substrate via a seal member provided in the peripheral region;
an electro-optic layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, the optical characteristics of which change in response to an electric field;
one of the first substrate and the second substrate has a plurality of first recesses provided in the peripheral region and spaced apart from one another;
the other of the first substrate and the second substrate has a plurality of first protrusions provided in the peripheral region and spaced apart from each other;
The plurality of first recesses and the plurality of first protrusions are engaged with each other via the seal member.
Electro-optical device. Each of the first recesses is a groove that is provided in a frame shape along the seal member in a plan view,
Each of the plurality of first protrusions is a protrusion that is provided in a frame shape along the sealing member in a plan view.
2. The electro-optical device according to claim 1. the first substrate has a first base and a first inorganic insulating layer disposed between the first base and the sealing member, the first inorganic insulating layer including an inorganic silicon material;
the second substrate has a second base and a second inorganic insulating layer disposed between the second base and the sealing member, the second inorganic insulating layer including an inorganic silicon material;
one of the first inorganic insulating layer and the second inorganic insulating layer has the first recesses;
the other of the first inorganic insulating layer and the second inorganic insulating layer has the first protrusions,
the first inorganic insulating layer or the second inorganic insulating layer is in contact with the sealing member;
2. The electro-optical device according to claim 1. the first substrate has a first base and a first inorganic insulating layer disposed between the first base and the sealing member, the first inorganic insulating layer including an inorganic silicon material;
the second substrate has a second base and a second inorganic insulating layer disposed between the second base and the sealing member, the second inorganic insulating layer including an inorganic silicon material;
one of the first inorganic insulating layer and the second inorganic insulating layer has a plurality of third recesses corresponding to the plurality of first recesses;
the other of the first inorganic insulating layer and the second inorganic insulating layer has a plurality of third convex portions corresponding to the plurality of first convex portions;
2. The electro-optical device according to claim 1. the one substrate further has a plurality of second recesses that are provided inside the plurality of first recesses in a plan view and are spaced apart from one another;
the other substrate further includes a plurality of second protrusions that are provided inside the plurality of first protrusions in a plan view and are spaced apart from each other;
the second recesses and the second protrusions are engaged with each other via a part of the electro-optic layer;
2. The electro-optical device according to claim 1. Each of the second recesses is a groove that is provided in a frame shape along the seal member in a plan view,
Each of the second protrusions is a protrusion that is provided in a frame shape along the sealing member in a plan view.
6. The electro-optical device according to claim 5. the number of the second recesses is less than the number of the first recesses,
The number of the second convex portions is smaller than the number of the first convex portions.
7. The electro-optical device according to claim 5 or 6. The depth of each of the plurality of first recesses is equal to or greater than 2 μm and equal to or less than 8 μm,
The height of each of the plurality of first protrusions is 2 μm or more and 8 μm or less.
2. The electro-optical device according to claim 1. the number of the first recesses is 10 or more and 100 or less;
The number of the first protrusions is 10 or more and 100 or less.
2. The electro-optical device according to claim 1. The electro-optical device according to claim 1 ;
and a control unit for controlling an operation of the electro-optical device.

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