CN101149540B - Liquid crystal display device - Google Patents

Abstract

A liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate having a first electrode and a second electrode, a second substrate, a liquid crystal interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, pixels each having a transmissive portion for performing a transmissive display and a reflective portion for performing a reflective display, and a driving circuit driving the pixels. Here, a third electrode is disposed in the second substrate opposed to the first substrate with the liquid crystal interposed therebetween. The first electrode is disposed in the transmissive portion along with the second electrode and is also disposed in the reflective portion along with the third electrode. The driving circuit is provided to independently apply potentials to the second electrode and the third electrode.

Description

Liquid crystal indicator

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of liquid crystal indicator, particularly relate to a kind of in a pixel, the have section that sees through that carries out transmission display and the reflecting part that carries out reflective display, and possess the liquid crystal indicator of two electrodes of the orientation that has to control liquid crystal at side's substrate.

Background technology

As the liquid crystal panel of wide viewing angle, FFS (Fringe Field Switching is for example arranged; The fringe field conversion) mode and IPS (In-Plane Switching; The transverse electric field conversion) liquid crystal panel of mode.In these modes, in component substrate pixel electrode and common electrode are set, and result from two interelectrode electric fields by control, make liquid crystal molecule rotate to control the orientation state.

The reflection-type that the reflection that liquid crystal panel roughly is divided into the infiltration type that utilizes light backlight to show, utilize extraneous light shows and the semi-transmission type that in a pixel, is manufactured with infiltration type and two kinds of structures of reflection-type.

Patent document 1: TOHKEMY 2003-270627 communique

Patent document 2: TOHKEMY 2004-198922 communique

Patent document 3: TOHKEMY 2005-338256 communique

Patent document 4: TOHKEMY 2003-344837 communique

Summary of the invention

(problem that invention institute wish solves)

Existing TN (TwistNematic; Twisted nematic) mode and ECB (ElcetricalControlled Birefregence; Electric double refraction control) contrast of the semi-transmission type of mode and insufficient, the visual angle is also narrow.In addition, VA (Vertical Alignment; Vertical orientation) although the semi-transmission type contrast of mode is high and the visual angle can be enlarged, the problem that color can change in low visual angle is arranged.

With respect to the situation of above-mentioned TN mode and ECB mode, in the situation of the semi-transmission type of FFS mode or IPS mode, viewing angle characteristic is good, and the change color in the low visual angle that can see as the VA mode lacking very.Yet, have for the advantage that has simultaneously transmission display and reflective display and must stick phase retardation film or polarizer, therefore the problem that reduces contrast is arranged.And, compare with the infiltration type of FFS mode or IPS mode, the problem of liquid crystal indicator thickening is arranged.

The objective of the invention is in a pixel, to have to carry out the section that sees through of transmission display and in order to carry out the reflecting part of reflective display, and possess in the liquid crystal indicator of two electrodes of the orientation that has to control liquid crystal at side's substrate, obtain good demonstration.

(solving the means of problem)

Liquid crystal indicator of the present invention, liquid crystal is seized on both sides by the arms between the first substrate and the second substrate, in a pixel, have the section that sees through that carries out transmission display and the reflecting part that carries out reflective display, liquid crystal indicator of the present invention also possesses and has, possess the first electrode and the second electrode aforementioned the first substrate, and drive the driving circuit of aforementioned pixel, liquid crystal indicator of the present invention is characterised in that: possessing third electrode across foregoing liquid crystal with aforementioned second substrate of aforementioned the first substrate subtend; Aforementioned the first electrode is arranged at the aforementioned section that sees through with aforementioned the second electrode, and the first electrode also is arranged at aforementioned reflecting part with aforementioned third electrode on the other hand; Via pixel TFT aforementioned the first electrode is applied current potential from the driving circuit that drives above-mentioned pixel, aforementioned driving circuit is set to apply independently current potential in aforementioned the second electrode and aforementioned third electrode; When applying shutoff voltage between aforementioned the first electrode and aforementioned the second electrode the time in the aforementioned section that sees through, apply forward voltage between aforementioned the first electrode and aforementioned third electrode at aforementioned reflecting part; When applying shutoff voltage at aforementioned reflecting part between aforementioned the first electrode and aforementioned third electrode the time, apply forward voltage between aforementioned the first electrode and aforementioned the second electrode in the aforementioned section that sees through.

According to above-mentioned formation, can be by controlling reflecting part at the first substrate and set the first electrode and the third electrode of the second substrate, can realize making through section the semitransparent liquid crystal display of FFS mode with wide viewing angle etc.At this moment owing to seeing through the poor layer of section's configuration phase, so can suppress because of this phase separation layer cause through the deteriorated problem of section's contrast.

In addition, be preferably when applying shutoff (OFF) voltage between aforementioned the first electrode and aforementioned the second electrode the time in the aforementioned section that sees through, apply conducting (ON) voltage between aforementioned the first electrode and aforementioned third electrode at aforementioned reflecting part, the foregoing liquid crystal orientation that makes aforementioned reflecting part is for roughly being orthogonal to aforementioned third electrode, and makes and aforementionedly see through section and aforementioned reflecting part shows for showing slinkingly simultaneously.

In addition, be preferably when applying shutoff voltage at aforementioned reflecting part between aforementioned the first electrode and aforementioned third electrode the time, apply forward voltage between aforementioned the first electrode and aforementioned the second electrode, make the aforementioned foregoing liquid crystal orientation that sees through section be the twisting states around the normal of aforementioned the second electrode, and to make the aforementioned section that sees through be bright demonstration with aforementioned reflecting part simultaneously.

In addition, liquid crystal indicator of the present invention is seized liquid crystal on both sides by the arms between the first substrate and the second substrate, in a pixel, have the section that sees through that carries out transmission display and the reflecting part that carries out reflective display, liquid crystal indicator of the present invention is characterised in that, aforementioned the first substrate has: many data lines and many gate lines; A plurality of switch modules, corresponding to each infall of aforementioned data line and aforementioned gate line, respectively configuration; A plurality of the first electrodes are connected to each output terminals of aforementioned a plurality of switch modules; And second electrode, be used between itself and aforementioned the first electrode, applying electric field to drive liquid crystal molecule; Aforementioned the second substrate has: third electrode is used for applying electric field to drive liquid crystal molecule between itself and aforementioned the first electrode; The current potential of aforementioned the second electrode and the current potential of aforementioned third electrode are inverting each other.

In addition, be preferably and include control circuit, make the current potential with common aforementioned the second electrode of aforementioned gate line, inverting each other with aforementioned third electrode, make the current potential counter-rotating in during the loop line before the selection signal is about to input this gate line, the time during also making its current potential maintenance one vertically after the input of selection signal.

In addition, liquid crystal indicator of the present invention is seized liquid crystal on both sides by the arms between the first substrate and the second substrate, have the section that sees through and the reflecting part that carries out reflective display that carry out transmission display in a pixel, liquid crystal indicator of the present invention is characterized as aforementioned the first substrate to have: many data lines and many gate lines; A plurality of switch modules are distinguished corresponding and paired configuration with each infall of aforementioned data line and aforementioned gate line; The first electrode is arranged at respectively, is connected to aforementioned reflecting part and the aforementioned section that sees through of each output terminal of aforementioned pair of switches assembly; And a plurality of the second electrodes, between itself and aforementioned the first electrode, be applied with electric field foregoing liquid crystal is driven; Aforementioned the second substrate has third electrode, is used for applying electric field to drive foregoing liquid crystal between itself and aforementioned the first electrode; The current potential of aforementioned the second electrode and the current potential of aforementioned third electrode are inverting each other.

In addition, the aforementioned third electrode that is preferably each aforementioned gate line is connected to each other with the common electrode terminal as reflective display in the outside of viewing area; Aforementioned second electrode of each aforementioned gate line is connected to each other with the common electrode terminal as transmission display in the outside of viewing area; Inverting each other and current potential reverses in each horizontal period with the current potential of common electrode terminal with the current potential of common electrode terminal and aforementioned transmission display for aforementioned reflective display.

In addition, being preferably the aforementioned third electrode of odd-numbered line (row) of aforementioned gate line and aforementioned second electrode of even number line is connected to each other as the first common electrode terminal in the outside of viewing area; Aforementioned second electrode of the aforementioned third electrode of the even number line of aforementioned gate line and odd-numbered line is connected to each other as the second common electrode terminal in the outside of viewing area; Inverting each other and the current potential of the current potential of the current potential of aforementioned the first common electrode terminal and aforementioned the second common electrode terminal is according to 1 picture scanning counter-rotating.

In addition, be preferably aforementioned the first substrate and be arranged at aforementioned reflecting part, and have reflective display with keeping electric capacity.

In addition, be preferably aforementioned reflective display with maintenance electric capacity have form between itself and aforementioned the first electrode keep electric capacity reflective display with keeping capacitance electrode; Aforementioned reflective display is identical with the current potential of common electrode terminal with aforementioned reflective display with the current potential that keeps capacitance electrode.

In addition, the thickness setting that is preferably foregoing liquid crystal is that to make the phase differential of reflecting part be that Δ nd=λ/4, the aforementioned phase differential that sees through section are Δ nd=λ/2.

(effect of invention)

According to above-mentioned formation, can in a pixel, have through section and reflecting part, and possess in the liquid crystal indicator of two electrodes of the orientation that has to control liquid crystal at a side substrate, obtain good demonstration.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the schematic diagram of the liquid crystal indicator of explanation embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is the schematic diagram of the liquid crystal indicator of explanation embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is the schematic diagram of the another kind of liquid crystal indicator of explanation embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 illustrates that the transmission display section of transverse electric field driving is that the reflective display section of normal whitening, vertical electric field driven is the sectional view of the liquid crystal indicator of normal aobvious formation of deceiving.

Fig. 5 (a) to Fig. 5 (c) be the planimetric map corresponding with Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is the planimetric map corresponding with Fig. 4, and the figure of the relation of expression and reflective display usefulness common electrode.

Fig. 7 is the equivalent electrical circuit of the pixel in the liquid crystal indicator of prior art.

Fig. 8 is the equivalent electrical circuit of the pixel in the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is variation and the show state of corresponding transmission display section and the show state of reflective display section that is illustrated in common current potential in the liquid crystal indicator of embodiment of the present invention, and with the figure of transverse axis as the time.

Figure 10 is the concrete equivalent electrical circuit of the pixel of embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 is illustrated in the embodiment of the present invention, the figure of the formation of the display driver of relevant liquid crystal indicator.

Figure 12 is the sequential chart of the common electrode current potential corresponding with the formation of Figure 11.

Figure 13 is the sectional view of the liquid crystal indicator of embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 14 (a) to Figure 14 (c) be the planimetric map corresponding with Figure 13.

Figure 15 is the figure that shows the variation of Figure 14.

Figure 16 is the sectional view of the liquid crystal indicator of another formation in the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 17 (a) and Figure 17 (b) are the planimetric maps corresponding with Figure 16.

Figure 18 represents in another embodiment, about the figure of the formation of the display driver of liquid crystal indicator.

Figure 19 is the sequential chart of the common electrode current potential corresponding with the formation of Figure 18.

Symbol description

50,410,510,511 liquid crystal indicators

60 liquid crystal panels

60T sees through section

The 60R reflecting part

70 driving circuits

100,420,520,521 component substrate

112,212 light transmissive substrate

114 circuit layers

116 planarization films

118 reflectance coatings

120 first electrodes

122,434 dielectric films

124 second electrodes

126,437,443 slits

128,220 Polarizers

200,460 subtend substrates

214,466 colored filters

216 phase separation layers

218 third electrodes

300 liquid crystal

412 transmission display sections

414 reflective display sections

416 is backlight

418 component substrate lateral deviation tabula rasas

419 subtend substrate side Polarizers

422,462 glass substrate

423,425 switch modules

424 semiconductor layers

426 gate insulating films

428 gate electrodes

429 gate lines

430 interlayer dielectrics

431 data lines

432,433,435 source/drain electrodes

436,444 pixel electrodes (nesa coating)

438 reflecting electrodes

440 FFS dielectric films

441 reflective displays are with keeping capacitance electrode (nesa coating)

442 common electrodes (nesa coating)

447 pull out line

450 liquid crystal layers

462 glass substrate

464 knee-piece matrixes

Layer is adjusted in 468 reflector space gaps

470 reflective display common electrodes

471,473, RCOM reflective display common electrode terminal

472 septs

480 viewing areas

488,492 common electrode control circuits

489,496,497 reflective display common electrode contact points

490, TCOM transmission display common electrode terminal

491 reflective displays are with keeping the capacitance electrode terminal

494 first common electrode terminals

495 second common electrode terminals

ER, ET electric field

Embodiment

Below use diagram to describe embodiments of the present invention in detail.

Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are the schematic diagram of the liquid crystal indicator 50 of explanation embodiment of the present invention.Liquid crystal indicator 50 consists of and includes: liquid crystal panel 60, in order to the driving circuit 70 that drives liquid crystal panel 60 and with the back lighting device of the not icon of liquid crystal panel 60 subtends configuration.And in Fig. 1 etc., show a pixel (being also referred to as point, sub-pixel (sub-pixel) etc.) of liquid crystal panel 60 with sectional view, and for fear of illustrated complicated, only enclose hachure (hatching) in the key element of a part.

Liquid crystal panel 60 be in a pixel, include to carry out transmission display see through the 60T of section and in order to the semi-transmission type liquid crystal panel of the reflecting part 60R that carries out reflective display.And, see through the 60T of section and reflecting part 60R and not only refer to respectively 2 dimensional region in the overlooking of pixel, also refer to the 3D region of liquid crystal panel 60 that this 2 dimensional region projection is defined in the thickness direction of liquid crystal panel 60 (being substrate 100 described later, 200 overlapping direction).

Here, illustrate liquid crystal panel 60 and carry out transmission display by the FFS mode, and carry out the situation of reflective display by the ECB mode.

Liquid crystal panel 60 consists of and includes: component substrate 100, relative with component substrate 100 to subtend substrate 200 and be arranged on liquid crystal (or liquid crystal layer) 300 between two substrates 100,200.And liquid crystal 300 is that liquid crystal molecule is schematically illustrated.

Component substrate 100 consists of and includes light transmissive substrate 112, and than light transmissive substrate 112 more close liquid crystal layer 300 sides of this light transmissive substrate 112 (namely with respect to) also include: circuit layer 114, planarization film 116, reflectance coating 118, the first electrode 120, dielectric film 122, the second electrode 124 and not shown alignment film.

Light transmissive substrate 112 is made of for example transparent glass plate.

Circuit layer 114 is the layers that are formed with various assemblies etc. and are formed with to drive the circuit of pixel, includes for example pixel TFT (Thin Film Transistor; Thin film transistor (TFT)) and various distribution.Although omitted the detailed part of this circuit here, it also can be suitable for various circuit.Circuit layer 114 is configured to across seeing through the 60T of section and reflecting part 60R in light transmissive substrate 112.

Planarization film 116 is made of the resin that for example has insulativity and light transmission, and is disposed on the circuit layer 114 and is positioned at than circuit layer 114 more close liquid crystal layer 300 sides.Planarization film 116 is across seeing through the 60T of section and reflecting part 60R.The surface in the face of subtend substrate 200 sides of planarization film 116 is flat surfaces in seeing through the 60T of section, then forms concaveconvex shape in reflecting part 60R.This concaveconvex shape can form by the whole bag of tricks, for example can consist of planarization film 116 with the photoresist material, and forms by pattern exposure and the video picture of carrying out this photoresist material.

In order to carry out reflective display, reflectance coating 118 be by the material that can reflect extraneous light (visible light) (such as aluminium etc.) consist of.Reflectance coating 118 is configured in reflecting part 60R, and is configured on the aforementioned male and fomale(M﹠F) of planarization film 116.The surface of subtend substrate 200 sides of reflectance coating 118 forms the concaveconvex shape identical with the male and fomale(M﹠F) of planarization film 116.

The first electrode 120 is by for example ITO (Indium Tin Oxide; Indium tin oxide) etc. the light transmission conductive material consists of.The first electrode 120 is configured on the planarization film 116 and covers reflectance coating 118.The first electrode 120 namely is the common electrode that sees through the 60T of section and reflecting part 60R across seeing through the 60T of section and reflecting part 60R.The surface of subtend substrate 200 sides of the first electrode 120 is smooth in seeing through the 60T of section, then forms the concaveconvex shape identical with the male and fomale(M﹠F) of reflectance coating 118 and planarization film 116 in reflecting part 60R.

And in the situation that aforementioned reflectance coating 118 has electric conductivity, as long as the first electrode 120 is connected with reflectance coating 118, then the first electrode 120 also can be the form that does not cover whole reflectance coating 118.That is, also can consist of the part of the first electrode 120 in reflecting part 60R by reflectance coating 118.

In addition, in order to illustrate the first electrode 120 and being connected of driving circuit 70 schematically being illustrated in Fig. 1 etc., is via carrying out such as the aforementioned pixel TFT in the circuit layer 114 etc. but the current potential of the first electrode 120 is applied.

Dielectric film 122 is to be made of institutes such as monox, silicon nitride.In seeing through the 60T of section, dielectric film 122 is configured on the aforementioned tabular surface of the first electrode 120.Dielectric film 122 is smooth in the face of the surface of subtend substrate 200 sides.

The second electrode 124 is by being consisted of such as light transmission conductive materials such as ITO.In seeing through the 60T of section, the second electrode 124 is configured on the dielectric film 122, and across dielectric film 122 and with the first electrode 120 subtends.That is, come stacking according to the order of the first electrode 120, dielectric film 122, the second electrode 124.Because two electrodes 124,120 are arranged at component substrate 100, so be positioned at same side with respect to liquid crystal layer 300.At the second electrode 124, in the part with the first electrode 120 subtends slit (Slit) 126 is set,, illustrate the situation that slit 126 extends the approximate vertical direction of drawing here.The electric field ET that is produced by the potential difference (PD) of the first electrode 120 and the second electrode 124 is across slit 126 and dielectric film 122 and produce (with reference to Fig. 2).Control the orientation state of liquid crystal 300 in seeing through the 60T of section by this electric field ET.

In addition, in order to illustrate the second electrode 124 and being connected of driving circuit 70 schematically being illustrated in Fig. 1 etc., is via carrying out such as the distribution in the circuit layer 114 etc. but the current potential of the second electrode 124 is applied.

The alignment film of icon is not configured to cover the second electrode 124, dielectric film 122 and the first electrode 120, and contact liquid crystal 300.

Subtend substrate 200 formations include light transmissive substrate 212, and locating than light transmissive substrate 212 insides liquid crystal 300 sides of this substrate 212 (namely with respect to), also include colored filter 214, phase separation layer 216, third electrode 218 and not shown alignment film.

Light transmissive substrate 212 is made of for example transparent glass plate.

Colored filter 214 is made of the resin that for example dyeed, and is disposed on the light transmissive substrate 212 across seeing through the 60T of section and reflecting part 60R.By colored filter 214, the light backlight of injecting from component substrate 100 sides and the extraneous light of injecting from subtend substrate 200 sides can be colored, and make pixel light up predetermined color.The color of colored filter 214 is set according to the demonstration look (monochrome) of each pixel.And, be called picture element (pixel) etc. with the unit that pixel was consisted of of the multiple color that closely connects, the situation that this unit is called pixel is also arranged.

Here, illustrate the situation that phase separation layer 216 is equivalent to 1/4 wavelength (quarter-wave) plate.In this situation, rectilinearly polarized light can be converted to the circularly polarized light of dextrorotation (or left-handed) by phase separation layer 216.Phase separation layer 216 is positioned at than colored filter 214 more close liquid crystal layer 300 sides, in reflecting part 60R for being disposed on the colored filter 214.In this situation, phase separation layer 216 is built in liquid crystal panel 60.Here, the so-called built-in configuration mode that refers to be configured between the light transmissive substrate 112,212.At this moment, also can be considered such as aforesaid pixel TFT etc. and be built in liquid crystal panel 60.

But phase separation layer 216 also can utilize for example ultraviolet ray constrictive type liquid crystal (UV curableliquid crystal; But hereinafter referred to as UV constrictive type liquid crystal) (liquid crystal that can harden with ultraviolet ray) form.More specifically, form alignment film (not shown) at colored filter 214, but the UV constrictive type liquid crystal of coating liquid shape and irradiation ultraviolet radiation make its sclerosis on this alignment film, can form phase separation layer 216 thus.In this situation, but phase separation layer 216 formations include UV constrictive type liquid crystal, perhaps also include aforementioned alignment film; And, but aforementioned alignment film is not the orientation in order to regulation liquid crystal 300 in order to control the orientation of UV constrictive type liquid crystal.But the aforementioned alignment film that can utilize various alignment films to use as UV constrictive type liquid crystal for example can utilize the light alignment film that produces the LCD alignment energy by irradiation, and namely need not rubbing (rubbing) by this light alignment film.But UV constrictive type liquid crystal has the function of polarizer by bestowing UV sclerosis (irradiation UV hardens).But this phase differential can be adjusted by the thickness that changes UV constrictive type liquid crystal.

Third electrode 218 is by being consisted of such as light transmission conductive materials such as ITO.Third electrode 218 is configured on the interior phase separation layer 216 of reflecting part 60R, and than phase separation layer 216 more close liquid crystal layer 300 sides, and across liquid crystal layer 300 and the first electrode 120 subtends.That is, third electrode 218 is positioned at the opposition side of the first electrode 120 with respect to liquid crystal 300.The electric field ER that produces by the potential difference (PD) by third electrode 218 and the first electrode 120 controls the orientation state (with reference to Fig. 1) of liquid crystal 300 in reflecting part 60R.

In addition, in Fig. 1 etc., in order illustrating third electrode 218 and being connected of driving circuit 70 schematically to be illustrated, but the current potential of third electrode 218 to be applied via such as the distribution in the circuit layer 114 and be disposed at electroconductive particle between substrate 100 and 200 etc. and carry out.Third electrode 218 is set as, and applies with respect to the current potential of the second electrode 124, can carry out independently the state that current potential applies.

The alignment film of icon is not configured to cover third electrode 218, phase separation layer 216 and colored filter 214, and is contacted with liquid crystal 300.

Liquid crystal panel 60 formations also include Polarizer 128,220.Polarizer 128 is disposed at the outside (namely being disposed at the opposition side of the light transmissive substrate 112 relative with liquid crystal layer 300) of component substrate 100.Polarizer 220 is disposed at the outside (namely being disposed at the opposition side of the light transmissive substrate 212 relative with liquid crystal layer 300) of subtend substrate 200.

Driving circuit 70 consists of and includes various key elements, in order to connecting electrode 120,124,218, and produce, reception and registration etc. to electrode 120,124,218 apply current potential.Aforementioned various key element is arranged at liquid crystal panel 60 outsides, or is built in liquid crystal panel 60, or is installed on liquid crystal panel 60, and also include such as the pixel TFT in the circuit layer 114 etc.Driving circuit 70 produces the aforementioned current potential that applies, and is applied to electrode 120,124,218 with scheduled timing.Driving circuit 70 is configured to implement independently that current potential to the second electrode 124 applies and the current potential of third electrode 218 is applied.

One example of the action of liquid crystal indicator 50 then is described.Here as above-mentioned, illustrate in the FFS mode and carry out transmission display, carry out the situation of reflective display in the ECB mode.In addition, the negative dielectric anisotropic of liquid crystal 300 is for example for just, and refractive index anisotropy (being also referred to as birefraction) Δ n for example is 0.1.

The potential difference (PD) that liquid crystal panel 60 constitutes at the first electrode 120 and the second electrode 124 is when turn-offing the situation of (OFF) voltage, it is that showing slinkingly of minimum state shown that transmission display can become brightness, and when the potential difference (PD) of the first electrode 120 and third electrode 218 was the situation of shutoff voltage, reflective display can become brightness and be the bright demonstration of high state.The brightness of transmission display is corresponding to transmitance, and the brightness of reflective display is corresponding to reflectivity.In addition, show slinkingly and show that being also referred to as dark state shows etc. with black, bright demonstration is also referred to as bright state and shows etc. with white.In addition, to show or the voltage of bright demonstration and be called shutoff voltage for the voltage that can produce hardly electric field ET, ER in order to realize showing slinkingly, with respect to this, will show or the voltage of bright demonstration and be called conducting (ON) voltage for comparing the voltage that can produce large electric field ET, ER when applying shutoff voltage in order to realize showing slinkingly.

Therefore here, see through the 60T of section and constitute normal aobvious black formula (Normally BlackType), reflecting part 60R constitutes normal whitening mode (Normally White Type).This formation can by the material of liquid crystal 300, when applying shutoff voltage liquid crystal 300 orientation state (so-called initial orientation state), alignment film rubbing direction, Polarizer 128,220 and the characteristic of phase separation layer 216 or configuration etc. adjust.

In liquid crystal indicator 50, when between the first electrode 120 and the second electrode 124, being applied with shutoff voltage, by between the first electrode 120 and third electrode 218, applying forward voltage reflecting part 60R is set as to show slinkingly and shows, thus, will be set as simultaneously to show slinkingly through the 60T of section and reflecting part 60R and show.That is, whole pixel is set as to show slinkingly shows.On the other hand, when between the first electrode 120 and third electrode 218, being applied with shutoff voltage, to be set as bright demonstration through the 60T of section by between the first electrode 120 and the second electrode 124, applying forward voltage, thus, will be set as simultaneously bright demonstration through the 60T of section and reflecting part 60R.That is, whole pixel is set as bright demonstration.

A more specifically example below is described.

(embodiment 1)

For example, when applying shutoff voltage, in seeing through the 60T of section and the major axis that makes liquid crystal 300 become liquid crystal molecule in the reflecting part 60R be roughly parallel to electrode 120,124,128 surface, and make initial orientation become to be roughly parallel to the bearing of trend (therefore, making orientation in the approximate vertical direction of drawing) in slit 126.In addition, in seeing through the 60T of section and reflecting part 60R, the rubbing direction setting becomes identical.In addition, Polarizer 128 is configured to make the major axis that roughly is orthogonal to the liquid crystal molecule of initial orientation state through axle.In addition, make seeing through axle and seeing through roughly quadrature and configure Polarizer 220 (being so-called orthogonal configuration) of axle of Polarizer 128.

In this situation, the transmission display (with reference to Fig. 1) when applying shutoff voltage, the light backlight of injecting from component substrate 100 sides becomes and the major axis of the liquid crystal molecule rectilinearly polarized light of quadrature roughly by Polarizer 128.According to the relation of the alignment direction of the polarization direction of this rectilinearly polarized light and liquid crystal molecule, owing to almost not being subject to the birefringence effect of liquid crystal 300, this rectilinearly polarized light keeps polarized light state to arrive Polarizer 220.Yet, since this rectilinearly polarized light be with Polarizer 220 see through the roughly polarized light of orthogonal directions of axle, so can't see through Polarizer 220, result, transmission display become to show slinkingly and show.

As mentioned above, when applying shutoff voltage through the 60T of section, reflecting part 60R is applied in forward voltage, shows (with reference to Fig. 1) so reflecting part 60R is set as to show slinkingly.In the reflecting part 60R that shows slinkingly when showing, liquid crystal alignment with electrode 120,218 the surface direction of quadrature roughly.The extraneous light of injecting from subtend substrate 200 sides becomes rectilinearly polarized light by Polarizer 220, and becomes circularly polarized light by the phase separation layer 216 as the function of 1/4 wavelength plate, and is incident upon liquid crystal layer 300.According to the aforementioned orientation state of liquid crystal molecule, because this circularly polarized light almost is not subject to the birefringence effect impact of liquid crystal 300, this circularly polarized light keeps polarized light state to arrive reflectance coating 118 and reflects.Circularly polarized light through reflection becomes rectilinearly polarized light by phase separation layer 216 again.Yet, because sense of rotation (with respect to the sense of rotation of direct of travel) changeabout direction in forward path and return path of aforementioned circularly polarized light, so the rectilinearly polarized light in the return path and the rectilinearly polarized light in the forward path be quadrature roughly, namely be with Polarizer 220 see through the roughly polarized light of orthogonal directions of axle.Therefore, can't see through Polarizer 220, the result, reflective display becomes to show slinkingly and shows.

On the other hand, when pixel is set as bright demonstration, apply shutoff voltage as above-mentioned at reflecting part 60R, and applying forward voltage (with reference to Fig. 2) through the 60T of section.

In seeing through the 60T of section, by applying forward voltage, near the liquid crystal alignments the component substrate 100 become to be roughly parallel to electrode 120,124 surface, and orientation with the bearing of trend in slit 126 direction of quadrature roughly.On the other hand, near the liquid crystal molecule the subtend substrate 200 keeps initial orientation state.Therefore, see through in the 60T of section liquid crystal molecule generally speaking orientation become around electrode 124,120 normal to be 90 ° twisting states.In this situation, the light backlight that becomes rectilinearly polarized light by Polarizer 128 be with component substrate 100 near the polarized light of major axis almost parallel direction of liquid crystal molecule, and the optically-active (rotation) with the aforementioned orientation state that reverses of liquid crystal molecule, and the time point that arrives Polarizer 220 become with subtend substrate 200 near the rectilinearly polarized light of major axis almost parallel of liquid crystal molecule.Because this rectilinearly polarized light is and the polarized light that sees through the axle almost parallel of Polarizer 220 that so see through Polarizer 220, result, transmission display become bright demonstration.

In the situation that reflecting part 60R applies shutoff voltage, liquid crystal 300 orientations of reflecting part 60R become and are applied with the identical through the 60T of section of shutoff voltage.In this situation, the extraneous light of injecting from subtend substrate 200 sides is subject to the impact of the birefringence effect of liquid crystal layer 300 entering when showing slinkingly path (light path) identical when showing.Here, to utilize its birefringence and be adjusted to 1/4 wavelength plate be identical effect to the liquid crystal layer 300 of reflecting part 60R.Extraneous light becomes circularly polarized light by seeing through Polarizer 220 and phase separation layer 216, and becomes rectilinearly polarized light by the liquid crystal layer 300 as the function of 1/4 wavelength plate, and in reflectance coating 118 reflections.Rectilinearly polarized light through reflection becomes circularly polarized light by liquid crystal layer 300, and arrives phase separation layer 216.At this moment, because the circularly polarized light in the return path becomes identical with the sense of rotation of circularly polarized light in the forward path, so again through the rectilinearly polarized light behind the phase separation layer 216 and the rectilinearly polarized light almost parallel in the forward path, namely be the polarized light that sees through the axle almost parallel with Polarizer 220.Therefore, see through Polarizer 220, the result, reflective display becomes bright demonstration.

Though above-mentioned light and shade shows and the situation of bright demonstration, also can by control execute alive size show slinkingly show and bright demonstration between the demonstration (being that so-called shadow tone shows) of the accurate brightness in position.

According to above-mentioned formation, be that FFS mode, reflecting part 60R are the ECB mode, when seeing through the 60T of section conducting reflecting part 60R are set as shutoff, will be set as conducting through the 60T of section when reflecting part 60R turn-offs owing to seeing through the 60T of section, so in reflective display and transmission display, can both obtain good demonstration.In addition, because built-in phase separation layer 216, so outside phase separation layer need not being attached to, compare with the semi-transmission type of alternate manner, can be with the liquid crystal panel attenuation.And doubling as dwindling in order to the cell gap (cell gap) with reflecting part 60R by phase separation layer 216 becomes the layer narrower than the gap of liquid crystal cell that sees through the 60T of section, so can reduce manufacturing step.

In addition, owing to using the ECB mode higher than the reflectivity of FFS mode to consist of reflecting part 60R, so compare with the situation of reflecting part 60R with consisting of through the 60T of section with the FFS mode, can obtain the reflective display of high brightness.

And, because reflecting part 60R does not adopt the FFS mode, so even when planarization film 116 forms aforementioned male and fomale(M﹠F), need not form the electrode 124 with slit 126 at this male and fomale(M﹠F) yet.Therefore, can not produce the bad problem of the patterning in slit on the male and fomale(M﹠F), can obtain good reflective display.In addition, about transmission display, realize wide viewing angle and high-contrast etc. by the FFS mode.

In addition, in the FFS mode, although general most outside at the subtend substrate forms ITO film etc. to cover (shield) from the electric field of outside, according to above-mentioned formation, shielding structure need not be set externally.This is because the third electrode 218 of subtend substrate 200 has bridging effect.And, even not subtend substrate 200 do the tight setting comprehensively, also can obtain bridging effect by third electrode 218.

In addition because phase separation layer 216 is not arranged at the 60T through section, so from do not distinguish through the 60T of section with reflecting part 60R and the situation that whole ground is arranged at the outside is different, can guarantee the wide viewing angle that obtained in the FFS mode and high-contrast etc. for transmission display.

In addition, the gap of liquid crystal cell that makes reflecting part 60R by phase separation layer 216 is than the gap of liquid crystal cell that sees through the 60T of section also narrow (being so-called gap (multi gap) structure that manys).Therefore, though not in addition use face be coated with (top coat) layer, also can see through the 60T of section and reflecting part 60R adjustment gap of liquid crystal cell.For example, the gap of liquid crystal cell of reflecting part 60R can be adjusted to the value that is suitable for the ECB mode.

In addition, though illustrate the situation of carrying out transmission display by the FFS mode in above-mentioned, also can constitute by the IPS mode and carry out transmission display.During for the IPS mode, as shown in Figure 3, in seeing through the 60T of section, the first electrode 120 and the second electrode 124 are disposed on the planarization film 116, namely are disposed on the same layer.In addition, Fig. 3 is the state that illustrates when pixel is whole to be bright the demonstration.

In addition, the axle that sees through that for example Polarizer 128,220 is configured to each other is almost parallel, also can change thus normal aobvious black formula and normal whitening mode.

In addition, both can implement independently current potential to the second electrode 124 and apply with current potential to third electrode 218 and apply, also can be to apply mode from above-mentioned different current potential.For example, when the threshold value current potential that sees through the 60T of section and reflecting part 60R not simultaneously, by electrode 124,218 is applied different current potentials independently, can reduce the transmission display that causes because of above-mentioned threshold value current potential difference and the luminance difference of reflective display, and obtain good demonstration.

Then, use Fig. 4 to Fig. 7, for using transverse electric field type of drive, use in the liquid crystal indicator of indulging the electric field driven mode in reflective display section (reflecting part) in transmission display section (seeing through section), be that normal whitening, reflective display section are illustrated for the machine of the normal aobvious TFT that deceives with transmission display section is arranged.Here, though the person is illustrated for having the colored filter, also can carry out white and black displays.In addition, as transverse electric field type of drive, but except the FFS mode the also formation of example such as IPS mode.

Here, Fig. 4 to Fig. 6 uses the figure of the formation of the liquid crystal indicator 410 of indulging the electric field driven mode in transmission display section use transverse electric field type of drive, in reflective display section in order to explanation.Here, so-called vertical electric field driven mode is to be presented to apply electric field between component substrate and the subtend substrate to drive the mode of liquid crystal molecule.In addition, as transverse electric field type of drive, be to use in same substrate, apply electric field between the common electrode that configures clipping insulation course and the pixel electrode, drive the FFS mode of liquid crystal molecule.

Fig. 4 is the sectional view of a sub-pixel portion in the liquid crystal indicator 410.Here, so-called sub-pixel is when for example carrying out colour demonstration with R, G, B, with R, G, each display part that B is corresponding, here in the example, these three sub-pixels of sub-pixel of the sub-pixel of the sub-pixel of R, G, B as unit, and are become a pixel (pixel).Liquid crystal indicator 410 consists of transmission display section 412 and the reflective display section 414 of including.In the example of Fig. 4, liquid crystal indicator 410 formations include: backlight 416; Component substrate 420 as the first substrate; Subtend substrate 460 as the second substrate; Liquid crystal layer 450 is seized on both sides by the arms between component substrate 420 and subtend substrate 460; Component substrate lateral deviation tabula rasa 418, be disposed at backlight 416 and component substrate 420 between; And subtend substrate side Polarizer 419, be disposed at the outside of subtend substrate 460.

In liquid crystal indicator 410, subtend substrate 460 is in the side in the face of the user.That is, user's light and shade of coming the optical characteristics of Visual Confirmation liquid crystal layer 450 to produce from subtend substrate 460 sides.In Fig. 4, in transmission display section 412, the light from backlight 416 arrives user's eyes via component substrate lateral deviation tabula rasa 418, component substrate 420, liquid crystal layer 450, subtend substrate 460, subtend substrate side Polarizer 419.In addition, in reflective display section 414, extraneous light arrives liquid crystal layer 450 via subtend substrate side Polarizer 419, subtend substrate 460, and be reflected at the reflecting electrode 438 of component substrate 420, again arrive user's eyes via liquid crystal layer 450, subtend substrate 460, subtend substrate side Polarizer 419.

Subtend substrate 460 is made of stacking several layers film.In the example of Fig. 4, from subtend substrate side Polarizer 419 side orientating component substrates 420 sides, formation includes: glass substrate 462, block matrices 464, colored filter 466, reflector space gap adjust layer 468, as the reflective display of common electrode in the reflective display section 414 with common electrode 470 and sept (spacer) 472.Because these materials, specification, formation method etc. can use known material, specification, formation method etc. to be used as the manufacture method of general drive matrix type liquid crystal, so omit detailed explanation.

Here, because reflective display section 414 light paths become and are two times of transmission display section 412 light paths, so reflector space gap adjustment layer 468 is provided in and is used for carrying out half-wavelength (λ/2) light modulation in the infiltration type display mode, is used for carrying out quarter-wave (λ/4) light modulation in the reflection-type display mode.As shown in Figure 4, adjust layer 468 by the reflector space gap is set, and make the thickness generation difference of thickness and the liquid crystal layer 450 of transmission display section 412 of the liquid crystal layer 450 of reflective display section 414.The thickness of this liquid crystal layer 450 is adjusted by the thickness of reflector space gap adjustment layer 468, thereby makes reflective display section 414 become phase difference nd=λ/4, transmission display section 412 becomes phase difference nd=λ/2.In addition, the structure of this reflector space gap adjustment layer uses too in embodiments of the present invention.

Component substrate 420 is also referred to as components side substrate, TFT substrate or TFT side substrate, and be dispose the substrate of switch module side, also be relatively in the substrate of subtend substrate 460.Form technology and pattern formation technology, the stacking a plurality of films that are patterned into multi-ply construction on component substrate 420 by known film.

In the example of Fig. 4, sequentially be formed with glass substrate 422, semiconductor layer 424, gate insulating film 426, gate electrode 428, interlayer dielectric 430, source/drain electrodes 432,433, dielectric film 434, common electrode 442, FFS dielectric film 440, reflecting electrode 438 and pixel electrode 436 from 416 sides backlight towards liquid crystal layer 450 sides.Because these materials, specification, formation method etc. can use known material, specification, formation method etc. to be used as the manufacture method of general drive matrix type liquid crystal, so omit detailed explanation.

Here, the structure that correlates with FFS mode in the transmission display section 412 consists of, be formed common electrode 442 on the dielectric film 434 and on common electrode 442 across FFS dielectric film 440 and the pixel electrode 436 of configuration.At pixel electrode 436 slit 437 is set, by this slit 437, between common electrode 442 and pixel electrode 436, applies electric field, by this electric field, drive liquid crystal layer 450 with lateral electric field type.

On the other hand, the formation that correlates with vertical electric field driven mode in the reflective display section 414, although also be formed common electrode 442 on the dielectric film 434 and on common electrode 442 across FFS dielectric film 440 and the configuration pixel electrode 436, difference is that reflecting electrode 438 is configured part.Here, reflecting electrode 438 just formation after forming common electrode 442 and FFS dielectric film 440, and become the formation that is connected with afterwards pixel electrode 436.Reflecting electrode 438 is to have in order to will again reflex to from the light of subtend substrate 460 sides the conductive reflecting film of the function of subtend substrate 460 sides.In addition, across FFS dielectric film 440, and has the function that forms in order to the maintenance electric capacity that drives liquid crystal layer 450 between common electrode 442 and the pixel electrode 436.

In addition, though in Fig. 4, omit diagram, be provided with alignment film at common electrode 442.The face relative with liquid crystal layer 450 at subtend substrate 460 is provided with alignment film too.

Fig. 5 is the planimetric map corresponding with the sectional view of Fig. 4.Here, for a pixel that is consisted of by three sub-pixels, the state of order display module substrate 420 stacking constructions step midway.In addition, Fig. 4 is equivalent to shown in Fig. 5 (a) sectional view along the A-A line.Fig. 5 (a) is presented at the state after forming dielectric film 434 on the source/drain electrodes 432,433 and offering contact hole (contact hole).Fig. 5 (b) shows the state behind formation common electrode 442 and the reflecting electrode 438.Fig. 5 (c) demonstration forms the state behind the pixel electrode 436 with slit 437.In the example of Fig. 5, though show the state that common electrode 442 forms across a plurality of pixels, according to circumstances, also common electrode 442 can be set as and be separated in each sub-pixel.Yet, need to be in order to supply with current potential to the auxiliary distribution of each common electrode.

Fig. 6 is the figure that expression and the reflective display in the subtend substrate are used the relation of common electrode 470.Reflective display with common electrode 470 with relative with the part of reflective display section 414 to mode be disposed on the subtend substrate.

Get back to Fig. 5 (a), become gate line 429 and data line 431 to be mutually orthogonal at each sub-pixel distribution, and at its infall deploy switch assembly 425.Gate line 429 forms gate electrode shown in Figure 4 428 at switch module 425 places, and data line 431 is connected in source/drain electrodes shown in Figure 4 432.So, liquid crystal indicator 410 is the liquid crystal indicator that disposes respectively switch module 425 at many gate lines 429 and each infall of many data lines 431, i.e. so-called drive matrix type liquid crystal.In addition, gate line 429 is also referred to as sweep trace, scan signal line etc., and data line 431 is also referred to as signal wire, video (Video) signal wire, signal of video signal line etc.

Switch module 425 be by at formed gate insulating film 426 on the semiconductor layer shown in Figure 4 424, be arranged at the gate electrode 428 on the gate insulating film 426 and be connected in the transistor component that source/drain electrodes 432,433 source/drain consist of and consisted of, such as being consisted of by institutes such as TFT.The either party of the source/drain of switch module 425 (for example drain electrode) is connected to data line 431, and the opposing party's (for example source electrode) is connected to pixel electrode 436.Because drain electrode has interchangeability with source electrode, thus also source electrode be connected to data line 431, drain electrode is connected to pixel electrode 436.Switch module 425 is selected by gate line 429 and is made conducting between drain electrode and the source electrode, and the vision signal of supplying with the data line 431 that connects from drain electrode in above-mentioned example is to pixel electrode 436.

Below be illustrated for the demonstration of the liquid crystal indicator 410 of above-mentioned formation.Here, the relation of the orientation axle of the polarizing axis of Polarizer and liquid crystal molecule is generally set for as following.Namely, it is orthogonal that two Polarizers in glass substrate 422,462 outsides (being component substrate lateral deviation tabula rasa 418 and subtend substrate side Polarizer 419) are set polarizing axis for, and the polarizing axis of either party's Polarizer set for the driving voltage that applies towards liquid crystal layer 450 for the state that turn-offs under, be 45 degree with the orientation axle of liquid crystal molecule.Then, be under the state of conducting at driving voltage, it is parallel that the orientation axle of the liquid crystal molecule in the transmission display section 412 constitutes with its polarizing axis.On the other hand, it is under the state of conducting that the liquid crystal molecule in the reflective display section 414 constitutes at driving voltage, is vertically with respect to glass substrate 422,462 surface to erect.

Above-mentioned formation, in transmission display section 412, under the state of driving voltage for shutoff, can become rectilinearly polarized light by component substrate lateral deviation tabula rasa 418 from backlight 416 light of injecting, when by liquid crystal layer 450, produce the phase differential of λ/2, become the rectilinearly polarized light of 90-degree rotation, and become white demonstration (normal whitening) by subtend substrate side Polarizer 419.Here as above-mentioned, in transmission display section 412, because the thickness of liquid crystal layer 450 is adjusted to phase difference nd=λ/2, so be under the state of conducting at driving voltage, even since by liquid crystal layer 450 owing to can not produce phase differential yet, so the rectilinearly polarized light of injecting is absorbed by subtend substrate side Polarizer 419, and becomes black the demonstration.

With respect to this, be adjusted in the reflective display section 414 of Δ nd=λ/4 at the thickness of liquid crystal layer, become as following.The light of injecting becomes the light of rectilinearly polarized light by subtend substrate side Polarizer 419, be when passing through liquid crystal layer 450 under the state that turn-offs, to produce the phase differential of λ/4, and become the circularly polarized light towards dextrorotation at driving voltage.Then, be reflected electrode 438 reflection and become left-handed circularly polarized light, and again become the rectilinearly polarized light of 90 degree rotations by liquid crystal layer 450, and absorbed by subtend substrate side Polarizer 419 and become black demonstration the (normal aobvious black).Owing to being under the state of conducting at driving voltage, liquid crystal molecule is vertically with respect to glass substrate 422,462 surface and erects, and because the light of injecting can not produce phase differential by liquid crystal layer 450 time, so reflected light directly returns with the state of rectilinearly polarized light, and become white demonstration by subtend substrate side Polarizer 419.

So, in transmission display section 412 and reflective display section 414, with respect to driving voltage (being liquid crystal applied voltages), the variation meeting changeabout of transmitance.That is, under driving voltage normal (normally) state for shutoff, transmission display section 412 becomes white demonstration (being so-called normal whitening), and on the other hand, reflective display section 414 becomes black demonstration the (being so-called normal aobvious deceiving).Then opposite when driving voltage is conducting, transmission display section 412 becomes black the demonstration, and reflective display section 414 becomes white demonstration.So, in identical sub-pixel, become the counter-rotating that between transmission display section 412 and reflective display section 414, produces demonstration.This is described in transmission display section use transverse electric field type of drive, in the problem that the liquid crystal indicator of electric field driven mode is indulged in the use of reflective display section in the prior art, also is problem of the present invention.

Here, the driving method of liquid crystal indicator is described, Fig. 7 is the equivalent circuit diagram of pixel.Here, pixel refers to a sub-pixel.Below, illustrate with the symbol of Fig. 4 to Fig. 7.As above-mentioned, with the gate line 429 shown in the Gate, dispose switch module 425 with infall with the data line 431 shown in the Video, and between the pixel electrode 436 of the output terminal that is connected in switch module 425 and common electrode 422, form electric capacity as the sub-pixel of pixel.In Fig. 7, the maintenance capacitance meter in the transmission display section 412 is shown as TC _SC, the liquid crystal capacitance in the transmission display section 412 is expressed as TC _LC, the maintenance capacitance meter in the reflective display section 414 is shown as RC _SC, the liquid crystal capacitance in the reflective display section 414 is expressed as RC _LCKeep electric capacity TC _SCWith RC _SCBe formed between pixel electrode 436 and the common electrode 442 across FFS dielectric film 440.

In this equivalence circuit, when when the driving circuit of icon is not selected gate line 429, switch module 425 becomes conducting state, at each electric capacity TC _SC, TC _LC, RC _SC, RC _LCAccumulating has the electric charge corresponding with the potential difference (PD) of 422 of data line 431 and common electrodes, and the liquid crystal layer 450 in the zone of each sub-pixel is applied with the electric field corresponding with the potential difference (PD) of 422 of pixel electrode 436 and common electrodes.And, during the maintenance of non-selected gate line 429 in, the current potential of pixel electrode 436 is by these electric capacity TC _SC, TC _LC, RC _SC, RC _LCKeep.

In liquid crystal indicator, for the demonstration that suppresses ghost etc. deteriorated, carry out the signal of video signal voltage (negative polarity) of the signal of video signal voltage (positive polarity) of hot side and the low potential side pixel current potential as the current potential of pixel electrode 436, alternatively be entered as common electrode current potential as the current potential of common electrode 442 with the predetermined cycle.That is, liquid crystal layer 450 is exchanged and is driven.As this interchange type of drive to liquid crystal layer 450, can use following two kinds of methods.

A kind of method is fixed on predetermined value for the current potential with common electrode 442, and makes the signal of video signal voltage that is applied to pixel electrode 436 be changed to the mode of negative polarity by positive polarity, and this mode is called as common electrode direct current (DC) driving method.Another kind method is that the common electrode current potential is also changed between noble potential and electronegative potential within the predetermined cycle, and this mode is called as common electrode and exchanges (AC) driving method.In this case, when the common electrode current potential is in noble potential, use the negative polarity current potential as signal of video signal voltage, on the contrary, when the common electrode current potential is in electronegative potential, use the positive polarity current potential as signal of video signal voltage.Generally speaking, compare with common electrode direct drive method, common electrode exchanges the driving method and the output amplitude of signal of video signal can be dwindled, and can suppress the power consumption of circuit and reduce the cost of circuit.

In addition, the mode that in a vertical period signal of video signal voltage is reversed between positive polarity and negative polarity is called frame (frame) counter-rotating driving method, and the mode that signal of video signal voltage is reversed in a horizontal period between positive polarity and negative polarity is called H (level) line counter-rotating driving method.

Here, use common electrode to exchange driving method and H line counter-rotating driving method, can suppress ghost etc., and the signal of video signal amplitude can be dwindled, and can suppress by the equalization of display frame the inhomogeneous etc. of picture.Therefore, as long as no specializing, middlely exchange the driving method and H line counter-rotating driving method describes with common electrode following.

Below, be illustrated for embodiments of the present invention.In following, the key element identical with the key element that has illustrated among Fig. 3 to Fig. 7 enclosed identical symbol, and omits detailed explanation.Fig. 8 is the key diagram of embodiments of the present invention key concept.That is, common electrode is separated with reflective display section 414 in transmission display section 412, and be set as and apply separately independently current potential.Particularly, the common electrode that is used in transmission display section 412 is called transmission display common electrode 442, to be called for the common electrode of reflective display section 414 reflective display with common electrode 470, and transmission display will be become inverting each other with the current potential of common electrode 442 and reflective display with the potential setting of common electrode 470.In Fig. 8, though represent that with COM transmission display with common electrode 442, represent reflective display common electrode 470 with XCOM, but, X represents here anti-phase.

Here, the opposing party was in electronegative potential when so-called finger one side inverting each other was in noble potential, otherwise the opposing party is in the relation of noble potential when a side is in electronegative potential.Also can be a side the size of voltage amplitude and the opposing party's the varying in size of voltage amplitude.In addition, also can be a side the center voltage of voltage amplitude different from the center voltage of the opposing party's voltage amplitude.

So, transmission display is made as the show state of the corresponding transmission display of variation section of the common current potential when independent of one another and inverting each other and the show state of reflective display section with the current potential of common electrode with the current potential of common electrode and reflective display and is presented at Fig. 9.Here, as the transmission display of the common electrode of transmission display section with the current potential of common electrode COM and become inverting each other as the reflective display of the common electrode of reflective display section with the current potential of common electrode XCOM.Signal of video signal provides identical signal to transmission display section and reflective display section.

For example described above, set transmission display section 12 for and be normal aobvious black liquid crystal indicator for normal whitening, reflective display section 14.Here, when transmission display is in electronegative potential (being COM-L) and pixel electrode current potential and is in noble potential with the current potential of common electrode COM, because liquid crystal applied voltages becomes large, become black the demonstration so be equivalent to the state of driving voltage conducting.At this moment, in the identical time, reflective display is in noble potential (being XCOM-H) with the current potential of common electrode XCOM.Therefore, because liquid crystal applied voltages diminishes, become black the demonstration so be equivalent to the state of driving voltage shutoff.Similarly, when the pixel electrode current potential was in electronegative potential, transmission display section and reflective display section all became white demonstration.Even and when in the other time, being COM-H, XCOM-L, be too transmission display section during for white the demonstration reflective display section also become white demonstration, transmission display section during for black the demonstration reflective display section also become black the demonstration.

As above-mentioned, by making transmission display independent of one another and inverting each other with the current potential of common electrode with current potential and the reflective display of common electrode, and in the liquid crystal indicator that uses transverse electric field type of drive, can between transmission display section and reflective display section, not produce the counter-rotating of demonstration and can carry out good demonstration.This external above-mentioned in, though be illustrated for normal aobvious black situation for normal whitening, reflective display section 414 for transmission display section 412, but be that normal aobvious black, reflective display section 414 is also identical in the situation of normal whitening in transmission display section 412.Below, be illustrated for the specific embodiment that consists of according to this ultimate principle.

(embodiment 2)

When transmission display section and reflective display section were applied common current potential inverting each other, the voltage that is applied to liquid crystal layer in each horizontal period can change, according to circumstances the possibility of influential display quality.Therefore, as long as at a sub-pixel two switch modules are set, in transmission display section and reflective display section, also can pixel electrode is independent, and the voltage that is applied to liquid crystal layer common current potential can be reversed the time is set as more fixing.Fig. 7 is the figure that shows this state.Below, enclose identical symbol and omit detailed explanation with Fig. 4 key element that extremely key element illustrated in fig. 9 is identical, and use the symbol of Fig. 4 to Fig. 9 to be illustrated.Here, a gate line 429 is arranged two switch modules 423,425, one side's switch module 423 is used for transmission display section 412, the output terminal of switch module 423 is connected to transmission display common electrode 442 via the electric capacity TC of transmission display section 412, the opposing party's switch module 425 is used for reflective display section 414, and the output terminal of switch module 425 is via the maintenance electric capacity RC of reflective display section 414 _SCAnd be connected to reflective display with keeping capacitance electrode 441, in addition also via liquid crystal capacitance RC _LCAnd the reflective display that is connected to subtend substrate 60 is with common electrode 470.

Figure 11 formation structural drawing that to be expression show about the driving of the liquid crystal indicator that is provided with the switch module that switch module that transmission display section uses and reflective display section use at a sub-pixel.Below, the key element identical with the key element of explanation among Fig. 4 to the 10 enclosed identical symbol and omitted detailed explanation, and illustrates with the symbol of Fig. 4 to Figure 10.Here show, be respectively arranged with the switch module 423 of transmission display section 412 usefulness and the switch module 425 of reflective display section 414 usefulness at each sub-pixel, and will be drawn out to the outside of viewing area 480 with common electrode 442 and the reflective display that is used for reflective display section 414 with maintenance capacitance electrode 441 for the transmission display of transmission display section 412 respectively at each bar gate line 429, and guide to the apperance of common electrode control circuit 488.

Then, the transmission display of each bar gate line is connected to each other outside viewing area 480 with common electrode 442, and as transmission display common electrode terminal 490.Similarly, each bar gate line reflective display is connected to each other outside viewing area 480 with maintenance capacitance electrode 441, and as reflective display maintenance capacitance electrode terminal 491.In Figure 11, represent that with TCOM transmission display with common electrode terminal 490, represents that with RCOM reflective display is with keeping capacitance electrode terminal 491.Although these all have the title of " terminal ", can only be the state that connects also.

In addition, reflective display is drawn out to outside the viewing area 480 too with common electrode 470, is connected to component substrate 420 sides by being expressed as reflective display with the contact pad (contact pad) of common electrode contact point 489.Particularly, as shown in figure 11, reflective display is with keeping capacitance electrode terminal 491 to be connected with common electrode 470 with reflective display.

Figure 12 is the sequential chart in the formation of Figure 11.In Figure 12, show variation and the current potential of transmission display usefulness common electrode terminal TCOM and the variation that reflective display is used the current potential of common electrode terminal RCOM of the current potential of each bar gate line.Below, enclose identical symbol and omit detailed explanation with Fig. 4 key element that extremely key element illustrated in fig. 11 is identical, and illustrate with the symbol of Fig. 4 to Figure 11.

Become one group by showing with the current potential of common electrode terminal TCOM and reflective display with the current potential of common electrode terminal RCOM, change in each horizontal period.Then, make the current potential counter-rotating in for example during selecting signal to be about to input to " Gate N " loop line before, selecting also to make its current potential keep the time of a horizontal period after the signal input.In addition, this transmission display of group is inverting each other with the current potential of common electrode terminal RCOM with current potential and the reflective display of common electrode terminal TCOM.

In addition, signal of video signal is according to the grid selection and in each horizontal period reversed polarity.For example select " Gate N ", and input negative polarity signal of video signal is to the transmission display section corresponding with this gate line.At this moment, because that the common electrode current potential becomes is anti-phase, so becoming, corresponding reflective display section writes positive polarity.Then, when selecting " Gate N+1 ", input positive polarity signal of video signal is to the transmission display section corresponding with this gate line.At this moment, because that the common electrode current potential becomes is anti-phase, so becoming, corresponding reflective display section writes negative polarity.

In this sequential chart, because 488 actions of common electrode control circuit drive so can carry out the counter-rotating of H line, and do not produce the counter-rotating that shows between transmission display section 412 and reflective display section 414, and can carry out good demonstration.

(embodiment 3)

Figure 13 to Figure 14 uses sectional view and the planimetric map that the liquid crystal indicator 510 that Figure 10 consists of is arranged.Below, enclose identical symbol and omit detailed explanation with Fig. 4 key element that extremely key element illustrated in fig. 12 is identical, and illustrate with the symbol of Fig. 4 to Figure 12.Figure 13 is the sectional view of sub-pixel part of liquid crystal indicator 510, and corresponding diagram 4.Here, be provided with two switch modules 423,425 for a sub-pixel.Switch module 423 is the switch modules that use in transmission display section 412, and switch module 425 is the switch modules that use in reflective display section 414.

Because this liquid crystal indicator 510 other formation except component substrate 520 is all identical with the described content of Fig. 4, so the formation of following illustrated components substrate 520.The stacking a plurality of films that are patterned into sandwich construction on component substrate 520.In the example of Figure 13, sequentially be formed with glass substrate 422, semiconductor layer 424, gate insulating film 426, gate electrode 428, interlayer dielectric 430, source/drain electrodes 433,435, dielectric film 434, the first nesa coating 436,441, FFS dielectric film 440, reflecting electrode 438 and the second nesa coating 442,444 from 416 sides backlight towards liquid crystal layer 450 sides.Because these materials, specification, formation method etc. can use known material, specification, formation method etc. to be used as the manufacture method of general drive matrix type liquid crystal, so omit detailed explanation.

Here, the first nesa coating 436,441 separated in transmission display section 412 and reflective display section 414.And, in transmission display section 412, have the function as the pixel electrode 436 in the FFS mode, in reflective display section 414, have as the function of the reflective display in the vertical electric field driven mode with maintenance capacitance electrode 441.

The second nesa coating 442,444 separated in transmission display section 412 and reflective display section 414.And, in transmission display section 412, have the function as the common electrode 442 in the FFS mode, in reflective display section 414, have the function as the pixel electrode 444 in the vertical electric field driven mode.

Therefore, as with transmission display section 412 in the formation that correlates of FFS mode, formed the first nesa coating 436 becomes pixel electrode 436 on dielectric film 434, and the second nesa coating 442 that configures across FFS dielectric film 440 on the first nesa coating 436 then becomes common electrode 442.At common electrode 442 slit 443 is set, and between common electrode 442 and pixel electrode 436, applies electric field by this slit 443, and drive liquid crystal layer 450 by this electric field with lateral electric field type.

On the other hand, as the formation about the vertical electric field driven mode in the reflective display section 414, formed the first nesa coating 441 becomes reflective display with keeping capacitance electrode 441 on dielectric film 434, and the second nesa coating 444 that configures across FFS dielectric film 440 on the first nesa coating 441 becomes pixel electrode 444.Then, configuration reflecting electrode 438.Reflecting electrode 438 just forms after forming the first nesa coating 441 and FFS dielectric film 440, and becomes the formation that is connected with the second nesa coating 444 that forms afterwards.Reflecting electrode 438 has in order to will again be reflected back from the light of subtend substrate 460 sides the conductive reflecting film of the function of subtend substrate 460 sides.In addition, reflective display with keep capacitance electrode 441 and pixel electrode 444 across FFS dielectric film 440, and have the function that forms in order to the maintenance electric capacity that drives liquid crystal layer 450.Here, also identical with Fig. 4, the diagram of omission alignment film.

Figure 14 is the planimetric map that shows concrete formation.Here, show to be formed with two switch modules 423,425, and form and two switch modules 423,425 corresponding two pixel electrodes, common electrode and the reflective displays apperance with the maintenance capacitance electrode.Figure 14 (a) shows the corresponding transmission display of difference section 412 with reflective display section 414 and two switch modules 423,425 that form, and form with switch module 423,425 corresponding source/drain electrodes 433,435 after, the apperance after these electrodes offer two contact holes etc.Figure 14 (b) shows that the reflective display with the first nesa coating 436,441 pixel electrodes 436 as transmission display section 412, reflective display section 414 forms with maintenance capacitance electrode 441, and after form the apperance of reflecting electrode 438.Figure 14 (c) shows the pixel electrode 444 of the second nesa coating 442,444 common electrodes 442 as transmission display section 412, reflective display section 414 and the apperance after forming.

Here, shown in Figure 14 (b), the reflective display of reflective display section 414 is with keeping capacitance electrode 441 to be drawn out to the outside of viewing area, and similarly shown in Figure 14 (c), the common electrode 442 of transmission display section 412 is drawn out to the outside of viewing area 480, and as illustrated in fig. 11, in the common electrode control circuit 488 in the outside of viewing area 480, make predetermined connection.

The variation of Figure 14 (c) is presented at Figure 15.As the nesa coating that uses at common electrode and pixel electrode, though use ITO (indium tin oxide) or IZO (indium-zinc oxide), but generally speaking because the resistance of ITO and IZO is high, so when common electrode is drawn out to the outside of viewing area, have its resistance value can become the possibility of problem.With respect to this, to compare with ITO, IZO, reflecting electrode uses aluminium, aluminium alloy or silver etc., and resistance value can be lower.Therefore, also can reduce with reflecting electrode the resistance of common electrode.

Figure 15 is presented at and disposes in the transmission display section 412 with reflecting electrode is the apperance of pulling out line 447 of same material.Thus, can reduce common electrode 442 is drawn out to the viewing area resistance in when outside.

(embodiment 4)

Figure 16 and Figure 17 are sectional view and the planimetric maps that is respectively an other example of the liquid crystal indicator 510 that uses the formation that Figure 10 is arranged.Below, enclose identical symbol and omit detailed explanation with Fig. 4 key element that extremely key element illustrated in fig. 15 is identical, and illustrate with the symbol of Fig. 4 to Figure 15.The sectional view of sub-pixel part of the relevant liquid crystal indicator 511 of Figure 16, and corresponding Figure 13.Here also identical with the explanation of Figure 13, be provided with switch module 423 and the switch module 425 that is used for reflective display section 414 for transmission display section 412 at a sub-pixel.

This liquid crystal indicator 511 is in the configuration of the first nesa coating of component substrate 521 and the second nesa coating and to utilize method different with liquid crystal indicator illustrated in fig. 13 510.Because other formation is identical with content illustrated in fig. 13, so the formation of following illustrated components substrate 521.The stacking a plurality of films that have been patterned to multi-ply construction on component substrate 521.In the example of Figure 16, sequentially be formed with glass substrate 422, semiconductor layer 424, gate insulating film 426, gate electrode 428, interlayer dielectric 430, source/drain electrodes 433,435, dielectric film 434, the first nesa coating 442,441, FFS dielectric film 440, reflecting electrode 438 and the second nesa coating 436,444 from 416 sides backlight to liquid crystal layer 450 sides.Because these materials, specification, formation method etc. can use known material, specification, formation method etc. to be used as the manufacture method of general drive matrix type liquid crystal, so omit detailed explanation.

Here, the first nesa coating 442,441 separated in transmission display section 412 and reflective display section 414.That is, in transmission display section 412, have the function as the common electrode 442 in the FFS mode, in reflective display section 414, then have as the function of the reflective display in the vertical electric field driven mode with maintenance capacitance electrode 441.

Though the second nesa coating is separated in transmission display section 412 and reflective display section 414, but any one all can use as pixel electrode 436,444.That is, in transmission display section 412, have the function as the pixel electrode 436 in the FFS mode, in reflective display section 414, have the function as the pixel electrode 444 in the vertical electric field driven mode.

Therefore, as with transmission display section 412 in the formation that correlates of FFS mode, formed the first nesa coating 442 becomes common electrode 442 on dielectric film 434, and the second nesa coating 436 that configures across FFS dielectric film 440 on the first nesa coating 442 then becomes pixel electrode 436.At pixel electrode 436 slit is set, and between common electrode 442 and pixel electrode 436, applies electric field by this slit, and drive liquid crystal layer 450 by this electric field with lateral electric field type.

On the other hand, as the formation about the vertical electric field driven mode in the reflective display section 414, formed the first nesa coating 441 becomes reflective display with keeping capacitance electrode 441 on dielectric film 434, and the second nesa coating 444 that configures across FFS dielectric film 440 on the first nesa coating 441 becomes pixel electrode 444.Then, configuration reflecting electrode 438.Reflecting electrode 438 just forms after forming the first nesa coating 441 and FFS dielectric film 440, and becomes the formation that is connected with the second nesa coating 444 that forms afterwards.Reflecting electrode 438 has in order to will again be reflected back from the light of subtend substrate 460 sides the conductive reflecting film of the function of subtend substrate 460 sides.In addition, reflective display is with keeping capacitance electrode 441 and pixel electrode 444 to have, at it among both across FFS dielectric film 440, form the function in order to the maintenance electric capacity that drives liquid crystal layer 450.Here, also identical with Figure 10, the diagram of omission alignment film.

Figure 17 shows the concrete planimetric map that consists of, and corresponding Figure 14 (b), (c), described identical with Figure 14 (a), show to form two switch modules 423,425, and corresponding switch module 423,425 forms the apperance of two pixel electrodes and two common electrodes.Figure 17 (a) shows that the first nesa coating 442,441 forms with maintenance capacitance electrode 441 as the common electrode 442 of transmission display section 412 and the reflective display of reflective display section 414, and after apperance after forming reflecting electrode 438.Figure 17 (b) shows the second nesa coating 436,444 as the pixel electrode 444 of the pixel electrode 436 of transmission display section 412 and reflective display section 414 and the apperance after forming.

Here, shown in Figure 17 (b), the common electrode 442 of transmission display section 412 and the reflective display of reflective display section 414 are with keeping capacitance electrode 441 all to be drawn out to the outside of viewing area 480, illustrated such as Fig. 8, in the common electrode control circuit 488 in 480 outsides, viewing area, make predetermined connection.

(embodiment 5)

In the situation of embodiment 4, at each horizontal period counter-rotating common electrode current potential.Therefore, along with each horizontal period shortens, the impact of rise time and fall time when easily counter-rotating occurring.Therefore, because this problem also is common problem in the driving method of general liquid crystal indicator, so motion for example have will the gate line of viewing area Nei Gelie independently common electrode wire give outside the viewing area that even lines is connected to each other, odd lines is connected to each other, and input respectively the method (for example TOHKEMY 2001-356356 communique) of the common electrode electric potential signal of counter-rotating during each is vertical.Here, even lines common electrode current potential connected to one another and odd lines common electrode current potential connected to one another are inverting each other.Then, as above-mentioned, the common electrode current potential be reversed in each vertical during (being each picture scanning) carry out.Here, what is called independently the common electrode distribution refer at each pixel distribution independently.

Figure 18 is the figure that expression is altered to above-mentioned motion the formation that is applicable to liquid crystal indicator, and corresponding Figure 11.Below, enclose identical symbol with Fig. 4 key element that extremely key element illustrated in fig. 17 is identical, and illustrate with the symbol of Fig. 4 to Figure 17.Here, show that 480 the outside is connected to each other and as the first common electrode terminal 494 in the viewing area with common electrode 442 with the transmission display that keeps capacitance electrode 441 and even number line for the reflective display of odd-numbered line of gate line 429, and the reflective display of the even number line of gate line 429 480 the outside is connected to each other and as the apperance of the second common electrode terminal 495 in the viewing area with common electrode 442 with the transmission display of maintenance capacitance electrode 441 and odd-numbered line.

In the situation of Figure 18, identical with Figure 11, at each bar gate line 429, the transmission display that is used for transmission display section 412 is drawn out to respectively the outside of viewing area 480 with common electrode 442 and the reflective display that is used for reflective display section 414 with maintenance capacitance electrode 441, and guides to common electrode control circuit 492.In the situation of Figure 18, because above-mentioned even number and odd number are relativity, so the reflective display of the first common electrode terminal 494 and the 1st row, the 3rd row, the 5th row etc. is connected to each other with common electrode 442 with the transmission display that keeps capacitance electrode 441 and the 2nd row, the 4th row, the 6th row etc., and the reflective display of the second common electrode terminal 495 and the 2nd row, the 4th row, the 6th row etc. with maintenance capacitance electrode 441 and the 1st be listed as, the 3rd be listed as, the 5th transmission display that is listed as etc. is connected to each other with common electrode 442.In addition, represent the first common electrode terminal 494 with COM among Figure 18, represent the second common electrode terminal 495 with XCOM.

In addition, reflective display is with common electrode 470 corresponding each bar gate line 429 and being drawn out to respectively outside the viewing area 480 too, and corresponding aforementioned the first common electrode terminal 494 and the second common electrode terminal 495, pool first reflective display corresponding with the gate line 429 of odd-numbered line with common electrode terminal 471 and with the second reflective display corresponding to the gate line 429 of even number line with common electrode terminal 473, and by being connected to component substrate 420 sides with reflective display with common electrode contact point 496,497 shown contact pads.Particularly as shown in figure 18, the first reflective display is connected to the first common electrode terminal 494, the second reflective displays with common electrode terminal 471 and is connected to the second common electrode terminal 495 with common electrode terminal 473.

Figure 19 is the sequential chart during Figure 18 consists of, and corresponding Figure 12.In Figure 19, show the variation of the current potential of the current potential of the variation of current potential of each bar gate line and the first common electrode terminal COM and the second common electrode terminal XCOM.Below, enclose identical symbol and omit detailed explanation with Fig. 4 key element that extremely key element illustrated in fig. 18 is identical, and illustrate with the symbol of Fig. 4 to Figure 18.

The current potential of the current potential of the first common electrode terminal COM and the second common electrode terminal XCOM becomes one group, and (being each picture scanning) changes during each is vertical.Then, make the current potential counter-rotating, the time during also making its current potential maintenance one vertically after the input of selection signal in for example during the selection signal is about to input to " Gate 1 " loop line before.In addition, the current potential of the current potential of this first common electrode terminal COM of group and the second common electrode terminal XCOM is inverting each other.

In addition, signal of video signal is according to the grid selection and in each horizontal period reversed polarity.For example be set as selection " Gate 1 ", and input negative polarity signal of video signal is to the transmission display section corresponding with this gate line.At this moment, because that the common electrode current potential becomes is anti-phase, so becoming, corresponding reflective display section writes positive polarity.Then, when selecting " Gate 2 ", input positive polarity signal of video signal is to the transmission display section corresponding with this gate line.At this moment, because that the common electrode current potential becomes is anti-phase, so becoming, corresponding reflective display section writes negative polarity.

In this sequential chart, 492 actions of common electrode control circuit drive so can carry out the counter-rotating of H line, and do not produce the counter-rotating that shows between transmission display section 412 and reflective display section 414, and can carry out good demonstration.

Claims (3)

1. a liquid crystal indicator is seized liquid crystal on both sides by the arms between the first substrate and the second substrate, has the section that sees through and the reflecting part that carries out reflective display that carry out transmission display in a pixel, and this liquid crystal indicator is characterised in that:

Above-mentioned the first substrate has: many data lines, many gate lines, a plurality of switch module, the first electrode, a plurality of the second electrode; Described a plurality of switch module is distinguished corresponding and paired configuration with each infall of above-mentioned data line and above-mentioned gate line, above-mentioned pair of switches assembly is connected to one of above-mentioned gate line, and a use in the above-mentioned pair of switches assembly is in the described section that sees through, and another in the above-mentioned pair of switches assembly uses at described reflecting part; Described the first electrode is arranged at respectively, is connected to above-mentioned reflecting part and the above-mentioned section that sees through of each output terminal of above-mentioned pair of switches assembly; And described a plurality of the second electrode, be arranged at the above-mentioned section that sees through, between itself and above-mentioned the first electrode, be applied with electric field and make above-mentioned liquid crystal drive;

Above-mentioned the second substrate has: third electrode, be arranged at above-mentioned reflecting part, and be used between itself and above-mentioned the first electrode, applying electric field to drive above-mentioned liquid crystal;

The current potential of above-mentioned the second electrode and the current potential of above-mentioned third electrode are inverting each other,

Above-mentioned second electrode of the above-mentioned third electrode of the odd-numbered line of above-mentioned gate line and even number line is connected to each other as the first common electrode terminal in the outside of viewing area; Above-mentioned second electrode of the above-mentioned third electrode of the even number line of above-mentioned gate line and odd-numbered line is connected to each other as the second common electrode terminal in the outside of viewing area; Inverting each other and the current potential of the current potential of the current potential of above-mentioned the first common electrode terminal and above-mentioned the second common electrode terminal is in each picture scanning counter-rotating.

2. liquid crystal indicator according to claim 1 is characterized in that, above-mentioned the first substrate is arranged at above-mentioned reflecting part, and has reflective display with keeping electric capacity.

3. each described liquid crystal indicator in 2 according to claim 1 is characterized in that, the thickness setting of above-mentioned liquid crystal is that to make the phase differential of reflecting part be that Δ nd=λ/4, the above-mentioned phase differential that sees through section are Δ nd=λ/2.

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