JP2010072483A - Display element and electronic equipment using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A display element with excellent display quality capable of appropriately moving a conductive liquid and an electric device using the display element are provided.
An effective display region side or ineffective within an upper substrate (first substrate), a lower substrate (second substrate), and a display space formed between the upper substrate and the lower substrate. In a display element including a conductive liquid movably sealed on the display region side, a signal electrode 4, a reference electrode 5, and a scanning electrode 6 are provided. Further, in the signal electrode 4, first and second signal electrode members 4b and 4c provided in parallel with each other inside the display space are installed.
[Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a display element that displays information such as images and characters by moving a conductive liquid, and an electric device using the display element.

  In recent years, as represented by an electrowetting type display element, a display element has been developed and put into practical use to display information by utilizing a phenomenon of movement of a conductive liquid by an external electric field.

  Specifically, in the conventional display element as described above, for example, as described in Patent Document 1 below, the first and second substrates and a display space formed between these substrates are included. Transparent water as a conductive liquid sealed inside and oil colored in a predetermined color are provided. This conventional display element includes a counter electrode provided on the first substrate side, and an address electrode and a holding electrode provided on the second substrate side. Among these electrodes, the counter electrode and the holding electrode constitute a row electrode provided in a matrix-like row direction, and the address electrode constitutes a column electrode provided in a matrix-like column direction. The element can perform matrix driving.

  That is, in the conventional display element, by applying a voltage of + potential greater than 0V or a voltage of ++ potential greater than this + potential to the address electrode, a column (address electrode) for one row is applied. ) Is given on or off information. After that, in the conventional display element, the row is selected by setting the row potential of the row electrode, that is, the counter electrode and the holding electrode to + potential. As a result, in the conventional display element, the pixel in which the ++ potential is applied to the address electrode intersecting with the selected row is kept on, and the oil collected on the address electrode side (ineffective display region side). Does not spread to the holding electrode side (effective display area side), and the display color of the pixel is not changed.

On the other hand, in the conventional display element, in a pixel in which a positive potential is applied to the address electrode that intersects the selected row, the pixel changes from on to off, and the oil collected on the address electrode side spreads to the holding electrode side. The display color of the pixel is changed. Thus, the conventional display element is configured such that matrix driving is performed and the display color on the display surface side is changed in units of pixels. In other words, in the conventional display element, the display color of the pixel is changed by sliding the conductive liquid to the address electrode side (non-effective display area side) or the holding electrode side (effective display area side). It was.
JP-T-2006-519412

  However, in the conventional display element as described above, when the conductive liquid is driven, that is, when the conductive liquid slides, the conductive liquid sometimes comes off from the address electrode or the holding electrode. More specifically, in the conventional display element, the conductive liquid may not be able to change the display color of the pixel by moving onto the address electrode or the holding electrode of the adjacent pixel, for example. As a result, the conventional display element sometimes has a problem that the display quality is deteriorated.

  In view of the above-described problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a display element that can appropriately move a conductive liquid and has excellent display quality, and an electric device using the display element.

In order to achieve the above object, the display element according to the present invention is configured such that a predetermined display space is formed between the first substrate provided on the display surface side and the first substrate. , The second substrate provided on the non-display surface side of the first substrate, the effective display area and the non-effective display area set for the display space, and the effective inside the display space. A display liquid configured to be movable toward the display area side or the ineffective display area side, and configured to change a display color on the display surface side by moving the conductive liquid. An element,
A signal electrode installed inside the display space so as to come into contact with the conductive liquid;
On one side of the first and second substrates in a state of being electrically insulated from the conductive liquid so as to be installed on one side of the effective display area side and the non-effective display area side. In the state electrically insulated from the conductive liquid and the reference electrode so as to be installed on the other side of the provided reference electrode and the effective display area side and the ineffective display area side A scanning electrode provided on one side of the first and second substrates;
The signal electrode, the reference electrode, and the scan electrode are configured to be able to apply a voltage within a predetermined voltage range between the first voltage and the second voltage independently of each other,
The signal electrode includes first and second signal electrode members provided in parallel with each other inside the display space.

  In the display element configured as described above, the first and second signal electrode members provided in parallel with each other inside the display space are included in the signal electrode. With the signal electrode member, the conductive liquid can be moved to the effective display area side or the non-effective display area side in a state where the conductive liquid is prevented from being detached. Thereby, unlike the said prior art example, the display element excellent in the display quality which can move an electroconductive liquid appropriately can be comprised.

In the display element, the plurality of signal electrodes are provided along a predetermined arrangement direction,
The plurality of reference electrodes and the plurality of scanning electrodes are provided alternately with each other and intersect with the plurality of signal electrodes,
A signal voltage applying unit that is connected to the plurality of signal electrodes and applies a signal voltage within a predetermined voltage range to each of the plurality of signal electrodes in accordance with information displayed on the display surface side; ,
A selection voltage that is connected to the plurality of reference electrodes and that allows the conductive liquid to move within the display space in response to the signal voltage for each of the plurality of reference electrodes; A reference voltage applying unit that applies one voltage of a non-selection voltage that prevents the conductive liquid from moving inside the display space;
A selection voltage connected to the plurality of scan electrodes and allowing the conductive liquid to move in the display space in response to the signal voltage for each of the plurality of scan electrodes; It is preferable that a scanning voltage applying unit that applies one voltage of a non-selection voltage that prevents the conductive liquid from moving inside the display space is provided.

  In this case, a matrix drive type display element having excellent display quality can be easily configured.

  In the display element, the first and second signal electrode members are provided along the moving direction of the conductive liquid in the display space so as to sandwich the conductive liquid. Is preferred.

  In this case, the conductive liquid can be moved to the effective display area side or the non-effective display area side in a more stable state.

  In the display element, it is preferable that the terminal portions of the first and second signal electrode members are connected to each other by a terminal connection member.

  In this case, even when disconnection or the like occurs in one of the first and second signal electrode members, the adverse effect can be eliminated and the conductive liquid can be moved appropriately.

Further, in the display element, a plurality of pixel regions are provided on the display surface side,
Each of the plurality of pixel regions is preferably provided in a unit of intersection of the signal electrode and the scan electrode.

  In this case, the display color on the display surface side can be changed in units of pixels by moving the conductive liquid in each of the plurality of pixels on the display surface side.

  In the display element, the plurality of pixel regions may be provided in accordance with a plurality of colors capable of full color display on the display surface side.

  In this case, color images can be displayed by appropriately moving the corresponding conductive liquid in each of the plurality of pixels.

  In the display element, it is preferable that an insulating fluid that does not mix with the conductive liquid is sealed in the display space so as to be movable in the display space.

  In this case, it is possible to easily increase the moving speed of the conductive liquid.

  In the display element, a dielectric layer may be stacked on the surfaces of the reference electrode and the scan electrode.

  In this case, the electric field applied to the conductive liquid by the dielectric layer can be reliably increased, and the moving speed of the conductive fluid can be improved more easily.

In the display element, the ineffective display area is set by a light shielding film provided on one side of the first and second substrates,
The effective display area is preferably set by an opening formed in the light shielding film.

  In this case, the effective display area and the ineffective display area can be appropriately and reliably set for the display space.

  In the display element, the signal electrode may be provided on one side of the first and second substrates.

  In this case, since the signal electrode is provided on one side of the first and second substrates together with the reference electrode and the scanning electrode, the configuration on the other side of these substrates and the manufacturing process thereof can be simplified.

  In the display element, the signal electrode may be provided on the other side of the first and second substrates.

  In this case, unlike the reference electrode and the scan electrode, the signal electrode is provided on the other side of the first and second substrates, so that the electrical insulation state between the reference electrode and the scan electrode is not impaired. A signal electrode can be provided, and a display element with excellent reliability can be easily configured.

The electrical device of the present invention is an electrical device including a display unit that displays information including characters and images,
Any one of the display elements described above is used for the display portion.

  In the electrical equipment configured as described above, since a display element with excellent display quality that can appropriately move the conductive liquid is used for the display unit, the display device has an excellent display quality. A high-performance electric device can be easily configured.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to provide the display element excellent in the display quality which can move an electroconductive liquid appropriately, and an electric equipment using the same.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a display element and an electric device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a case where the present invention is applied to an image display apparatus including a display unit capable of displaying a color image display will be described as an example. Moreover, the dimension of the structural member in each figure does not faithfully represent the actual dimension of the structural member, the dimensional ratio of each structural member, or the like.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a plan view for explaining a display element and an image display apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, in the image display apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, a display unit using the display element 10 of the present invention is provided, and a rectangular display surface is configured in the display unit. That is, the display element 10 includes an upper substrate 2 and a lower substrate 3 arranged so as to overlap each other in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. An effective display area on the display surface is formed (details will be described later).

  In the display element 10, the plurality of signal electrodes 4 are provided in stripes along the X direction at predetermined intervals. In the display element 10, a plurality of reference electrodes 5 and a plurality of scanning electrodes 6 are provided alternately in a stripe pattern along the Y direction. The plurality of signal electrodes 4, the plurality of reference electrodes 5, and the plurality of scan electrodes 6 are provided so as to intersect with each other. In the display element 10, the signal electrodes 4 and the scan electrodes 6 are in units of intersections. A plurality of pixel areas are set.

  The plurality of signal electrodes 4, the plurality of reference electrodes 5, and the plurality of scan electrodes 6 are independently of each other a high voltage (hereinafter referred to as “H voltage”) as a first voltage and a second voltage. A voltage within a predetermined voltage range between the low voltage and the low voltage (hereinafter referred to as “L voltage”) can be applied (details will be described later).

  Further, the display element 10 is provided with a plurality of pixel areas as described above, and the plurality of pixel areas are provided according to a plurality of colors capable of full color display on the display surface side. Yes. In the display element 10, a conductive liquid described later is moved by an electrowetting phenomenon for each of a plurality of pixels (display cells) provided in a matrix so as to change the display color on the display surface side. It has become.

  Further, in the plurality of signal electrodes 4, the plurality of reference electrodes 5, and the plurality of scanning electrodes 6, one end side is drawn out to the outside of the effective display area of the display surface to form terminal portions 4a, 5a, and 6a. ing.

  A signal driver 7 is connected to each terminal portion 4a of the plurality of signal electrodes 4 via a wiring 7a. The signal driver 7 constitutes a signal voltage application unit. When the image display device 1 displays information including characters and images on the display surface, the signal driver 7 responds to the information for each of the plurality of signal electrodes 4. The signal voltage Vd is applied.

  Further, a reference driver 8 is connected to each terminal portion 5a of the plurality of reference electrodes 5 via a wiring 8a. The reference driver 8 constitutes a reference voltage application unit. When the image display device 1 displays information including characters and images on the display surface, the reference driver 8 applies the reference voltage Vr to each of the plurality of reference electrodes 5. Is applied.

  A scanning driver 9 is connected to each terminal portion 6a of the plurality of scanning electrodes 6 via a wiring 9a. The scanning driver 9 constitutes a scanning voltage application unit. When the image display device 1 displays information including characters and images on the display surface, the scanning voltage Vs is applied to each of the plurality of scanning electrodes 6. Is applied.

  The scan driver 9 also selects a non-selection voltage that prevents the conductive liquid from moving with respect to each of the plurality of scan electrodes 6 and a selection that allows the conductive liquid to move according to the signal voltage Vd. One of the voltages is applied as the scanning voltage Vs. The reference driver 8 is configured to operate with reference to the operation of the scanning driver 9, and the reference driver 8 prevents the conductive liquid from moving with respect to the plurality of reference electrodes 5. One voltage of the non-selection voltage and the selection voltage that allows the conductive liquid to move according to the signal voltage Vd is applied as the reference voltage Vr.

  In the image display device 1, the scanning driver 9 sequentially applies the selection voltage to the scanning electrodes 6 from the left side to the right side of FIG. 1, for example, and the reference driver 8 is synchronized with the operation of the scanning driver 9. The scanning operation is performed for each line by sequentially applying a selection voltage to the scanning electrodes 6 from the left side to the right side of 1 (details will be described later).

  The signal driver 7, the reference driver 8, and the scanning driver 9 include a DC power supply or an AC power supply, and supply corresponding signal voltage Vd, reference voltage Vr, and scanning voltage Vs. .

  The reference driver 8 is configured to switch the polarity of the reference voltage Vr every predetermined time (for example, one frame). Further, the scanning driver 9 is configured to switch each polarity of the scanning voltage Vs in response to switching of the polarity of the reference voltage Vr. Thus, since the polarities of the reference voltage Vr and the scanning voltage Vs are switched every predetermined time, the reference voltages Vr and the scanning electrode 6 are compared with the reference electrode 5 and the scanning electrode 6 when the same polarity voltage is always applied. It is possible to prevent localization of electric charges at the electrode 5 and the scanning electrode 6. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent adverse effects of display defects (afterimage phenomenon) and reliability (lifetime reduction) due to charge localization.

  Here, the pixel structure of the display element 10 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

  2 is an enlarged plan view showing a configuration of a main part on the upper substrate side shown in FIG. 1 when viewed from the display surface side, and FIG. 3 is shown in FIG. 1 when viewed from the non-display surface side. It is an enlarged plan view which shows the principal part structure by the side of a lower substrate. FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are cross-sectional views showing the main configuration of the display element shown in FIG. 1 during non-CF color display and CF color display, respectively. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the main configuration of the display element when viewed in the direction of arrow V shown in FIG. 2 and 3, for simplification of the drawings, of the plurality of pixels provided on the display surface, twelve pixels disposed at the upper left end portion of FIG. 1 are illustrated. .

  2 to 5, the display element 10 includes the upper substrate 2 as a first substrate provided on the display surface side and a second substrate provided on the back side (non-display surface side) of the upper substrate 2. The lower substrate 3 as a substrate is provided. In the display element 10, the upper substrate 2 and the lower substrate 3 are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other, so that a predetermined display space S is formed between the upper substrate 2 and the lower substrate 3. . Further, in the display space S, the conductive liquid 16 and the insulating oil 17 not mixed with the conductive liquid 16 are placed in the display space S in the X direction (the horizontal direction in FIG. 4). The conductive liquid 16 can move to the effective display region P1 side or the non-effective display region P2 side described later.

  As the conductive liquid 16, for example, an aqueous solution containing water as a solvent and a predetermined electrolyte as a solute is used. Specifically, for example, an aqueous solution of 1 mmol / L potassium chloride (KCl) is used for the conductive liquid 16. In addition, as the conductive liquid 16, for example, a liquid colored black with a self-dispersing pigment is used.

  Further, since the conductive liquid 16 is colored in black, the conductive liquid 16 functions as a shutter that allows or blocks light transmission in each pixel. That is, in each pixel of the display element 10, as will be described in detail later, the conductive liquid 16 is disposed inside the display space S on the reference electrode 5 side (effective display region P 1 side) or on the scanning electrode 6 side (non-effective display region). The display color is changed to either black or RGB by sliding to (P2 side).

  The oil 17 is a non-polar, colorless and transparent oil composed of one or more selected from, for example, side chain higher alcohol, side chain higher fatty acid, alkane hydrocarbon, silicone oil, and matching oil. It has been. The oil 17 moves in the display space S as the conductive liquid 16 slides.

  For the upper substrate 2, a transparent transparent sheet material such as a transparent glass material such as an alkali-free glass substrate or a transparent synthetic resin such as an acrylic resin is used. A color filter layer 11 and a water repellent film 12 are sequentially formed on the surface of the upper substrate 2 on the non-display surface side.

  Further, similarly to the upper substrate 2, the lower substrate 3 is made of a transparent glass material such as a non-alkali glass substrate or a transparent transparent sheet material such as a transparent synthetic resin such as an acrylic resin. Further, the reference electrode 5 and the scan electrode 6 are provided on the surface of the lower substrate 3 on the display surface side, and a dielectric layer 13 is formed so as to cover the reference electrode 5 and the scan electrode 6. A water repellent film 15 is provided so as to cover the dielectric layer 13.

  In the lower substrate 3, the signal electrode 4 is formed on the water repellent film 15. More specifically, the signal electrode 4 includes first and second signal electrode members 4b and 4c provided in parallel with each other inside the display space S on the lower substrate 3, as illustrated in FIG. It is included. One end portions of the first and second signal electrode members 4b and 4c are connected to the terminal portion 4a, and the other end portions (termination portions) of the first and second signal electrode members 4b and 4c are terminated. The connecting members 4d are connected to each other. That is, each of the plurality of signal electrodes 4 is closed with respect to the signal driver 7, and the conductive liquid 16 is appropriately moved even when one of the signal electrode members 4b and 4c is disconnected. (Details will be described later.)

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first and second signal electrode members 4 b and 4 c move the conductive liquid 16 in the display space S so as to sandwich the conductive liquid 16. It is provided along. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the first and second signal electrode members 4 b and 4 c are installed so as to be point-symmetric with respect to the center point C in the Y direction in each pixel region of the display element 10. Yes. That is, in the Y direction, the distance H1 between the center point C and the second signal electrode member 4c and the distance H2 between the center point C and the first signal electrode member 4b are the same value. The first and second signal electrode members 4 b and 4 c are provided on the water repellent film 15.

  In addition, a backlight 18 that emits white illumination light, for example, is integrally assembled on the back side (non-display surface side) of the lower substrate 3 to constitute a transmissive display element 10. The backlight 18 uses a light source such as a cold cathode fluorescent tube or an LED.

  The color filter layer 11 is provided with red (R), green (G), and blue (B) color filter portions 11r, 11g, and 11b, and a black matrix portion 11s as a light shielding film. The pixels of each color of RGB are configured. That is, in the color filter layer 11, as illustrated in FIG. 2, RGB color filter portions 11r, 11g, and 11b are sequentially provided along the X direction, and each of the four color filter portions 11r, 11g, and 11b is Y. A total of 12 pixels are arranged in the X direction and the Y direction, respectively, 3 pixels and 4 pixels.

  In the display element 10, as illustrated in FIG. 2, in each pixel region P, one of RGB color filter portions 11r, 11g, and 11b is provided at a location corresponding to the effective display region P1 of the pixel. A black matrix portion 11s is provided at a location corresponding to the ineffective display area P2. That is, in the display element 10, an ineffective display region P2 (non-opening portion) is set for the display space S by the black matrix portion (light-shielding film) 11s, and an opening portion (non-opening portion) formed in the black matrix portion 11s ( That is, the effective display area P1 is set by any one of the color filter portions 11r, 11g, and 11b).

  In the display element 10, the area of the color filter portions 11r, 11g, and 11b is selected to be the same or slightly larger than the area of the effective display area P1. On the other hand, the area of the black matrix portion 11s is selected to be the same or slightly smaller than the area of the ineffective display area P2. In FIG. 2, in order to clarify the boundary between adjacent pixels, the boundary between the two black matrix portions 11s corresponding to the adjacent pixels is indicated by a dotted line, but the actual color filter layer 11 Then, there is no boundary line between the black matrix portions 11s.

  The water-repellent films 12 and 15 are made of a transparent synthetic resin, preferably, for example, a fluorine resin that becomes a hydrophilic layer with respect to the conductive liquid 16 when a voltage is applied. Thereby, in the display element 10, the wettability (contact angle) between the upper substrate 2 and the lower surface 3 and the conductive liquid 16 on each surface side on the display space S side can be greatly changed. The moving speed of the ionic liquid 16 can be increased. The dielectric layer 13 is made of a transparent dielectric film containing, for example, parylene, silicon nitride, hafnium oxide, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or aluminum oxide.

For the reference electrode 5 and the scanning electrode 6, a transparent electrode material such as indium oxide (ITO), tin oxide (SnO ₂ ), or zinc oxide (AZO, GZO, or IZO) is used. Each of these reference electrodes 5 and each scanning electrode 6 is formed in a strip shape on the lower substrate 3 by a known film forming method such as sputtering.

  In the signal electrode 4, as described above, the first and second signal electrode members 4 b and 4 c and the terminal connection member 4 d provided in parallel with each other are provided on the water repellent film 15. The first and second signal electrode members 4b and 4c and the terminal connection member 4d are each provided with a linear wiring parallel to the X direction and the Y direction, and are in direct contact with the conductive liquid 16. It is configured as follows. Thereby, in the display element 10, the responsiveness of the conductive liquid 16 during the display operation is improved.

  Further, a transparent water repellent film (not shown) made of, for example, a fluorine resin is laminated on the surface of the signal electrode 4 so that the conductive liquid 16 can be moved smoothly. However, this water-repellent film does not electrically insulate the signal electrode 4 and the conductive liquid 16, and does not hinder improvement in the response of the conductive liquid 16.

  The signal electrode 4 is made of a material that is electrochemically inactive with respect to the conductive liquid 16, and even when the signal voltage Vd (for example, 40 V) is applied to the signal electrode 4. In addition, it is configured so as not to cause an electrochemical reaction with the conductive liquid 16 as much as possible. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of the electrolysis of the signal electrode 4 can be prevented, and the reliability and lifetime of the display element 10 can be improved.

  Specifically, for the signal electrode 4, an electrode material containing at least one of gold, silver, copper, platinum, and palladium is used. Further, the signal electrode 4 is an ink such as a conductive paste material containing a metal material on the color filter layer 11 by fixing a thin line made of the metal material on the color filter layer 11 or using a screen printing method or the like. It is formed by placing a material.

  Further, the shape of the signal electrode 4 is determined by using the transmittance of the reference electrode 5 provided below the effective display area P1 of the pixel. More specifically, in the signal electrode 4, the area occupied by the signal electrode 4 on the effective display region P 1 with respect to the area of the effective display region P 1 based on the transmittance of the reference electrode 5 of about 75% to 95%. Is 30% or less, preferably 10% or less, more preferably 5% or less, and the shape of the signal electrode 4 is determined.

  In each pixel of the display element 10 configured as described above, when the conductive liquid 16 is held between the color filter portion 11r and the reference electrode 5 as illustrated in FIG. The light from 18 is shielded by the conductive liquid 16, and black display (non-CF color display) is performed. On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, when the conductive liquid 16 is held between the black matrix portion 11 s and the scan electrode 6, the light from the backlight 18 is blocked by the conductive liquid 16. Without passing through the color filter portion 11r, red display (CF color display) is performed.

  Here, the display operation of the image display device 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

  First, a basic operation in the image display apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the image display device.

  In FIG. 6, the reference driver 8 and the scanning driver 9 select the reference voltage Vr and the scanning voltage Vs as the reference voltage Vr and the scanning voltage Vs, respectively, for the reference electrode 5 and the scanning electrode 6 in a predetermined scanning direction from the left side to the right side in FIG. Apply voltage sequentially. Specifically, the reference driver 8 and the scan driver 9 sequentially apply an H voltage (first voltage) and an L voltage (second voltage) as selection voltages to the reference electrode 5 and the scan electrode 6, respectively. The scanning operation for selecting the line is performed. In this selection line, the signal driver 7 applies the H voltage or the L voltage as the signal voltage Vd to the corresponding signal electrode 4 according to the image input signal from the outside. Thereby, in each pixel of the selection line, the conductive liquid 16 is moved to the effective display area P1 side or the non-effective display area P2 side, and the display color on the display surface side is changed.

  On the other hand, the reference driver 8 and the scan driver 9 apply the non-selection voltage as the reference voltage Vr and the scan voltage Vs to the non-selected lines, that is, all the remaining reference electrodes 5 and scan electrodes 6, respectively. Specifically, the reference driver 8 and the scan driver 9 apply an intermediate voltage (Middle) that is, for example, an intermediate voltage between the H voltage and the L voltage to the remaining reference electrodes 5 and scan electrodes 6 as non-selection voltages. Voltage, hereinafter referred to as “M voltage”). Thereby, in each pixel of the non-selected line, the conductive liquid 16 is stopped without causing unnecessary fluctuation on the effective display region P1 side or the non-effective display region P2 side, and the display color on the display surface side is not changed.

  When the display operation as described above is performed, combinations of voltages applied to the reference electrode 5, the scan electrode 6, and the signal electrode 4 are as shown in Table 1. Furthermore, as shown in Table 1, the behavior of the conductive liquid 16 and the display color on the display surface side are in accordance with the applied voltage. In Table 1, the H voltage, L voltage, and M voltage are abbreviated as “H”, “L”, and “M”, respectively (the same applies to Table 2 described later). In addition, specific values of the H voltage, the L voltage, and the M voltage are, for example, + 7V, −7V, and 0V, respectively.

＜選択ラインでの動作＞
選択ラインでは、信号電極４に対して例えばＨ電圧が印加されているときでは、参照電極５と信号電極４との間では、共にＨ電圧が印加されているので、これらの参照電極５と信号電極４との間には、電位差が生じていない。一方、信号電極４と走査電極６との間では、走査電極６に対して、Ｌ電圧が印加されているので、電位差が生じている状態となる。このため、導電性液体１６は、信号電極４に対して、電位差が生じている走査電極６側に表示用空間Ｓの内部を移動する。この結果、導電性液体１６は、図４（ｂ）に例示したように、非有効表示領域Ｐ２側に移動した状態となり、オイル１７を参照電極５側に移動させて、バックライト１８からの照明光がカラーフィルタ部１１ｒに達するのを許容する。これにより、表示面側での表示色は、カラーフィルタ部１１ｒによる赤色表示（ＣＦ着色表示）の状態となる。また、画像表示装置１では、隣接するＲＧＢの３つの全画素において、それらの導電性液体１６が非有効表示領域Ｐ２側に移動して、ＣＦ着色表示が行われたときに、当該ＲＧＢの画素からの赤色光、緑色光、及び青色光が白色光に混色して、白色表示が行われる。

<Operation on selected line>
In the selection line, for example, when an H voltage is applied to the signal electrode 4, an H voltage is applied between the reference electrode 5 and the signal electrode 4. There is no potential difference with the electrode 4. On the other hand, since the L voltage is applied to the scan electrode 6 between the signal electrode 4 and the scan electrode 6, a potential difference is generated. Therefore, the conductive liquid 16 moves in the display space S toward the scanning electrode 6 where a potential difference is generated with respect to the signal electrode 4. As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, the conductive liquid 16 is moved to the ineffective display region P2 side, and the oil 17 is moved to the reference electrode 5 side to illuminate from the backlight 18. The light is allowed to reach the color filter unit 11r. As a result, the display color on the display surface side is in a red display (CF color display) state by the color filter unit 11r. Further, in the image display device 1, when the conductive liquid 16 moves to the ineffective display area P <b> 2 side in all three adjacent RGB pixels and the CF color display is performed, the RGB pixels are concerned. The red light, green light, and blue light from are mixed with white light, and white display is performed.

  On the other hand, when the L voltage is applied to the signal electrode 4 in the selection line, a potential difference is generated between the reference electrode 5 and the signal electrode 4, and between the signal electrode 4 and the scanning electrode 6. No potential difference has occurred. Accordingly, the conductive liquid 16 moves in the display space S toward the reference electrode 5 where a potential difference is generated with respect to the signal electrode 4. As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, the conductive liquid 16 is moved to the effective display region P1 side, and the illumination light from the backlight 18 is prevented from reaching the color filter unit 11r. As a result, the display color on the display surface side is a black display (non-CF color display) by the conductive liquid 16.

<Operation on unselected lines>
In the non-selected line, for example, when the H voltage is applied to the signal electrode 4, the conductive liquid 16 is maintained in a stationary state at the current position and is maintained at the current display color. That is, since the M voltage is applied to both the reference electrode 5 and the scan electrode 6, the potential difference between the reference electrode 5 and the signal electrode 4 and the potential difference between the scan electrode 6 and the signal electrode 4 are This is because the same potential difference occurs in both cases. As a result, the display color is maintained unchanged from the current black display or CF color display.

  Similarly, even when the L voltage is applied to the signal electrode 4 in the non-selected line, the conductive liquid 16 is maintained in a stationary state at the current position and is maintained at the current display color. That is, since the M voltage is applied to both the reference electrode 5 and the scan electrode 6, the potential difference between the reference electrode 5 and the signal electrode 4 and the potential difference between the scan electrode 6 and the signal electrode 4 are This is because the same potential difference occurs in both cases.

  As described above, in the non-selected line, even when the signal electrode 4 is at either the H voltage or the L voltage, the conductive liquid 16 does not move but stops and displays on the display surface side. The color does not change.

  On the other hand, in the selection line, the conductive liquid 16 can be moved according to the voltage applied to the signal electrode 4 as described above, and the display color on the display surface side can be changed.

  Further, in the image display device 1, the display color at each pixel on the selected line is applied to the signal electrode 4 corresponding to each pixel, for example, as shown in FIG. 6 by the combination of applied voltages shown in Table 1. Depending on the voltage, the color filter portions 11r, 11g, and 11b are CF colored (red, green, or blue) or the conductive liquid 16 is non-CF colored (black). Further, when the reference driver 8 and the scanning driver 9 perform the scanning operation of the selection lines of the reference electrode 5 and the scanning electrode 6 respectively from the left to the right in FIG. 6, for example, The display color also changes sequentially from left to right in FIG. Therefore, by performing the scanning operation of the selected line by the reference driver 8 and the scanning driver 9 at high speed, the display color of each pixel on the display unit can be changed at high speed in the image display device 1. Furthermore, by applying the signal voltage Vd to the signal electrode 4 in synchronization with the scanning operation of the selected line, the image display apparatus 1 can perform various information including moving images based on an external image input signal. Can be displayed.

  Further, the combinations of voltages applied to the reference electrode 5, the scan electrode 6, and the signal electrode 4 are not limited to Table 1, but may be those shown in Table 2.

すなわち、参照ドライバ８及び走査ドライバ９は、例えば同図の左側から右側に向かう所定の走査方向で、参照電極５及び走査電極６に対して、選択電圧としてＬ電圧（第２の電圧）及びＨ電圧（第１の電圧）をそれぞれ順次印加して選択ラインとする走査動作を行う。また、この選択ラインでは、信号ドライバ７は外部からの画像入力信号に応じて、対応する信号電極４に対して、Ｈ電圧またはＬ電圧を信号電圧Ｖｄとして印加する。

That is, the reference driver 8 and the scan driver 9 are, for example, in a predetermined scanning direction from the left side to the right side in the figure, with respect to the reference electrode 5 and the scan electrode 6 as L voltage (second voltage) and H A scanning operation is performed in which a voltage (first voltage) is sequentially applied to select lines. In this selection line, the signal driver 7 applies the H voltage or the L voltage as the signal voltage Vd to the corresponding signal electrode 4 according to the image input signal from the outside.

  On the other hand, the reference driver 8 and the scan driver 9 apply the M voltage as the non-selection voltage to the non-selected lines, that is, all the remaining reference electrodes 5 and scan electrodes 6.

<Operation on selected line>
In the selection line, for example, when the L voltage is applied to the signal electrode 4, the L voltage is applied between the reference electrode 5 and the signal electrode 4. There is no potential difference with the electrode 4. On the other hand, since the H voltage is applied to the scanning electrode 6 between the signal electrode 4 and the scanning electrode 6, a potential difference is generated. Therefore, the conductive liquid 16 moves in the display space S toward the scanning electrode 6 where a potential difference is generated with respect to the signal electrode 4. As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, the conductive liquid 16 is moved to the ineffective display region P2 side, and the oil 17 is moved to the reference electrode 5 side to illuminate from the backlight 18. The light is allowed to reach the color filter unit 11r. As a result, the display color on the display surface side is in a red display (CF color display) state by the color filter unit 11r. Similarly to the case shown in Table 1, when CF colored display is performed on all three adjacent RGB pixels, white display is performed.

  On the other hand, when the H voltage is applied to the signal electrode 4 in the selection line, a potential difference is generated between the reference electrode 5 and the signal electrode 4, and between the signal electrode 4 and the scanning electrode 6. No potential difference has occurred. Accordingly, the conductive liquid 16 moves in the display space S toward the reference electrode 5 where a potential difference is generated with respect to the signal electrode 4. As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, the conductive liquid 16 is moved to the effective display region P1 side, and the illumination light from the backlight 18 is prevented from reaching the color filter unit 11r. As a result, the display color on the display surface side is a black display (non-CF color display) by the conductive liquid 16.

<Operation on unselected lines>
In the non-selected line, for example, when an L voltage is applied to the signal electrode 4, the conductive liquid 16 is maintained in a stationary state at the current position and is maintained at the current display color. That is, since the M voltage is applied to both the reference electrode 5 and the scan electrode 6, the potential difference between the reference electrode 5 and the signal electrode 4 and the potential difference between the scan electrode 6 and the signal electrode 4 are This is because the same potential difference occurs in both cases. As a result, the display color is maintained unchanged from the current black display or CF color display.

  Similarly, even when the H voltage is applied to the signal electrode 4 in the non-selected line, the conductive liquid 16 is maintained in a stationary state at the current position and is maintained at the current display color. That is, since the M voltage is applied to both the reference electrode 5 and the scan electrode 6, the potential difference between the reference electrode 5 and the signal electrode 4 and the potential difference between the scan electrode 6 and the signal electrode 4 are This is because the same potential difference occurs in both cases.

  As described above, even in the case shown in Table 2, as in the case shown in Table 1, in the non-selected line, even if the signal electrode 4 is either the H voltage or the L voltage, the conductive property The liquid 16 does not move, stops, and the display color on the display surface side does not change.

  On the other hand, in the selection line, the conductive liquid 16 can be moved according to the voltage applied to the signal electrode 4 as described above, and the display color on the display surface side can be changed.

  Further, in the image display device 1 of the present embodiment, in addition to the combinations of applied voltages shown in Tables 1 and 2, the applied voltage to the signal electrode 4 is not limited to the binary value of the H voltage or the L voltage. The voltage between the H voltage and the L voltage can be changed according to information displayed on the display surface side. In other words, the image display device 1 can perform gradation display by controlling the signal voltage Vd. Thereby, the display element 10 excellent in display performance can be configured.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the effect of the termination connecting member 4 d provided on each signal electrode 4 will be specifically described.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the effect of the terminal connection member shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 7, it is assumed that a broken portion is generated in, for example, the second signal electrode member 4 c of the uppermost signal electrode 4 as indicated by “H” in the same drawing. At this time, if the terminal connection member 4d is not provided, the terminal portions of the first and second signal electrode members 4b and 4c (left end portions in the drawing) are not connected to each other by the terminal connection member 4d. In the open state, the signal voltage Vd from the signal driver 7 is supplied only by the first signal electrode member 4b in the three pixel regions P shown in FIG. As a result, even when the signal voltage Vd is supplied, the conductive liquid 16 may not be appropriately moved in each of the three pixel regions P.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the terminal portions of the first and second signal electrode members 4b and 4c are connected to each other by the terminal connection member 4d. Even if the disconnection portion occurs, the signal voltage Vd from the signal driver 7 is supplied to the entire second signal electrode member 4c excluding the disconnection portion via the terminal connection member 4d. In the region P, the conductive liquid 16 can be appropriately moved. By providing the terminal connection member 4d as described above, in this embodiment, even when the first and second signal electrode members 4b and 4c are disconnected, the adverse effect is eliminated and the conductive liquid is removed. 16 can be moved appropriately.

  In the display element 10 of the present embodiment configured as described above, the signal electrode 4 includes the first and second signal electrode members 4b and 4c provided in parallel with each other inside the display space S. . Thereby, in the display element 10 of the present embodiment, the conductive liquid 16 is removed in a state where the first or second signal electrode members 4b and 4c prevent the conductive liquid 16 from leaving the pixel region P. It can be moved to the effective display area P1 side or the non-effective display area P2 side. As a result, in the present embodiment, unlike the conventional example, it is possible to configure the display element 10 excellent in display quality that can appropriately move the conductive liquid 16.

  Further, in the image display device (electric device) 1 of the present embodiment, since the display element 10 is used for the display unit, the high-performance image display device 1 including the display unit having excellent display quality can be easily obtained. Can be configured.

  Further, in the display element 10 of the present embodiment, the lower substrate (second substrate) 3 is arranged such that the plurality of reference electrodes 5 and the plurality of scanning electrodes 6 alternately intersect with the plurality of signal electrodes 4. On the side. Further, in the display element 10 of the present embodiment, the signal driver (signal voltage application unit) 7, the reference driver (reference voltage application unit) 8, and the scan driver (scan voltage application unit) 9 include the signal electrode 4, the reference electrode 5, The signal voltage Vd, the reference voltage Vr, and the scanning voltage Vs are applied to the scanning electrode 6. Thereby, in this embodiment, the matrix drive type display element 10 having excellent display quality can be easily configured.

  Further, in the display element 10 of the present embodiment, the first and second signal electrode members 4b and 4c are arranged in the moving direction of the conductive liquid 16 inside the display space S so as to sandwich the conductive liquid 16. It is provided along. Thereby, in the display element 10 of this embodiment, the conductive liquid 16 can be moved to the effective display region P1 side or the non-effective display region P2 side in a more stable state.

  Further, in the display element 10 of the present embodiment, the signal electrode 4 is provided on the lower substrate 3 side (one side of the first and second substrates), so the signal electrode 4 together with the reference electrode 5 and the scan electrode 6 is provided. , Provided on the lower substrate 3 side. Thereby, in the display element 10 of this embodiment, the structure of the upper board | substrate 2 side (the other side of a 1st and 2nd board | substrate) and its manufacturing process can be simplified.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 8 is an enlarged plan view showing a main configuration of the upper substrate side when viewed from the display surface side in the display element according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a display shown in FIG. In an element, it is an enlarged plan view which shows the principal part structure by the side of the lower substrate at the time of seeing from the non-display surface side. FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are cross-sectional views showing the main configuration of the display element shown in FIG. 8 during non-CF color display and CF color display, respectively. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a main configuration of the display element shown in FIG. 8 when viewed in the direction of arrow XI shown in FIG. In the figure, the main difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that a signal electrode is provided on the upper substrate side (the other side of the first and second substrates). In addition, about the element which is common in the said 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the duplicate description is abbreviate | omitted.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, the signal electrode 4 is provided on the upper substrate 2 side. More specifically, the signal electrode 4 includes first and second signal electrode members 4b and 4c provided in parallel with each other in the display space S, as in the first embodiment. The first and second signal electrode members 4b and 4c are provided on the upper substrate 2 side so as to sandwich the effective display area P1. Each one end side of the first and second signal electrode members 4b and 4c is connected to the terminal part 4a, and each other end (termination part) side of the first and second signal electrode members 4b and 4c. Are connected to each other by a terminal connection member 4d.

  On the other hand, on the lower substrate 3 side, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the reference electrodes 5 and the scanning electrodes 6 are provided in parallel in the Y direction and alternately in the X direction.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the first and second signal electrode members 4b and 4c move the conductive liquid 16 in the display space S so as to sandwich the conductive liquid 16 therebetween. It is provided along. Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the first and second signal electrode members 4 b and 4 c are installed so as to be point-symmetric with respect to the center point C in the Y direction in each pixel region of the display element 10. Yes. That is, in the Y direction, the distance H1 between the center point C and the second signal electrode member 4c and the distance H2 between the center point C and the first signal electrode member 4b are the same value. The first and second signal electrode members 4 b and 4 c are provided on the water repellent film 12.

  With the above configuration, the present embodiment can achieve the same operations and effects as the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the signal electrode 4 is provided on the upper substrate 2 side (the other side of the first and second substrates) different from the reference electrode 5 and the scan electrode 6. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, when the signal electrode 4 is provided, it is possible to easily prevent partial damage or the like in the water repellent film 15 and the dielectric layer 13, and the reference electrode on the lower electrode 3 side. Thus, the signal electrode 4 can be provided without impairing the electrical insulation between the scanning electrode 6 and the scanning electrode 6. As a result, in the present embodiment, the display element 10 having excellent reliability can be easily configured.

  The above embodiments are all illustrative and not restrictive. The technical scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and all modifications within the scope equivalent to the configurations described therein are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the above description, the case where the present invention is applied to an image display apparatus provided with a display unit capable of displaying a color image display has been described. However, the present invention provides a display unit that displays information including characters and images. There is no limitation as long as it is an electric device provided, for example, a personal digital assistant such as a PDA such as an electronic notebook, a display device attached to a personal computer, a TV, etc., or electronic paper and other electric devices equipped with various display units. It can use suitably for an apparatus.

  In the above description, the case where the electrowetting type display element that moves the conductive liquid in accordance with the application of the electric field to the conductive liquid is described. However, the display element of the present invention is not limited to this. It is not limited, and any electric field induction type display element that can change the display color on the display surface side by operating a conductive liquid inside the display space using an external electric field is not limited. The present invention can be applied to other types of electric field induction display elements such as an electroosmosis method, an electrophoresis method, and a dielectrophoresis method.

  However, when the electrowetting type display element is configured as in the above embodiments, the conductive liquid can be moved at a high speed with a low driving voltage. Moreover, since the conductive liquid is slid and moved by providing three electrodes, it is easy to increase the display color switching speed and save labor compared to the one that changes the shape of the conductive liquid. Can be aimed at. Further, an electrowetting type display element is preferable in that the display color is changed in accordance with the movement of the conductive liquid, and therefore, unlike a liquid crystal display device or the like, there is no viewing angle dependency. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to provide a switching element for each pixel, it is also preferable in that a high-performance matrix driving display element having a simple structure can be configured at low cost. In addition, since a birefringent material such as a liquid crystal layer is not used, it is also preferable in that a high-luminance display element excellent in light utilization efficiency of light from the backlight and external light used for information display can be easily configured. .

  In the above description, the linear first and second signal electrode members provided along the moving direction of the conductive liquid inside the display space so as to sandwich the conductive liquid are used. Although described, the signal electrode of the present invention is not limited to this, and is not limited as long as it includes the first and second signal electrode members provided in parallel with each other inside the display space. . Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, for example, two left and right ends are connected to the first and second signal electrode members 4b and 4c, respectively, between two adjacent pixel regions. The signal electrode 4 including the X-shaped connection member 4e can also be used.

  In the above description, the case where a transmissive display element including a backlight is configured has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a reflective type having a light reflecting portion such as a diffuse reflector. In addition, the present invention can also be applied to a transflective display element in which the light reflecting portion and the backlight are used in combination.

  Further, in the above description, the case where the reference electrode and the scan electrode are respectively installed on the effective display area side and the non-effective display area side has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the reference electrode and the scan electrode are provided. May be installed on the non-effective display area side and the effective display area side, respectively.

  In the above description, the case where the reference electrode and the scanning electrode are provided on the display surface side surface of the lower substrate (second substrate) has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the insulating material It is also possible to use a reference electrode and a scan electrode embedded in the second substrate. In such a configuration, the second substrate can be used as a dielectric layer, and the installation of the dielectric layer can be omitted. Furthermore, the signal electrode may be directly provided on the first and second substrates also serving as the dielectric layer, and the signal electrode may be installed inside the display space.

  Further, in the above description, the case where the reference electrode and the scan electrode are configured using a transparent electrode material has been described, but the present invention is installed so as to face the effective display area of the pixel among the reference electrode and the scan electrode. It is sufficient that only one of the electrodes is made of a transparent electrode material, and an opaque electrode material such as aluminum, silver, chromium, or other metal can be used for the other electrode that is not opposed to the effective display area. .

  In the above description, the case where the belt-like reference electrode and the scan electrode are used has been described. However, the shapes of the reference electrode and the scan electrode of the present invention are not limited to this. For example, in a reflective display element in which the use efficiency of light used for information display is lower than that of a transmissive type, the shape may be such that light loss such as a line shape or a net shape hardly occurs.

  In the above description, the case where a linear wiring is used for the signal electrode has been described. However, the signal electrode of the present invention is not limited to this, and wiring formed in other shapes such as a mesh wiring may also be used. Can be used.

  However, as in the above embodiments, the signal electrode shape is determined by using an opaque material when the shape of the signal electrode is determined by using the transmittance of the reference electrode and the scanning electrode using the transparent transparent electrode. Even when the electrode is configured, it is preferable in that the shadow of the signal electrode can be prevented from appearing on the display surface side, and the display quality can be prevented from being lowered. Is more preferable in that the deterioration of the display quality can be surely suppressed.

  In the above description, the case where the signal electrode is configured using an aqueous solution of potassium chloride as the conductive liquid and at least one of gold, silver, copper, platinum, and palladium has been described. Is not limited as long as the signal electrode that is installed inside the display space and is in contact with the conductive liquid uses a material that is electrochemically inactive with respect to the conductive liquid. Specifically, the conductive liquid includes zinc chloride, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, alkali metal hydroxide, zinc oxide, sodium chloride, lithium salt, phosphoric acid, alkali metal carbonate, oxygen ion conductivity. A material containing an electrolyte such as ceramics having the above can be used. In addition to water, organic solvents such as alcohol, acetone, formamide, and ethylene glycol can also be used as the solvent. Furthermore, the conductive liquid of the present invention includes an ionic liquid containing a cation such as pyridine, alicyclic amine, or aliphatic amine, and an anion such as fluoride such as fluoride ion or triflate. (Normal temperature molten salt) can also be used.

  However, as in each of the above-described embodiments, when an aqueous solution in which a predetermined electrolyte is dissolved is used as the conductive liquid, a display element that is excellent in handleability and easy to manufacture can be easily configured. This is preferable.

  The signal electrode of the present invention includes an electrode body using a conductive metal such as aluminum, nickel, iron, cobalt, chromium, titanium, tantalum, niobium or an alloy thereof, and a surface of the electrode body. Passivation with an oxide coating provided to cover can be used.

  However, as in each of the above embodiments, when at least one of gold, silver, copper, platinum, and palladium is used for the signal electrode, a metal with a low ionization tendency is used, and the electrode is simplified. It is possible to easily construct a display device with a long life that can reliably prevent an electrochemical reaction with a conductive liquid and prevent deterioration in reliability. preferable. In addition, since the metal with a small ionization tendency can relatively reduce the interfacial tension generated at the interface with the conductive liquid, the conductive liquid is stabilized at the fixed position when the conductive liquid is not moved. It is also preferable in that it can be easily held in a state.

  In the above description, the case where nonpolar oil is used has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any insulating fluid that does not mix with the conductive liquid may be used. Instead, air may be used. In addition, silicone oil, aliphatic hydrocarbons, and the like can be used as the oil.

  However, as in each of the above embodiments, the nonpolar oil that is not compatible with the conductive liquid is more conductive in the nonpolar oil than the case where air and the conductive liquid are used. It is preferable in that the liquid droplets of the conductive liquid can move more easily, the conductive liquid can be moved at high speed, and the display color can be switched at high speed.

  In the above description, the case where the pixels of each color of RGB are provided on the display surface side using the conductive liquid colored in black and the color filter layer is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, a plurality of pixel regions may be provided in accordance with a plurality of colors capable of full color display on the display surface side. Specifically, conductive liquids of a plurality of colors colored in RGB, cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), CMY, or RGBYC can be used.

  In the above description, the color filter layer is formed on the non-display surface side of the upper substrate (first substrate). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first substrate A color filter layer can be provided on the display surface side of the substrate or on the lower substrate (second substrate) side. Thus, the case where the color filter layer is used is preferable in that a display element that is easy to manufacture can be easily configured as compared with the case where a plurality of colors of conductive liquids are prepared. In addition, the color filter part (opening part) and the black matrix part (light-shielding film) included in the color filter layer appropriately and reliably provide an effective display area and an ineffective display area with respect to the display space. It is also preferable in that it can be set.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is useful for a display element that can appropriately move a conductive liquid and has excellent display quality, and a high-performance electric device using the display element.

1 is a plan view illustrating a display element and an image display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view showing a main configuration of the upper substrate side shown in FIG. 1 when viewed from the display surface side. FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view showing a main configuration of the lower substrate side shown in FIG. 1 when viewed from the non-display surface side. (A) And (b) is sectional drawing which shows the principal part structure of the display element shown in FIG. 1 at the time of non-CF color display and CF color display, respectively. It is sectional drawing which shows the principal part structure of the said display element when it sees to the arrow V direction shown to Fig.4 (a). It is a figure explaining the operation example of the said image display apparatus. It is a figure explaining the effect by the termination | terminus connection member shown in FIG. In the display element concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, it is an enlarged plan view which shows the principal part structure by the side of the upper board | substrate when seeing from the display surface side. FIG. 9 is an enlarged plan view showing a main part configuration on the lower substrate side when viewed from the non-display surface side in the display element shown in FIG. 8. (A) And (b) is sectional drawing which shows the principal part structure of the display element shown in FIG. 8 at the time of non-CF color display and CF color display, respectively. It is sectional drawing which shows the principal part structure of the display element shown in FIG. 8 when it sees to the arrow XI direction shown to Fig.10 (a). It is an enlarged plan view which shows the modification of the principal part structure by the side of the lower board | substrate at the time of seeing from the non-display surface side.

Explanation of symbols

1 Image display device (electric equipment)
2 Upper substrate (first substrate)
3 Lower substrate (second substrate)
4 signal electrode 4b first signal electrode member 4c second signal electrode member 4d terminal connection member 4e connection member 5 reference electrode 6 scan electrode 7 signal driver (signal voltage application unit)
8 Reference driver (reference voltage application unit)
9 Scanning driver (scanning voltage application unit)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Display element 11 Color filter layer 11r, 11g, 11b Color filter part (opening part)
11s Black matrix (light shielding film)
12, 15 Water repellent film 13 Dielectric layer 16 Conductive liquid 17 Oil (insulating fluid)
S Display space P Pixel area P1 Effective display area P2 Ineffective display area C Center point H Disconnection

Claims (12)

A second substrate provided on the non-display surface side of the first substrate so that a predetermined display space is formed between the first substrate provided on the display surface side and the first substrate. The effective display area and the ineffective display area that are set with respect to the display space, and the display space, and are movably enclosed in the effective display area side or the ineffective display area side within the display space. A display element configured to change a display color on the display surface side by moving the conductive liquid.
A signal electrode installed inside the display space so as to come into contact with the conductive liquid;
On one side of the first and second substrates in a state of being electrically insulated from the conductive liquid so as to be installed on one side of the effective display area side and the non-effective display area side. In the state electrically insulated from the conductive liquid and the reference electrode so as to be installed on the other side of the reference electrode provided and the effective display region side and the non-effective display region side A scanning electrode provided on one side of the first and second substrates;
The signal electrode, the reference electrode, and the scan electrode are configured to be able to apply a voltage within a predetermined voltage range between the first voltage and the second voltage independently of each other,
The signal electrode includes first and second signal electrode members provided in parallel to each other inside the display space.
A display element characterized by the above. A plurality of the signal electrodes are provided along a predetermined arrangement direction,
The plurality of reference electrodes and the plurality of scanning electrodes are provided alternately with each other and intersect with the plurality of signal electrodes,
A signal voltage applying unit that is connected to the plurality of signal electrodes and applies a signal voltage within a predetermined voltage range to each of the plurality of signal electrodes in accordance with information displayed on the display surface side; ,
A selection voltage that is connected to the plurality of reference electrodes and that allows the conductive liquid to move within the display space in response to the signal voltage for each of the plurality of reference electrodes; A reference voltage applying unit that applies one voltage of a non-selection voltage that prevents the conductive liquid from moving inside the display space;
A selection voltage connected to the plurality of scan electrodes and allowing the conductive liquid to move in the display space in response to the signal voltage for each of the plurality of scan electrodes; The display element according to claim 1, further comprising: a scanning voltage applying unit that applies one of a non-selection voltage that prevents the conductive liquid from moving inside the display space. The said 1st and 2nd signal electrode member is provided along the moving direction of the said electroconductive liquid inside the said display space so that the said electroconductive liquid may be pinched | interposed. Display element. The display element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein terminal ends of the first and second signal electrode members are connected to each other by a terminal connection member. A plurality of pixel regions are provided on the display surface side,
5. The display element according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of pixel regions is provided in a unit of intersection of the signal electrode and the scanning electrode. The display element according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of pixel regions are provided in accordance with a plurality of colors capable of full color display on the display surface side. The display element according to claim 1, wherein an insulating fluid that does not mix with the conductive liquid is sealed inside the display space so as to be movable in the display space. . The display element according to claim 1, wherein a dielectric layer is laminated on the surfaces of the reference electrode and the scan electrode. The ineffective display area is set by a light shielding film provided on one side of the first and second substrates,
The display element according to claim 1, wherein the effective display area is set by an opening formed in the light shielding film. The display element according to claim 1, wherein the signal electrode is provided on one side of the first and second substrates. The display element according to claim 1, wherein the signal electrode is provided on the other side of the first and second substrates. An electrical device having a display unit for displaying information including characters and images,
An electric device using the display element according to claim 1 for the display portion.

Images