U.S. patent application number 12/314894 was filed with the patent office on 2009-04-23 for display device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hitachi Displays, Ltd.. Invention is credited to Masashi Baba, Kazunori Ojima, Ryutaro Oke, Kikuo Ono, Yuuichi Takenaka, Masahiro Tanaka, Masaki Tsubokura, Yasuhiko Yamagishi, Shinji Yasukawa.
Application Number | 20090102826 12/314894 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35060176 |
Filed Date | 2009-04-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090102826 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Oke; Ryutaro ; et
al. |
April 23, 2009 |
Display device
Abstract
A display device having a display element is configured such
that the extending directions of electrodes are made different from
each other among upper, lower, left and right pixels.
Inventors: |
Oke; Ryutaro; (Chiba,
JP) ; Ojima; Kazunori; (Mobara, JP) ;
Tsubokura; Masaki; (Mobara, JP) ; Baba; Masashi;
(Chiba, JP) ; Yamagishi; Yasuhiko; (Mobara,
JP) ; Tanaka; Masahiro; (Yotsukaido, JP) ;
Takenaka; Yuuichi; (Chiba, JP) ; Yasukawa;
Shinji; (Shirako, JP) ; Ono; Kikuo; (Mobara,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Stanley P. Fisher;Reed Smith LLP
Suite 1400, 3110 Fairview Park Drive
Falls Church
VA
22042-4503
US
|
Assignee: |
Hitachi Displays, Ltd.
|
Family ID: |
35060176 |
Appl. No.: |
12/314894 |
Filed: |
December 18, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11098516 |
Apr 5, 2005 |
|
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12314894 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
345/211 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02F 1/133512 20130101;
G02F 1/134363 20130101; G09G 3/3655 20130101; G09G 3/3688 20130101;
G09G 2320/0673 20130101; G09G 2300/0443 20130101; G09G 2320/0276
20130101; G09G 2310/08 20130101; G02F 1/136286 20130101; G09G
3/3607 20130101; G02F 2201/52 20130101; G09G 2300/0426
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/211 |
International
Class: |
G09G 5/00 20060101
G09G005/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 9, 2004 |
JP |
2004-115337 |
Claims
1. A display device including; a high-voltage side inverter printed
circuit board and a low-voltage side inverter printed circuit board
which are fixed to a metal frame, an inverter transformer is
arranged at the high-voltage side, a high-voltage side inverter
printed circuit board and a low-voltage side inverter printed
circuit board are arranged at the end portions of the metal frame
facing to each other, and a connecting member which connecting
between the high-voltage side inverter printed circuit board and
the low-voltage side inverter printed circuit board.
2. A display device according to claim 1, wherein the size of the
high voltage side inverter printed circuit board is larger than the
size of the low-voltage side inverter printed circuit board.
3. A display device according to claim 1, wherein the number of the
low-voltage side inverter printed circuit boards are larger than
the number of the high-voltage side inverter printed circuit
boards.
4. A display device including; a high-voltage side inverter printed
circuit board and a low-voltage side inverter printed circuit board
which are fixed to a metal frame, an inverter transformer is
arranged at the high-voltage side, a fixing portion of the
high-voltage side inverter printed circuit board and the
low-voltage side inverter printed circuit board are formed on the
metal frame, the fixing portions are arranged in a fixable state
even when the high-voltage side inverter printed circuit board and
the low-voltage side inverter printed circuit board are
replaced.
5. A display device according to claim 4, wherein the fixing
portions are arranged on the both sides of the high-voltage side
inverter printed circuit board, the fixing portions are arranged on
one side of the low-voltage side inverter printed circuit
board.
6. A display device according to claim 5, wherein the width of the
low-voltage side inverter printed circuit board is equal to or less
than 1/2 of the width of the high-voltage side inverter printed
circuit board.
7. A display device according to claim 6, wherein the width of the
low-voltage side inverter printed circuit board is equal to or less
than 1/3 of the width of the high-voltage side inverter printed
circuit board.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation application of U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/098,516 filed on Apr. 5, 2005. Priority is
claimed based on U.S. application Ser. No. 11/098,516 filed on Apr.
5, 2005, which claims priority to Japanese application 2004-115337
filed on Apr. 9, 2004, all of which is hereby incorporated by
reference into this application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a display device.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] A display device has tasks which have to be steadily
improved such as the enhancement of brightness, the improvement of
a viewing angle, the enhancement of image quality, the enhancement
of a yield rate, the enhancement of reliability, the enhancement of
productivity, the reduction of cost and the like. Here, with
respect to the improvement of the viewing angle, for example, U.S.
Pat. No. 6,256,081 disclose a display device which sets the
directions of electrodes in a plurality of directions in the inside
of one pixel or U.S. Pat. No. 6,456,351 disclose a display device
in which the directions of electrodes are made different in three
pixels which are arranged close to each other in the lateral
direction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] As has been explained in the Description of the Related Art,
the display device has the various tasks which have to be steadily
improved. Among these tasks, with respect to the viewing angle, for
example, inventors of the present invention have found out that the
structure shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,256,081 generates an invalid
region on a center portion of a pixel and lowers the brightness.
Further, the inventors of the present invention have found out that
the arrangement of the U.S. Pat. No. 6,456,351 exhibits an
insufficient viewing angle at the time of displaying a monochroic
color corresponding to a color filter of red, green or blue.
[0007] The present invention has been made under such
circumstances, for example, and one of advantages of the present
invention is to provide a display device which can enhance a
viewing angle and can realize the enhancement of brightness in both
of a white display and a monochroic display.
[0008] Although there are many other tasks and advantages which the
present invention aims to achieve, these tasks and advantages will
become apparent by the disclosure made in this specification and
attached drawings.
[0009] To briefly explain the inventions disclosed in this
specification, they are as follows.
[0010] (1) In a display device having a display element, for
example, the display element is configured such that the extending
directions of electrodes are made different from each other among
upper, lower, left and right pixels.
[0011] (2) On the premise of the constitution (1), the extending
direction of the electrodes in each pixel is unidirectional.
[0012] (3) On the premise of the constitution (1) or (2), the
pixels include two types of pixels in which the extending
directions of the electrodes are symmetrical with respect to the
gate-signal-line extending direction or the video-signal-line
extending direction, and the pixels are alternately arranged in the
upper, lower, left and right directions.
[0013] (4) On the premise of any one of the constitutions (1) to
(3), the display element includes color filters having three
primary colors and the color filters are arranged such that the
color filters of the same color are arranged in the longitudinal
direction of the display device and the color filters of three
primary colors are sequentially arranged in the lateral direction
of the display device.
[0014] (5) In a display device having a display element, for
example, the display element includes lower planar electrodes and
upper electrodes each of which has a large number of line-like
portions or slit portions which are formed on a same substrate, and
the extending directions of the large number of line-like portions
or slit portions are made different from each other among upper,
lower, left and right pixels.
[0015] (6) On the premise of the constitution (5), the extending
direction of the line-like portions and the slit portions in each
pixel is unidirectional.
[0016] (7) On the premise of the constitution (5) or (6), the
pixels include two types of pixels in which the extending
directions of the line-like portions or the slit portions are
symmetrical with respect to the gate-signal-line extending
direction or the video-signal-line extending direction, and the
pixels are alternately arranged in the upper, lower, left and right
directions.
[0017] (8) On the premise of any one of the constitutions (5) to
(7), the display element includes color filters having three
primary colors and the color filters are arranged such that the
color filters of the same color are arranged in the longitudinal
direction of the display device and the color filters of three
primary colors are sequentially arranged in the lateral direction
of the display device.
[0018] The display device having such constitutions can enhance a
viewing angle and can enhance the brightness in both of a white
display and a monochroic display.
[0019] Other advantageous effects which are realized by other
constitutions of the display device disclosed in this specification
will become apparent based on the disclosure in this specification
and attached drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a plan view for explaining an arrangement example
of a group of pixels of a display device according to the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are views for explaining an example of a
pixel pattern of the display device according to the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of an example of the
correspondence between color filters and a group of pixels of the
display device according to the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of an example of the
correspondence between color filters and a group of pixels of the
display device according to the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a plan view for explaining an example of a group
of pixels of a display device according to the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are plan views for explaining an example
of a group of pixels of a display device according to the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a plan view for explaining an example of a group
of pixels of a display device according to the present
invention;
[0027] FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B are an explanatory view of an embodiment
of the arrangement and the orientation direction of a
polarizer;
[0028] FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of one example of the detailed
structure of the pixel of the display device according to the
present invention;
[0029] FIG. 10 is a an explanatory view of one example of the
detailed structure of the pixel of the display device according to
the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an A-A'
portion in FIG. 9 or FIG. 10;
[0031] FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B are views for explaining the
getting-over at an overlapped portion of an electrode and a
line;
[0032] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a B-B'
portion in FIG. 9 or FIG. 10;
[0033] FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a C-C'
portion in FIG. 9 or FIG. 10;
[0034] FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a D-D'
portion in FIG. 9 or FIG. 10;
[0035] FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B are explanatory views of a display
region and a dummy pixel region;
[0036] FIG. 17 is a schematic explanatory view for explaining the
arrangement of pixels at corner portions;
[0037] FIG. 18A, FIG. 18B, FIG. 18C and FIG. 18D are explanatory
views for explaining the arrangement of electrodes of the pixels at
the corner portions;
[0038] FIG. 19 is an explanatory view of an example of the dummy
pixel region;
[0039] FIG. 20A and FIG. 20B are schematic cross-sectional views
taken along a line A-A' and a line B-B' in FIG. 19;
[0040] FIG. 21 is an explanatory view of an arrangement example of
a dummy pattern in a dummy pixel region;
[0041] FIG. 22 is a plan view of the arrangement example of the
dummy pattern in a dummy pixel region;
[0042] FIG. 23A and FIG. 23B are cross-sectional views for
explaining an example of a dummy pattern;
[0043] FIG. 24A and FIG. 24B are cross-sectional views for
explaining an example of a dummy pattern;
[0044] FIG. 25A and FIG. 25B are cross-sectional views for
explaining an example of a dummy pattern;
[0045] FIG. 26 is a view for explaining a schematic example of a
system of a display device
[0046] FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view showing one example
of the module structure of the display device;
[0047] FIG. 28A to FIG. 28E are views of the module of the display
device as viewed from a front side, an upper side, a lower side, a
left side and a right side in a state that the display device
includes an upper frame
[0048] FIG. 29 is a view of the module of the display device as
viewed from a back surface;
[0049] FIG. 30A to FIG. 30E are views of the module of the display
device as viewed from a back surface, a front surface, and upper,
lower, left and right side surfaces in a state that a TCON cover,
an inverter cover and an upper frame are removed;
[0050] FIG. 31 is a view of the module of the display device from a
front surface in a state that the upper frame is removed;
[0051] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the module of the display
device in a state that the upper frame is removed;
[0052] FIG. 33 is a perspective view for explaining the fitting
relationship of the upper frame, an intermediate frame and a lower
frame;
[0053] FIG. 34 is a perspective view for explaining the fitting
relationship of the upper frame, the intermediate frame and the
lower frame;
[0054] FIG. 35A to FIG. 35E are views for explaining the fitting
relationship at a portion A in FIG. 34 in more detail;
[0055] FIG. 36A and FIG. 36B are views for explaining the
positioning at a portion B in FIG. 34 in more detail;
[0056] FIG. 37 is an exploded perspective view showing the parts
constitution of the intermediate frame;
[0057] FIG. 38A and FIG. 38B are a front view and an side view of
the vicinity of a drain printed circuit board in a state that the
upper frame is removed;
[0058] FIG. 39A to FIG. 39C are a front view and side views of one
corner portion of the module in a state that the upper frame is
removed;
[0059] FIG. 40 is a view for explaining the holding structure of a
cable;
[0060] FIG. 41A and FIG. 41B are explanatory views of a divided
drain printed circuit board;
[0061] FIG. 42A to FIG. 42D are explanatory views showing the
schematic cross-sectional structure of the module of the display
device;
[0062] FIG. 43A to FIG. 43C are explanatory views of a fixing
method of a cover of a display device;
[0063] FIG. 44A to FIG. 44D are views showing a constitutional
example of a backlight portion;
[0064] FIG. 45 is an explanatory view of the arrangement positions
of common spacers;
[0065] FIG. 46 is a view for explaining a schematic example of a
system of the display device:
[0066] FIG. 47 is an explanatory view showing an example of
predetermined values of a data set;
[0067] FIG. 48 is an explanatory view showing an example of the
relationship between the data set and the gray scale-brightness
characteristics;
[0068] FIG. 49 is an explanatory view of rising sequences of a
driver power source and a gray scale reference power source;
[0069] FIG. 50A to FIG. 50F are explanatory views showing various
screen display examples in an information display mode;
[0070] FIG. 51A and FIG. 51B are explanatory views showing an
example of a technique for changing over to the information display
mode;
[0071] FIG. 52 is an explanatory view showing the connection of a
display element CEL, a tape carrier TCP and a printed circuit board
PCB;
[0072] FIG. 53A to FIG. 53C are explanatory views on the
measurement of the connection resistance between the tape carrier
TCP and a printed circuit board PCB;
[0073] FIG. 54A and FIG. 54B are explanatory view on the
measurement of the connection resistance between the tape carrier
TCP and the display element CEL;
[0074] FIG. 55A and FIG. 55B are explanatory view on the
measurement of the connection resistance between the tape carriers
TCP and the display element CEL by way of a plurality of tape
carriers TCP;
[0075] FIG. 56A and FIG. 56B are schematic connection views of the
printed circuit board PCB, the tape carrier TCP and the display
element CEL in a state that a connection resistance measurement
pattern is incorporated;
[0076] FIG. 57A to FIG. 57C are explanatory views of an example of
the measurement of the connection resistance between the tape
carrier TCP and the printed circuit board PCB;
[0077] FIG. 58A to FIG. 58C are explanatory views of an example of
the measurement of the connection resistance between the tape
carrier TCP and the display element CEL;
[0078] FIG. 59 is a system diagram showing the signal transmission
between a TCON and a memory;
[0079] FIG. 60 is a flow chart of a mode change;
[0080] FIG. 61 is an explanatory view of the mode changeover
timing;
[0081] FIG. 62 is an explanatory view of one example of the
detailed structure of the pixel of the display device according to
the present invention;
[0082] FIG. 63 is an explanatory view of one example of the
detailed structure of the pixel of the display device according to
the present invention; and
[0083] FIG. 64 is an explanatory view of one example of the
detailed structure of the pixel of the display device according to
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0084] Embodiments of the present invention are explained
hereinafter in conjunction with drawings.
<Overall Schematic Constitution>
[0085] A display device according to the present invention includes
a display element as a constitutional element thereof. FIG. 27 is
an explode perspective view showing one example of the module
structure of the display device. The display element CEL is
positioned between an upper frame UFM and a lower frame LFM. The
upper frame UFM includes an opening portion and a display region DR
of the display element CEL is exposed from the opening portion so
that the display region DR can be observed. As an example, when the
display element CEL is a liquid crystal display element, a
backlight unit BL which becomes a light source of light to be
transmitted through the display element CEL is arranged on a back
surface of the liquid crystal display element. An intermediate
frame MFM is arranged on a peripheral portion of the backlight unit
BL and a peripheral portion of the display element CEL is
positioned on the intermediate frame MFM thus determining the
position of the display element CEL. In the display device, a
controller TCON which generates various signals for realizing an
image display on the display element CEL is provided.
[0086] FIG. 26 is a system schematic diagram showing a path for
generating a display signal to the display element CEL in response
to a signal from the controller TCON. Signals from the outside of
the display device, for example, a signal from a TV set, a signal
from a PC and other various control signals are inputted to the
controller TCON as an external output OI. The controller TCON forms
such signals into signals to be supplied to the display element CEL
for an image display. The signals differ depending on the display
element CEL. For example, the various control signals are formed
into desired signal depending on cases such as a case in which the
display element CEL is a liquid crystal display device, a case in
which the display element CEL is an EL display device, a case in
which the display element CEL is a FED display device. To consider
the case in which the display element CEL is the liquid crystal
display device as an example, the controller TCON supplies a video
signal line drive circuit signal DS to a video signal line drive
circuit DD and supplies a gate signal line drive circuit signal GS
to a gate signal line drive circuit GD. Various voltages Vd for
video signal line drive circuit which include a drive voltage for
circuit per se and a plurality of gray scale reference voltages are
supplied to the video signal line drive circuit DD from a power
source circuit PS, while various voltages Vg for gate signal line
drive circuit which include a drive voltage for the gate signal
line drive circuit per se and a reference voltage which becomes the
reference with respect to the gate voltage are supplied to the gate
signal line drive circuit GD from the power source circuit PS.
Further, as a common potential of the display element CEL, a common
potential voltage Vc is supplied. A video signal is supplied to
video signal lines DL from the video signal line drive circuit DD
and a gate signal is supplied to gate signal lines GL from the gate
signal line drive circuit GD, wherein using a switching element TFT
formed on the pixel, in response to the control signal to the gate
signal lines GL, a potential of the video signal line DL is
supplied to a pixel electrode PX (described later). By driving the
liquid crystal molecules with an electric field or a voltage
difference between the pixel electrode PX and the common potential
Vc, the state of the liquid crystal layer is changed so as to
realize the image display.
<Display Element>
<<Example of Arrangement of Group of Pixels>>
[0087] One example of a group of pixels of the display element CEL
is shown in FIG. 1. The video signal of the video signal line DL is
supplied to the pixel electrode PX by way of the switching element
TFT which is controlled by the gate signal lines GL. The common
potential is supplied to the common electrode CT via the common
signal line CL. The electric field is generated between the pixel
electrode PX and the common electrode CT and hence, the liquid
crystal layer is driven whereby the display is performed.
[0088] The constitutional feature of the constitution shown in FIG.
1 lies in that the extending direction of the electrodes differs
among the upper, lower, left and right pixels which are arranged
close to each other. Accordingly, this embodiment is characterized
in the arrangement per se that the extending direction of the
electrodes differs among the upper, lower, left and right pixels.
One example of the division of pixel pattern for realizing such a
constitutional feature is shown in FIG. 2. Symbol UE indicates an
upper electrode which constitutes an upper layer and includes a
large number of line-like portions or slits. Symbol LE indicates a
lower electrode which constitutes a lower layer and is formed in a
planar shape. Depending on the direction of the slits, for example,
of the upper electrode UE, the extending direction of the electrode
can be changed and hence, the direction of the electric field can
be controlled.
[0089] FIG. 2A shows a pixel pattern in which the slits extend in
the right upward direction, while FIG. 2B shows a pixel pattern in
which the slits extend in the right downward direction. By
alternately arranging these two pixel patterns as the neighboring
pixels in the upper, lower, left and right directions, it is
possible to realize the constitution in which the extending
direction of the electrodes differs among the upper, lower, left
and right pixels. So long as the extending direction of the
electrodes differs among the upper, lower, left and right pixels,
any pixel structure can be used. For example, the present invention
may apply to the arrangement of the direction of the slits or
projections in a vertical orientation method (a VA method) display
device.
[0090] FIG. 3 shows one example of color filter arrangement in the
arrange of the group of pixels in FIG. 1. As the color filters, the
color filters of three primary colors consisting of red (R), green
(G) and blue (B) are arranged, for example. In these three primary
colors, the color filters in common color are arranged in the group
of pixels in the longitudinal direction. Due to such an
arrangement, as can be clearly understood from FIG. 2, even when
the pixels are observed in view of each monochroic unit, the
extending direction of the electrodes differs among the upper,
lower, left and right pixels. It is more desirable that the
extending directions of the electrodes are arranged in symmetry
between the neighboring pixels with respect to the extending
direction of the video signal line GL or the extending direction of
the gate signal line GL. Due to such a constitution, it is possible
to realize the improvement of a viewing angle not only in the case
of white display which performs the display using all of R, G, B
but also in the case of primary color display which performs the
display using only one color out of R, G, B. This implies that it
is possible to realize the improvement of the viewing angle even in
the display of the color other than white which is realized by
combining a plurality of colors.
[0091] An advantageous effect on the improvement of the viewing
angle obtained by such a constitution is explained in conjunction
with FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a view which shows the arrangement shown in
FIG. 3 in an expanded manner. Symbols (A), (B) respectively
correspond to, for example, the pixel (a) and the pixel (b) in FIG.
2. That is, these pixels are pixels which differ in the extending
direction of the electrodes. Symbols R, G, B in the drawing
indicate the correspondence with the display of the colors R, G,
B.
[0092] For example, in performing the white display, the display is
performed using all pixels. Accordingly, the pixels (B) are
uniformly arranged outside the G(B) of the pixel (A). Accordingly,
it is possible to offset the viewing angle dependency (or the
directional dependency of coloring) of the pixels (A) and the
viewing angle dependency of the pixels (B) and hence, the viewing
angle dependency can be reduced. Particularly, when the electrode
arrangement direction of the pixels (A) and the electrode
arrangement direction of the pixels (B) are arranged in symmetry
with respect to the gate signal line GL or the video signal line
DL, it is possible to maximize the offset effect and hence, it is
possible to realize the wide viewing angle which substantially
eliminates the viewing angle dependency.
[0093] Next, the case in which the red (R) display is performed is
considered. With respect to the pixel R(B) in the drawing, the
pixels of R which are arranged closest in the upper, lower, left
and right direction of the pixel R(B) are always constituted of the
pixels R(A). Further, with respect to the pixel R(A) in the
drawing, the pixels of R which are arranged closest in the upper,
lower, left and right direction of the pixel R(A) are always
constituted of the pixels R(B). That is, it becomes apparent that
since only the pixels of R are used in the monochroic display of
red, it is possible to improve the viewing angle also in the
monochroic display of red in the same manner as the white display.
In the same manner, the improvement of the viewing angle is
realized also in the monochroic display of B meaning blue and in
the monochroic display of G meaning green.
[0094] Further, since the colors other than the monochroic colors
can be displayed as the combinations of R, G, B, it is possible to
realize the improvement of viewing angle in the display of these
colors. That is, it is possible to achieve the remarkable
advantageous effect that the display device having the wide viewing
angle can be realized irrespective of the kinds of colors.
[0095] Such a wide viewing angle is particularly preferable in the
display device applicable to a large-sized TV set. Further, in the
large-sized TV set which has been developed for digital
broadcasting, an aspect ratio (for example, 16:9) of a screen is
larger than an aspect ratio (4:3) of a conventional NTSC type TV
set and hence, it is possible to ensure a large perspective angle
from a viewer at the center and corner portions of a screen.
Accordingly, this technique is extremely effective for realizing
the enlargement of the viewing angle due to the arrangement of the
group of pixels set forth in the concept of the present
invention.
[0096] Further, compared to a case in which a plurality of
electrode directions are provided in the inside of the single
pixel, it is possible to unify the arrangement direction of
electrodes in the inside of one pixel and hence, invalid regions
and domain generating regions can be reduced whereby the
enhancement of numerical aperture can be realized and, at the same
time, the enhancement of brightness and the reduction of power
consumption of the display device as a whole can be realized.
Further, since a pattern in the inside of the pixel can be
simplified, for example, the flow of an etching solution in
performing the wet etching of fine line-like or slit-like
electrodes in the inside of the pixel is unified whereby defects on
etching such as the formation of residues or the disconnection can
be reduced thus capable of enhancing a yield rate.
<<Arrangement Example of Polarization Transmission Axis and
Initial Orientation Direction>>
[0097] When the above-mentioned liquid crystal display element is
used as the display element CEL, to eventually convert the
modulation of light by the liquid crystal layer to a visible state,
in the transmissive-type liquid crystal display element, for
example, the liquid crystal layer is arranged between two
polarizers. In the liquid crystal layer, the orientation of the
liquid crystal is changed by the electric field generated by the
above-mentioned electrodes, for example. In a state that the
voltage is not applied to the liquid crystal molecules of the
liquid crystal layer, as an example, the treatment which aligns the
liquid crystal molecules in one direction is performed. This
treatment is called as the initial orientation treatment and the
initial orientation direction ORI is set by the orientation
treatment which applies rubbing to the orientation film or
irradiates polarization ultraviolet rays to the orientation
film.
[0098] One example of the relationship between the polarization
transmission axis of the polarizer and the initial orientation
direction in the pixel having the line-like or slit-like pattern
shown in FIG. 2 is shown in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B. Symbol GL
indicates the extending direction of the gate line, symbols PL1,
PL2 indicate polarization transmission axes of one and another
polarizers and these polarization transmission axes PL1, PL2 are
arranged to be orthogonal from each other. The initial orientation
direction ORI is arranged as shown in FIG. 8A when the liquid
crystal molecules have the positive dielectric anisotropy and is
arranged as shown in FIG. 8B when the liquid crystal molecules have
the negative dielectric anisotropy. Accordingly, when the electric
field is generated between the pixel electrode PX and the common
electrode CT, it is possible to make the direction of rotation of
the liquid crystal molecules opposite from each other between the
pixel shown in FIG. 2A and the pixel shown in FIG. 2B whereby it is
possible to constitute the display element CEL having the wide
viewing angle irrespective of the color displayed when the
above-mentioned arrangement is combined with the arrangement shown
in any one of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 to FIG. 7. Further, in a display
mode in which the initial orientation direction becomes
substantially perpendicular to the substrate, that is, in a
so-called vertical orientation method, the initial orientation
direction ORI becomes the perpendicular direction. In this case,
the arrangement is configured such that the directions that the
liquid crystal molecules are inclined assume a plurality of
directions when the voltage is applied to the liquid crystal.
However, also in this case, it is desirable that two polarizers are
arranged to become orthogonal from each other to realize the high
contrast and the wide viewing angle.
<<Supply example of common voltage to group of pixels>>
In supplying the common voltage to the group of pixels, as shown in
FIG. 1 as one example, it is possible to supply the common voltage
to the group of pixels which extend in the lateral direction, for
example, using the common signal line CL. However, as can be
clearly understood from FIG. 1, the common signal lines CL are
spaced apart from each other. By making the common potential more
stable, it is possible to make the display quality stable. Further,
it is also possible to reduce a line width of the common signal
line CL thus realizing the further enhancement of the numerical
aperture.
[0099] FIG. 5 shows an example in which the common electrodes CT of
the pixels which are arranged close to each other in the vertical
direction are electrically connected with each other using a bridge
line BR. Since the common electrodes CT of the respective pixels
are connected to the common signal line CL, the common potential is
supplied to the respective pixels from the upper, lower, left and
right directions in a matrix array whereby the common potential can
be largely stabilized.
[0100] FIG. 6A shows an example in which each bridge line BR is
provided for a plurality of pixels. In the drawing, one bridge line
BR is allocated to three pixels. The common potential stabilization
effect obtained by the bridge line BR has the feature that the
brightness irregularities between the neighboring rows can be
eliminated compared to the case which has no bridge line. This
feature can be achieved by electrically connecting the neighboring
common signal lines CL which extend in parallel. Since the
connection distance is short and the frequency is large, it is
unnecessary to make the bridge line BR have the low resistance
comparable to the resistance of the common signal line CL.
Accordingly, even when the bridge lines BR are arranged in a state
that one bridge line BR is allocated to the plurality of pixels, it
is possible to obtain the advantageous effect.
[0101] By arranging the bridge line BR in a state that one bridge
line BR is allocated to the plurality of pixels, there exist the
pixels which have no bridge line BR and, in these pixels, a space
over the gate signal line GL becomes wider than the pixel having
the bridge line BR. Accordingly, it is preferable to form the
pixels as shown in FIG. 6B where support columns SOC or the like
which hold the distance between two substrates of the display
element CEL are arranged in the pixels.
[0102] FIG. 7 shows an example in which the pixels on which the
bridge line BR is arranged are not aligned in a straight line in
the longitudinal direction. Since the bridge line BR is arranged
close to the video signal line DL, a parasitic capacitance is
generated between the bridge line BR and the video signal line DL.
When the bridge lines BR are uniformly provided to all pixels, the
generation of the parasitic capacitance also becomes uniform and
hence, there is no influence of the parasitic capacitance to the
image quality. However, when the bridge lines BR are provided only
to the group of pixels which extend in the particular longitudinal
direction, the parasitic capacitance is generated only on the group
of pixels and hence, there arises the difference in the parasitic
capacitances of video signal lines DL. Although it is possible to
design the bridge lines BR such that no influence of a level which
causes a drawback in view of image quality is generated, it is
needless to say that it is desirable to eliminate such a
possibility in principle. Accordingly, by arranging the bridge
lines BR as shown in FIG. 7, the generation of the parasitic
capacitance is diffused so as to eliminate the possibility of the
influence to the image quality.
<<Detailed Example of Pixel>>
[0103] FIG. 9 shows one example of the detailed structure of the
pixel which is preferably used in the display element CEL.
Hereinafter, a large number of features which this pixel possesses
are explained sequentially.
<<TFT Portion>>
[0104] Features of the TFT portion shown in FIG. 9 are explained.
The video signal line DL is connected with the drain electrode D of
the switching element TFT. The drain electrode D is formed in a
shape which surrounds the source electrode S in a semicircular
manner. Further, there is provided a semiconductor layer a-Si which
has an end portion thereof arranged further outside the drain
electrode D and is formed in a semicircular shape. By controlling
the turning ON/OFF of the semiconductor layer a-Si by the gate
signal line GL, the conduction/interruption between the drain
electrode D and the source electrode S can be controlled. By
forming the drain electrode D in a semicircular shape which
surrounds the source electrode S, it is possible to increase a
channel width thus improving the writing characteristics of the
TFT. Further, by also forming a distal end portion of the source
electrode S into a semicircular shape, it is possible to prevent
the channel length from becoming non-uniform and, at the same time,
it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the reliability
attributed to the concentration of electric field.
[0105] The video signal line DL is connected with the drain
electrode D using a connecting member which is integrally formed
with the drain electrode D. In connecting the video signal line DL,
the connecting member has a large width at a connecting portion
thereof with the video signal line DL and a narrow width at a
connecting portion thereof with the drain electrode D. Further, a
hole is formed in the gate signal line GL in the vicinity of the
connecting portion and the video signal line DL is configured not
to be overlapped with the gate signal line GL in the vicinity of
the connecting portion. Due to such a constitution, it is possible
to achieve the prevention of the disconnection of the connecting
portion and the reduction of the crossing capacitance whereby the
parasitic capacitance of the video signal line DL can be reduced.
Further, since the connecting member gets over the gate signal line
GL with an angle, that is, since the connecting member gets over
the gate signal line GL in a non-perpendicular manner, the
possibility of disconnection can be reduced.
<<<Pixel Electrode Connecting Portion>>>
[0106] The source electrode S of the switching element TFT in the
pixel shown in FIG. 9 once gets over the gate signal line GL and
extends and, thereafter, is bent in the direction parallel to the
gate signal line GL and, subsequently, is bent and extends in the
direction of the gate signal line GL and forms a connecting region.
The gate signal line GL is formed in a state that the gate signal
line GL is recessed in the connecting region portion, that is, in a
state that a line width thereof is narrowed thus ensuring the
connecting region. The source electrode S and the pixel electrode
PX are electrically connected with each other via a through hole
TH1 formed in the connecting region. The reason that the connecting
region is arranged in a state that the connecting region intrudes
toward the gate signal line GL side is to ensure the numerical
aperture. Further, the resistance of the line becomes dominant at a
narrowest portion of the line. In the constitution shown in FIG. 9,
the gate signal line GL has a hole at an intersecting portion
thereof with the video signal line DL and is formed into two
portions which have a narrow line width and these two portions are
merged again to form the bold line. This branching of the gate
signal line GL into two portions is, when the short-circuiting is
generated between the gate signal line GL and the video signal line
DL, to enable the correction of the short-circuiting by separating
the branched portion where the short-circuiting is generated. Since
the total line width of the gate signal line GL is narrow at this
portion, with respect to the resistance of the gate signal line GL,
the value becomes dominant at the portion having this width.
Accordingly, by forming the connecting portion with the pixel
electrode PX in a state that the connecting portion intrudes toward
the gate signal line GL side, the enhancement of numeral aperture
is realized and, at the same time, the substantial increase of the
resistance value of the gate signal line GL attributed to the
intrusion of the connecting portion can be restricted to a trivial
value. Further, the gate signal line GL is configured to have a
large width at the portion where the TFT is formed than the portion
where the gate signal line GL crosses the video signal line DL or
the vicinity of the connecting portion with the pixel electrode PX.
Accordingly, it is possible to ensure the large channel width of
the TFT and hence, the display device which exhibits the high yield
rate and the high image quality can be realized.
<<<Common Signal Line and Common Electrode>>>
[0107] In the pixel shown in FIG. 9, the common signal line CL
extends in parallel with the gate signal line GL. The common signal
line CL is formed of a metal material on the same layer as the gate
signal line GL as an example. The common signal line CL is
connected with the common electrode CT. Here, in the application of
the present invention to a reflective-type display device, for
example, the common electrode CT may be formed integrally with the
common signal line CL using the same material. However, when the
common electrode CT adopts the planar constitution as shown in FIG.
9, to use the display element CEL in the transmission display, it
is necessary to use the common electrode CT formed of a transparent
electrode. Accordingly, the electrical connection between the
common electrode CT and the common signal line CL is constituted as
the connection of different layers. Since the common electrode CT
and the common signal line CL constitute the different layers, in
performing the connection, there arises a phenomenon that one layer
gets over another layer and a disconnection may occur at the
get-over portion. Accordingly, the prevention of such a
disconnection becomes important for ensuring a yield rate.
[0108] FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B show an example of a case in which the
common signal line CL is formed above the common electrode CT and
the common signal line CL directly gets over the common electrode
CT. In the constitution shown in FIG. 12B, when the common signal
line CL gets over the common electrode CT, the get-over portions OH
are formed on both sides of the common electrode CT. These get-over
portions OH are extremely thin having the same width with the
common signal line CL as can be understood from the drawing. When
the disconnection occurs also on either one of these get-over
portions OH, the common electrode CT cause a line defect.
Accordingly, this example provides the structure which largely
influences the yield rate.
[0109] FIG. 12A shows the improved structure, wherein end portions
or end sides of the common electrode CT are arranged to fall within
the width of the common signal line CL. In other words, the common
electrode CT is arranged such that the end portions thereof are
arrange to be positioned in the midst of the common signal line CL
in the widthwise direction. Accordingly, it is possible to ensure a
region where the common signal line CL extends without being
overlapped to the common electrode CT and hence, it is possible to
set the possibility of occurrence of complete disconnection at an
extremely low level. Further, it is possible to prolong an
extension length of the end sides of the common electrode CT on the
common signal line CL and hence, even when the disconnection occurs
by a chance, it is possible to supply the common potential to the
common electrode CT from the common signal line CL through other
portion. Accordingly, it is possible to ensure the highly reliable
connection having redundancy and hence, the high-quality display
device can be realized with a high yield rate.
<<<Connection of Common Potential of Upper and Lower
Pixels>>>
[0110] By electrically connecting the common potentials of the
neighboring upper and lower pixels, the common potentials are made
stable. In FIG. 9, the electrical connection is established using
the bridge line BR.
[0111] In FIG. 9, the common signal line CL includes a projecting
portion or a large-width portion at a portion thereof. This portion
constitutes a common potential connecting portion CC of upper and
lower pixels to which the common potential is supplied from the
common signal line CL. The bridge line BR is connected to the
common potential connecting portion CC via a through hole TH2. The
bridge line BR is arranged over the gate signal line GL in a
spaced-apart manner by way of at least the gate insulation film GI,
traverses the gate signal line GL and extends to another
neighboring pixel. In another pixels which are arranged close to
the pixel in the vertical direction, a different island-like common
potential connecting portion CC is formed. The common potential
connecting portion CC is formed of the same metal as the common
signal line CL, for example, and has at least a portion thereof
overlapped to the common electrode CT. The bridge line BR is
connected with this island-like common potential connecting portion
CC by way of the through hole TH2. Accordingly, it is possible to
establish the electric connection of the common potentials of the
neighboring pixels in the vertical direction.
[0112] The different island-like common potential connecting
portion CC may, in the structure which forms the common signal line
CL on the portion, be integrally formed with the common signal line
CL. However, by supplying the matrix-like common potentials using
the bride line BR, a demand for the line resistance of the common
signal line CL is reduced and hence, by forming the common signal
line CL only on one end side of the pixel, it is possible to
increase the numerical aperture correspondingly.
[0113] Further, even when the bridge line BR is directly connected
to the common electrode CT without through the common potential
connecting portion CC, it is possible to achieve the matrix power
supply with respect to the electrical connection. However, to take
the yield rate and the image quality into consideration, it is more
preferable to establish the electric connection via the common
potential connecting portion CC.
[0114] That is, since the connection is performed via the through
hole, a layer thickness of the liquid crystal layer differs in the
vicinity of the through hole and hence, there may be formed a
region where leaking of light occurs due to a reason that the
orientation treatment is not performed sufficiently whereby the
image quality is liable to be easily lowered. Accordingly, by
forming the common potential connecting portion CC using a metal
material which generally possesses the light blocking property, it
is possible to achieve the light blocking of the through hole
portion. It is needless to say that, in the reflective-type
structure or the like in which the common electrode CT is made of a
metal material, the common electrode CT also serves as the common
potential connecting portion CC.
[0115] Further, the connection at the common potential connecting
portion CC is established by connecting the bridge line BR to the
through hole. That is, the bridge line BR is patterned by etching.
When the display device is normally manufactured, the material and
the connection structure of the bridge line BR and the common
electrode CT do not influence the yield rate. However, in
performing the patterning by exposing the bridge line BR, there
exists a step in which a photo resist is formed in a same shape as
the bridge line BR, the etching is performed using the photo resist
as a mask, and an extra portion around the bridge line BR is
removed. Since the bridge line BR is formed as an isolated thin
pattern, the bridge line BR is formed in a pattern with which the
photo resist which constitutes a mask during etching is extremely
easily peeled off. Further, when the photo resist is peeled off,
the bridge line BR of the through hole portion is removed by
etching and, at the same time, the lines and the electrodes
arranged below the through hole portion are directly exposed to the
etching. Here, assuming that the lines or pattern below the through
hole portion are made of the same material as the bridge line BR,
the pattern below the through hole portion are etched. When the
bridge line BR is made of the same material such as ITO, SnO or the
like as the transparent electrode or the common potential
connecting portion CC as an example, the transparent electrode of
the common potential connecting portion CC is remarkably etched in
the horizontal direction thus arising the possibility that a defect
occurs in an image display region in the inside of the pixel.
Assuming that the common signal line CL is also made of the same
material, this defect may lead to the disconnection of the common
signal line CL. This becomes a cause of lowering the yield rate.
Accordingly, by providing the common potential connecting portion
CC which is made of the material different from the material of the
bridge line BR, even when a defect occurs by a chance during the
step for forming the bridge line BR, it is possible to obviate the
occurrence of the display defect of the pixel. This is because that
when the defect occurs only on the bridge line BR, so long as one
connection is allocated to the plurality of pixels, it is still
possible to maintain the bridge connection effect and hence, it is
possible to obtain only the image quality improvement effect
attributed to the bridge line BR.
[0116] Further, by arranging the common electrode CT such that the
common electrode CT is brought into contact with the lower portion
of the common potential connecting portion CC, even when the common
electrode CT and the bridge line BR are made of the same type of
material, it is possible to provide a protective region at the time
of etching using the common potential connecting portion CC made of
different material in a wide range whereby the possibility of
deteriorating the yield rate can be fundamentally eliminated.
[0117] Further, the bridge line BR traverses the gate signal line
GL and hence, the bridge line BR forms the parasitic capacitance
with gate signal line GL. To reduce this parasitic capacitance, it
is desirable to use a conductive layer remotest from the gate
signal line GL as the bridge line BR.
[0118] In total, it is desirable that the bridge line BR is formed
of the transparent electrode made of a material such as ITO, SnO,
ITZO, IZO, ZnO or the like formed on the protective film PAS and
the common potential connecting portion CC is made of the same
metal material as the common signal line CL.
[0119] Further, in the example shown in FIG. 9, the common
electrode CT is constituted of a planar electrode and is formed of
a transparent electrode made of a material such as ITO, SnO, ITZO,
IZO, ZnO or the like. Accordingly, it is desirable that the common
electrode CT is connected to the common potential connecting
portion CC from below the common potential connecting portion CC.
Here, when both of the common electrode CT and the bridge line BR
are formed of the transparent electrode, it is preferable to use
the same transparent electrode material such as ITO, for example,
from a viewpoint of the common use of a film forming device and an
etching device in the manufacturing steps.
[0120] Further, in the constitution shown in FIG. 9, the pixel
electrode PX is positioned above the common electrode CT and
includes a large number of fine line-like-like portions or
slit-like portions. When the display element is used as the element
for transmissive display, it is also preferable that the pixel
electrode PX is also formed of the same transparent electrode
material. By forming the pixel electrode PX on the same layer as
the bridge line BR, it is possible to obviate the increase of the
number of layers of the layer structure and hence, the number of
steps can be obviated.
[0121] In FIG. 9, one end of the pixel electrode PX is arranged to
be overlapped to the common potential connecting portion CC. In the
common potential connecting portion CC, the bridge line BR to which
the common potential is applied is formed on the same layer as the
pixel electrode PX and constitutes a singular point in the display
device which performs the display using the electric field
generated between the potential of the pixel electrode PX and the
common potential. Since the direction of the electric field differs
from the originally intended direction, this becomes a cause of the
deterioration of the image quality. Accordingly, by overlapping
this region on the common potential connecting portion CC having
the light blocking property, the influence is eliminated. Further,
for that end, a shape of an end side of the common potential
connecting portion CC and a shape of an end side of the pixel
electrode PX have the similar shapes in a region where the common
potential connecting portion CC and the pixel electrode PX are
overlapped to each other.
[0122] Here, the common potential connecting portion CC is formed
in a shape where the pixel-electrode-PX-side corner portions
thereof are cut. This provision is made to eliminate the undesired
light blocking region thus enhancing the numerical aperture. In
this case, as shown in FIG. 9, the pixel electrode PX and the
common potential connecting portion CC are configured to be
overlapped to each other at three sides which are unparallel to
each other and the pixel electrode PX and the common potential
connecting portion CC, that is, the light blocking layers extend in
parallel.
[0123] Here, by forming the vicinity of the connecting portion of
the bridge line BR in the same manner, it is possible to minimize
the required light blocking region.
[0124] In this region, the distance between the pixel electrode PX
and the bridge line BR as viewed in parallel is set longer than the
distance between the bridge line BR and the common electrode CT as
viewed in parallel. This provision is made to obviate the
short-circuiting attributed to the constitution that the pixel
electrode PX and the bridge line BR are formed on the same layer
and, at the same time, to sufficiently ensure the contact surface
area between the common electrode CT and the common potential
connecting portion CC.
<<<Arrangement of Group of Pixels>>>
[0125] The pixel electrode PX shown in FIG. 9 is configured such
that a large number of slits extend in one direction and the
direction differs among the pixels which are arranged close to each
other in the upper, lower, left and right directions. Due to such a
constitution, it is possible to enlarge the viewing angle
irrespective of the kind of color. Here, this arrangement of the
group of pixels relates to the viewing angle enlarging effect and
even with respect to a case in which a plurality of directions
exist in the inside of one pixel or a case in which the same
direction is given in all pixels, these cases can obtain other
advantageous effects attributed to other disclosed
constitutions.
[0126] Further, the color filters CF are, as an example, are
arranged such that, as shown in FIG. 3, wherein the color filters
CF are common in the longitudinal direction and the color filters
of colors R, G, B are arranged in the lateral direction. In
arranging the color filters CF, it is desirable to form the black
matrix BM as a partition between the color filters CF and a light
blocking layer for enhancing a contrast ratio due to the light
shielding of undesired regions. FIG. 10 shows an example of a case
in which a black matrix BM is formed with respect to a pattern
shown in FIG. 9. The black matrix BM is formed in principle such
that the end portions of the black matrix BM falls within the
inside of the region where the pixel electrode PX is formed.
However, since the common potential connecting portion CC functions
as a light blocking layer in the portion of the common potential
connecting portion CC, it may be possible to form a boundary in a
region which exceeds the pixel electrode PX.
<<<Cross-Sectional Structure>>>
[0127] The cross-sectional structure of an essential part of the
pixel shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 10 is sequentially explained.
[0128] FIG. 11 shows the cross-sectional structure of a A-A'
portion shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 10. On the first substrate SUB1,
the common electrode CT is formed as the lowermost layer. As an
example, the common electrode CT is formed of a transparent
electrode, for example, made of ITO. The gate signal line GL and
the common signal line CL are made of metal. The gate signal line
GL extends between the regions where the common electrode CT is
formed. The common signal line CL has a portion thereof formed in a
state that the portion gets over the common electrode CT and
supplies the common potential to the common electrode CT. Further,
since common signal line CL is arranged such that the whole thereof
does not get over the common electrode CT, the disconnection of the
common signal line CL is obviated. The gate insulation film GI is
formed in a state that the gate insulation film GI covers the
common electrode CT, the common signal line CL and the gate signal
line GL. On the gate insulation film GI, a metal layer S which is
extended from the source electrode S of the switching element TFT
is arranged and this extended portion constitutes a connecting
portion with the pixel electrode PX. For this end, the gate signal
line GL on the A-A' cross section has a small line width. The
protective film PAS is formed on the source electrode S. The pixel
electrode PX is formed of the transparent electrode, for example,
ITO in the same manner as the common electrode and is arranged on
the protective film PAS. The pixel electrode PX and the source
electrode S are connected with each other via the through hole TH1
formed in the protective film PAS, while the video signal which is
supplied from the video signal line DL is supplied to the pixel
electrode PX through the switching element TFT. The orientation
film AL is formed on the pixel electrode PX and the initial
orientation treatment is applied to the orientation film AL on
demand. On a back surface of the substrate SUB1, the first
polarizer PL1 is formed.
[0129] The second substrate SUB2 is arranged to face the first
substrate SUB1 in an opposed manner. Black matrixes BM which block
the undesired leaking of light are formed on the second substrate
SUB2. Color filters CF are formed in a state that end portions
thereof are overlapped to the black matrixes BM. Although two color
filters CF are shown in a spaced apart manner in the drawing, since
the color of the color filters CF in the A-A' cross-sectional
direction is equal, the color filters CF may be integrally formed.
The overcoat film OC is formed in a state that the overcoat film OC
covers the color filters CF and the black matrixes BM. An
orientation film AL is formed on the overcoat film OC. On a back
surface side of the second substrate SUB2, the second polarizer PL2
is formed. A conductive layer such as ITO may be formed between the
second substrate SUB2 and the second polarizer PL2 on demand. This
is because that such a constitution brings about an advantageous
effect of blocking a leaked electric field and of reducing EMI.
Further, it is also possible to prevent the undesired static
electricity from influencing the display of the liquid crystal
layer.
[0130] The liquid crystal layer LC is formed between the substrate
SUB1 and the substrate SUB2. An electric field is generated by
applying a voltage difference between the pixel electrode PX and
the common electrode CT and the orientation of the liquid crystal
molecules of the liquid crystal layer LC is changed from the
initial orientation direction by the electric field thus
controlling the visible display image.
[0131] The initial orientation direction ORI imparted by the
orientation films AL of the substrate SUB1 and the substrate SUB2
is parallel to the substrate SUB1 and the substrate SUB2, wherein
the relationship which the initial orientation direction ORI makes
with the polarization transmission axes of the polarizers PL1, PL2
assumes the relationship which is explained in conjunction with
FIG. 8 as one example. Due to such a constitution, it is possible
to realize the normally black characteristics in which the display
exhibits black when the voltage is not applied and the brightness
is increased along with the applying of the voltage.
[0132] FIG. 13 is the cross-sectional structure taken along a line
B-B' in FIG. 9 or FIG. 10. On the protective film PAS, the bridge
line BR which is formed of the transparent electrode, for example,
ITO is formed on the same layer as the pixel electrode PX. The
bridge line BR electrically connects the common electrodes CT of
the pixels arranged close to each other in the upper and lower
directions. The pixel which corresponds to the lower pixel shown in
FIG. 9 or FIG. 10 corresponds to the left-side pixel region in FIG.
13. The common potential connecting portion CC in the region is
overlapped to the common electrode CT from above the common
electrode CT and is electrically connected with the common
electrode CT. The common potential connecting portion CC is formed
of the same metal layer as the gate signal line GL. The common
potential connecting portion CC is connected with the bridge line
BR via the through hole TH2. Here, the bridge line BR and the
common electrode CT are not directly connected with each other and
the common potential connecting portion CC made of the metal
material is interposed between them thus realizing the enhancement
of the above-mentioned yield rate. The bridge line BR traverses the
gate signal line GL by way of the gate insulation film GI and the
protective film PAS. By making these traversing lines spaced apart
from each other as much as possible, it is possible to suppress the
parasitic capacitance. The bridge line BR which traverses the gate
signal line GL is connected with another common potential
connecting portion CC via the through hole TH3. The common
potential connecting portion CC is integrally formed with the
common signal line CL. Further, by connecting the common electrode
CT as the lower layer, the electric connection between the pixels
is established.
[0133] FIG. 14 is the cross-sectional structure taken along a line
C-C' in FIG. 9 or FIG. 10. This drawing particularly relates to the
explanation of the structure of the switching element TFT portion.
In the region, the blocking of light of the switching element TFT
is necessary and hence, the black matrixes BM which constitute the
light blocking layer are formed over the whole region of the
substrate SUB2. The gate signal lines GL formed on the substrate
SUB1 are, since hole portions are formed in the gate signal lines
GL to perform the above-mentioned correction, arranged in a spaced
apart manner in FIG. 14. Although the video signal line DL extends
in the hole portion, to reduce the possibility of disconnection of
the video signal line DL at the time of getting over the gate
signal line GL before and after the hole portion, the semiconductor
layer a-Si is formed below the video signal line DL. The connecting
portion extends toward the gate signal line GL from the video
signal line DL and is connected to the drain electrode D of the
switching element TFT. The source electrode S is sandwiched by the
drain electrodes D from both sides and the semiconductor layer a-Si
is formed between these two drain electrodes D thus forming the
channel region of the switching element TFT. Here, usually, a
high-concentration doped layer n.sup.+ is formed on an upper
surface of the semiconductor layer, wherein the high-concentration
doped layer n.sup.+ remains between the drain electrode D, the
source electrode S and the semiconductor layer a-Si and is removed
in the channel region between the drain electrode D and the source
electrode S thus enhancing the characteristics of the switching
element TFT. However, the constitution is omitted from the
drawing.
[0134] FIG. 15 is the cross-sectional structure taken along a line
D-D' in FIG. 9 or FIG. 10. The black matrix BM is arranged between
the pixels which are arranged close to each other in the lateral
direction thus interrupting the undesired leaking of light. The
color filters CF which are arranged close to each other in the
lateral direction differ in color from each other and hence, the
color filters CF exhibit the different colors from each other. In
each pixel, the common electrode CT is formed in a planar shape and
is formed of the transparent electrode such as ITO, for example, in
case of the transmissive-type display element. When the common
electrode CT is used for the reflective-type display element, the
metal layer is used as the common electrode CT. The pixel electrode
PX is formed on the protective film PAS and is formed of the
transparent electrode such as ITO, for example, in case of the
display element for transmissive display. Since the pixel electrode
PX is directly formed below the orientation film, even in the
display element CEL for reflective-type display, the pixel
electrode PX is preferably made of the transparent electrode from a
viewpoint of enhancing the reliability.
[0135] The pixel electrode PX includes a large number of line-like
portions, wherein portions between the line-like portions form
regions which expose the common electrode CT between the pixel
electrodes PX. Accordingly, a route which terminates the electric
field from the pixel electrode PX at the common electrode CT is
formed and, by driving the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid
crystal layer LC by the electric field, the image display can be
achieved. When both of the pixel electrode PX and the common
electrode CT are formed of the transparent electrode for
transmissive display, the substantially whole display region
becomes transparent and hence, it is possible to realize the highly
bright display device which exhibits the high optical
transmissivity.
[0136] Further, since the directions of the electrodes can be
controlled by the directions of the line-like portions or the slit
portions formed in the upper electrodes such as the pixel
electrodes PX, even when the gate signal lines GL and the video
signal lines DL are arranged orthogonally, it is possible to freely
set the directions of the electrodes without hardly influencing the
numerical aperture.
<<Another Example of Detailed Example of Pixel>>
[0137] In FIG. 9, one example of the detailed structure of the
pixel which is preferably applicable to the display element CEL is
shown. The constitution and the advantageous effects explained in
<<<TFT portion>>>, the constitution and the
advantageous effects explained in <<<pixel electrode
connecting portion>>>, the constitution and the
advantageous effects explained in <<<common signal line
and common electrode>>>, and the constitution and the
advantageous effects explained in <<<Connection of common
potentials of upper and lower pixels>>> can be obtained by
pixels having other various planar constitutions. One example of
these pixels is explained.
[0138] FIG. 62 is a view which corresponds to FIG. 9 and shows the
planar constitution of the pixel. The largest point which makes the
constitution shown in FIG. 62 different from the constitution shown
in FIG. 9 lies in that the arrangement of slits formed in the pixel
electrode PX is common with respect to respective pixels. In FIG.
62, the direction of the slits in the pixel electrodes PX differs
between an upper region of the pixel and a lower region of the
pixel. That is, the slits are arranged downwardly as the slits
extend toward one side surface of the pixel in the upper region,
while the slits are arranged upwardly as the slits extend toward
one side surface of the pixel in the lower region. That is, the
slits are arranged in the direction that the slits are converged to
the center of the pixel. Due to such a constitution, the correction
of the viewing angle can be performed in the inside of one
pixel.
[0139] Different from the constitution shown in FIG. 9, in the
constitution shown in FIG. 62, there exist regions where the
directions of the slits differs, that is, the upper region and the
lower region in the inside of one pixel and hence, the use
efficiency of the pixel is lowered at the center region which
constitutes a boundary between two regions. Accordingly, the
numerical aperture is slightly reduced. However, in the display
device which is used as a screen of a PC monitor or the Internet,
there may be a case that the constitution shown in FIG. 62 which
always realizes the correction of the viewing angle with respect to
any images is suitable. It is possible to select either one of the
above-mentioned constitution shown in FIG. 62 and the constitution
which maximizes the brightness in FIG. 9 and is particularly
suitable for display of natural scene such as the TV set depending
on the usage or application and there may be a case that the
constitution shown in FIG. 62 is suitable. In this case, in the
image of the PC monitor or the Internet, there is no continuity in
the information which is observed in the natural scene between the
pixels and hence, the importance of the necessity of stability of
the common potential between the pixels is further increased
compared to the case of the constitution shown in FIG. 9. Even in
such a case, in the constitution where the direction of the slits
formed in the pixel electrode PX differs between the upper region
and the lower region of the pixel, by providing the bridge line BR
so as to connect the common electrodes CT between the upper and
lower neighboring pixels, it is possible to make the common
potential stable thus realizing the stable image display.
[0140] Further, when the bridge line BR is formed in the
constitution where the direction of the slits formed in the pixel
electrodes PX differs between the upper region and the lower region
of the pixel PX, the manner of arranging the bridge line BR gives
the different influence to the numerical aperture. In FIG. 62, to
enhance the numerical aperture, the bridge line BR is formed on a
side where the slits are converged. Further, the common potential
connecting portions CC are provided respectively corresponding to
upper and lower end portions of the side where the slits are
converged. Due to such a constitution, it is possible to enhance
the numerical aperture compared to the case in which the common
potential connecting portions CC are formed on the side where the
slits are diffused.
[0141] Further, in the constitution shown in FIG. 62, as an
example, in the center region of the pixel electrode PX, a pattern
in which the pixel electrode PX repeats the expansion and the
contraction of a width thereof at least three times is formed. Due
to such a constitution, it is possible to provide the constitution
whose boundary between the upper region and the lower region of the
pixel electrode PX can be hardly observed with eyes and hence it is
possible to enhance the integrity of the pixel. Further, in the
center region of the pixel electrode PX, the pattern in which the
pixel electrode PX repeats the expansion and the contraction of the
width at least three times is suitable for avoiding the rapid
change of the potential of the pixel electrode PX. This
constitution is particularly effective in the display image or the
display method which requires the transitional characteristics of
display, for example, a case in which the black image is written in
the screen periodically.
[0142] FIG. 63 is a view which corresponds to FIG. 10 and shows one
example of the planar structure of the pixel in a state that the
light blocking layer BM is formed on the constitution shown in FIG.
62.
[0143] FIG. 64 shows an example which slightly differs from the
constitution shown in FIG. 62 with respect to the constitution of
the center portion of the pixel.
[0144] In FIG. 64, the slits formed in the pixel electrode PX are
formed such that the upward slits and the downward slits are
alternately meshed with each other at the center region of the
pixel. In FIG. 64, this constitution also simultaneously adopts the
above-mentioned pattern in which the pixel electrode PX repeats the
expansion and the contraction of a width thereof at least three
times. By adopting the constitution in which the upward slits and
the downward slits formed in the pixel electrodes PX are
alternately meshed with each other at the center region of the
pixel, it is possible to enhance the utilization efficiency of the
pixel at the center region whereby the brightness can be
enhanced.
<<Dummy Pixel Region>>
<<<Arrangement of Pixels at Corner
Portions>>>
[0145] As shown in FIG. 16A. a dummy pixel region DMY is arranged
in the periphery of the display region DR of the display element
CEL. This provision is made to approximate the conditions such as
parasitic capacitance and the like of the pixel at an outermost
periphery of the display region and other pixels as close as
possible.
[0146] Here, the dummy pixel region DMY can be divided into a
plurality of regions as shown in FIG. 16B. That is, the dummy pixel
region DMY can be divided into an upper dummy pixel region D(D), a
lower dummy pixel region L(D), a left dummy pixel region D(G) and a
right dummy pixel region D(LD). By repeating a pattern which is
equal to a pattern in the inside the display regions in these dummy
pixels, it is possible to arrange the conditions between the dummy
pixel region and the display region. Further, from a viewpoint of
neutralizing the influence with respect to any display, it is
possible to adopt the structure which exposes only the common
potential. This is because that even with respect to the pixels
used for display, at the time of performing the black display, the
common potential is applied to both of the pixel electrode PX and
the common electrode CT.
[0147] Here, with respect to the group of pixels on the outermost
periphery of the display region which are arranged in parallel in
the lateral direction, for example, with respect to the group of
pixels on the outermost periphery which are arranged in parallel in
D (LD) in FIG. 16B, the degree of influence from the D(DL) is
substantially equal between the neighboring pixels. Further, with
respect to the group of pixels on the outermost periphery of the
display region which are arranged in parallel in the longitudinal
direction, for example, with respect to the group of pixels on the
outermost periphery which are arranged in parallel in D (G) in FIG.
16B, the degree of influence from the D(G) is substantially equal
between the neighboring pixels. However, with respect to the dummy
pixel C1 at the corner portion which constitutes a position where
the D (LD) and the D (G) intersect imparts the influence singularly
to the pixel at the corner portion of the effective display region
DR which is closest to the C1. Here, since the brightness change
which is singularly generated at the characteristic portion such as
the pixel of the corner portion may bring about the possibility
that all products have the defects in common among products and
hence, it is necessary to eliminate such possibility.
[0148] Accordingly, the present invention adopts the constitution
which allows the directions of the electrodes of the pixels at the
corner portions to hardly receive the influence from the dummy
pixels at the closest corner portions.
[0149] FIG. 17 is a schematic explanatory view and schematically
shows the arrangement of the electrodes of the pixel at corner
portions in the inside of the effective display region DR which is
closest to the dummy pixels C1, C2, C3, C4 at the four corner
portions of the dummy pixel region DMY. This arrangement is
characterized in that the respective pixels at the corner portions
of the display region adopt the electrode arrangement which hardly
receives the influence of the electric field from the dummy pixels
at the corner portions.
[0150] This constitution is explained more easily in conjunction
with FIG. 18. FIG. 18A shows that the dummy pixels C1, C2, C3, C4
are formed on the corner portions of the display region DR by
taking the center of the display region DR into consideration. Here
considered is a case in which in the group of pixels in the
effective display region, groups of pixels having two electrode
directions shown in FIG. 18B and FIG. 18C which correspond to FIG.
2A and FIG. 2B are present. Here considered is a line segment which
connects C1 and C2 in FIG. 18A, that is, an imaginary direction of
the electric field extending toward the effective display region
from the dummy pixel and the influence of the electric field with
the electrode shape shown in FIG. 18B and FIG. 18C using a dotted
line. In case of the direction of slits shown in FIG. 18B, an acute
angle .theta.1 which the dotted line and the slits make is set
smaller than an angle .theta.2 which the dotted line and the slits
make in case of the direction of slits shown in FIG. 18C. In case
of the direction of slits shown in FIG. 18B, the opening portions
of the slits are arranged to approach the dummy pixels and hence,
the arrangement is liable to easily receive the influence of the
electric field from the dummy pixel. To the contrary, In case of
the direction of slits shown in FIG. 18C, the arrangement is liable
to hardly receive the influence of the electric field from the
dummy pixel. Accordingly, it is desirable that the pixels at the
corner portions corresponding to C1, C3 have the electrode pattern
shown in FIG. 18C. To the contrary, the pixel shown in FIG. 18B is
desirable as the pixels in the vicinity of C2 and C4.
[0151] Here, as shown in FIG. 18B and FIG. 18C, the explanation has
been made with respect to the case in which the lower electrode LE
which constitutes the lower layer is formed in a planar shape and
the upper electrode UE which constitutes the upper layer is formed
in a slit shape. However, the same goes for a vertical orientation
method in which only the upper electrodes UE are formed on one
substrate provided that the slits are formed.
[0152] Although the relationship may be inverted depending on the
voltage and the shape of the dummy pixels at the corner portions,
the present invention returns to FIG. 17 and the desirable
constitution is required to satisfy the following (1).
[0153] (1) The dummy pixels include the line-like electrodes or
slits, wherein the direction of the line-like electrodes or slits
is equal between the pixels formed on the corner portions which
face in an opposed manner and at least in the vicinities of the
corner portions. It is more preferable that the following (2) is
satisfied in addition to the above-mentioned (1).
[0154] (2) The dummy pixels include the line-like electrodes or
slits, wherein the direction of the line-like electrodes or slits
differs between the pixels which are most spaced apart from each
other on the same side or at least in the vicinities of the corner
portions.
[0155] To define the above-mentioned arrangement in view of the
object, it is safe to say that the electrode arrangement of the
pixels in respective corner portions of the effective display
region assumes the arrangement which suppresses the influence from
the dummy pixels at the corner portions.
[0156] To define the dummy pixels with respect to the case
corresponding to the explanation of FIG. 18, the definition becomes
as follows (3).
[0157] (3) When two kinds of pixels which differ in the direction
of the line-like electrodes or the slits are provided, it is safe
to say that with respect to the direction of the linear electrodes
or slits formed in the pixels at the corner portions, by comparing
an acute intersecting angle which the direction of the line-like
electrodes or the slits makes with respect to a line which connects
the corner portion and the center of the display region, the pixels
having the direction of the slits or the electrodes which
intersects with an angle larger than the acute intersecting angle
are arranged.
<<<Supply of Common Potential Using Dummy Pixel
Region>>>
[0158] FIG. 19 is a view for explaining the supply of the common
potential using the dummy pixel region in the vicinity of the
corner portion and shows the region in the vicinity of the CI shown
in FIG. 16 or FIG. 17.
[0159] Below the pixel on the display region at the lowermost side,
a dummy gate line DMYG is arranged, wherein the dummy pixels are
arranged such that the conditions thereof approximate the
conditions of other pixels. Below the dummy gate line DMYG, the
dummy pixel region, that is, the dummy pixel region which
corresponds to the D(LD) in FIG. 16 or FIG. 17 extends. The
structure of the dummy pixel region D (LD) is explained in
conjunction with FIG. 20A which show the cross-sectional structure
taken along a line A-A' in FIG. 19.
[0160] A dummy common signal line DMYC to which the common
potential is supplied on the same layer with the common signal line
CL extends with a large width. Due to this constitution, a bus line
for supplying the common potential of low resistance is formed. The
gate insulation film GI is formed on the dummy common signal line
DMYC and the video signal line DL extends on the gate insulation
film GI. The protective film PAS is formed in a state that the
protective film PAS covers the video signal line DL. A PAS hole HL
is formed in the protective film PAS and the gate insulation film
GI in a region between the video signal lines DL. An upper shield
electrode US is integrally formed with the bridge line BR using a
transparent electrode in a state that the upper shield electrode US
covers the PAS hole HL. Due to such a constitution, in respective
pixels in the dummy region, the reference potential appears on the
uppermost layer and hence, the potential is made stable. Further,
the common potential is supplied to the respective pixels in the
longitudinal direction from the dummy common potential line DMYC
which functions as the bus line of low resistance via the bridge
line BR and hence, the reduction of the power supply resistance of
the common potential can be achieved.
[0161] The dummy common potential line DMYC and the dummy gate
signal line DMYG are connected with each other on a left side in
FIG. 19 thus obviating the change of the potential of the dummy
gate signal line DMYG Outside the group of outermost peripheral
pixels in the longitudinal direction on the left end, the dummy
pixel region extends along the D(G) in FIG. 16 or FIG. 17. In each
dummy pixel, an end portion of the common signal line CL forms a
large width portion. Further, the common potential connecting metal
line CMC is arranged close to the common signal line CL and an end
portion of the common potential connecting metal line CMC also has
a large width. These large-width portions are arranged close to
each other and are electrically connected with each other by an
upper shield electrode US. The explanation is made in conjunction
with FIG. 20B which is a cross-sectional view of a B-B' line
portion shown in FIG. 19. On the substrate SUB1, the large width
portion formed on the end portion of the common signal line CL is
formed below the gate insulation film GI. The large-width portion
of the common potential connecting metal line CMC is formed on the
gate insulation film GI in a state that the common potential
connecting metal line CMC is arranged close to the common signal
line CL. At these large-width portions, the PAS hole HL is formed
in the gate insulation film GI and the upper shield electrode US is
formed in a state that the upper shield electrode US covers the
hole portion whereby the common potential connecting metal line CMC
and the common signal line CL become electrically conductive with
each other. Further, the upper common connecting line UC is
electrically connected with the DMYC through another hole portion
thus realizing the supply of the common potential to the DMYC.
[0162] The common potential connecting metal line CMC and the gate
signal line GL are formed on the different layers. This is because
that the common potential is supplied to the common potential
connecting metal line CMC using the gate signal line GL toward the
display region from the outside on the left side in FIG. 19 and
hence, a large number of these lines are arranged in a closely
arranged manner corresponding to the number of the pixels whereby
the common potential connecting metal line CMC and the gate signal
line GL are formed on the different layers by way of the gate
insulation film GI for obviating the short-circuiting and the
electrolytic corrosion.
[0163] Also in the vicinities of other C3, C3, C4, in the dummy
pixel portion, the lower metal dummy electrode layer and the upper
shield electrode US are connected with each other via the PAS hole
HL and hence, the common potential is exposed whereby the potential
of the dummy pixel region is made stable.
<<<Dummy Pattern>>>
[0164] The dummy pixel region DMY is suitable for arranging the
dummy pattern for various purposes. Particularly, dummy pixel
region DMY is suitable for arranging a pattern to perform a quality
control. FIG. 21 is characterized by arranging a plurality of
measuring dummy patterns TEG-A, TEG-B, TEG-C on the dummy pixel
region DMY. These measuring dummy patterns may be scattered to
different sides, or may be concentrated on one side, or may be
formed respectively on a plurality of sides. The important point is
that the measuring dummy patterns are arranged in the dummy pixel
region which is arranged closest to the pixel.
[0165] The explanation is made with respect to a case in which the
dummy pattern adopts a pattern which measures film thicknesses of
the gate insulation film GI, the semiconductor layer a-Si, the
protective film PAS and the like.
[0166] The insulation film and the semiconductor layer are formed
by a CVD method. Accordingly, film thicknesses of the films which
are formed by peripheral patterns receive the influence. The
purpose of measuring the film thickness using the dummy patterns is
to know the film thicknesses within the display region and, for
example, to feedback the obtained information to the film forming
conditions in the manufacturing steps. Accordingly, even when the
dummy patterns are arranged remote from the display region and
obtain the information on different film thicknesses, the
information has no values. Accordingly, it is important to arrange
the dummy patterns on the dummy pixel region which is arranged
closest to the pixel.
[0167] FIG. 22 shows an example in which, for example, one
measuring dummy pattern TEG is formed in the dummy region shown in
FIG. 19. When a plurality of measuring dummy patterns TEG are
arranged in the dummy region, the measuring dummy patterns TEG may
be arranged on the separate dummy pixel in the dummy pixel region
arranged closest to the pixel based on the same technical concept
which is explained hereinafter.
[0168] In the dummy pixel where the measuring dummy pattern TEG is
arranged, a size of the PAS hole HL formed in the protection film
PAS is reduced. Then, on the region which is covered with the
obtained protective film PAS, the measuring dummy pattern TEG is
arranged.
[0169] The structure and the manner of using of the measuring dummy
pattern TEG related to the measurement of various film thicknesses
are explained with respect to examples of various measuring dummy
patterns TEG using the cross-sectional structure taken along a line
A-A' in FIG. 22.
[0170] FIG. 23A and FIG. 23B show the cross-sectional structure
taken along the line A-A' in FIG. 22, wherein FIG. 23A shows the
cross-sectional structure at the time of completion and FIG. 23B
shows the cross-sectional structure at the time of measuring. The
measuring dummy pattern TEG-A aims at the measurement of the film
thickness of the gate insulation film GI. In a stage after the
formation of the gate insulation film GI and prior to the formation
of the protective film PAS, as shown in FIG. 23B, a film thickness
of the gate insulation film GI is detected by an optical technique
which uses light Light. Since the common signal line CL is a metal
layer and hence reflects light, it is possible to know the film
thickness of the gate insulation film GI which is a transparent
film using an ellipsometer. In FIG. 23A which shows the
cross-sectional structure in the completed form, the region of the
measuring dummy pattern TEG-A is recognized as the dummy pixel
having the small hole in the protective film PAS.
[0171] FIG. 24A and FIG. 24B show the cross-sectional structure
taken along the line A-A' in FIG. 22, wherein FIG. 24A shows the
cross-sectional structure at the time of completion and FIG. 24B
shows the cross-sectional structure at the time of measuring. The
measuring dummy pattern TEG-B aims at the measurement of the total
film thickness of the gate insulation film GI and the semiconductor
layer a-Si. In a stage after the formation of the gate insulation
film GI and the formation of the semiconductor layer a-Si and prior
to the formation of the protective film PAS, as shown in FIG. 24B,
the total film thickness of the gate insulation film GI and the
semiconductor layer a-Si is detected by an optical technique which
uses light Light. By measuring the film thickness of the gate
insulation film GI alone using the technique shown in FIG. 23, it
is also possible to know the film thickness of the semiconductor
layer a-Si alone by the subtraction. In FIG. 24A which shows the
cross-sectional structure in the completed form, the region of the
measuring dummy pattern TEG-B is recognized as the dummy pixel in
which the isolated a-Si pattern remains.
[0172] FIG. 25A and FIG. 25B show the cross-sectional structure
taken along the line A-A' in FIG. 22, wherein FIG. 25A shows the
cross-sectional structure at the time of completion and FIG. 25B
shows the cross-sectional structure at the time of measuring. The
measuring dummy pattern TEG-C aims at the measurement of the film
thickness of the protective film PAS. The dummy video pattern DDL
constituted of the video signal lines DL is formed on the gate
insulation film GI. On the dummy video pattern DDL, the protective
film PAS is formed. By forming the dummy video pattern DDL using a
metal layer which is formed on the same layer as the video signal
line DL, it is possible to optically measure the film thickness of
the protective film PAS using the ellipsometer as shown in FIG.
25B.
[0173] Further, by performing the measurement after forming the
upper shield electrode US using the transparent electrode as shown
in FIG. 25A, it is possible to know the film thickness of the
transparent electrode by subtracting the film thickness of the
protective film PAS found in the step shown in FIG. 25B.
[0174] In FIG. 25A which shows the cross-sectional structure in the
completed form, the region of the measuring dummy pattern TEG-C is
recognized as the dummy pixel in which the pattern which is formed
on the same layer as the isolated video signal line DL remains.
<Module Structure>
[0175] An example of the module structure shown as the example in
FIG. 27 is explained in more detail.
<<Schematic Structure>>
[0176] FIG. 28A is a front view of the display device in a state
that the upper frame UFM is mounted. The upper frame UFM is formed
of a metal material. An example of a connecting portion ULC between
the upper frame UFM and the lower frame LFM is formed on each side.
Further, holes of positioning portions PDP are observed.
[0177] FIG. 28B, FIG. 28C, FIG. 28D and FIG. 28E are respectively
views corresponding to a lower surface, an upper surface, a left
surface and a right surface of the structure shown in FIG. 28A. The
upper frame UFM is formed in a state that the upper frame UFM is
bent and extended to side surface of respective sides thereof.
[0178] Although the upper and lower frame connecting portion ULC
are not observed in FIG. 28B and FIG. 28C, portions of the frame
connecting portions ULC are observed in FIG. 28D and FIG. 28E. This
structure is adopted to contract a profile size of portions other
than the display region of the display device. Accordingly,
although the upper frame strength outside the upper and lower frame
connecting portions ULC becomes weaker at a short side than a long
side of the upper frame, since the distance per se of the frame is
short with respect to the short side and hence, the influence on
the rigidity as a whole can be suppressed. Accordingly, it is
possible to achieve both of the contraction of the profile size and
the maintenance of the strength.
[0179] Further, to maintain the connection strength, the larger
number of the upper and lower frame connecting portions ULC are
formed on the long side than the short side.
[0180] FIG. 29 is a view showing the display device as viewed from
a back surface. Corresponding to the upper and lower frame
connecting portions ULC when the upper and lower frame connecting
portions ULC are viewed from the upper frame, the upper and lower
frame connecting portions ULC are also formed on the lower frame
LFM.
[0181] On the left side of the drawing, an inverter cover (high
voltage side) INCH is provided and an inverter printed circuit
board (high voltage side) is arranged below the inverter cover
INCH. The leaking electric field from the inverter is shielded by
the inverter cover (high voltage side) INCH. On the upper side of
the drawing, the controller (printed circuit board) and a cover of
the TCON (TCON cover) TCV are arranged. On the right side of the
drawing, an inverter cover (low voltage side) INCL is provided and
an inverter printed circuit board (low voltage side) is arranged
below the inverter cover INCL. The leaking electric field from the
low-voltage-side inverter printed circuit board is shielded by the
inverter cover (low voltage side) INCL.
[0182] Both of the inverter cover (high voltage side) INCH and the
TCON cover TCV are formed of metal for shielding and a large number
of holes are formed in the inverter cover (high voltage side) INCH
and the TCON cover TCV for heat radiation. The holes formed in the
TCON cover TCV are set smaller than the holes formed in the
inverter cover (high voltage side) INCH. With respect to the
frequency of the leaking electric field, the frequency of the
leaking electric field from the controller printed circuit board is
higher than the leaking electric field from the inverter printed
circuit board and hence, the heat radiation is achieved while
preventing the leaking of the electric field from the holes by
setting the holes formed in the TCON cover TCV small. On the other
hand, although the frequency from the inverter printed circuit
board is relatively small, an electric current is supplied to the
light source CFL and hence, the heat generation is large.
Accordingly, by forming the holes larger than the holes formed in
the TCON cover TCV, it is possible to obtain both of the heat
radiation and the shielding of the leaking electric field. Further,
by changing the sizes of these holes, the resonance frequency of
the metal shield plate can be dispersed and hence, the generation
of the resonance sounds can be prevented under any operation
conditions.
[0183] FIG. 30A to FIG. 30E are views for showing a state in which
the respective covers consisting of the inverter cover (high
voltage side) INCH, the inverter cover (low voltage side) INCL and
the TCON cover TCV are removed, wherein FIG. 30A is a view as
viewed from the back surface side.
[0184] On the left side of the drawing, an inverter printed circuit
board (high voltage side) INPH is formed. A large number of
inverter transformers are arranged on the inverter printed circuit
board (high voltage side) INPH. Further, a high-voltage-side output
is supplied to the light source through a connector.
[0185] On the right side of the drawing, an inverter printed
circuit board (low voltage side) INPL is formed. A low-voltage-side
end portion of the light source is arranged on a connector of the
inverter printed circuit board (low voltage side) INPL. The
inverter printed circuit board (low voltage side) INPL is divided
in two and the divided inverter printed circuit boards are arranged
as the inverter printed circuit board (low voltage side) INPL1 and
the inverter printed circuit board (low voltage side) INPL2.
[0186] The inverter printed circuit board (low voltage side) INPL
and the inverter printed circuit board (high voltage side) INPH are
connected with each other using an inverter printed circuit board
connection cable INCC. Due to such a constitution, the
low-voltage-side of the light source is connected to the connector
of the inverter printed circuit board connection cable INCC via a
line on the inverter printed circuit board (high voltage side) INPH
using a connector and the inverter printed circuit board connection
cable INCC is connected with the inverter printed circuit board
(high voltage side) INPH using a connector whereby the supply of
electricity to the low voltage side becomes possible.
[0187] On the lower frame LFM, inverter printed circuit board
common connecting portions CCFI which allow the connection of the
inverter printed circuit board to the lower frame LFM are formed.
The inverter printed circuit board common connecting portions CCFI
are formed on the lower frame LFM in the left-and-right symmetry.
That is, even when the inverter printed circuit board (high voltage
side) INPH and the inverter printed circuit board (low voltage
side) INPL are arranged in a reverse manner in the left and right
direction, it is possible to cope with the situation using the same
display device. This implies that since the heat generation from
the inverter printed circuit board is relatively large, by
adjusting the arrangement relationship with other heat generating
parts within a set of a liquid crystal TV set or the like, the heat
generation can be made uniform whereby it is possible to prevent
the generation of locally high-temperature portions.
[0188] Since the inverter printed circuit board (low voltage side)
INPL can be made smaller than the inverter printed circuit board
(high voltage side) INPH, an extra portion is formed at either side
of the inverter printed circuit board common connecting portion
CCFI. Accordingly, in the inverter printed circuit board (high
voltage side) INPH, the inverter printed circuit board common
connecting portion CCFI is fixed to the lower frame LFM using given
portions formed on both sides of the printed circuit board. In the
inverter printed circuit board (low voltage side) INPL, the
inverter printed circuit board common connecting portion CCFI is
fixed to the lower frame LFM using given portions formed on one
side of the printed circuit board. For this end, it is desirable
that a width of the inverter printed circuit board (low voltage
side) INPL is 1/2 or less of a width of the inverter printed
circuit board (high voltage side) INPH. It is more desirable that a
width of the inverter printed circuit board (low voltage side) INPL
is 1/3 or less of a width of the inverter printed circuit board
(high voltage side) INPH. This provision is made to ensure the
sufficient fixing strength by the fixing of the printed circuit
board to only one side of the lower frame LFM.
[0189] On the upper side of the drawing, a controller printed
circuit board is arranged. The controller TCON is formed on the
controller printed circuit board. Outputs from the controller TCON
are supplied to the display element CEL by a joiner (A) JNA, a
joiner (B) JNB and the like via the connectors CN1.
[0190] FIG. 30B, FIG. 30C, FIG. 30D and FIG. 30E are respectively
views corresponding to a lower surface, an upper surface, a left
surface and a right surface of the structure shown in FIG. 30A.
FIG. 30C shows that a printed circuit board PCB which supplies
signals to the video signal drive circuit of the display element
CEL is arranged on a side surface of the display device. By
connecting joiner (A) JNA and a joiner (B) JNB using the connector
CN2, various signals and voltages are supplied to the drain printed
circuit board DPCB and the controller TCON. The drain printed
circuit board DPCB is constituted of a drain printed circuit board
DPCB1 and a drain printed circuit board DPCB2. These printed
circuit boards DPCB1, DPCB2 are explained later.
[0191] FIG. 30D and FIG. 30E show a state that a large number of
cables from the inverter printed circuit board are arranged.
[0192] FIG. 31 shows a state in which the upper frame UFM shown in
FIG. 28A is removed. The intermediate frame MFM is arranged and the
display element CEL is stacked on the intermediate frame MFM. On an
upper side of the display element CEL, the video signal drive
circuit is formed using the tape carrier TCP as an example. The
video signal drive circuit is connected with either one of the
drain printed circuit boards DPCB1, DPCB2. On the left side of the
display element CEL, the gate printed circuit board GPCB is formed.
The gate printed circuit board GPCB is connected to the display
element CEL by the tape carrier TCP.
[0193] FIG. 32 is a perspective view focusing on the left upper
corner portion shown in FIG. 31. A signal from the drain printed
circuit board DPCB is applied to the DTCP and the video signal is
applied to the display element CEL. A signal from the gate printed
circuit board GPCB is applied to the GTCP and the gate signal is
applied to the display element CEL. The drain printed circuit board
DPCB and the gate printed circuit board GPCB are connected with
each other by the joiner JNC. Due to such a constitution, compared
to the case in which the gate printed circuit board GPCB is
directly connected from the controller TCON, it is possible to
reduce the distance of the joiner JNC and hence, the constitution
which is resistant to noises can be provided.
<<Fixing of Upper and Lower Frames>>
[0194] Next, the explanation is made with respect to the upper and
lower frame connecting portions ULC and positioning portions PDP.
FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing an exploded state of the
upper frame UFM, the intermediate frame MFM and the lower frame
LFM. In the upper and lower frame connecting portions ULC, the
upper frame UFM has projecting portions on a lower side thereof,
the lower frame LFM has projecting portions on an upper side
thereof, and hole portions are formed in the intermediate frame
MFM. With respect to the positioning portions PDP, the intermediate
frame MFM has projecting portions which are projected to the upper
frame UFM or the lower frame LFM and hole portions are formed on
the projection-side frame. This constitution is explained in more
detail. The upper and lower frame connecting portions ULC which
constitute an A line portion in FIG. 34 and the positioning
portions PDP which constitute a B line portion in FIG. 34 in a
fitting engagement state of the display device are respectively
explained in conjunction with FIG. 35 and FIG. 36.
[0195] FIG. 35A is a planar schematic view of the upper and lower
frame connecting portions ULC. Symbol MH indicates hole portions
formed in the intermediate frame MFM and symbol SC indicates fixing
screws.
[0196] FIG. 35B is a cross-sectional view taken along a line B-B'
in FIG. 35A. In the upper and lower frame connecting portions ULC,
the upper frame UFM projects downwardly and the lower frame LFM
projects upwardly. The holes MH are formed in the intermediate
frame MFM and the upper frame UFM and the lower frame LFM are
directly brought into contact with each other through the holes MH.
Due to such a constitution, the upper and lower frames can ensure
the direct contact with a large area with respect to the screw SC.
By directly connecting the upper frame UFM and the lower frame LFM
using the screw SC, the firm fixing can be realized. Further, since
the upper frame UFM and the lower frame LFM are brought into direct
contact with each other in a wide area around the screw SC, it is
possible to ensure the further fixed connection.
[0197] FIG. 35C is a cross-sectional view taken along a C-C' line
portion in FIG. 35A and shows that the upper frame UFM projects
downwardly and the lower frame LFM projects upwardly. FIG. 35D is a
cross-sectional view taken along a D-D' line portion in FIG. 35A
and shows a region in a state that the upper frame UFM and the
lower frame LFM are separated from each other. FIG. 35E is a
cross-sectional view taken along a E-E' line portion in FIG. 35A
and shows that the upper frame UFM is arranged above the
intermediate frame MFM and the lower frame LFM is arranged below
the intermediate frame MFM.
[0198] FIG. 36A and FIG. 36B are explanatory views related to the
positioning portions PDP, wherein FIG. 36A is a perspective plan
view and FIG. 36B is a cross-sectional view taken along a line B-B'
line portion in FIG. 36A. An upper projecting portion UP is
integrally formed on the intermediate frame MFM. This upper
projecting portion UP can realize the positioning or the alignment
of the upper frame UFM with respect to the intermediate frame MFM
together with a hole UH formed in the upper frame UFM. Further, a
lower projecting portion LP is integrally formed on the
intermediate frame MFM. This lower projecting portion LP can
realize the positioning or the alignment of the lower frame LFM
with respect to the intermediate frame MFM together with a hole LH
formed in the lower frame LFM.
[0199] As shown in FIG. 36A, the hole UH formed in the upper frame
UFM and the hole LH formed in the lower frame LFM are formed in
positions which are different in plane. This provision is provided
to release an undesired force or stress which may arise at the time
of connecting the upper frame UFM and the lower frame LFM by
displacing the positions of the hole UH formed in the upper frame
UFM and the hole LH formed in the lower frame LFM thus ensuring the
firm connection of the upper frame UFM and the lower frame LFM.
Further, it is also possible to obtain an advantageous effect that
a resonance point is also dispersed in the upper frame UFM and the
lower frame LFM so that the generation of the resonance sound can
be prevented.
<<Intermediate Frame>>
[0200] The intermediate frame MFM is formed of a resin-made member.
Further, as shown in FIG. 37, the intermediate frame MFM is divided
into four members consisting of a right intermediate frame MFMR, a
left intermediate frame MFML, an upper intermediate frame MFMT and
a lower intermediate frame MFMB. These four members are formed
independently from each other. Further, the respective members are
individually connected to the lower frame LFM. The direct fixing of
the divided intermediate frames MFM are not performed.
[0201] In the large-sized module, it is difficult to manufacture
the resin members with high accuracy. Further, even when the ideal
shape is ensured in an initial stage, due to the expansion and the
contraction which occur due to the temperature change, the shape is
displaced from a shape which is intended. This displacement of the
shape applies to the display element CEL and becomes a cause of
deterioration of the display quality of the display element CEL.
Further, this gives rise to generation of a stress and
deterioration of a vibration-resistant characteristic of the
module.
[0202] Accordingly, by dividing the resin-made intermediate frame
MFM in four and by preventing the divided intermediate frames from
being directly fixed to each other, a size of the intermediate
frame MFM per each member can be made small whereby the
intermediate frame MFM which can minimize the influence of the
expansion and the contraction attributed to heat can be
manufactured with high accuracy. Further, the respective
intermediate frames MFM are directly fixed to the metal-made lower
frame LFM from the intermediate frame MFM side using the screws.
Since the lower frame LFM is made of metal, the lower frame LFM can
be manufactured with accuracy and receives the least change of
shape attributed to the temperature change. Accordingly, it is
possible to maintain the position of the intermediate frame MFM
with high accuracy. In the above-mentioned upper and lower frame
connecting portions ULC, by directly fixing the upper frame UFM to
the lower frame LFM through the hole portion formed in the
intermediate frame MFM from the upper frame UFM side using the
screw, the direct firm fixing between the intermediate frame MFM
and the upper frame UFM is not provided. That is, both of the
intermediate frame MFM and the upper frame UFM are directly fixed
to the lower frame LFM, the reference of the position can be
unified to the lower frame LFM and hence, it is possible to
manufacture a module having the firm structure with high accuracy.
This structure is the structure which is extremely suitable for a
display device having a large size such as a large-sized TV
set.
[0203] Among four-split intermediate frames MFM, both of the
intermediate frame MFMT and the intermediate frame MFMU extend in
one direction, that is, the longitudinal direction (long-side
direction) of the display device and are formed to have a
relatively large length. On the other hand, the intermediate frame
MFML and the intermediate frame MFMR are configured to have a shape
which extends both of the lateral direction (short-side direction)
and the longitudinal direction of the display device, a length of
the portion in the longitudinal direction of the display device is
made shorter than a length of the portion of the lateral direction.
Due to such a constitution, the intermediate frame MFMT and the
intermediate frame MFMB can ensure the positional accuracy in the
lateral direction of the display element CEL, that is, the
positional accuracy in the vertical direction of the display
element CEL with high accuracy. Further, the intermediate frame
MFML and the intermediate frame MFMR can ensure the positional
accuracy in the longitudinal direction of the display element CEL,
that is, the positional accuracy in the horizontal direction of the
display element CEL with high accuracy. In this manner, by clearly
separating the directions that the positional accuracy is realized
for every member, it is also possible to ensure the accuracy even
when the resin-made members are applied to a large-sized display
device and hence, the undesired contraction of the profile size can
be prevented.
[0204] Further, the intermediate frame MFML and the intermediate
frame MFMR have portions thereof extended in the longitudinal
direction. To enhance the positional accuracy in the vertical
direction, it is desirable that the intermediate frame MFML and the
intermediate frame MFMR are not brought into contact with end
portions of the substrate of the display element CEL. Accordingly,
it is desirable that the horizontal distance between these two
intermediate frames and the end portion of the display element CEL
at the same height in the vertical direction of the substrate is
set longer than the horizontal distance between the intermediate
frames MFMT and MFMB and the end portion of the display element CEL
at the same height in the vertical direction of the substrate.
[0205] The intermediate frames MFM which are arranged close to each
other have, as shown in FIG. 33, projecting portions which are
displaced from each other. FIG. 38A is a view of the intermediate
frames MFM in an assembled state as viewed from above. The
intermediate frame MFMR and the intermediate frame MFMB have
projecting portions thereof in the horizontal direction meshed with
each other. Due to such a constitution, the assembly of the
intermediate frame MFM is facilitated. Further, in the vicinity of
the fitting portion, the intermediate frame MFMR and the
intermediate frame MFML are respectively individually and directly
fixed to the lower frame LFM using the screw SC. Due to such a
constitution, the accuracy of end portions of the respective
intermediate frames MFM can be realized. With respect to the
respective intermediate frames MFM, by directly fixing the
intermediate frames MFM to the lower frame LFM from the
intermediate frame side at a plurality of portions using the screws
S, the connection can be reinforced and, at the same time, the
operability at the time of assembling the module can be enhanced by
unifying the fixing with screws to the fixing from the upper side
as in the case of the screw connection at the upper and lower frame
connecting portions ULC. The similar shapes can be observed with
respect to the fitting portion of the intermediate frame MFMB and
the intermediate frame MFMR shown in FIG. 39A.
[0206] The intermediate frame MFM increases a resin thickness
thereof only at portions thereof which requires the increase of the
thickness and reduces the resin thickness at other portions. Due to
such a provision, the intermediate frame MFM becomes
light-weighted. The shape of the intermediate frame MFM can be
freely set on demand by resin injection molding which uses a
mold.
<<Transmission of Signals to Drain Printed Circuit
Board>>
[0207] FIG. 38B is a view which is obtained by observing a lower
side surface of FIG. 38A.
[0208] In FIG. 38B, a drain printed circuit board DPCB1 is
arranged. Signals from the drain printed circuit board DPCB 1 are
supplied to a drive circuit (driver element) DRV on a tape carrier
TCP and video signals are generated. The video signals are supplied
to a video signal terminal of the display element CEL from an
output terminal of the tape carrier TCP. A drive circuit may be
directly mounted on the display element CEL or the drive circuit
may be directly formed on the display element CEL using the
TFT.
[0209] The drain printed circuit board DPCB 1 is fixed to the lower
frame LFM using screws SC. At the same time, when the GND of the
drain printed circuit board DPCB1 and the lower frame LFM are
electrically connected with each other by such fixing, the stable
GND potential can be realized.
[0210] Two joiners are connected to the drain printed circuit board
DPCB1 from the controller printed circuit board side. The joiner
(A) JNA has a large width and a small number of layers. For
example, the joiner (A) JNA is constituted of a joiner having one
conductive layer. The joiner (B) JNB has a narrow width and a large
number of layers. For example, the joiner (B) JNB is constituted of
a joiner having two conductive layers. The Joiner (A) JNA is
preferably provided for supplying the gray scale power source or
the power source of the video signal drive circuit. On the other
hand, the JNB is preferably provided for transmitting the various
kinds of signals such as clocks or the display data because the
transmission of the high frequency signal can be performed by
increasing the conductive layers. It is possible to adopt the best
joiner and realize the high performance and low cost by separating
the joiners using the signal voltages and the power source voltages
in this manner. Further, it is possible to obviate the interference
of the signals and the power source so that the reduction of the
noise at transmitting signals and the stabilization of the power
source can be enhanced.
[0211] FIG. 41A shows the relationship between the drain printed
circuit board DPCB1 and the drain printed circuit board DPCB2. Two
drain printed circuit boards DPCB1, DPCB2 are independent from each
other, and are respectively fixed to the lower frame LFM. The drain
printed circuit boards DPCB are constituted of printed circuit
boards, and hence, in a large-sized display device, it gives rise
to a drawback on the reliability such that the accuracy and the
deformation of the printed circuit board per se become causes of
the drawback on the image quality as they apply the stress to the
display element CEL or the stress is applied to the tape carrier
TCP and it becomes a cause of the disconnection. Compared to the
case in which drain printed circuit boards DPCB are formed of one
large-sized printed circuit board, such a possibility can be
reduced by dividing the drain printed circuit board DPCB into a
plural number of boards. In the structure shown in FIG. 41A, two
drain printed circuit boards DPCB are respectively and directly
fixed to the lower frame LFM by the screw SC. Due to such a
constitution, drain printed circuit boards DPCB are maintained in a
high accuracy.
[0212] The joiner(A) JNA and the joiner(B) JNB are formed on both
of the drain printed circuit boards DPCB1, DPCB2. Here, both
joiners(A) JNA are arranged to be positioned inside both joiners(B)
JNB. This is because by allowing the extending distances of JNB
containing high frequency signals such as clocks on the respective
drain printed circuit boards DPCB to coincide with each other, the
waveform dullness and the influence of noises can be made equal
whereby the timing control can be facilitated.
[0213] FIG. 41B is a view for showing the state of the display
element CEL before the display element CEL is fixed to the lower
frame LFM. The drain printed circuit boards DPCB have a width wider
than the width of the gate printed circuit board GPCB since the
drain printed circuit boards DPCB have many kinds of voltages to be
transmitted and complicated signals. Accordingly, in view of the
contraction of a profile size out of the display region, the drain
printed circuit boards DPCB are bent and arranged to the side
surface or the back surface as shown in FIG. 41A, on the other
hand, the gate printed circuit board GPCB can be arranged to one
end portion of the display element CEL without being bent. Here, it
is preferable that the drain printed circuit boards DPCB are bent
to the side surface and fixed to the lower frame LFM other than the
drain printed circuit boards DPCB are bent to the back surface.
This is because the leaked electric field from the drain printed
circuit boards can be sealed on the metal made upper frame UFM
which is disposed outside the drain printed circuit boards in an
assembled state.
<<Inverter Cable>>
[0214] FIG. 39B is a side view obtained by observing the FIG. 39A
from the lower side. In the drawing, an inverter (transformer) NV
is arranged on the inverter printed circuit board (on the high
voltage side). The output at the high voltage side from the
connector CNI is supplied to the light source by the cable.
[0215] FIG. 39C is a side view observed from the right side of FIG.
39A. In the drawing, the output from the inverter is supplied to
the light source by the cable CABLE. Here, the cables CABLE are
arranged in plural numbers corresponding to the number of the light
sources and hence, it contributes to the enhancement of the
productivity by surely and easily performing the fixing. Further,
when the cable CABLE is not fixed, the parasitic capacitances
become different for respective cables CABLE and this difference in
parasitic capacitance becomes a cause of the brightness
irregularities for every light source and also becomes a cause of
the disconnection of the cable per se.
[0216] As shown in FIG. 39C, the cable CABLE is fixed to the
dedicated holding portion. The holding portion is shown in FIG. 40.
The holding portion is integrally formed with a side mold SM
(described later) and is made of resin. The cable CABLE from the
connector CN is arranged to the region which is surrounded by the
side surface of the side mold SM and a holding member HOLD. The
movement of the cable CABLE in the front-to-rear direction is
restricted as shown in FIG. 40. Further, the cable CABLE is
arranged along the R portion having the circular shape formed above
the holding member HOLD. The cable CABLE is again made to return to
the lower side from the R portion and is connected with the light
source. Due to such a constitution, the movement of the cable CABLE
in the vertical direction in the drawing is restricted.
[0217] The fixing is realized by simply fitting the cable into the
holding portion having such a simple constitution.
<<Cross-Sectional Structure of Module as a Whole>>
[0218] FIG. 42B is a cross-sectional view taken along a line B-B'
in FIG. 42A. The upper frame UFM is arranged on the display element
CEL by way of spacers SP2. These spacers SP2 are formed of a member
having resiliency such as rubber, for example. The upper frame UFM
extends around the display element CEL and, thereafter, bends along
a side surface of the display element CEL. A video signal line
driving circuit DD is arranged on the left side of the drawing. A
tape carrier TCP is connected to a terminal of the substance SUB1
of the display element CEL and this tape carrier TCP is connected
to the drain printed circuit board DPCB. The joiner FPC is
connected to the connector CN1 on the drain printed circuit board
DPCB and the joiner FPC is connected to the connector CN2 of the
controller TCON (circuit board) and hence the power source voltage
and various kinds of signals are supplied to the display element
CEL. An intermediate frame MFM is arranged below the display
element CEL by way of spacers SP1. The lower frame LFM is arranged
below the intermediate frame. The lower frame LFM is formed of an
approximately planer plate in a region below the display element
CEL and is raised upwardly at the peripheral portion of the display
element CEL and is extended again horizontally to form a contact
surface with the intermediate frame MFM. Subsequently, the lower
frame LFM is bent downwardly again to form a fixing portion to
which the drain printed circuit board DPCB is fixed and, at the
same time, to ensure the rigidity of the module as a whole.
[0219] A light source CFL is arranged between the display element
CEL and the lower frame LFM. A reflection sheet RS which reflects
the light from the light source is arranged between the light
source CFL and the lower frame LFM. A white plastic sheet, for
example, can be used as a reflection sheet RS. The reflection sheet
RS is bent in the oblique direction at a peripheral portion thereof
and is raised upwardly. Thereafter, the reflection sheet RS is
extended horizontally and is pressed by a diffusion plate DFP which
is stacked on the reflection sheet RS. The diffusion plate DFP is,
for example, formed of a while plastic plate and diffuses the light
from the light source CFL and so as to make the brightness
difference between a region which includes the light source and a
region which does not include a light source uniform. Furthermore,
a condensing sheet such as a prism sheet, a diffusion sheet and the
like are arranged on demand between the diffusion plate DFP and the
display element CEL.
[0220] FIG. 42C is a cross-sectional view taken along a line C-C'
in FIG. 42A. Although FIG. 42A shows the cross-section on the same
side as FIG. 42B, FIG. 42C explains a portion at a displaced
position. The constitutional feature which makes the constitution
shown in FIG. 42C different from the constitution shown in FIG. 42B
lies in that a hole is formed in a portion of the lower frame LFM
arranged below the intermediate frame MFM and an end portion of the
reflection sheet RS is fitted into the hole. This constitutional
feature enables the extremely simple and reliable positioning of
the reflecting sheet.
[0221] FIG. 42D is a cross-sectional view taken along a line D-D'
in FIG. 42A. In this direction, it is necessary to pull out many
cables from the light source CFL. Resin-made side molds SM are
arranged for this purpose. Each side mold SM is fitted from the
upper side to the lower frame LFM with screws SC. Here, the
principle which uses the lower frame as the reference is also
strictly observed thus realizing high accuracy. Here, by
sandwiching the end portion of the reflection sheet RS between the
lower frame LFM and the side mold SM, the fixing of the reflection
sheet RS is realized simultaneously with the fixing of the side
mold SM to the lower frame LFM. On the left side of the drawing, a
gate printed circuit board GPCB which is connected with the display
element CEL using the tape carrier TCP is described.
[0222] FIG. 43A and FIG. 43B are views showing the fixing of the
TCON cover TCV which shields the controller printed circuit board
TCON and the lower frame LFM. FIG. 43A shows the constitution
before fixing and the end portion of TCB is bent towards the side
of lower frame LFM. As shown in FIG. 43B, pressing the end portion
to the lower frame LFM, the lower frame LFM and the TCON cover TCV
are fixed by screws SC in this condition. This fixing brings the
TCON cover TCV and the lower frame LFM into contact with each other
and allows both of them to become conductive with each other not
only at the screws but also at a large area of the TCON cover TCV
whereby it is possible to enhance the effect to shield the electric
field leaked from the controller TCON (substrate) by the TCON cover
TCV. The existence of this provision can be determined based on
whether a side which is bent in the direction toward the lower
frame is present on an end portion of the TCON cover TCV or not
when the TCON cover TCV is separated by removing the screws SC of
the TCON cover TCV and the lower frame LFM.
[0223] The similar constitution is applicable to the inverter cover
so as to contribute to the enhancement of the leaked-electric field
shielding effect.
<Light Source>
[0224] When the light source has a plurality of fluorescent tubes,
the arrangement example of the fluorescent tubes is shown in FIG.
44A. In this manner, in case that a large number of fluorescent
tubes are arranged, it is important to achieve the uniformity of
the brightness of the fluorescent tubes. Since high frequency and
high voltage are applied to the fluorescent tubes, the parasitic
capacitance is different depending on the distance between the
fluorescent tubes and the metal-made lower frames LFM thus giving
the influence to the intensity of the brightness. Accordingly, it
is important to maintain the distance between the fluorescent tubes
and the lower frame LFM uniform as much as possible.
[0225] FIG. 44B is a view showing an example of the arrangement of
the common spacer CSP such that the common spacer CSP
longitudinally crosses the plurality of fluorescent tubes. As an
example, by using rubber as the material, the shape can be formed
freely and the placing operation can be made easily. Further, the
same members are collectively arranged to the plurality of light
sources, the distance between the fluorescent tubes and the lower
frames can be easily set to the value which is more than the value
which is set by the thickness of the common spacer CSP. When the
distance between the fluorescent tubes and the lower frame becomes
is increased, the degree of influence attributed to the difference
in distance is rapidly lowered so that it is important to prevent
the fluorescent tubes from being arranged excessively close to the
lower frame.
[0226] By forming the common spacer CSP using the resilient member
such as rubber or sponge, it is possible to obtain an advantageous
effect that the rupture of the light source can be prevented when
the vibration and the impact are applied to the common spacer
CSP.
[0227] FIG. 44D is a view showing a case that the reflection sheet
RS is arranged between the common spacer CSP and the light source.
Due to such a constitution, the uniformity of the brightness in the
light source CFL extending direction by the common spacer CSP can
be improved.
[0228] Although the common spacer CSP can be arranged at an
arbitrary position, it is desirable to arrange the common spacer
CSP at least at high voltage when the light source has a high
voltage side and a low voltage side. This is because that the
fluctuation of the distance between the light source and the lower
frame LFM at a high voltage side has a larger influence on the
brightness than at the low voltage side. FIG. 4C and FIG. 4D are
views showing an example of an arrangement of a common spacer CSP
at least at a high voltage side in a case that when the output from
the inverter INV has a high voltage side and a low voltage side,
the light source CFL is connected from the high voltage side using
a cable CABLE (HV) and the light source CFL is connected from the
low voltage side using the CABLD (LV).
[0229] FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the back surface showing
the positional example of the arrangement of the common spacer CSP
in the actual module. FIG. 45 shows the example in which common
spacers CSP are collectively arranged in common with the whole
light sources such that the common spacers CSP are arranged close
to the high voltage side.
<System>
<<.gamma. Characteristics>>
[0230] FIG. 46 is a system constitutional example which can change
the .gamma. characteristics indicative of the relationship between
the gray scales and the brightness.
[0231] Signals from the outside of the display device such as
signals of TV, signals of PC, or other various control signals are
inputted to the controller CON as the external inputs OI. The
controller TCON forms the above-mentioned signals into the signals
for making the display elements CEL to perform the image display.
These signals are different from each other depending on the
display elements CEL and are formed into the signals necessary for
the respective display devices. For example, depending on whether
the display element CEL is a liquid crystal display device, an EL
display device or a FED display device, the signals are formed into
signals necessary for the display device. For example, when the
display element CEL is the liquid crystal display device, for
example, a video signal line drive circuit signal DS is supplied to
the video signal line drive circuit DD from the controller TCON,
and a gate signal line drive circuit signal GS is supplied to the
gate signal line drive circuit GD from the controller TCON. Various
voltages Vd for a video signal line drive circuit containing a
drive voltage of the circuit per se and a plurality of gray scale
reference voltages are supplied to a video signal line drive
circuit DD from a power source circuit PS. Various voltages Vg for
the gate signal line drive circuit which include a drive voltage of
a gate signal line drive circuit per se and the voltage which
becomes the reference with respect to a gate voltage are supplied
to the gate signal line drive circuit GD. Further, a common signal
line voltage Vc is supplied as the common potential of the display
element CEL. The video signal is supplied to the video signal line
DL from the video signal line drive circuit DD and the gate signal
is supplied to the gate signal line GL from the gate signal line
drive circuit GD. The potential of the video signal line DL is
supplied to the pixel electrode PX in response to the control
signal of the gate signal line GL by a switching element TFT
provided to the pixel. By driving the liquid crystal molecules by
the electric field or the voltage difference between the pixel
electrode PX and the common potential Vc, the state of the liquid
crystal layer is changed and the image display is realized.
[0232] The constitutional feature which makes the constitution
shown in FIG. 46 different from the constitution shown in FIG. 26
lies in that although the gray scale reference voltage Vref is also
generated in the power source circuit PS in FIG. 26, in FIG. 46,
the gray scale reference voltage Vref is generated in the D/A
converter D/A in response to the signal from the controller TCON.
Accordingly, the Vref can be changed in response to the signal from
the controller TCON. Since the video signal line drive circuit DD
generates the voltage for every gray scale in response to the Vref,
the .gamma. characteristics can be changed by changing the
Vref.
[0233] In the example of the system shown in FIG. 46, a memory MEM
which can supply information to the controller TCON is arranged.
The memory MEM can hold the data corresponding to the plurality of
.gamma. characteristics as an example. In the table 1, the data
corresponding to the three kinds of y characteristic is stored in
the memory MEM as a set of data A, B, C. It is explained that the
actual brightness-gray scale characteristics can be changed in
response to the plurality of .gamma. data in FIG. 47 and FIG.
48.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 No. Data Set 1 A 2 B 3 C
[0234] In FIG. 47, the example of the case which has temporarily
four kinds of voltages as the gray scale reference voltage Vref is
shown. The voltage values are respectively recorded in the memory
MEM corresponding to the data set A, B, C. The controller TCON
selects one data set which is used among the data sets and
generates the actual gray scale reference voltage Vref
corresponding to the data set using the D/A converter D/A.
Accordingly, the gray scale-brightness characteristics shown in
FIG. 48 have a curve corresponding to the gray scale reference
voltage data for every data set. That is, the change of the y
characteristics can be realized.
[0235] At the time of supplying the gray scale reference voltage
Vref from the D/A converter D/A to the video signal line drive
circuit DD, it is desirable that the gray scale reference voltage
is raised at the sequence shown in FIG. 49. In FIG. 49, the axis of
abscissas indicates time, and the axis of ordinates indicates
voltage. At the time t1, the power source voltage Vdv of the video
signal line drive circuit is preliminarily raised and the supply of
the gray scale reference voltage Vref from the D/A converter D/A is
started at the time t3 before the power source voltage Vdv of the
video signal line drive circuit reaches the stationary state. Then,
after the Vdv reaches the stationary state at the time t2, the gray
scale reference voltage Vref is set to the stationary state at the
time t4. When the gray scale reference voltage Vref is generated by
a D/A converter D/A, various kinds of gray scale reference voltages
are applied to the video signal line drive circuit DD. This is
because that the breakdown or the deterioration of dielectric
strength of the video signal line drive circuit DD can be prevented
in such a case.
<<Manufacturing Information Display>>
[0236] In a display device in which various settings including the
change of the y characteristics are possible, it is important to
take measures with which it is possible to recognize what kind of
setting is actually taken in the display device. Therefore, in the
display device of the present invention, the setting information is
made displayable. To be more specific, since the display device
includes the display elements CEL, the information is directly
displayed on the display elements CEL. One example of a technique
for simply switching the information display mode and the normal
display mode is shown in FIG. 51. An output from one terminal of
the controller TCON is exposed on the controller TCON (substrate)
using a first pin. Then, a second pin which is arranged close to
the first pin and is connected to the GND potential is prepared. As
shown in FIG. 51A, in a state that these two pins are opened, TCON
performs a normal display. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 51B,
when these two pins are short-circuited using a short bar, the
controller TCON can recognize the request for the information
display mode and hence, it becomes possible to switch the operation
to the information display mode.
[0237] Various examples of the information display screen are shown
in FIG. 50A to FIG. 50F. FIG. 50A is an example in which data
stored in normal textual information per se is displayed. FIG. 50B
shows an example in which the version information or the customer
information is displayed. Although FIG. 50A and FIG. 50B are
directly displayed by letters, to consider a process control on the
manufacturing line, when the information is displayed in patterns
rather than letters, the control using the automatic recognition
using a machine becomes easier. Accordingly, FIG. 50C shows an
example in which a barcode pattern is displayed. In the same
manner, as shown in FIG. 50D, a two-dimensional bar code may be
displayed.
[0238] Further, when the number of types of the information which
are configured to be displayed may be small, simply, as shown in
FIG. 50E, the information may be displayed by changing the number
of strips. This method has an advantageous effect that this display
can be easily discriminated by both of a machine and a human.
Further, when it is desired to further increase an amount of
information, as shown in FIG. 50F, in addition to the number of the
strips, the color information of R, G, B may be added. It is
possible that the amount of the information which can be displayed
is increased to the number of strips x the number of colors used
for the method and, at the same time, it is possible to obtain an
advantageous effect that the recognition is further facilitated
especially for a human.
<<Changeover of Frequency>>
[0239] In a display device, there exists a demand for changing of
the frequency of image display corresponding to the kinds of the
image information which are configured to be displayed. As an
example, such request may be occurred at the time of mainly
displaying a still image and at the time of mainly displaying a
moving image. In FIG. 59, a constitutional example in which the
frequency changeover is realized is shown. To the external input
OI, except for the normal signal to be inputted, a mode change
signal is inputted. The controller TCON temporarily stores the
image signal in the inputted signals in the memory MEM. Then, in
response to the frequency which is set with respect to the
operation mode instructed using the mode signal, the image signal
is read out from the memory MEM and the signal is outputted to the
video signal line drive circuit DD or the like.
[0240] In this constitution, there exists a drawback that the mode
change signal is inputted from the outside of the display device.
For example, an image process processor in a TV judges the contents
of the image and instructs the operation mode to the display device
using the mode change signal. In this case, the mode change signal
is inputted to the display device at the time when the external
processing device judges as necessary. However, when the display
frequency of the screen is immediately switched in response to the
mode change signal, there arises a drawback such that the
writing-in frequency is changed from the middle of the screen thus
generating an irregular brightness and the irregular brightness is
observed for a moment or excess or deficiency of data within the
memory occurs thus disturbing the display.
[0241] FIG. 60 is a flowchart for resolving this drawback. When the
mode change signal is received by the controller TCON, the
controller TCON examines the changeover timings of a plurality of
display modes which differ in the frequencies. At this time, when
the timings are corresponded with each other, the mode change is
performed and, when the timings are not corresponded with each
other, it is processed such that the mode change is postponed until
the timings are corresponded with each other.
[0242] FIG. 61 is a view showing the relationship of the timings at
the mode 1 and the mode 2 which differ in the frequencies from the
image data from the outside.
[0243] From the outside, the image data is inputted as OI, and this
image data is sequentially shown in 1, 2, 3 by a frame unit. This
implies that the time passes as it goes in the right direction in
the drawing. This data is temporarily stored in the memory, is
sequentially read out from the memory and is displayed. When
assuming that the mode 1 is a mode having a high frequency, the
data which are read out from the memory are sequentially displayed
as 1, 2, 3, 4. Then, since the frequency is high, the data catches
up the input of the image information from the outside. At this
time, by using the frame, by operating such as writing in a black
screen on the screen or the like, for example, display of the hold
type display device such as a liquid crystal display device which
is made closer to the display of the impulse type display device
can be realized and the display of the moving image can be made in
visually high speed. The mode 2 is a mode displaying a screen with
the same frequency as the input information and is sequentially
displayed as 1, 2, 3 corresponding to the image information from
the outside.
[0244] As clearly explained in FIG. 61, the timing in which the
mode 1 and the mode 2 are corresponded with each other is limited
to the timing described as switching timing in the drawing. In the
timing rather than the switching timing, irregularity is
unavoidably generated in the display image for a moment. Therefore,
it is necessary to perform the switching of the display mode at the
corresponded timing in the flowchart shown in FIG. 60 or the like
and, by this means, for the user who observes the image, a state in
which no image irregularity is occurred at the time of changing the
mode can be realized.
<Measurement of Resistance of the Connecting Portion>
[0245] A passage through which a signal of the printed circuit
board PCB is transmitted to the display element CEL in the display
element CEL is shown in FIG. 52. The signal line SL3 on the printed
circuit board PCB is electrically connected with the signal line
SL2 on the tape carrier TCP using the connecting portion ACF2. The
signal line SL2 and the signal line SL1 on the display element CEL
are electrically connected using the connecting portion ACF1. By
using this constitution, the signal is transmitted from the printed
circuit board PCB to the display element CEL. At this time, it is
favorable that the connection resistance of the connecting portion
ACF is measurable using the actual manufacturing. This is because
it is useful for the quality management during the manufacturing
process. To be more specific, when the connecting portion is an
anisotropic conductive film, since the connection resistance is
easily changed, the necessity for the management is increased.
Then, means for measuring this connection resistance with a
reliable accuracy using a product or a wiring pattern which enables
the measurement are invented.
[0246] FIG. 53A is a schematic view as the base for the following
explanations. The connection resistance of the connection potion
between the display element CEL and the tape carrier TCP is R (TC),
the connection resistance of the connection potion between the tape
carrier TCP and the printed circuit board PCB is R (TP). FIG. 53B
shows the arrangement for enabling the measurement of R (TP) in the
manufacturing stage. A common potential line bus CSL is arranged to
the display element CEL. This implies that the respective tape
carrier TCP and the display element CEL are connected at two places
separately. Respective two connections which are separately
connected to this common potential line bus CSL and form R (TC) are
formed. In one connection out of these two connections, the line is
divided on the tape carrier TCP thus forming three R (TP). This
implies that the respective tape carrier TCP and the printed
circuit board PCB are connected at three places separately. The
line which is divided on the tape carrier TCP is further divided on
the printed circuit board PCB. In this stage, there are four lines
and the respective lines form measurement terminals as A1 to A4
corresponding to the respective lines on the printed circuit board
PCB. Here, as shown in FIG. 53C, by supplying a constant current
between A1 and A3 and by measuring the voltage difference between
A2 and A4, R (TP) is easily calculated as a voltage/current. This
measurement concept per se is widely known as the four terminal
method and as a highly accurate resistance measurement method. The
improvement is characterized in that, by designing the wiring
arrangement in such a manner that the divisions are formed on the
tape carrier TCP and the printed circuit board PCB using the
method, the measurement is made enable in the actual display
device.
[0247] FIG. 54A and FIG. 54B are views showing the constitution
which enables the measurement of the R (TC). As shown in FIG. 54A,
three lines are connected to the common potential line bus CSL and,
one out of three lines is divided on TCO and constitutes terminals
B1 and A1 to A3. Here, as shown in FIG. 54B, by supplying a
constant current between B1 and A2 terminals and by measuring the
voltage between A1 and A3, R (TC) is also easily calculated as the
voltage/current.
[0248] FIG. 55A and FIG. 55B are views showing a modified example
of the constitution shown in FIG. 54A and FIG. 54B. The line which
is connected to the B1 terminal is formed by a route which passes
through another tape carrier TCP and, as shown in FIG. 55B, R (TC)
can be calculated using the same measurement as FIG. 54A.
[0249] An arrangement which corresponds to the measurement of both
of R (TC) and R (TP) and is favorably adopted for an actual use
shown in FIG. 56. The common potential line bus CSL on the display
element CEL is also used as a bus line for supplying the common
potential VC. The respective tape carriers TCP have driver elements
DRV arranged in the center thereof, the respective driver receives
an input signal INPUT from the printed circuit board PCB and
produces a signal used for the display of the display element CEL
and the signal is supplied to the display region through the signal
line SIG. Each tape carrier TCP has a common potential supply line
which does not pass through the driver element DRV formed on the
outside of the driver element DRV. This supply line is connected to
the common potential line bus CSL on the display element CEL and
also connected to the common bus line CB which is formed on the
printed circuit board PCB. Accordingly, when the common potential
VC is supplied to the common bus line CB, the common potential is
supplied to the common potential line bus on the display element
CEL. This common potential supply line has a measurement terminal
L4 formed on the printed circuit board PCB. Further, a measurement
line is formed in a state that the measurement line is connected to
the common potential line bus CSL, extends on the tape carrier TCP
and is connected on the printed circuit board PCB, and a
measurement terminal L3 is formed on the printed circuit board PCB.
This measurement line is sequentially divided on the tape carrier
TCP and the printed circuit board PCB thus increasing the number
thereof and each line has a measurement terminal formed on the
printed circuit board PCB. Accordingly, the measurement terminals
L1 to L4 are formed. On the opposite side of the printed circuit
board PCB by way of the driver element DRV, terminals R1 to R4 are
formed in a symmetrical manner, for example. When the common
potential line bus CSL is formed in the region between the
neighboring tape carriers TCP as shown in FIG. 56A, the groups of
measurement terminals of R1 to R4 and L1 to L4 are completed with
respect to the neighboring tape carriers TCP with each other.
[0250] Here, it is constituted such that the lines other than the
common potential supply line are not connected to VC.
[0251] FIG. 56B shows an example in which, by setting a plurality
of common potential supply lines, lowering of the power supply
resistance at the power supplying of the common potential is
realized.
[0252] FIG. 57A to FIG. 57C are views showing a method in which R
(TP) is measured using the constitution of the arrangement of FIG.
56A. FIG. 57A is a measurement example of a case in which the
voltage is measured by supplying a current from a constant current
source. FIG. 57B is an example of a constitution in which a voltage
is supplied to the common bus line, a ammeter is connected to R3
and the point of the ammeter is connected to the ground. When the
voltage configured to be supplied to the common bus line is other
than the ground potential, a current is measured thus enabling the
calculation of R (TP). In this method, VC can be directly measured
as a normal common potential and hence, there is an advantageous
effect that it is not necessary to prepare the constant current
source. Further, there is an advantageous effect that the
measurement of R (TP) can be performed during the operation of the
display elements CEL. FIG. 57C is an example of a constitution in
which, instead of the constant current source shown in FIG. 57A,
the ammeter and the voltage source are used in combination.
[0253] FIG. 58A to FIG. 58C are views showing a constitutional
example at the measurement of R (TC). FIG. 58A shows an example in
which the constant current source is used and, by connecting the
constant current source between R1 and L3 and measuring the voltage
between R2 and L2, R (TC) can be calculated. FIG. 58B shows an
example of a case in which the common potential VC is supplied and
the ammeter is connected to L3 and the output of the ammeter is
grounded. The voltmeter is connected between R2 and L2. FIG. 58C is
an example of a constitution in which, instead of the constant
current source shown in FIG. 58A, the ammeter and the voltage
source are used in combination.
<<Examples of Various Inventions Disclosed in this
Specification>>
[0254] Examples of various inventions disclosed in this
specification are described hereinafter.
<<A:TFT>>
[0255] (A-1) A display device in which the display device includes
a semiconductor layer on a gate signal line and a drain electrode
and a source electrode which are formed on the semiconductor layer
and has the drain electrode connected with a video signal line
using a connecting member at a connecting portion, the improvement
being characterized in that the gate signal line has a hole in the
vicinity of the connecting portion, and the connecting member sets
a width thereof at the connecting portion with the video signal
line larger than a width thereof at a connecting portion with the
drain electrode. (A-2) A display device being characterized in
that, in the constitution (A-1), the drain electrode is formed in a
shape which surrounds a periphery of the source electrode in a
semicircular shape. (A-3) A display device being characterized in
that, in the constitution (A-1), the connecting member gets over
the gate signal line with an angle.
<<B: Pixel Electrode Connecting Portion>>
[0256] (B-1) A display device in which the display device includes
a semiconductor layer formed on a gate signal line and a drain
electrode and a source electrode formed on the semiconductor layer,
has the drain electrode connected to a video signal line, and has
the source electrode connected to a pixel electrode in a connecting
region, the improvement being characterized in that the source
electrode once extends over the gate signal line and, thereafter,
is bent in the direction parallel to the gate signal line and
extends, and is subsequently bent in the direction of the gate
signal line thus forming a bent connecting region. (B-2) A display
device being characterized in that, in the constitution (B-1), the
gate signal line is formed in a state that the gate signal line is
recessed in the connecting region portion. (B-3) A display device
being characterized in that, in the constitution (B-1), the gate
signal line is formed in a state that a line width thereof is made
fine in the connection region portion. (B-4) A display device being
characterized in that, in any one of the constitutions (B-1) to
(B-3), the gate signal line has a hole at a crossing portion
between the gate signal line and a video signal line, the gate
signal line is divided into two portions having a fine line width,
and two portions are merged again to form a bold line. (B-5) A
display device which constitutes a TFT by forming a semiconductor
layer on a gate signal line and by forming a drain electrode and a
source electrode on the semiconductor layer, connects the drain
electrode with a video signal line, and connects the source
electrode with a pixel electrode in a connecting region, the
improvement being characterized in that the gate signal line sets a
width thereof larger at a portion where the TFT is formed than a
crossing portion with the video signal line and in the vicinity of
the connecting portion.
<<C: Common Signal Line and Common Electrode>>
[0257] (C-1) A display device in which the display device includes
a common signal line and a common electrode formed on a layer
different from a layer on which the common signal line is formed,
and the common signal line and the common electrode are directly
connected to each other, the improvement being characterized in
that the common signal line is formed above the common electrode
and is arranged in a state that an end portion or an end side of
the common electrode falls within a width of the common signal
line.
(C-2) A display device in which the display device includes a
common signal line and a common electrode formed on a layer
different from a layer on which the common signal line is formed
and the common signal line and the common electrode are directly
connected to each other, the improvement being characterized in
that the common signal line is formed above the common electrode
and is arranged in a state that an end portion of the common
electrode is positioned in a midst portion of the common signal
line in the width direction.
<<D: Connection of the Common Potentials of Upper and Lower
Pixels>>
[0258] (D-1) A display device being characterized in that each
pixel includes a common electrode and a common signal line which
extends through a group of pixels which are arranged in the lateral
direction in common, wherein the common signal line is formed such
that, at least one portion thereof is directly overlapped to the
common electrode and, further, is arranged on one of either an
upper or lower side of the pixel and, on another side of the upper
or lower side of the pixel, an island-like connecting portion which
is connected to the common electrode is arranged and, the
above-mentioned common signal line and the above-mentioned
connecting portion are connected by a bridge line which extends
over a gate signal line. (D-2) A display device being characterized
in that each pixel includes a common electrode and a common signal
line which extends through a group of pixels which are arranged in
the lateral direction in common, a bridge line which connects the
neighboring pixels in the vertical direction over a gate signal
line is provided, wherein the above-mentioned bridge line is
connected to the above-mentioned common electrode by way of the
common signal line and the above-mentioned common electrode and the
bridge line are formed of a transparent electrode and the
above-mentioned common signal line is formed of metal. (D-3) A
display device being characterized in that, in the constitution
(D-1), the above-mentioned common electrode and the bridge line are
formed of a transparent electrode and the above-mentioned common
signal line and the island-like connecting portion are formed of
metal. (D-4) A display device being characterized in that, in the
constitution (D-2) or (D-3), the above-mentioned common electrode
is brought into contact with the above-mentioned common signal line
from below. (D-5) A display device being characterized in that, in
the constitutions (D-2) to (D-4), the above-mentioned common
electrode is brought into contact with the island-like connecting
portion in a lower layer. (D-6) A display device being
characterized in that, in any one of the constitutions (D-1) to
(D-5), a pixel electrode having a large number of fine line-like
portions or slit-like portions is arranged above the common
electrode and the pixel electrode and the line bridge are formed on
the same layer. (D-7) A display device being characterized in that,
in the constitutions (D-1) to (D-5), a pixel electrode having a
plurality of fine line-like portions or slit-like portions is
arranged above the common electrode and the pixel electrode and the
bridge line are formed of a same material. (D-8) A display device
being characterized in that, in the constitution (D-7), the common
electrode is also formed of the same material as the bridge line.
(D-9) A display device being characterized in that, in the
constitutions (D-1) to (D-8), a connecting portion between the
bridge line and the common electrode or the island-like connecting
portion has a shape in which a corner portion thereof on the pixel
electrode side is cut. (D-10) A display device being characterized
in that, in the constitutions (D-1) to (D-8), a connecting portion
between the pixel electrode and the common electrode or an
island-like connecting portion are overlapped to each other by way
of three sides which are unparallel to each other.
<<E: Another Example of Pixel>>
[0259] (E-1) A display device being characterized in that, each
pixel includes a planar common electrode and a pixel electrode
which is overlapped to the common electrode and has a large number
of fine line-like portions or slits, the direction of the fine
line-like portions or slits formed in the pixel electrode differs
between an upper region and a lower region of each pixel, wherein
the slits are directed downwardly as the slits extend toward one
side surface of the pixel in the upper region and are directed
upwardly as the slits extend in the same one side direction of the
pixel in the lower region thus arranging the slits in the
directions as if the slits converge toward the center, a common
signal line is provided to the pixels which are arranged close to
each other in the lateral direction in common, the common
electrodes are connected with the common signal line, and the
display device includes a bridge line which electrically connects
the common electrodes of the pixels which are arranged close to
each other in the vertical direction. (E-2) A display device being
characterized in that, in the constitution (E-1), the bridge line
is formed on the side toward which the slits converge. (E-3) A
display device being characterized in that, in the constitution
(E-2), the common potential connecting portions are respectively
formed corresponding to upper and lower end portions of the side
toward which the slits converge. (E-4) A display device being
characterized in that, each pixel includes a planar common
electrode and a pixel electrode which is overlapped to the common
electrode and has a large number of fine line-like portions or
slits, the direction of the fine line-like portions or slits formed
in the pixel electrode differs between an upper region and a lower
region of each pixel, wherein the slit is directed downwardly as
the slits extend toward one side surface of the pixel in the upper
region and is directed upwardly as the slits extend in the same one
side surface of the pixel in the lower region thus arranging the
slits in the direction as if the slits converge toward the center
and the display device has a pattern in which the pixel electrode
repeats the enlargement and the contraction of a width thereof at
least three times in a center region of the pixel electrode. (E-5)
In (E-4), a black screen is periodically displayed. (E-6) A display
device being characterized in that, each pixel includes a planar
common electrode and a pixel electrode which is overlapped to the
common electrode and has a large number of fine line-like portions
or slits, the direction of the fine line-like portions or slits
formed in the pixel electrode differs between an upper region and a
lower region of each pixel, wherein the slits are directed
downwardly as the slits extend toward one side surface of the pixel
in the upper region and are directed upwardly as the slits extend
in the same one side surface of the pixel in the lower region thus
arranging the upward slits and the downward slits in a state that
the upward slits and the downward slits are alternately meshed with
each other in a center region of the pixel.
<<F: Dummy Pixel Region>>
[0260] (F-1) A display device being characterized in that the
display device includes a plurality of pixels in the inside of the
display region and a dummy region arranged in an outer periphery of
the display region, wherein the respective pixels at corner
portions in the inside of the display region have electrodes which
are arranged in a state that the pixels hardly receives the
influence of an electric field from the dummy pixels at the corner
portions. (F-2) A display device being characterized in that the
display device includes a plurality of pixels in the inside of the
display region and a dummy region which is arranged on an outer
periphery of the display region, an electrode which constitutes an
uppermost layer on a substrate includes line-like electrodes or
slits and the directions of the line-like electrodes or the slits
are equal between the pixels which are arranged at corner portions
which face each other in an opposed manner with respect to the
center of a screen, and at least in the vicinity of the corner
portions. (F-3) A display device being characterized in that, in
the constitution (F-2), the direction of the line-like electrodes
or the slits differs between the pixels which are arranged in a
most-spaced-apart manner from each other on the same side and at
least in the vicinity of the corner portions. (F-4) A display
device being characterized in that the display device includes a
plurality of pixels in the inside of the display region and a dummy
region which is arranged on an outer periphery of the display
region, the display device includes two types of pixels in which an
uppermost electrode formed on the substrate includes line-like
electrodes or slits and the directions of the line-like electrodes
or the slits differ from each other, and with respect to the
direction of the linear electrodes or slits formed in the pixels at
the corner portions, by comparing an acute intersecting angle which
the direction of the line-like electrodes or the slits makes with
respect to a line which connects the corner portion and the center
of the display region, the pixels having the direction of the slits
or the electrodes which intersects with an angle larger than the
acute intersecting angle are arranged.
<<G: Dummy Pattern>>
[0261] (G-1) A display device being characterized in that the
display device includes a plurality of pixels in the inside of the
display region and a dummy region arranged in an outer periphery of
the display region, wherein dummy pixels for film thickness
measurement are arranged in the dummy region which is arranged
closest to the display region. (G-2) A display device being
characterized in that, in the constitution (G-1), the dummy pixels
for film thickness measurement have a larger number of holes formed
in protective films thereof than the number of holes formed in
protective films of other neighboring dummy pixels. (G-3) A display
device being characterized in that, in the constitution (G-2),
there exists a plurality of types of dummy patterns having
different layer structures.
<<H: Module Joining Structure>>
[0262] (H-1) A display device being characterized in that the
display device includes an upper frame, an intermediate frame and a
lower frame, wherein the respective upper frame and the
intermediate frame are individually combined with respect to the
lower frame. (H-2) A display device in which the combination
portion of the upper frame and the lower frame is not observed from
a side surface on a long side of the display device and is observed
from a side surface on a short side.
<<I: Inverter>>
[0263] (I-1) A display device being characterized in that the
display device includes an inverter printed circuit board which is
fixed to a metal frame, an inverter cover made of metal which
covers the inverter printed circuit board, a controller printed
circuit board which is fixed to the above-mentioned metal frame and
the controller cover made of metal which covers the controller
printed circuit board, wherein a large number of holes are formed
in both of the above-mentioned inverter cover and the controller
cover and the size of the hole of the inverter cover is larger than
the size of the holes formed in the controller cover. (I-2) A
display device being characterized in that the display device
includes a high-voltage side inverter printed circuit board and a
low-voltage side inverter printed circuit board which are fixed to
a metal frame, wherein an inverter transformer is arranged at the
high-voltage side and the high-voltage side inverter printed
circuit board and the low-voltage side inverter printed circuit
board are arranged at the end portions of the metal frame facing to
each other and, at the same time, are connected by the connecting
member. (I-3) A display device being characterized in that, in the
constitution (I-2), the size of the high-voltage side inverter
printed circuit board is larger than the size of the low-voltage
side inverter printed circuit board. (I-4) A display device being
characterized in that, in the constitution (I-2) or (I-3), the
number of the low-voltage side inverter printed circuit boards are
larger than the number of the high-voltage side inverter printed
circuit boards. (I-5) A display device being characterized in that
the display device includes a high-voltage side inverter printed
circuit board and a low-voltage side inverter printed circuit board
which are fixed to a metal frame, wherein an inverter transformer
is arranged at the high-voltage side and the metal frame includes a
fixing portion of the high-voltage side inverter printed circuit
board and the low-voltage side inverter printed circuit board,
whereby the fixing portions are arranged in a fixable state even
when the high-voltage side inverter printed circuit board and the
low-voltage side inverter printed circuit board are replaced. (I-6)
A display device being characterized in that, in the constitution
(I-5), the fixing portions are arranged on the both sides of the
substrate with respect to the high-voltage side inverter printed
circuit board and are arranged on one side of the substrate with
respect to the low-voltage side inverter printed circuit board.
(I-7) A display device being characterized in that, in the
constitution (I-6), the width of the low-voltage side inverter
printed circuit board is equal to or less than 1/2 of the width of
the high-voltage side inverter printed circuit board. (I-8) A
display device being characterized in that, in the constitution
(I-7), the width of the low-voltage side inverter printed circuit
board is equal to or less than 1/3 of the width of the high-voltage
side inverter printed circuit board.
<<J: Fixing of the Upper and the Lower Frame>>
[0264] (J-1) A display device being characterized in that the
display device includes an upper frame, an intermediate frame and a
lower frame, wherein, in a connecting portion of the upper frame
and the lower frame, the upper frame has a projecting portion on a
lower side thereof, the lower frame has a projecting portion on an
upper side thereof and the intermediate frame has a hole portion
formed therein.
(J-2) A display device being characterized in that, in the
constitution (J-1), the upper frame and the lower frame are
directly brought into contact to with each other in the
above-mentioned hole portion. (J-3) A display device being
characterized in that, in the constitution (J-2), the upper frame
and the lower frame are fixed to each other in the above-mentioned
hole portion using screws. (J-4) A display device being
characterized in that the display device includes an upper frame,
an intermediate frame and a lower frame, wherein the upper
projecting portion and the lower projecting portion are integrally
formed on the intermediate frame, a hole is formed in the upper
frame corresponding to the upper projecting portion, a hole is
formed in the lower frame corresponding to the lower projecting
portion and the above-mentioned upper projecting portion and the
lower projecting portion are arranged in a state positions of the
projecting portions are displaced from each other.
<<K: Intermediate Frame>>
[0265] (K-1) A display device being characterized in that the
display device includes an upper frame, an intermediate frame and a
lower frame, wherein the intermediate frame is formed of a resin
member and is divided into four members consisting of a right
member, a left member, an upper member and a lower member, and all
of these four members are independent from each other and the
respective members are individually fixed to the lower frame. (K-2)
A display device being characterized in that, in the constitution
(K-1), the upper frame and the lower frame are made of metal. (K-3)
A display device being characterized in that the display device
includes an upper frame, an intermediate frame and a lower frame,
wherein the intermediate frame is formed of a resin member, is
divided into four members consisting of a right member, a left
member, an upper member and a lower member, and all of these four
members are independent from each other, these four members are
configured such that the upper member and the lower member extend
only in the longitudinal direction of a display device and the
right member and the left member extend in both of the lateral
direction and the longitudinal direction of the display device, and
a length of a longitudinal portion of the display device is set
shorter than a length of lateral portion of the display device.
(K-4) A display device being characterized in that, in the
constitution (K-3), a display element is arranged between the upper
frame and the intermediate frame. (K-5) A display device being
characterized in that, in the constitution (K-4), the right member
and the left member are prevented from being brought into contact
with a substrate end portion of the display element in the
short-side direction. (K-6) A display device being characterized in
that, in the constitution (K-4), a horizontal distance between the
right member and the left member at a same height with an end
portion of the display element in the vertical direction of the
display device is set longer than a horizontal distance between the
upper member and the lower member at a same height with the end
portion of the display element. (K-7) A display device being
characterized in that, in the constitution (K-1), the members which
are arranged close to each other are arranged in a state that the
projecting portions thereof in the horizontal direction are fitted
into each other. (K-8) A display device being characterized in
that, in the constitution (K-7), in the fitting portions, the
respective members which are arranged close to each other are fixed
to the lower frame using screws.
<<L: Drain Printed Circuit Board>>
[0266] (L-1) A display device in which the display device includes
a display element, a driver element which is connected to the
display element and a drain printed circuit board which is
connected with the driver element, the improvement being
characterized in that two connecting members from a controller
printed circuit board are connected to the drain printed circuit
board, a width of one connecting member is set larger than a width
of other connecting member, and the number of layers of another
connecting member is set larger than the number of the layers of
one connecting member. (L-2) A display device being characterized
in that, in the constitution (L-1), the above-mentioned one
connecting member supplies a gray scale power source and a power
source for a video signal drive circuit and other connecting member
transmits clocks and display data. (L-3) A display device being
characterized in that, in the constitution (L-1) or (L-2), the
drain printed circuit board is divided in two and each divided
printed circuit board includes the above-mentioned one connecting
member and the above-mentioned another connecting member and the
connecting members are arranged such that another connecting member
of both of printed circuit boards is arranged in the inside of one
connecting member of both printed circuit boards. (L-4) A display
device including an upper frame made of metal, an intermediate
frame made of resin and a lower frame made of metal, the
improvement being characterized in that the display device includes
a display element, a driver element which is connected to the
display element and drain printed circuit boards which are
connected to the driver element, wherein the drain printed circuit
boards are provided in plural numbers, and the respective drain
printed circuit boards are fixed to the above-mentioned lower frame
using screws. (L-5) A display device including an upper frame made
of metal, an intermediate frame made of resin and a lower frame
made of metal, the improvement being characterized in that the
display device includes a display element, a driver element which
is connected to the display element and a drain printed circuit
board which is connected to the driver element, wherein the drain
printed circuit board is arranged between a bent side surface
portion of the lower frame and a bent side surface portion of the
upper frame.
<<M: Inverter Cable>>
[0267] (M-1) A display device including an inverter, a light source
and a cable which connects the light source and the inverter, the
improvement being characterized in that the display device includes
a holding member which is integrally formed with a mold which fixes
the light source, the above-mentioned cable is arranged in a region
sandwiched between a side surface of the mold and the holding
member thus restricting the movement of the cable in the
fore-and-aft direction and, further, the cable is arranged along an
arcuate R portion which is formed above the holding member and is
constituted such that the cable is restored again to a lower side
of the R portion and, thereafter, connected to the light
source.
<<N: Reflection Sheet>>
[0268] (N-1) A display device including a lower frame, a reflection
sheet, a light source, a diffusion plate and a display element, the
improvement being characterized in that the reflection sheet is
arranged between the lower frame and the light source, the
diffusion plate is arranged between the light source and the
display elements, the lower frame is formed in an approximately
planar shape in a region below the display element and the lower
frame is raised upwardly in a peripheral portion of the display
element and extends horizontally and, a horizontal portion has a
hole formed therein, the reflection sheet is arranged approximately
horizontally in a region below the display element, is bent in an
oblique direction at a peripheral portion thereof and is extended
upwardly and, thereafter, is extended horizontally and, further, a
portion of an end portion of the sheet is bent downwardly and is
fitted into a hole formed in a horizontal portion of the lower
frame. (N-2) A display device being characterized in that, in the
constitution (N-1), the above-mentioned reflection sheet is
sandwiched between a diffusion plate and the lower frame thus
preventing the removal of the reflection sheet from the hole
portion. (N-3) A display device being characterized in that the
display device includes an upper frame, an intermediate frame, a
lower frame, a light source and a side mold to which the light
source is fixed, wherein the above-mentioned upper frame, the
intermediate frame, lower frame and side mold are independently
fixed to the above-mentioned lower frame. (N-4) A display device
being characterized in that, in the constitution (N-3), the fixing
is performed using screws.
<<P: Light Source>>
[0269] (P-1) A display device including a light source, a lower
frame made of metal which is arranged below the light source, a
display element which is arranged above the light source, the
improvement being characterized in that a plurality of light
sources are arranged in parallel and common spacers are arranged to
longitudinally cross some of the plurality of light sources between
the lower frame and the light source. (P-2) A display device being
characterized in that, in the constitution (P-1), the common
spacers are formed of an elastic or resilient member. (P-3) A
display device being characterized in that, in the constitution
(P-2), the common spacers are made of rubber or sponge. (P-4) A
display device being characterized in that, in the constitution
(P-1), a reflection sheet is arranged between the common spacers
and the light sources. (P-5) A display device being characterized
in that, in the constitution (P-1), the light source is a
fluorescent tube, the fluorescent tube includes a side which is
connected to a high-voltage side of an inverter and a side which is
connected to a low-voltage side of the inverter and the
above-mentioned common spacers are arranged on the high-voltage
side. (P-6) A display device being characterized in that, in the
constitution (P-1), the light source is a fluorescent tube and the
above-mentioned common spacers are collectively arranged on the
whole fluorescent tube.
<<Q: .gamma. Characteristics>>
[0270] (Q-1) A display device in which a signal from the outside of
the display device is inputted to a controller and the controller
supplies a video signal to a video signal drive circuit after
processing the signal, the improvement being characterized in that
a gray scale reference voltage which is supplied to a video signal
line drive circuit is generated by a D/A converter in response to
an instruction from the controller. (Q-2) A display device being
characterized in that, in the constitution (Q-1), the
above-mentioned gray scale reference voltage is variable in plural
kinds in response to the instruction of the controller. (Q-3) A
display device being characterized in that, in the constitution
(Q-2), the video signal line drive circuit generates a voltage per
each gray scale based on the gray scale reference voltage. (Q-4) A
display device being characterized in that, in the constitution
(Q-3), the display device includes a memory which can supply
information to the controller, and the above-mentioned memory holds
a plurality of data sets for changing the gray scale
characteristics. (Q-5) A display device being characterized in
that, in the constitution (Q-4), the above-mentioned data set is
selectable in response to a signal from the outside. (Q-6) A
display device being characterized in that, in the constitution
(Q-4) or (Q-5), a power source voltage for operating the circuit
per se is supplied to the video signal line drive circuit, the
rising sequence at the time of supplying the gray scale reference
voltage to the video signal line drive circuit from the
above-mentioned D/A converter is performed such that, as the time
elapses, first of all, a power source voltage of the video signal
line drive circuit is raised firstly and, before the power source
voltage of the video signal line drive circuit reaches a steady
state, the supply of the gray scale reference voltage is started.
Thereafter, when the power source voltage of the video signal line
drive circuit reaches the steady state, the gray scale reference
voltage is allowed to assume the steady state.
<<R: Display of Manufacturing Information>>
[0271] (R-1) A display device including a display element and a
controller which allows the display element to display a signal in
response to a signal from the outside, the improvement being
characterized in that the display device includes a memory, and the
above-mentioned controller has an information display mode in which
the display element is allowed to display information set in the
above-mentioned memory. (R-2) A display device being characterized
in that, in the constitution (R-1), the changeover to the
information display mode is performed corresponding to whether an
output is released from one terminal of the controller or the
short-circuiting occurs. (R-3) A display device being characterized
in that, in the constitution (R-1) or (R-2), the information
displayed in the information display mode is a barcode. (R-4) A
display device being characterized in that, in the constitution
(R-1) or (R-2), the information displayed in the information
display mode is a strip-like image. (R-5) A display device being
characterized in that, in the constitution (R-4), the strips
include strips which differ in color.
<<S: Changeover of the Display Frequency>>
[0272] (S-1) A display device including a display element and a
controller which allows the display element to display a signal in
response to a signal from the outside, the improvement being
characterized in that the display elements are able to perform a
display in a plurality of frequencies and the changeover of the
frequency can be instructed in response to a mode change signal
from the outside, the display device includes a memory which
temporarily stores image information and, when the controller
receives the mode change signal, the controller examines both
changeover timings of the plurality of display modes having
different frequencies, and the controller executes the mode change
when the timings are synchronized with each other and, when the
timings are not synchronized with each other, postpones the mode
change until the timings are synchronized with each other. (S-2) A
display device being characterized in that, in the constitution
(S-1), out of two display modes having different frequencies, one
display mode is a mode which periodically displays a black image by
setting a high frequency and another display mode is a mode in
which the frequency is low and the input frequency from the outside
and the display frequency coincide with each other.
<<T: Resistance Measurement of the Connecting
Portion>>
[0273] (T-1) A display device in which the display device includes
a display element, a tape carrier and a printed circuit board, and
a signal from the printed circuit board is transmitted to a display
element in a state that a terminal on the printed circuit board and
a terminal on the tape carrier are connected with each other at a
first connecting portion, the signal is transmitted through a line
on the tape carrier, and a terminal on the opposite side of the
tape carrier and a terminal of the display element are connected
with each other at a second connecting portion, the improvement
being characterized in that the connection resistance either at the
first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is
measurable using a measuring terminal formed on the printed circuit
board. (T-2) A display device being characterized in that, in the
constitution (T-1), the above-mentioned measurement can be
performed under conditions of a four terminal method. (T-3) A
display device being characterized in that, in the constitution
(T-1), the above-mentioned first connecting portion or the second
connecting portion is connected by way of an anisotropic conductive
film. (T-4) A display device in which the display device includes a
display element, a tape carrier and a printed circuit board, and a
signal from the printed circuit board is transmitted to a display
element in a state that a terminal on the printed circuit board and
a terminal on the tape carrier are connected with each other at a
first connecting portion, the signal is transmitted through a line
on the tape carrier, and a terminal on the opposite side of the
tape carrier and a terminal of the display element are connected
with each other at a second connecting portion, the improvement
being characterized in that a common potential line bus is arranged
at the display element, the tape carrier and the display element
are connected separately at two places and, at the same time, are
respectively connected to the common potential line bus separately,
one out of these wirings is divided on the tape carrier and,
accordingly, the tape carrier and the printed circuit board are
respectively connected at three places, the wiring which is divided
on the tape carrier is further divided on the printed circuit board
and the measurement terminals corresponding to the above-mentioned
respective wirings which are divided are arranged on the printed
circuit board. (T-5) A display device in which the display device
includes a display element, a tape carrier and a printed circuit
board, and a signal from the printed circuit board is transmitted
to a display device in a state that a terminal on the printed
circuit board and a terminal on the tape carrier are connected with
each other at a first connecting portion, the signal is transmitted
through a line on the tape carrier, and a terminal on the opposite
side of the tape carrier and a terminal of the display element are
connected with each other at a second connecting portion, the
improvement being characterized in that the common potential line
bus on the display element is also used as the common potential
supplying bus line, the respective tape carriers include common
potential supply lines which does not go through the driver
element, the supply line is connected to the common potential line
bus on the display element and is connected to the common bus line
again which is formed on the printed circuit board, the common
potential supply line has a measurement terminal thereof on the
printed circuit board and is connected to the common potential line
bus again and extends on the tape carrier and, thereafter, a
measurement wiring which is connected to the printed circuit board
is formed and a measurement terminal is formed on the printed
circuit board and, the measurement wiring increase the number
thereof by sequentially being divided on the tape carrier and on
the printed circuit board and each of the divided wiring has a
measurement terminal formed on the printed circuit board. (T-6) A
display device being characterized in that, in the constitution
(T-5), out of the wirings which are connected to the measurement
terminals, the wirings except for the common potential supply lines
are separated from the reference potential supply line on the
printed circuit board.
* * * * *