JP2000162602A - Active matrix liquid crystal display unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an active matrix liquid crystal display unit adopting horizontal electric field system, that has a wide angle of visibility with a uniform tone, and realizes an angle of visibility comparable to a cathode-ray tube, and that enables improvement in image quality. SOLUTION: This unit is an active matrix liquid crystal display unit equipped with a pair of substrates, a liquid crystal layer held between the pair of substrates, plural video signal lines DL formed on one substrate, plural scanning signal lines GL which is formed on one substrate and which cross the video signal lines DL, pixel electrodes SL and the counter electrodes CL which are formed on one substrate, and plural pixels which are formed in matrix in the crossing area of the plural video signal lines and scanning signal lines. The liquid crystal layer is provided with initial orientation of liquid crystal elements which is nearly vertical to the scanning signal lines GL, and the pixel electrodes SL and the counter electrodes CL are parallel to the initial orientation of the liquid crystal elements in the display area of each pixel, crossing each other at two or more angles outside the display area of each pixel.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device, and more particularly to a technique effective when applied to an in-plane switching type active matrix type liquid crystal display device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An active matrix type liquid crystal display device using an active element typified by a thin film transistor (TFT) is widely used as a display terminal device for OA equipment or the like because of its features of thinness and light weight and high image quality comparable to a cathode ray tube. Have begun to do. Broadly speaking, the following two display methods are known as display methods of the active matrix type liquid crystal display device. One is that a liquid crystal layer is sealed between a pair of substrates on which two transparent electrodes are formed, and a driving voltage is applied to the two transparent electrodes to drive the liquid crystal layer by an electric field in a direction substantially perpendicular to the substrate interface. This is a method of modulating and displaying light transmitted through the transparent electrode and incident on the liquid crystal layer (hereinafter, referred to as a vertical electric field method), and all of the currently popular products adopt this method. However, in the active matrix type liquid crystal display device adopting the vertical electric field method, the luminance change when the viewing angle direction is changed is remarkable. In particular, when halftone display is performed, the gradation level is inverted depending on the viewing angle direction. There was a problem in practical use, for example.

The other is to enclose a liquid crystal layer between a pair of substrates and apply a driving voltage to two electrodes formed on the same substrate or on both substrates, so that a direction substantially parallel to an interface between the substrates is obtained. The liquid crystal layer is driven by the electric field of the liquid crystal, and the light incident on the liquid crystal layer from the gap between the two electrodes is modulated and displayed (hereinafter referred to as a horizontal electric field method). Liquid crystal display devices have not yet been put to practical use. However, the active matrix type liquid crystal display device adopting the in-plane switching method has characteristics such as a wide viewing angle and a low load capacity, and the in-plane switching method is a promising technology for the active matrix type liquid crystal display device. is there. Regarding the characteristics of the active matrix type liquid crystal display device adopting the lateral electric field method, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-505247, Japanese Patent Publication No. 63-219.
07, JP-A-6-160878.

[0004]

In an active matrix type liquid crystal display device employing a conventional in-plane switching method, in order to improve a driving voltage and a response speed, a pixel electrode and a counter electrode arranged in parallel are provided. In addition, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer are homogeneously and initially aligned with a certain inclination, and light is modulated by rotating the liquid crystal molecules in a plane to perform display. This has a feature that the viewing angle is significantly wider than that of the active matrix type liquid crystal display device employing the vertical electric field method.

However, in the active matrix type liquid crystal display device employing the above-mentioned lateral electric field method, when the viewing angle is tilted in a certain direction, uniform color tone cannot be realized, the viewing angle becomes narrow, and a cathode ray tube (CRT) However, there is a problem that a viewing angle comparable to that of the self-luminous display device cannot be achieved. That is, when the liquid crystal molecules are rotated, when the viewing angle is tilted in the major axis direction, the birefringence anisotropy of the liquid crystal molecules is more likely to change than when the viewing angle is tilted in other directions. The gradation is more likely to be inverted and the color tone is more likely to change than in other directions. In particular, when white display is performed in the normally black mode, the color tone of white shifts to blue in that direction. The birefringence anisotropy does not change in the short-axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules forming an angle of 90 ° with it, but the white color tone changes to yellow in the azimuth direction because the optical path length increases with the inclination of the viewing angle. Shift to As a result, there was a problem that a uniform color tone could not be realized in one direction, the viewing angle was narrowed, and a viewing angle comparable to a cathode ray tube could not be achieved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an active matrix type liquid crystal display device employing a horizontal electric field system in which a visual field having a uniform color tone is provided. It is an object of the present invention to provide a technology that has a wide angle range, can realize a viewing angle comparable to that of a cathode ray tube, and can improve image quality. The above object and other objects and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Among the inventions disclosed in the present application, the outline of a representative one will be briefly described.
It is as follows. That is, the present invention includes a pair of substrates, a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the pair of substrates, a plurality of video signal lines formed on the one substrate, and the video signals formed on the one substrate. A plurality of scanning signal lines intersecting with the signal lines; a pixel electrode and a counter electrode formed on the one substrate; and a matrix in an intersection region between the plurality of video signal lines and the plurality of scanning signal lines. An active matrix liquid crystal display device including a plurality of pixels to be formed, wherein the liquid crystal layer has an initial alignment direction of liquid crystal molecules substantially perpendicular to the scanning signal line, and the pixel electrode and the counter electrode are The liquid crystal molecules are parallel to the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the display region of each pixel, and intersect at two or more angles (θ) outside the display region of each pixel.

Further, the present invention provides a liquid crystal display device comprising: a pair of substrates; a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the pair of substrates; a plurality of video signal lines formed on the one substrate; A plurality of scanning signal lines intersecting with the video signal line, a pixel electrode and a counter electrode formed on the one substrate, and in an intersection region between the plurality of video signal lines and the plurality of scanning signal lines. An active matrix liquid crystal display device including a plurality of pixels formed in a matrix, wherein the liquid crystal layer has an initial alignment direction of liquid crystal molecules substantially perpendicular to the scanning signal line, The pixel electrode and the counter electrode are formed in parallel with an inclination angle with respect to the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules, and the pixel electrodes having different inclination angles with respect to the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules. And the counter electrode Characterized in that a pixel that alternately.

According to each of the above-mentioned means, in an active matrix type liquid crystal display device employing a lateral electric field system, liquid crystal molecules of a liquid crystal layer are initially aligned in a single direction, and at each pixel or within one pixel. The liquid crystal molecules are driven in two directions by changing the angle between the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer and the direction of the applied electric field between the pixel electrode and the counter electrode, so that the color tone shifts with respect to each other. Offset
It is possible to greatly reduce the dependence of the color tone on the direction. For example, in the case of a birefringent normally black mode (dark when no voltage is applied, bright when a voltage is applied), the polarization transmission axes of the two polarizing plates are orthogonal (crossed Nicols), and the polarization transmission axis and the electric field are different. When the angle formed by the long axes of the rotated liquid crystal molecules becomes 45 °, the maximum transmittance, that is, white display is obtained. In this state, when a white display is viewed from the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules (at an angle of 45 ° from the polarization transmission axis), the birefringence anisotropy changes, and the white color tone shifts to blue in that direction. I do. The birefringence anisotropy does not change in the short-axis direction of liquid crystal molecules (at an angle of -45 ° from the polarization transmission axis) forming an angle of 90 ° with the liquid crystal molecules, but the optical path length increases with the inclination of the viewing angle. As a result, the white tone shifts to yellow in that direction. Blue and yellow have complementary colors in chromaticity coordinates, and when the two colors are mixed, they become white.

Therefore, the driving direction of the liquid crystal molecules is set to two directions for each pixel or within one pixel.
If the angles of the liquid crystal molecules performing white display exist in two directions forming an angle of 90 ° with each other, it is possible to offset the color shift and thereby greatly reduce the dependence of the white color tone on the azimuth. Become. Similarly, in the case of grayscale inversion, the characteristics of the short axis direction of liquid crystal molecules that are difficult to grayscale inversion and the long axis direction of liquid crystal molecules that are easy to grayscale inversion are averaged. The non-gradation inversion viewing angle can be increased. Thereby, the uniformity of the gradation and the uniformity of the color tone are averaged or expanded in all directions, and a wide viewing angle close to that of a cathode ray tube can be realized.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings for describing the embodiments (examples) of the invention, those having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their repeated description will be omitted. [First Embodiment of the Invention] First, an outline of an in-plane switching mode active matrix color liquid crystal display device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. << Planar Configuration of Matrix Part (Pixel Part) >> FIG. 1 shows one pixel of an active matrix type color liquid crystal display device according to an embodiment (Embodiment 1) of the present invention and its periphery. It is a top view. Each pixel has two adjacent scanning signal lines (gate signal lines or horizontal signal lines) (G
L) and two adjacent video signal lines (drain signal lines or vertical signal lines) (DL) in an intersecting region (in a region surrounded by four signal lines). Each pixel includes a thin film transistor (TFT), a storage capacitor (Cstg), a pixel electrode (SL), a counter electrode (CL '), and a counter voltage signal line (common signal line) (CL).

Here, in FIG. 1, a plurality of scanning signal lines (GL) and counter voltage signal lines (CL) extend in the left-right direction and are arranged in a vertical direction. In addition, the video signal line (D
L) extend in the up-down direction and are arranged in plural numbers in the left-right direction. The pixel electrode (SL) is connected to the source electrode (SD1) of the thin film transistor (TFT), and the counter electrode (CL ′) is formed integrally with the counter voltage signal line (CL). The pixel electrode (SL) and the counter electrode (CL ′) face each other, and a liquid crystal layer (LCD) is generated by an electric field between each pixel electrode (SL) and the counter electrode (CL ′).
Controls the optical state of the device and controls the display. The pixel electrode (SL) and the counter electrode (CL ′) are configured in a comb shape,
As shown in FIG. 1, the pixel electrode (SL) has a linear shape extending obliquely downward, and the counter electrode (CL ′) has a counter surface (pixel electrode (S
L) has a comb-teeth shape extending obliquely upward, and a region between the pixel electrode (SL) and the counter electrode (CL ′) is divided into two in one pixel.

<< Cross-Sectional Structure of Display Matrix Part (Pixel Part) >> FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part cross section taken along the line aa ′ shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. Sectional view showing a cross section of a thin film transistor (TFT) at a line;
FIG. 4 shows the storage capacitance (C) at the section line 5-5 shown in FIG.
It is sectional drawing which shows the cross section of stg). As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, a thin film transistor (TF) is provided on the lower transparent glass substrate (SUB1) side with respect to the liquid crystal layer (LCD).
T), a storage capacitor (Cstg) and an electrode group are formed,
On the upper transparent glass substrate (SUB2) side, a color filter (FIL) and a black matrix pattern (B
M) is formed. In addition, a transparent glass substrate (SUB
1, SUB2) inside (liquid crystal layer (LCD)
Side) surface, an alignment film (O 2) for controlling the initial alignment of the liquid crystal is provided.
R1, OR2), and a transparent glass substrate (S
Polarizing plates (POL1, POL2) are provided on the outer surfaces of each of UB1, SUB2).

Hereinafter, a more detailed configuration will be described. << TFT substrate >> First, the lower transparent glass substrate (SUB1)
The configuration of the side (TFT substrate) will be described in detail. << Thin Film Transistor (TFT) >> Thin Film Transistor (T
FT) operates such that when a positive bias is applied to the gate electrode (GT), the channel resistance between the source and the drain decreases, and when the bias is set to zero, the channel resistance increases. The thin film transistor (TFT) is shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, the gate electrode (GT) and the gate insulating film (G
I), an i-type (intrinsic, intrinsic, and undoped conductivity type determining impurity) amorphous silicon (Si) i-type semiconductor layer (AS), a pair of source electrodes (SD)
1) It has a drain electrode (SD2). Note that the source electrode (SD1) and the drain electrode (SD2) are originally determined by the bias polarity between them, and in the circuit of this liquid crystal display device, their polarities are inverted during operation, so the source electrode (SD1) and the drain electrode (SD2) ) Should be understood to interchange during operation.

However, in the following description, one is fixedly represented as a source electrode (SD1) and the other is defined as a drain electrode (SD2) for convenience. In the embodiment of the present invention, an amorphous silicon thin film transistor element is used as a thin film transistor (TFT). However, the present invention is not limited to this. A polysilicon thin film transistor element, a MOS transistor on a silicon wafer, TFT or MIM (Metal-Insulator-Me)
tal) Two-terminal element such as a diode (strictly not an active element, but an active element in the present invention)
Can also be used.

<< Gate electrode (GT) >> Gate electrode (G)
T) is formed continuously with the scanning signal line (GL), and a part of the scanning signal line (GL) is partially formed with the gate electrode (G).
T). Gate electrode (GT)
Is a portion exceeding the active region of the thin film transistor (TFT), and is formed larger than that so as to completely cover the i-type semiconductor layer (AS) (as viewed from below). Thereby, in addition to the role of the gate electrode (GT), the device is devised so that external light and backlight do not hit the i-type semiconductor layer (AS). In the embodiment of the present invention, the gate electrode (GT) is formed of a single-layer conductive film (g1), and the conductive film (g1) is, for example, an aluminum (Al) -based film formed by sputtering. A conductive film is used, on which an anodic oxide film (A) of aluminum (Al) is formed.
OF) is provided.

<< Scanning Signal Line (GL) >>
L) is composed of a conductive film (g1), and the conductive film (g1) of the scanning signal line (GL) is a gate electrode (GT).
Formed in the same manufacturing process as that of the conductive film (g1), and is integrally formed. The gate voltage (VG) is supplied from an external circuit to the gate electrode (GT) by the scanning signal line (GL). An anodic oxide film (AOF) of aluminum (Al) is also provided on the scanning signal line (GL). << Counter electrode (CL ') >> The counter electrode (CL') is formed of a conductive film (g1) in the same layer as the gate electrode (GT) and the scanning signal line (GL). Also, a counter electrode (CL ')
An anodic oxide film (AOF) of aluminum (Al) is also provided thereon. The counter electrode (CL ′) is configured to apply a counter voltage (Vcom). In the embodiment of the present invention, the counter voltage (Vcom) is the minimum level drive voltage (VD) applied to the video signal line (DL).
min) and a drive voltage (VDmax) at the maximum level, a feedthrough voltage (ΔV) generated when the thin film transistor element (TFT) is turned off from an intermediate DC potential.
s), but if it is desired to reduce the power supply voltage of the integrated circuit used in the video signal drive circuit to about half, an AC voltage may be applied.

<< Counter Voltage Signal Line (CL) >> The counter voltage signal line (CL) is made of a conductive film (g1). The conductive film (g1) of the counter voltage signal line (CL) includes the gate electrode (GT), the scanning signal line (GL), and the counter electrode (C
L ′) is formed in the same manufacturing process as the conductive film (g1), and is integrated with the counter electrode (CL ′). The counter voltage (Vcom) is supplied to the counter electrode (CL ′) from the external circuit by the counter voltage signal line (CL). Also,
An anodic oxide film (AOF) of aluminum (Al) is also provided on the counter voltage signal line (CL). Further, the counter electrode (CL ′) and the counter voltage signal line (CL) may be formed on the upper transparent glass substrate (SUB2) (color filter substrate) side.

<< Insulating Film (GI) >> In a thin film transistor (TFT), the insulating film (GI) serves as a gate electrode (G).
T) is used together with T) as a gate insulating film for applying an electric field to the semiconductor layer (AS). The insulating film (GI) is formed above the gate electrode (GT) and the scanning signal line (GL). As the insulating film (GI), for example, a silicon nitride film formed by plasma CVD is selected. 1200
It is formed to a thickness of about 2700 angstroms (about 2400 angstroms in the embodiment of the present invention). The gate insulating film (GI) is formed in the display matrix portion (A
R) is formed so as to surround the entirety, and the peripheral portion is removed so that the external connection terminals (DTM, GTM) are exposed. The insulating film (GI) also contributes to electrical insulation between the scanning signal line (GL) and the counter voltage signal line (CL) and the video signal line (DL).

<< i-type semiconductor layer (AS) >> The i-type semiconductor layer (AS) is made of amorphous silicon and has a thickness of 200 to 2200 angstroms (in the embodiment of the present invention,
(A film thickness of about 00 angstroms). Layer (d
Reference numeral 0) denotes an N (+) type amorphous silicon semiconductor layer doped with phosphorus (P) for ohmic contact, in which an i-type semiconductor layer (AS) exists on the lower side, and conductive films (d1,
d2) is left only where it exists. The i-type semiconductor layer (AS) is also provided between the scanning signal line (GL) and the intersection (crossover portion) between the counter voltage signal line (CL) and the video signal line (DL). The i-type semiconductor layer (AS) at the intersection reduces a short circuit between the scanning signal line (GL) and the counter voltage signal line (CL) and the video signal line (DL) at the intersection.

<< Source electrode (SD1), drain electrode (SD2) >> Source electrode (SD1), drain electrode (S
D2) are a conductive film (d1) in contact with the N (+) type semiconductor layer (d0) and a conductive film (d) formed thereon.
2). As the conductive film (d1), a chromium (Cr) film formed by sputtering is used.
It is formed to a thickness of 1000 angstroms (about 600 angstroms in the embodiment of the present invention). The chromium (Cr) film is formed in a range not exceeding a thickness of about 2,000 Å, since the stress increases when the chromium (Cr) film is formed thick. Chromium (Cr) film is N
Improves adhesion to the (+) type semiconductor layer (d0) and prevents aluminum (Al) in the aluminum (Al) based conductive film (d2) from diffusing into the N (+) type semiconductor layer (d0). (A so-called barrier layer). As the conductive film (d1), in addition to the chromium (Cr) film,
Refractory metal (molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), tantalum (Ta), tungsten (W)) film, refractory metal silicide (MoSi2, TiSi2, TaSi2, W
An Si2) film may be used.

As the conductive film (d2), an aluminum (Al) -based conductive film is formed by sputtering at 3000 to 50%.
It is formed to a thickness of 00 angstroms (about 4000 angstroms in the embodiment of the present invention). The aluminum (Al) -based conductive film has less stress than the chromium (Cr) film and can be formed to have a large film thickness. The source electrode (SD1), the drain electrode (SD2), and the video signal line (DL) ) To reduce the resistance value, and to ensure that the gate electrode (GT) and the i-type semiconductor layer (AS) can cross over a step (to improve the step coverage). The conductive film (d1) and the conductive film (d
After patterning 2) with the same mask pattern, using the same mask, or using the conductive film (d1) or the conductive film (d2) as a mask, the N (+) type semiconductor layer (d0)
Is removed. That is, the N (+)-type semiconductor layer (d0) remaining on the i-type semiconductor layer (AS) becomes a conductive film (d1),
Portions other than the conductive film (d2) are removed by self-alignment. At this time, since the N (+)-type semiconductor layer (d0) is etched so as to remove the entire thickness, the i-type semiconductor layer (AS) is also slightly etched at its surface, but the degree is small. What is necessary is just to control by etching time.

<< Video signal line (DL) >> Video signal line (D
L) is a source electrode (SD1) and a drain electrode (SD
2) and a conductive film (d1) and a conductive film (d2) formed thereon. The video signal line (DL) is formed in the same layer as the source electrode (SD1) and the drain electrode (SD2).
L) is integrally formed with the drain electrode (SD2). << Pixel Electrode (SL) >> The pixel electrode (SL) is composed of the source electrode (SD1), the drain electrode (SD2), the conductive film (d1), and the conductive film (d2) formed thereon. Have been. The pixel electrode (SL) is formed in the same layer as the source electrode (SD1) and the drain electrode (SD2).
It is configured integrally with 1).

<< Storage Capacitance (Cstg) >> Pixel Electrode (S
L) is configured to overlap the counter voltage signal line (CL) at an end opposite to the end connected to the thin film transistor (TFT). As is clear from FIG. 4, this superposition is performed by using a storage capacitor (capacitance element) in which the pixel electrode (SL) is used as one electrode (PL2) and the counter voltage signal (CL) is used as the other electrode (PL1). ) (Cst
g). The dielectric film of the storage capacitor (Cstg) includes an insulating film (GI) used as a gate insulating film of a thin film transistor (TFT) and an anodic oxide film (AOF).
It is composed of As shown in FIG. 1, the storage capacitor (Cstg) is formed in the conductive film (g1) of the counter voltage signal line (CL) in plan view.

<< Protective Film (PSV) >> A protective film (PSV) is provided on the thin film transistor (TFT). The protective film (PSV) is mainly composed of a thin film transistor (TF)
T) is provided to protect T) from moisture and the like, and a material having high transparency and excellent moisture resistance is used. The protective film (PSV) is formed of, for example, a silicon oxide film or a silicon nitride film formed by a plasma CVD device,
It is formed to a thickness of about 1 μm. The protective film (PSV) is formed so as to surround the entire display matrix portion (AR),
The peripheral portion is removed so that the external connection terminals (DTM, GTM) are exposed. Regarding the thickness relationship between the protective film (PSV) and the gate insulating film (GI), the former is made thicker in consideration of the protective effect, and the latter is made thinner in consideration of the transconductance (gm) of the transistor. Therefore, the protective film (PSV) having a high protective effect is formed larger than the gate insulating film (GI) so as to protect the peripheral portion as much as possible.

<< Color Filter Substrate >> Next, FIGS. 1 and 2
Returning to, the configuration of the upper transparent glass substrate (SUB2) side (color filter substrate) will be described in detail. << Light-shielding film (BM) >> On the upper transparent glass substrate (SUB2) side, unnecessary gaps (pixel electrode (SL) and counter electrode (C
A light-shielding film (BM) (a so-called black matrix) is formed so that transmitted light from gaps other than L ′) is emitted to the display surface side so as not to lower the contrast ratio and the like. The light-shielding film (BM) also plays a role of preventing external light or backlight light from entering the i-type semiconductor layer (AS). That is, the i-type semiconductor layer (AS) of the thin film transistor (TFT) is sandwiched between the upper and lower light-shielding films (BM) and the large gate electrode (GT), so that external natural light or backlight does not shine. The closed polygonal outline of the light-shielding film (BM) shown in FIG. 1 indicates an opening in which the light-shielding film (BM) is not formed.

The light-shielding film (BM) is formed of a film having a light-shielding property and a high insulating property so as not to affect the electric field between the pixel electrode (SL) and the counter electrode (CL '). In the embodiment of the present invention, a black pigment is mixed into a resist material to form a film having a thickness of about 1.2 μm. The light-shielding film (BM) is formed in a grid around each pixel, and the grid partitions an effective display area of one pixel. Therefore, the outline of each pixel is made clear by the light shielding film (BM). That is, the light-shielding film (BM) has two functions of a black matrix and light-shielding for the i-type semiconductor layer (AS). The light-shielding film (BM) is also formed in a peripheral part in a frame shape, and its pattern is formed continuously with the pattern of the matrix part shown in FIG. The light-shielding film (BM) in the peripheral portion is sealed (S
LP) to prevent leakage light such as reflected light from a mounting machine such as a personal computer from entering the display matrix portion. On the other hand, the light-shielding film (BM) is fixed about 0.3 to 1.0 mm inside the edge of the upper transparent glass substrate (SUB2), and is formed so as to avoid the cutting region of the upper transparent glass substrate (SUB2). I have.

<< Color Filter (FIL) >> The color filter (FIL) is formed in a stripe shape by repeating red, green, and blue at positions facing the pixels. The color filter (FIL) is formed of a light shielding film (BM). ) Is formed so as to overlap with the edge portion. Color filter (FIL)
Can be formed as follows. First, a dye base such as an acrylic resin is formed on the surface of the upper transparent glass substrate (SUB2), and the dye base other than the red filter formation region is removed by photolithography. Thereafter, the dyed substrate is dyed with a red dye and subjected to a fixing treatment to form a red filter (R). Next, a green filter (G) and a blue filter (B) are sequentially formed by performing a similar process. << Overcoat film (OC) >> Overcoat film (O
C) is provided to prevent the dye from leaking from the color filter (FIL) to the liquid crystal layer (LCD), and to flatten a step formed by the color filter (FIL) and the light shielding film (BM). . The overcoat film (OC) is formed of a transparent resin material such as an acrylic resin and an epoxy resin.

<< Configuration around display matrix section (AR) >>
FIG. 5 shows upper and lower transparent glass substrates (SUB1, SUB2)
Display Matrix (AR) of Display Panel (PNL)
It is a figure showing an important section plane of a part circumference. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a cross section near an external connection terminal (GTM) to which a scanning circuit is to be connected on the left side, and a cross section near a seal portion where there is no external connection terminal on the right side. In the manufacture of this panel,
If small size, divided from simultaneously processing devices of a plurality fraction in one glass substrate for improving throughput, also, if large size was standardized in any breed for shared manufacturing facilities After processing a glass substrate of a size, the glass substrate is reduced to a size suitable for each type, and in any case, the glass is cut after passing through a single process.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show examples of the latter. Both FIGS. 5 and 6 show upper and lower transparent glass substrates (SUB1, S2).
UB2) after cutting, and LN shown in FIG. 5 indicates an edge of both substrates before cutting. In any case, in the completed state, the external connection terminal group (Tg, Td) and the terminal (CTM)
(Subscripts omitted) (the upper and left sides in the figure) are located on the upper transparent glass substrate (SUB) so that they are exposed.
The size of 2) is limited inside the lower transparent glass substrate (SUB1). The terminal group (Tg, Td) includes a scanning circuit connection terminal (GTM) and a video signal circuit connection terminal (DTM), which will be described later, and their leading wiring portions are tape carrier packages on which an integrated circuit chip (CHI) is mounted. (TCP) (FIG. 16 and FIG. 17). The lead wiring from the display matrix part of each group to the external connection terminal part is inclined as approaching both ends. This is a package (TCP)
Display panel (PNL) terminals (DTM, G
TM). In addition, the counter electrode terminal (C
TM) is a counter voltage (Vcom) applied to the counter electrode (CL ').
From an external circuit.

The counter voltage signal lines (C
L) is drawn out to the opposite side (the right side in the figure) of the scanning circuit terminal (GTM), and the common voltage signal lines (CL) are grouped together by a common bus line (CB) (counter electrode connection signal line). It is connected to the electrode terminal (CTM). A seal pattern (SLP) is provided between the transparent glass substrates (SUB1, SUB2) along the edge of the transparent glass substrate (SUB1, SUB2) except for the liquid crystal filling port (INJ) to seal the liquid crystal layer (LCD). The seal pattern (SLP) is formed from, for example, an epoxy resin. The layers of the alignment films (OR1, OR2)
The polarizing plates (POL1, POL2) are formed inside the seal pattern (SLP), and the lower transparent glass substrate (SUB1) and the upper transparent glass substrate (SUB2), respectively.
Is formed on the outer surface.

The liquid crystal layer (LCD) is sealed in a region partitioned by a seal pattern (SLP) between a lower alignment film (OR1) for setting the direction of liquid crystal molecules and an upper alignment film (OR2). The lower alignment film (OR1) is formed above the protective film (PSV) on the lower transparent glass substrate (SUB1) side. In the liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the lower transparent glass substrate (SUB1) and the upper transparent glass substrate (SUB1) are used.
2) is formed by stacking various layers separately, and then a seal pattern (SLP) is formed on the upper transparent glass substrate (SUB2).
Side, the lower transparent glass substrate (SUB1) and the upper transparent glass substrate (SUB2) are overlapped, and the liquid crystal (LCD) is passed through the opening (INJ) of the seal pattern (SLP).
Is injected, the injection port (INJ) is sealed with an epoxy resin or the like, and the upper and lower substrates are cut to be assembled.

<< Gate Terminal (GTM) Unit >> FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a connection structure from a scanning signal line (GL) of the display matrix unit (AR) to a gate terminal (GTM) which is an external connection terminal thereof. FIG. 7A is a plan view, and FIG.
FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB shown in FIG. In addition, FIG. 7 corresponds to the lower vicinity in FIG. In FIG. 7, reference symbol AO denotes a boundary line for direct drawing of photoresist, in other words, a photoresist pattern of selective anodic oxidation.
Therefore, this photoresist is removed after anodic oxidation, and FIG.
Is not left as a finished product,
An oxide film (A) is formed on the gate wiring (GL) as shown in the sectional view.
OF) is selectively formed, so that the trajectory remains.

In the plan view of FIG. 7A, the left side is a region which is covered with the resist and is not subjected to anodic oxidation with reference to the boundary line (AO) of the photoresist, and the right side is a region which is exposed from the resist and anodized. In the anodized aluminum (AL) -based conductive film (g1), an aluminum oxide film (Al2O3) is formed on the surface, and the volume of the conductive portion below is reduced. Of course, anodic oxidation is performed by setting an appropriate time, voltage and the like so that the conductive portion remains. In FIG.
The aluminum (AL) -based conductive film (g1) is hatched for easy understanding, but the region not anodized is patterned in a comb shape. This is because, when the width of the aluminum (Al) -based conductive film is large, whiskers are generated on the surface. Therefore, the width of each whisker is reduced, and a plurality of such whiskers are bundled in parallel to form a whisker. The aim is to minimize the probability of disconnection and sacrificing conductivity while preventing occurrence.

The gate terminal (GTM) is aluminum (Al) based conductive film (g1), and further protect the surface and improve reliability of connection between the TCP (T ape C arrier P ackege ) And a transparent conductive film (g2). This transparent conductive film (g2) is made of a transparent conductive film (Indium-Tin-Oxide ITO: Nesa film) formed by sputtering, and has a thickness of 1000 to 2000 Å (in the embodiment of the present invention, 1400 Å). ). The conductive film (d1) formed on the aluminum (Al) -based conductive film (g1) and on the side surface thereof compensates for a connection failure between the conductive film (g1) and the transparent conductive film (g2). The conductive film (g
The chromium (Cr) layer (d1) having good connectivity is connected to both the transparent conductive film (g2) and the transparent conductive film (g2) to reduce the connection resistance. This remains because it is formed using the same mask as in d1).

In the plan view of FIG. 7A, the gate insulating film (GI) is formed on the right side of the boundary line (AO), and the protective film (PSV) is formed on the left side of the boundary line (AO). The terminal portion (GTM) located at the left end is exposed from the terminal portion so that electrical contact with an external circuit can be made. In FIG. 7, only one pair of the gate line (GL) and the gate terminal is shown. However, actually, a plurality of such pairs are vertically arranged to form the terminal group (Tg) shown in FIG. In the manufacturing process, the left end of the gate terminal extends beyond the cutting area of the lower transparent glass substrate (SUB1) and is short-circuited by a wiring (SHg) (not shown). Such a short-circuit line (SHg) in the manufacturing process is useful for power supply during anodization and prevention of electrostatic breakdown during rubbing of the alignment film (OR1).

<< Drain Terminal (DTM) Unit >> FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the connection from the video signal line (DL) of the display matrix unit (AR) to the drain terminal (DTM) which is the external connection terminal. 8 (A) is a plan view thereof, and FIG.
FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB shown in FIG. FIG. 8 corresponds to the vicinity of the upper right in FIG. 5, and the direction of the drawing is changed for convenience, but the right end direction corresponds to the upper end of the lower transparent glass substrate (SUB1). In FIG. 8, TSTd is an inspection terminal, to which an external circuit is not connected, but is wider than a wiring portion so that a probe needle or the like can be contacted. Similarly, the drain terminal (D
TM) is also wider than the wiring section so that it can be connected to an external circuit. A plurality of drain terminals (DTM) are vertically arranged to form a terminal group (Td) (subscript omitted) shown in FIG. 5, and a drain terminal (DTM) is a cutting line of the lower transparent glass substrate (SUB1). And all are short-circuited to each other by wirings (SHd) (not shown) during the manufacturing process to prevent electrostatic breakdown. The inspection terminal (TSTd) is provided on every other video signal line (DL) as shown in FIG.

The drain connection terminal (DTM) is formed of a single layer of the transparent conductive film (g2), and has a gate insulating film (G
The portion where I) is removed is connected to the video signal line (DL). The semiconductor layer (AS) formed on the edge of the gate insulating film (GI) is for etching the edge of the gate insulating film (GI) into a tapered shape. On the drain connection terminal (DTM), the protective film (PSV) is removed as well as the connection for connection with an external circuit. In the lead-out wiring from the display matrix part (AR) to the drain terminal part (DTM), a conductive film (d1, d2) at the same level as the video signal line (DL) is formed halfway through the protective film (PSV). , A transparent conductive film (g2) in the protective film (PSV)
Is connected to This is intended to protect the aluminum (Al) -based conductive film (d2) that is easily touched with a protective film (PSV) or a seal pattern (SLP) as much as possible.

<< Counter Electrode Terminal (CTM) >> FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the connection from the counter voltage signal line (CL) to the counter electrode terminal (CTM) which is an external connection terminal.
FIG. 9A is a plan view, and FIG.
It is sectional drawing in the BB cutting line shown to (A). FIG. 9 corresponds to the vicinity of the upper left in FIG. Each counter voltage signal line (CL) is led together to a counter electrode terminal (CTM) by a common bus line (CB). The common bus line (CB) has a structure in which a conductive film (d1) and a conductive film (d2) are stacked on a conductive film (g1). This reduces the resistance of the common bus line (CB),
This is to ensure that the common voltage is sufficiently supplied from the external circuit to each common voltage signal line (CL). According to this structure, the resistance of the common bus line (CB) can be reduced without adding a new conductive film.

The conductive film (g1) of the common bus line (CB)
Does not participate in the anode so as to be electrically connected to the conductive film (d1) and the conductive film (d2), and is also exposed from the gate insulating film (GI). Counter electrode terminal (CT
M) has a structure in which a transparent conductive film (g2) is laminated on the conductive film (g1). In this manner, the conductive film (g1) is covered with the durable transparent conductive film (g2) to protect the surface and prevent electrolytic corrosion and the like.

<< Equivalent Circuit of Entire Display Device >> FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a connection diagram of an equivalent circuit of the display matrix unit (AR) and its peripheral circuits. Although FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram, it is drawn corresponding to an actual geometric arrangement. FIG.
At 0, AR indicates a display matrix unit (matrix array) in which a plurality of pixels are arranged two-dimensionally. In FIG. 10, SL denotes a pixel electrode, and suffixes G, B, and R are added corresponding to green, blue, and red pixels, respectively. Y0, y1, ..., yen of the scanning signal line (GL)
d indicates the order of the scanning timing. The scanning signal line (GL) is connected to the vertical scanning circuit (V), and the video signal line (DL) is connected to the video signal driving circuit (H). The circuit (SUP) includes a power supply circuit for obtaining a plurality of divided and stabilized voltage sources from one voltage source and information for a CRT (cathode ray tube) from a host (upper processing unit) (TFT). This is a circuit including a circuit for exchanging information for a liquid crystal display device.

<Driving Method> FIG. 11 is a diagram showing driving waveforms at the time of driving in the liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 11A and 11B show (i)
The gate voltage (scan signal voltage) (VG) applied to the (-1) th and (i) th scan signal lines (GL) is shown. FIG. 11C shows a video signal voltage (VD) applied to the video signal line (DL), and FIG.
Counter voltage (Vcom) applied to counter electrode (CL ')
Is shown. Further, FIG. 11E shows a row (i),
(J) shows the pixel electrode voltage (Vs) applied to the pixel electrode (SL) in the pixels in the column, and FIG.
The voltage (VLC) applied to the liquid crystal layer (LCD) of the pixel in the row, column (j) is shown. In the method of driving the liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 11D, a counter voltage (Vco) applied to the counter electrode (CL ′) is applied.
m) is converted into a binary AC rectangular wave of VCH and VCL, and a gate voltage (V) applied to the gate electrode (GT) in synchronization with the rectangular wave.
The non-selection voltage G) is changed by two values of VGLH and VGLL every scanning period.

In this case, the amplitude value of the counter voltage (Vcom) is made equal to the amplitude value of the non-selection voltage of the gate voltage (VG). The video signal voltage (VD) applied to the video signal line (DL) is a voltage (VSIG) obtained by subtracting half of the amplitude of the counter voltage (VC) from the voltage to be applied to the liquid crystal layer (LCD). The counter voltage (Vcom) applied to the counter electrode (CL ′) may be DC, but by converting it to AC, the maximum amplitude of the video signal voltage (VD) can be reduced, and the withstand voltage of the video signal driving circuit (signal side driver) is reduced. It is possible to use a lower one.

<< Function of Storage Capacitor (Cstg) >> The storage capacitor (Cstg) is provided for storing video information (after the thin film transistor (TFT) is turned off) written in the pixel for a long time. Unlike the method of applying an electric field perpendicular to the substrate surface, the method of applying the electric field parallel to the substrate surface as in the embodiment of the present invention includes a pixel electrode (SL) and a counter electrode (CL ′). Capacity (so-called liquid crystal capacity (C
pix)), the storage capacity (Cstg)
Without it, video information cannot be stored in the pixel. Therefore, in a system in which an electric field is applied in parallel with the substrate surface, the storage capacitance (Cstg) is an essential component. The storage capacitance (Cstg) also functions to reduce the effect of the gate potential change (ΔVG) on the pixel electrode potential (Vs) when the thin film transistor (TFT) switches.

This situation is represented by the following equation.

ΔVs = ｛Cgs / (Cgs + Cstg + Cp)
ix)｝ × ΔVG where Cgs is a parasitic capacitance formed between the gate electrode (GT) and the source electrode (SD1) of the thin film transistor (TFT), and Cpix is a pixel electrode (SL) and a counter electrode (CL ′). , ΔVs represents a so-called feed-through voltage corresponding to a change in pixel electrode potential due to ΔVG. This change (ΔVs) is calculated based on the liquid crystal layer (LCD)
Causes a DC component to be added to the holding capacitance (Cst
The larger the value of g), the smaller the value. Reduction of the DC component applied to the liquid crystal layer (LCD) can improve the life of the liquid crystal layer (LCD) and reduce so-called burn-in in which a previous image remains when the liquid crystal display screen is switched. As described above, the gate electrode (GT)
Are made larger so as to completely cover the i-type semiconductor layer (AS), so that the source electrode (SD1) and the drain electrode (SD)
2) and the parasitic capacitance (C
gs) increases, and the pixel electrode potential (Vs) has an adverse effect of being easily affected by the gate voltage (scanning signal voltage) (VG). However, by providing the storage capacitor (Cstg), this disadvantage can be eliminated.

<< Manufacturing Method >> Next, a method of manufacturing the above-described liquid crystal display device on the lower transparent glass substrate (SUB1) side will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG.
In FIG. 14 to FIG. 14, the central character is an abbreviation of the process name
The left side shows the processing flow as viewed from the cross-sectional shape near the gate terminal shown in FIG. Except for Step B and Step D, Steps A to I are classified according to the respective photographic processings, and any cross-sectional view of each step shows the stage where the processing after the photographic processing is completed and the photoresist is removed. I have. In the following description, photographic processing refers to a series of operations from application of a photoresist, through selective exposure using a mask to development thereof, and a repeated description will be omitted.

Description will be given below according to the divided steps. (Step A, FIG. 12) On a lower transparent glass substrate (SUB1) made of glass, aluminum (Al) -palladium (Pd), aluminum (Al) -silicon (Si), and aluminum (A) having a film thickness of 3000 Å
1) Conductive film (g) made of tantalum (Ta), aluminum (Al) -titanium (Ti) -tantalum (Ta), etc.
1) is formed by sputtering. After the photographic processing, the conductive film (g1) is selectively etched with a mixed acid solution of phosphoric acid, nitric acid, glacial acetic acid, and water. Thereby, the gate electrode (GT), the scanning signal line (GL), the counter electrode (CL '),
Counter voltage signal line (CL), electrode (PL1), gate terminal (GTM), first conductive film of common bus line (CB), first conductive film of counter electrode terminal (CTM), gate terminal (GT)
M) to form an anodized bus line (SHg) (not shown) and an anodized pad (not shown) connected to the anodized bus line (SHg).

(Step B, FIG. 12) After forming an anodic oxidation mask (AO) by direct writing, a solution in which 3% tartaric acid was adjusted to PH 6.25 ± 0.05 with ammonia was diluted 1: 9 with an ethylene glycol solution. The lower transparent glass substrate (SUB1) is immersed in the anodized solution composed of the solution thus prepared, and adjusted so that the formation current density becomes 0.5 mA / cm2 (constant current formation). Next, an aluminum oxide film (A
Anodization is performed until the formation voltage 125 V necessary for obtaining OF) is obtained. Thereafter, it is desirable to maintain this state for several tens of minutes (constant voltage formation). This is important for obtaining a uniform aluminum oxide film (AOF). Thereby, the conductive film (g1) is anodized, and the gate electrode (GT), the scanning signal line (GL), and the counter electrode (C
L ′), counter voltage signal line (CL) and electrode (PL1)
An anodized film having a thickness of 1800 angstroms (A
OF) is formed.

(Step C, FIG. 12) A transparent conductive film (g2) made of an ITO film having a thickness of 1400 angstroms is formed by sputtering. After the photographic processing, a transparent conductive film (g2) was used as an etching solution with a mixed acid solution of hydrochloric acid and nitric acid.
Are selectively etched to form a gate terminal (G
A second conductive film is formed for the uppermost layer of TM), the drain terminal (DTM), and the counter electrode terminal (CTM). (Step D,
FIG. 13) An ammonia gas, a silane gas, and a nitrogen gas are introduced into a plasma CVD apparatus to provide a silicon nitride film (SiNX) having a thickness of 2200 angstroms, and a silane gas and a hydrogen gas are introduced into the plasma CVD apparatus to form a film. 2000 angstroms of i-type amorphous silicon (S
i) After the film is provided, hydrogen gas is added to the plasma CVD device.
By introducing a phosphine gas, an N (+) type amorphous silicon (Si) film having a thickness of 300 Å is provided.

(Step E, FIG. 13) After photographic processing, N (+) type amorphous silicon (S)
i) The island of the i-type semiconductor layer (AS) is formed by selectively etching the film and the i-type amorphous silicon (Si) film. (Step F, FIG. 13) After the photographic processing, the silicon nitride film is selectively etched using sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) as a dry etching gas.

(Step G, FIG. 14) A conductive film (d1) made of chromium (Cr) having a thickness of 600 angstroms is provided by sputtering, and further, an aluminum (Al) -tantalum (T) having a thickness of 4000 angstroms is provided.
a), a conductive film (d2) made of aluminum (Al) -titanium (Ti) -tantalum (Ta) or the like is provided by sputtering. After the photographic processing, the conductive film (d2) is etched with a mixed acid solution composed of phosphoric acid, nitric acid, glacial acetic acid, and water,
The conductive film (d1) is etched with a ceric ammonium nitrate solution, and a video signal line (DL), a source electrode (SD1),
Drain electrode (SD2), pixel electrode (SL), electrode (P
L2), a bus line (SHd) (not shown) for short-circuiting the second conductive film, the third conductive film, and the drain terminal (DTM) of the common bus line (CB) is formed. As a resist material used in the embodiment of the present invention, a semiconductor resist OFPR800 (trade name) manufactured by Tokyo Ohka Chemical Co., Ltd. was used. Next, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) was placed in a dry etching apparatus,
By introducing sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) and etching the N (+) type amorphous silicon (Si) film, the N (+) type semiconductor layer (d0) between the source and the drain is selectively formed. Remove.

(Step H, FIG. 14) An ammonia gas, a silane gas, and a nitrogen gas are introduced into a plasma CVD apparatus to form a silicon nitride film having a thickness of 1 μm. After the photoprocessing, the silicon nitride film is selectively etched by a photolithography technique using sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) as a dry etching gas to form a protective film (PSV).

<< Display Panel (PNL) and Drive Circuit Board P
CB1 >> FIG. 15 shows a display panel (PNL) shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a state where a video signal driving circuit (H) and a vertical scanning circuit (V) are connected. In FIG. 15, CHI
Numeral denotes a driving IC chip for driving the display panel (PNL). The lower five driving IC chips shown in FIG. 15 are for the vertical scanning circuit, and the lower ten driving IC chips are for the video signal driving circuit.
C chip. TCP is a tape carrier package in which a driving IC chip (CHI) is mounted by a tape automated bonding method (TAB) as described later with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, and PCB1 is a tape carrier package (TCP) and a capacitor. Are divided into two parts, one for a video signal drive circuit and the other for a scan signal drive circuit. FGP is a frame ground pad, and a spring-shaped fragment provided by cutting into a shield case (SHD) is soldered. FC is a lower drive circuit board (PCB1) and a left drive circuit board (PB1).
This is a flat cable for electrically connecting CB1).
As the flat cable (FC), a cable in which a plurality of lead wires (phosphor bronze material plated with tin (Sn)) is sandwiched and supported by a striped polyethylene layer and a polyvinyl alcohol layer is used.

<< TCP Connection Structure >> FIG. 16 shows a configuration of the scanning signal driving circuit (V) and the video signal driving circuit (H).
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-sectional structure of a tape carrier package (TCP) in which an integrated circuit chip (CHI) is mounted on a flexible wiring board. FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a state in which the terminal is connected to a scanning signal circuit terminal (GTM). In FIG. 16, TTB is an integrated circuit (CHI)
TTM is an integrated circuit (CH
I) output terminal and wiring section, and terminals (TTB, TT
M) is made of, for example, copper (Cu), and an integrated circuit (CH
The bonding pad (PAD) of I) is connected by a so-called face-down bonding method.

The outer ends (commonly called outer leads) of the terminals (TTB, TTM) correspond to the input and output of the semiconductor integrated circuit chip (CHI), respectively, and are connected to a CRT / TFT conversion circuit / power supply circuit by soldering or the like. (SUP),
Alternatively, a liquid crystal display panel (PNL) is connected by an anisotropic conductive film (ACF). Package (TCP)
Is connected to the connection terminal (G) on the panel (PNL) side.
TM) is connected to the panel so as to cover the exposed protective film (PSV), and therefore, the external connection terminal (GTM)
(Or DTM) is resistant to electrical contact because it is covered by at least one of a protective film (PSV) and a package (TCP). BF1 is a base film made of polyimide or the like, and SRS is a solder resist film for masking so that solder does not stick to unnecessary portions during soldering. The gap between the upper and lower glass substrates outside the seal pattern (SLP) is washed and protected with an epoxy resin (ESL) or the like, and the space between the package (TCP) and the upper substrate (SUB2) is further filled with a silicone resin (SPX) for protection. Are multiplexed.

<< Drive Circuit Board (PCB2) >> The drive circuit board (PCB2) has electronic components such as ICs, capacitors and resistors mounted thereon. The drive circuit board (PCB2) includes a power supply circuit for obtaining a plurality of divided and stabilized voltage sources from one voltage source, and a CRT (cathode ray tube) from a host (upper processing unit). Circuit (SU) including a circuit for converting information into information for a (TFT) liquid crystal display device
P) is mounted. CJ is a connector connection portion to which a connector (not shown) connected to the outside is connected. The drive circuit board (PCB1) and the drive circuit board (PCB2) are electrically connected by a flat cable (FC).

<< Overall Configuration of Liquid Crystal Display Module (MDL) >> FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view showing each component of the liquid crystal display module (MDL). SHD is a frame-shaped shield case (metal frame) made of a metal plate, LCW and its display window, PNL is a liquid crystal display panel, SPB is a light diffusion plate,
LCB is a light guide, RM is a reflection plate, BL is a backlight fluorescent tube, LCA is a backlight case, and the members are stacked in an up-down arrangement as shown in the figure to assemble a module MDL. Module (MDL)
The whole is fixed by claws and hooks provided on the shield case (SHD). The backlight case (LCA) includes a backlight fluorescent tube (BL), a light diffusion plate (SPB), a light guide (LCB), and a reflection plate (RM).
The light from the backlight fluorescent tube (BL) arranged on the side surface of the light guide (LCB) is transmitted to the light guide (LCB), the reflection plate (RM), and the light diffusion plate (SPB). ) To make the backlight uniform on the display surface, and the light is emitted toward the liquid crystal display panel (PNL). Backlight fluorescent tube (BL)
Is connected to an inverter circuit board (PCB3), which serves as a power supply for the backlight fluorescent tube (BL).

<< Liquid Crystal Layer and Polarizing Plate >> Next, the liquid crystal layer, the alignment film, the polarizing plate and the like will be described. << Liquid Crystal Layer >> The liquid crystal material of the liquid crystal layer (LCD) has a positive dielectric anisotropy (Δε), a value of 13.2, and a refractive index anisotropy (Δn) of 0.081 (589 nm, 20 nm). ° C) nematic liquid crystal. Liquid crystal layer thickness (gap)
Is 3.9 μm, and the retardation (Δn · d) is 0.316. The value of the retardation (Δn · d) is 1 which is approximately the average wavelength of the wavelength characteristics of the backlight light.
/ 2 and the color tone of the transmitted light of the liquid crystal layer is white (C
Light source, chromaticity coordinates x = 0.3101, y = 0.3163)
Set so that When the angle between the polarization transmission axis of the polarizing plate and the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules is 45 °, the maximum transmittance can be obtained, and the transmitted light having almost no wavelength dependency can be obtained without a visible light range. . Note that the thickness (gap) of the liquid crystal layer is controlled by polymer beads. Also,
The larger the value of the dielectric anisotropy (Δε), the lower the driving voltage can be. The smaller the refractive index anisotropy (Δn), the larger the thickness (gap) of the liquid crystal layer. The time can be shortened, and the gap variation can be reduced.

<< Alignment Film >> Polyimide is used as the alignment film (OR). The orientation (rubbing) direction of the orientation film, that is, the initial orientation direction (RD) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD) is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the upper and lower substrates are parallel to each other and parallel to the video signal wiring (DL) (or perpendicular to the scanning signal line (GL)). << Polarizing Plate >> FIG. 19 shows the directions of the applied electric field and the polarizing plates (POL1, POL) in the liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure which shows the polarization transmission axis (OD1, OD2) direction of 2), and the drive direction of a liquid crystal molecule (LC). As shown in FIG. 19, the polarization transmission axis (O) of the lower polarizing plate (POL1)
D1) and the polarization transmission axis (O) of the upper deflector (POL2).
D2) are orthogonal to each other, and have a polarization transmission axis (OD1).
One of the polarization transmission axis (OD2) and the polarization transmission axis (OD2) is set in the same direction as the initial alignment direction (RD) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD). Thereby, in the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a normally closed characteristic in which the transmittance increases as the voltage applied to the pixel (the voltage between the pixel electrode SL and the counter electrode CL ′) increases. it can. In order to obtain a normally white characteristic in which the transmittance decreases as the voltage applied to the pixel increases, the lower polarizing plate (POL) is required.
1) The polarization transmission axis (OD1) and the upper polarizing plate (POL)
The polarization transmission axis (OD2) of 2) may be set to the same direction as the initial alignment direction (RD) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD).

As shown in FIG. 1, in the embodiment of the present invention, the opposing surfaces of the pixel electrode (SL) and the opposing electrode (CL ′) (the opposing electrode (CL ′) or the pixel electrode (S
L) is inclined, and the opposing surfaces of the pixel electrode (SL) and the counter electrode (CL ′) are rotated counterclockwise with respect to the initial alignment direction (RD) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD) by θ ( Alternatively, it has a tilt angle of -θ) in the clockwise direction. As a result, the angle between the initial alignment direction (RD) of the liquid crystal molecules (LC) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD) and the applied electric field direction (ED) is set to (90 ° −θ), and the liquid crystal driving region (opposite The driving direction of the liquid crystal molecules (LC) in the region (between the electrode (CL ′) and the pixel electrode (SL)) is defined as shown in FIG. Note that the inclination angle θ is optimally 10 ° to 20 °. In the liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, an electric field (ED) is applied substantially parallel to the substrate surface between the pixel electrode (SL) and the counter electrode (CL ′), and the liquid crystal has a homogeneous orientation without twist. Display is performed using the birefringence of the layer (LCD). Since the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules (LC) is rotated on the substrate surface, there is a small difference in the appearance of the liquid crystal molecules when the panel is viewed from the front, when viewed obliquely, and when the panel is displayed in gradation. , A wide viewing angle can be realized. Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the driving voltage is reduced by aligning the driving directions of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal driving region.
Response speed can be increased.

FIGS. 20 to 22 are views showing examples of arrangement of the pixels shown in FIG. 1 or similar pixels arranged in a matrix. In the embodiment of the present invention, as in the arrangement examples shown in FIGS.
Θ) or − with respect to the initial alignment direction (RD) of CD).
By arranging the counter electrode (CL ′) having the inclination angle of θ and the pixel having the pixel electrode (SL) in a matrix, the driving direction of the liquid crystal molecules (LC) can be different between the pixels. . Thus, in the embodiment of the present invention, the liquid crystal layer (LC
It is possible to compensate for the non-uniformity due to the viewing angle of the white color tone due to the unified driving direction in D), improve the display quality, and obtain a high-quality display image.

The arrangement example shown in FIG. 20 corresponds to a video signal line (D
In each pixel parallel to L), the opposing surfaces of the opposing electrode (CL ′) and the pixel electrode (SL) with respect to the initial alignment direction (RD) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD) are equal to each other so that their inclination angles are equal to each other. The plane has the same inclination angle (θ or -θ) with respect to the initial alignment direction (RD) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD).
Are arranged in a direction parallel to the video signal line (DL), and the opposing surface thereof has an initial alignment direction (LCD) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD). With respect to (RD), a pixel having a counter electrode (CL ′) having a tilt angle of θ or −θ and a pixel having a pixel electrode (SL) is alternately arranged in a direction parallel to the scanning signal line (GL). is there.

In the arrangement example shown in FIG. 21, the opposing surface (CL ') has an inclination angle of θ or −θ with respect to the initial alignment direction (RD) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD).
And pixels having pixel electrodes (SL) are alternately arranged in a direction parallel to the video signal lines (DL). Further, in each pixel parallel to the scanning signal lines (GL), a liquid crystal layer (LC
D) with respect to the initial orientation direction (RD) of the counter electrode (C).
L ′) and the liquid crystal layer (LCD) so that the opposing surfaces of the pixel electrode (SL) have the same inclination angle to each other.
The pixel having the counter electrode (CL ′) and the pixel electrode (SL) having the same tilt angle (θ or −θ) with respect to the initial alignment direction (RD) is moved in the direction parallel to the scanning signal line (GL). It is an example of arrangement.

Further, in the arrangement example shown in FIG. 22, the opposing surface (CL ′) has an inclination angle of θ or −θ with respect to the initial alignment direction (RD) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD).
In this example, pixels having pixel electrodes (SL) are alternately arranged in a direction parallel to a video signal line (DL) and a scanning signal line (GL). In the arrangement examples shown in FIGS. 20 to 22, the driving directions of the liquid crystal molecules (LC) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD) are all two directions. However, in the arrangement example shown in FIG. Molecule (LC)
Since the driving directions are different, the effect of compensating for non-uniformity due to the viewing angle of the white color tone can be further improved.

In the embodiment of the present invention, in the viewing angle defined in FIG. 23, the white color tone can be completely uniformed in the range of φ up to 50 degrees in all directions, and the uniformity in the viewing angle direction can be improved. In addition, the characteristics of the non-gradation inversion area are averaged, the non-gradation inversion areas are averaged in all directions, and the problem that the characteristics decrease in a specific direction is solved. The same applies to the viewing angle dependency of the contrast ratio. As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention,
The uniformity of the color tone, gradation inversion, and contrast ratio in the viewing angle direction can be improved, and a liquid crystal display device having a wide viewing angle closer to a CRT can be obtained.

[Embodiment 2] FIG. 24 shows one pixel of an active matrix type color liquid crystal display device according to another embodiment (embodiment 2) of the present invention and its periphery. FIG. FIG. 25 shows the directions of the applied electric field and the polarization transmission axes (OD1, OD) of the polarizing plates (POL1, POL2) in the liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing directions and driving directions of liquid crystal molecules (LC). Note that, in the embodiment of the present invention, the pixel electrode (S
The shapes of L) and the counter electrode (CL ′) are different from those of the first embodiment of the present invention, but the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 24, the pixel electrode (SL) has a substantially triangular shape in which an opposing surface (a surface opposing the opposing electrode (CL ′)) extends obliquely downward. (CL ′) has a comb-tooth shape in which an opposing surface (a surface facing the pixel electrode (SL)) protruding upward from the opposing voltage signal line (CL) extends obliquely upward, and has a pixel electrode ( The area between SL) and the counter electrode (CL ′) is divided into two in one pixel.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the alignment (rubbing) direction of the alignment film, that is, the initial alignment direction (RD) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD) is parallel to each other between the upper and lower substrates as shown in FIG. , Parallel to the video signal line (DL) (or perpendicular to the scanning signal line (GL)). Further, as shown in FIG. 24, in the embodiment of the present invention, the opposing surfaces of the pixel electrode (SL) and the opposing electrode (CL ′) (the opposing electrodes (C
L ′) or the surface facing the pixel electrode (SL)) is inclined so that the surface facing the pixel electrode (SL) and the counter electrode (CL ′) is oriented with respect to the initial alignment direction (RD) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD). , Counterclockwise θ, −θ (or clockwise −
θ, θ). Thereby, the initial alignment direction (R) of the liquid crystal molecules (LC) in the liquid crystal layer (LCD) is
The angle between D) and the applied electric field direction (ED) is 90 °-
θ, 90 ° + θ, the driving direction of the liquid crystal molecules (LC) in the liquid crystal driving region (region between the counter electrode (CL ′) and the pixel electrode (SL)) in one pixel is as shown in FIG. Stipulated. Therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the driving directions of the liquid crystal molecules (LC) can be two directions in one pixel.

Also in the liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, an electric field (ED) is applied between the pixel electrode (SL) and the counter electrode (CL ′) almost in parallel to the substrate surface, and a homogeneous alignment without twist is performed. Display is performed using the birefringence of the liquid crystal layer (LCD). The liquid crystal molecules (LC) rotate their long axes on the substrate surface, so that when the panel is viewed from the front, obliquely, and when displaying the gradation,
Since the difference in the appearance of the liquid crystal molecules is small, a wide viewing angle can be realized. Further, by aligning the driving directions of the liquid crystal molecules (LC) in the liquid crystal driving region, the driving voltage can be reduced and the response speed can be increased. At this time, the inclination θ is optimally 10 to 20 °. In the embodiment of the present invention,
The driving direction of liquid crystal molecules (LC) can be different for each liquid crystal driving region in one pixel, and the non-uniformity due to the viewing angle of the white color tone caused by the unified driving direction in the homogeneously aligned liquid crystal layer (LCD) Is corrected within one pixel, the display quality is improved, and a high-quality display image can be obtained.

FIGS. 26 and 27 are diagrams showing examples of the arrangement in which the pixels shown in FIG. 24 or similar pixels are arranged in a matrix. The arrangement example shown in FIG. 26 is an arrangement example in which the pixels shown in FIG. 24 are arranged in a matrix, and the arrangement example shown in FIG. 27 is arranged in a direction parallel to the video signal line (DL).
24 and a pixel shown in FIG. 24 and a pixel in which the shape of the counter electrode (CL ′) and the shape of the pixel electrode (SL) are symmetrical are alternately arranged in a matrix.
In the arrangement examples shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the liquid crystal layer (LC
The driving directions of the liquid crystal molecules (LC) in D) are two directions, but in the arrangement example shown in FIG. 27, the driving direction of the liquid crystal molecules (LC) is different in each of the adjacent pixels. The effect of compensating for non-uniformity due to the viewing angle can be further improved.

[Embodiment 3] FIG. 28 shows one pixel of an active matrix type color liquid crystal display device according to another embodiment (embodiment 3) of the present invention and its periphery. FIG. FIG. 29 shows the directions of the applied electric field and the polarization transmission axes (OD1, OD) of the polarizing plates (POL1, POL2) in the liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing directions and driving directions of liquid crystal molecules (LC). Note that, in the embodiment of the present invention, the pixel electrode (S
The shapes of L) and the counter electrode (CL ′) are different from those of the first embodiment of the present invention, but the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 28, the pixel electrode (SL) has an upwardly open core in which a part of a display area of a pixel (an opening area of a light shielding film (BM)) is an inclined part. , And a counter electrode (C
L ′) has a comb shape protruding upward from the counter voltage signal line (CL), and includes a pixel electrode (SL) and a counter electrode (C
The region between L ′) is divided into four within one pixel.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the alignment (rubbing) direction of the alignment film, that is, the initial alignment direction (RD) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD) is parallel to each other between the upper and lower substrates as shown in FIG. , Parallel to the video signal line (DL) (or perpendicular to the scanning signal line (GL)). In addition, the counter electrode (C
L ′) is made parallel to the initial alignment direction (RD) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD), the pixel electrode (SL) is inclined, and the pixel electrode (S
L) has an inclination angle of θ or −θ counterclockwise with respect to the initial alignment direction (RD) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD). Thus, the liquid crystal molecules (LC) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD)
Angles between the initial alignment direction (RD) and the applied electric field direction (ED) are 90 ° −θ and 90 ° + θ, and the liquid crystal driving region (the counter electrode (CL ′) and the pixel electrode (SL) in one pixel) The driving direction of the liquid crystal molecules (LC) in FIG.
It is specified as shown in (b). Therefore, also in the embodiment of the present invention, the driving directions of the liquid crystal molecules (LC) can be set to two directions in one pixel.

Also in the liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, an electric field (ED) is applied between the pixel electrode (SL) and the counter electrode (CL ′) almost in parallel to the substrate surface, and the liquid crystal display device has no twist. An image is displayed using the birefringence of the aligned liquid crystal layer (LCD). Since the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules (LC) is rotated on the substrate surface, there is a small difference in the appearance of the liquid crystal molecules when the panel is viewed from the front, when viewed obliquely, and when the panel is displayed in gradation. , A wide viewing angle can be realized. Further, by aligning the driving directions of the liquid crystal molecules (LC) in the liquid crystal driving region, the driving voltage can be reduced and the response speed can be increased. At this time, the angle θ
Is optimally 10 to 20 °. In the embodiment of the present invention, the driving direction of the liquid crystal molecules (LC) can be made different in the liquid crystal driving region within one pixel, which is caused by the unified driving direction in the homogeneously aligned liquid crystal layer (LCD). The non-uniformity due to the viewing angle of the white color tone is compensated within one pixel, the display quality is improved, and a high-quality display image can be obtained.

FIGS. 30 and 31 are diagrams showing an example of the arrangement of the pixels shown in FIG. 28 and similar pixels arranged in a matrix. The arrangement example shown in FIG. 30 is an arrangement example in which the pixels shown in FIG. 28 are arranged in a matrix, and the arrangement example shown in FIG. 31 is shown in FIG. 28 in a direction parallel to the video signal line (DL). 28 is a layout example in which pixels and pixels that are symmetric in the video signal line (DL) direction with the pixels shown in FIG. 28 are alternately arranged in a matrix while sharing the opposite voltage signal line (CL) with two pixels. . In the arrangement examples shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the driving directions of the liquid crystal molecules (LC) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD) are all two directions, but in the arrangement example shown in FIG. Molecule (LC)
Since the driving directions are different, the effect of compensating for non-uniformity due to the viewing angle of the white color tone can be further improved.
Further, the display area per pixel can be increased as compared with the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the invention, and a display with high luminance and low power consumption can be performed.

[Embodiment 4] FIG. 32 shows one pixel of an active matrix type color liquid crystal display device according to another embodiment (embodiment 4) of the present invention and its periphery. FIG. FIG. 33 shows directions of applied electric fields and polarization transmission axes (OD1, OD) of polarizing plates (POL1, POL2) in the liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing directions and driving directions of liquid crystal molecules (LC). Note that, in the embodiment of the present invention, the pixel electrode (S
The shapes of L) and the counter electrode (CL ′) are different from those of the first embodiment of the present invention, but the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 32, the pixel electrode (SL) has a linear shape extending downward, and the counter electrode (CL ′) has a counter voltage signal line (C).
L), a portion in the display area of the pixel, which protrudes upward from the pixel electrode (SL), has a comb-teeth shape extending upward.
The region between the pixel and the counter electrode (CL ′) is divided into two within one pixel. In the embodiment of the present invention, FIG.
As shown in part A of FIG. 2, a portion of the counter electrode (CL ′) outside the display region of the pixel, the side facing the pixel electrode (SL) is formed in a tapered shape.

As a result, in a portion outside the display area of the pixel,
The counter electrode (CL ′) and the pixel electrode (SL) cross each other at an angle of θ and −θ in a counterclockwise direction via a protective film (PSV). This intersection is formed by a counter electrode (C
L ′) and the distance between the pixel electrode (SL) and the electrode are the shortest, and the strongest electric field is applied. Therefore, when an electric field (ED) is applied to the liquid crystal layer (LCD), the liquid crystal layer (L
The liquid crystal molecules (LC) of the CD) start to be driven quickly. Accordingly, the liquid crystal molecules (LC) in the liquid crystal driving region between the counter electrode (CL ′) and the pixel electrode (SL) in the pixel display region are affected by the initial driving direction of the liquid crystal molecules (LC) at the intersection. Is driven in the same direction as the liquid crystal molecules (LC) at the intersection. As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, the liquid crystal molecules (LC) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD) are formed by the intersections.
Is defined as the initial driving direction.

That is, in the embodiment of the present invention, the intersection angle between the counter electrode (CL ′) and the pixel electrode (SL) is set to θ and −θ in the counterclockwise direction, and the counter electrode (CL ′) and the pixel electrode (SL) are set. S
FIG. 33 shows the driving direction of the liquid crystal molecules (LC) with respect to FIG.
It is specified as shown in (b). Therefore, also in the embodiment of the present invention, the driving directions of the liquid crystal molecules (LC) can be set to two directions in one pixel. Note that the angle θ is 0
The angle may be more than 90 ° and less than 90 °, but most preferably 30 ° to 60 °. In the embodiment of the present invention, the alignment (rubbing) direction of the alignment film, that is, the initial alignment direction (RD) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD) is, as shown in FIG. It is parallel to the video signal line (DL) (or perpendicular to the scanning signal line (GL)).

Also in the liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, an electric field (ED) is applied between the pixel electrode (SL) and the counter electrode (CL ′) almost in parallel to the substrate surface, and a homogeneous alignment without twisting is performed. Display is performed using the birefringence of the liquid crystal layer (LCD). The liquid crystal molecules (L) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD)
C)) rotates its long axis on the substrate surface, so that the difference in the appearance of the liquid crystal molecules between the panel when viewed from the front and when viewed obliquely, and when the panel is displayed in a gray scale, is small. A viewing angle can be realized. In addition, liquid crystal molecules (LC)
By defining the initial drive directions of the above and aligning the liquid crystal drive directions, the drive voltage can be reduced and the response speed can be increased. Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the driving direction of the liquid crystal molecules (LC) can be made different for each liquid crystal driving region in one pixel, and a homogeneously aligned liquid crystal layer (LCD) can be obtained.
The non-uniformity due to the viewing angle of the white color tone due to the unified driving direction is compensated within one pixel, the display quality is improved, and a high-quality display image can be obtained.

FIGS. 34 and 35 are diagrams showing an example of the arrangement of the pixels shown in FIG. 32 or similar pixels arranged in a matrix. The arrangement example shown in FIG. 34 is an arrangement example in which the pixels in FIG. 32 are arranged in a matrix, and the arrangement example shown in FIG. 35 has the pixels shown in FIG. 32 in a direction parallel to the video signal line (DL). Further, a pixel which is symmetrical in the video signal line (DL) direction with the pixel shown in FIG.
L) is an arrangement example in which two pixels are shared and alternately arranged in a matrix. In the arrangement examples shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, the driving directions of the liquid crystal molecules (LC) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD) are two directions, but in the arrangement example shown in FIG. Since the driving directions of the molecules (LC) are different, it is possible to further improve the effect of compensating for the non-uniformity of the white color tone due to the viewing angle. Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the pixel electrode (SL) and the counter electrode (CL ′) are formed in parallel with the rubbing direction of the alignment film. The buffing cloth can be smoothly applied to the part beside the electrode inside, so that the rubbing treatment near the end face of the electrode is performed smoothly and reliably, so that the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer beside the electrode are removed. It is possible to improve the orientation.

[Embodiment 5] FIG. 36 shows one pixel of an active matrix type color liquid crystal display device according to another embodiment (embodiment 5) of the present invention and its periphery. FIG. FIG. 37 shows the directions of the applied electric field and the polarization transmission axes (OD1, OD) of the polarizing plates (POL1, POL2) in the liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing directions and driving directions of liquid crystal molecules (LC). Note that, in the embodiment of the present invention, the pixel electrode (S
The shapes of L) and the counter electrode (CL ′) are different from those of the first embodiment of the present invention, but the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 36, the pixel electrode (SL) has a linear shape in which a portion of the pixel in the display region extends downward, and the counter electrode (C
L ′) has a comb shape protruding upward from the counter voltage signal line (CL), and includes a pixel electrode (SL) and a counter electrode (C
The region between L ′) is divided into two within one pixel. Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in a portion A in FIG. 36, the counter voltage signal line (C) is provided below the pixel electrode (SL).
L) is formed in a trapezoidal shape, and the counter electrode (CL ′) and the pixel electrode (S
L) intersect with each other via the protective film (PSV) at angles of θ and −θ in the counterclockwise direction. Also in the embodiment of the present invention, the liquid crystal layer (LC
The initial driving direction of the liquid crystal molecules (LC) in D) is shown in FIG.
It is specified as follows.

That is, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the linear pixel electrode (SL) and the counter electrode (C
L ′) defines the initial driving direction of the liquid crystal molecules (LC) and performs display. In the embodiment of the present invention, the pixel electrode (CL ′) having an angle with the linear counter electrode (CL ′). S
L) defines the initial driving direction of the liquid crystal molecules (LC) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD), and performs display. Therefore, also in the embodiment of the present invention, the driving directions of the liquid crystal molecules (LC) can be set to two directions in one pixel. Note that the angle θ may be greater than 0 ° and less than 90 °,
６０60 ° is optimal. In the embodiment of the present invention, the alignment (rubbing) direction of the alignment film, that is, the liquid crystal layer (L
As shown in FIG. 36, the initial alignment direction (RD) of the CD) is parallel to each other on the upper and lower substrates, and
(Or perpendicular to the scanning signal line (GL)).

FIGS. 38 and 39 are diagrams showing examples of the arrangement in which the pixels shown in FIG. 36 or similar pixels are arranged in a matrix. In the embodiment of the present invention, similarly to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, the non-uniformity due to the viewing angle of the white color tone due to the unified driving direction in the homogeneously aligned liquid crystal layer (LCD) is within one pixel. , The display quality is improved, and a high-quality display image can be obtained. Further, also in the embodiment of the present invention, when rubbing the alignment film, the rubbing process near the end face of the electrode in the display area of the pixel is performed smoothly and reliably, so that the liquid crystal layer beside the electrode is It is possible to improve the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules.

[Embodiment 6] FIG. 40 shows one pixel of an active matrix type color liquid crystal display device according to another embodiment (Embodiment 6) of the present invention and its periphery. FIG. FIG. 41 shows the directions of the applied electric field and the polarization transmission axes (OD1, OD) of the polarizing plates (POL1, POL2) in the liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing directions and driving directions of liquid crystal molecules (LC). Note that, in the embodiment of the present invention, the pixel electrode (S
The shapes of L) and the counter electrode (CL ′) are different from those of the first embodiment of the present invention, but the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 40, the pixel electrode (SL) has a downward-opening U-shape, and the counter electrode (CL ′) extends upward from the counter voltage signal line (CL). It has a comb tooth shape that protrudes into
The area between the pixel electrode (SL) and the counter electrode (CL ′) is 1
It is divided into four within a pixel. Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in a portion A in FIG.
Is that the portion near the counter electrode (CL ′) is tapered, and the portion outside the display area of the pixel is tapered.
And the pixel electrode (SL) via a protective film (PSV)
They cross at an angle of θ and −θ in a counterclockwise direction.

As described in the fourth embodiment of the present invention,
This intersection is formed between the counter electrode (CL ′) and the pixel electrode (S
L), the distance between the electrodes is the shortest, and the strongest electric field is applied. Therefore, when an electric field (ED) is applied to the liquid crystal layer (LCD), the liquid crystal molecules (LC) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD) at the intersection are formed.
Starts driving quickly, whereby the liquid crystal molecules (LC) in the liquid crystal driving region between the pixel electrode (SL) in the display region of the pixel and the central counter electrode (CL ′) intersect (FIG. 40). The liquid crystal molecules are driven in the same direction as the liquid crystal molecules (LC) at the intersection due to the influence of the initial driving direction of the liquid crystal molecules (LC). In the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in part B of FIG. 40, the side of the counter electrode (CL ′) outside the pixel display area is closer to the pixel electrode (SL) than the pixel electrode (SL). It is tapered like (SL),
The angle between the tapered counter voltage signal line (CL) and the center counter electrode (CL ′) is θ and −θ in the counterclockwise direction.

Further, in the portion B shown in FIG. 40, the distance between the counter electrode (CL ′) and the pixel electrode (SL) is determined by the distance between the counter electrode (CL) in the pixel display area (opening area of the light shielding layer (BM)). ') And the distance between the pixel electrode (SL). As described above, in the portion B shown in FIG. 40, the counter electrode (CL ′) and the pixel electrode (S
B) shown in FIG. 40 where the interval between the electric field direction (ED) and the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules (LC) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD) is set to 90-θ and 90 + θ. Defines the initial driving direction of the liquid crystal molecules (LC) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD). Accordingly, the liquid crystal molecules (LC) in the liquid crystal driving region between the pixel electrode (SL) and the opposite electrodes (CL ′) at both ends in the display region of the pixel are changed to the liquid crystal molecules (LC) in the B section shown in FIG. Affected by the initial drive direction of
It is driven in the same direction as the liquid crystal molecules (LC) in the portion B shown in FIG. Therefore, also in the embodiment of the present invention,
The liquid crystal molecules (LC) can be driven in two directions within one pixel. The angle θ exceeds 0 ° and 90 °
The angle may be less than 30 degrees, but 30 degrees to 60 degrees is optimal.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the alignment (rubbing) direction of the alignment film, that is, the initial alignment direction (RD) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD) is parallel to the upper and lower substrates as shown in FIG. And parallel to the video signal line (DL) (or perpendicular to the scanning signal line (GL)). Also in the liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the electric field (E) is substantially parallel to the substrate surface between the pixel electrode (SL) and the counter electrode (CL ′).
D) is applied, and display is performed using the birefringence of a liquid crystal layer (LCD) that is homogeneously aligned without twist. Since the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules (LC) is rotated on the substrate surface, there is a small difference in the appearance of the liquid crystal molecules when the panel is viewed from the front, when viewed obliquely, and when the panel is displayed in gradation. , A wide viewing angle can be realized. Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the liquid crystal molecules (L
The driving direction of C) can be made different, and the non-uniformity due to the viewing angle of the white color tone due to the unified driving direction in the homogeneously aligned liquid crystal layer (LCD) is compensated within one pixel to improve the display quality. As a result, a high-quality display image can be obtained.

FIGS. 42 and 43 are diagrams showing examples of the arrangement of the pixels shown in FIG. 40 or similar pixels arranged in a matrix. The arrangement example shown in FIG. 42 is an arrangement example in which the pixels shown in FIG. 40 are arranged in a matrix, and the arrangement example shown in FIG. 43 is shown in FIG. 40 in a direction parallel to the video signal line (DL). The pixel and the pixel shown in FIG. 40 are symmetrical in the video signal line (DL) direction, and are arranged alternately in a matrix with the counter voltage signal line (CL) shared by two pixels. is there. In the arrangement examples shown in FIGS. 42 and 43, the driving directions of the liquid crystal molecules (LC) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD) are all two directions, but in the arrangement example shown in FIG. Molecule (LC)
Since the driving directions are different, the effect of compensating for non-uniformity due to the viewing angle of the white color tone can be further improved.
In this case, the value of the angle θ between the portion A and the portion B shown in FIG. 40 can be set to different values. Further, also in the embodiment of the present invention, when rubbing the alignment film, the rubbing process near the end face of the electrode in the display area of the pixel is performed smoothly and reliably, so that the liquid crystal layer beside the electrode is It is possible to improve the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules.

[Embodiment 7] FIG. 44 shows one pixel of an active matrix type color liquid crystal display device according to another embodiment (Embodiment 7) of the present invention and its periphery. FIG. FIG. 45 and FIG.
The direction of the applied electric field and the polarization transmission axis (OD) of the polarizing plates (POL1, POL2) in the liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a (1, OD2) direction and a driving direction of liquid crystal molecules (LC). In the embodiment of the present invention, the shapes of a pixel electrode (SL), a counter electrode (CL ′), and a video signal line (DL) are different from those of the first embodiment of the present invention. This is the same as Embodiment 1 of the invention. In the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 44, the pixel electrode (SL) has a linear shape extending obliquely downward, and the counter electrode (CL ′) has a counter voltage signal line (C).
L), it has a comb shape projecting obliquely upward, and the region between the pixel electrode (SL) and the counter electrode (CL ′) is divided into two within one pixel.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the alignment (rubbing) direction of the alignment film, that is, the initial alignment direction (RD) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD) is, as shown in FIG. , Perpendicular to the scanning signal line (GL). Further, as shown in FIG. 44, the counter electrode (CL ′) and the pixel electrode (SL) are made parallel and the counter electrode (CL ′)
And the pixel electrode (SL) is tilted so that each electrode has a tilt angle of θ or −θ in the counterclockwise direction with respect to the initial alignment direction (RD) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD). Also,
The video signal line (DL) is made parallel to the counter electrode (CL ') and the pixel electrode (SL), and the video signal line (DL) is also counterclockwise with respect to the initial alignment direction (RD) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD). Direction has a tilt angle of θ or −θ. Further, a pixel having a counter electrode (CL ′) and a pixel electrode (SL) having a tilt angle of θ or −θ counterclockwise with respect to the initial alignment direction (RD) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD) and a video signal The lines (DL) are arranged in a zigzag. As a result, the angles between the initial alignment direction (RD) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD) and the electric field direction (ED) are set to 90 ° −θ and 90 ° + θ, and the angle between the pixel electrode (SL) and the counter electrode (CL ′) is changed. The driving directions of the liquid crystal molecules (LC) between FIG. 45 (b) and FIG.
It is specified as shown in (b). Note that the angle θ is 10 to 20 °
Is optimal.

Also in the liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, an electric field (ED) is applied between the pixel electrode (SL) and the counter electrode (CL ′) almost in parallel to the substrate surface, and a homogeneous alignment without twisting is performed. Display is performed using the birefringence of the liquid crystal layer (LCD). Since the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules (LC) is rotated on the substrate surface, there is a small difference in the appearance of the liquid crystal molecules when the panel is viewed from the front, when viewed obliquely, and when the panel is displayed in gradation. , A wide viewing angle can be realized. Further, by aligning the driving directions of the liquid crystal molecules (LC) in the liquid crystal driving region, the driving voltage can be reduced and the response speed can be increased. In the embodiment of the present invention, the counter electrode (C) having a tilt angle of θ or −θ in the counterclockwise direction with respect to the initial alignment direction (RD) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD).
L ′) and the pixels having the pixel electrodes (SL) are arranged in a zigzag pattern, so that the driving directions of two different liquid crystal molecules (LC) are alternately changed in the pixels continuous along the video signal line (DL). It is possible to compensate for non-uniformity due to a viewing angle of a white color tone due to a unified driving direction in a homogeneously aligned liquid crystal layer (LCD), improve display quality, and obtain a high-quality display image. It becomes possible.

[Eighth Embodiment] FIG. 47 shows one pixel of an active matrix type color liquid crystal display device according to another embodiment of the present invention (eighth embodiment of the invention) and its periphery. FIG. FIG. 48 shows the directions of the applied electric field and the polarization transmission axes (OD1, OD) of the polarizing plates (POL1, POL2) in the liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing directions and driving directions of liquid crystal molecules (LC). The embodiment of the present invention is the same as the first embodiment of the present invention except for the following configuration. In the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG.
D), the upper alignment film (OR2), the protective film (PSV1), the counter voltage signal line (CL) and the counter electrode (CL '), and the overcoat film (OC) are formed on the upper transparent glass substrate (SUB2) side. ) And a color filter (FI
L), a light-shielding black matrix pattern (BM) is formed. The storage capacitor (Cstdg) is configured by overlapping the other end of the pixel electrode (SL) with the next-stage scanning signal line (GL).

In the embodiment of the present invention, the alignment (rubbing) direction of the alignment film, that is, the initial alignment direction (RD) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD) is parallel to each other between the upper and lower substrates as shown in FIG. , Counter electrode (CL ′), pixel electrode (S
L) and parallel to the video signal line (DL) (or perpendicular to the scanning signal line (GL)). Further, the counter voltage signal line (CL) and the counter electrode (CL ′) are arranged on the upper transparent glass substrate (SUB2), and as shown in FIG. 48 (b), the pixel electrode (SL) and the counter electrode (CL ′). ) Is slightly tilted with respect to the substrate. Here, when a pretilt is provided at the time of initial alignment of the liquid crystal layer (LCD) by selecting the material of the liquid crystal layer (LCD) and the process conditions, each liquid crystal molecule (LC) has a portion close to the pixel electrode (SL). A portion close to the counter electrode (CL ′) is generated, and FIG.
The liquid crystal driving direction is defined as shown in FIG.

In the liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention as well, an electric field (ED) is applied between the pixel electrode (SL) and the counter electrode (CL ′) almost in parallel to the substrate surface, so that a homogeneous alignment without twist can be obtained. Display is performed using the birefringence of the liquid crystal layer (LCD). Since the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules (LC) is rotated on the substrate surface, there is a small difference in the appearance of the liquid crystal molecules when the panel is viewed from the front, when viewed obliquely, and when the panel is displayed in gradation. , A wide viewing angle can be realized. In the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 48, a counter electrode (CL ′) formed on an upper transparent glass substrate (SUB2) and a lower transparent glass substrate (SU
B1) are alternately arranged with the pixel electrodes (SL) formed thereon, so that a liquid crystal driving region (pixel electrode (S
L) and the counter electrode (CL ′)), the electric field (E)
The inclination direction of D) with respect to the substrate is reversed. Therefore,
In the embodiment of the present invention, one pixel has two different liquid crystal driving directions, and the non-uniformity due to the viewing angle of the white color tone due to the unified driving direction in the homogeneously aligned liquid crystal layer (LCD). Is corrected within one pixel, the display quality is improved, and a high-quality display image can be obtained.

FIG. 49 is a diagram showing an arrangement example in which the pixels shown in FIG. 47 or similar pixels are arranged in a matrix. Further, also in the embodiment of the present invention, when rubbing the alignment film, the rubbing process near the end face of the electrode in the display area of the pixel is performed smoothly and reliably, so that the liquid crystal layer beside the electrode is It is possible to improve the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules. The upper transparent glass substrate (SUB2)
Shape of counter electrode (CL ') formed on top, pixel electrode (SL) formed on lower transparent glass substrate (SUB1)
And the relative relationship between the counter electrode (CL ′) formed on the upper transparent glass substrate (SUB2) and the pixel electrode (SL) formed on the lower transparent glass substrate (SUB1). In the same manner as in the second, fourth, and fifth embodiments, it becomes effective in defining the driving direction of the liquid crystal molecules (LC), and a reduction in the driving voltage can be expected.

[Embodiment 9] FIG. 50 shows one pixel of an active matrix type color liquid crystal display device according to another embodiment (embodiment 9) of the present invention and its periphery. FIG. FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view of the pixel taken along the line aa ′ shown in FIG. 50. In the embodiment of the present invention, the counter electrode (CL ′) is used as the pixel electrode (S
Except that it is formed in the same layer as L), it is the same as the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 51, in the embodiment of the present invention, a pixel electrode (SL) and a counter electrode (C
L ′) are formed in the same layer. The counter electrode (CL ′) and the counter voltage signal line (CL) form a through hole (SH) in the gate insulating film (GI), and electrically connect the two. Connected. Here, when the counter voltage signal line (CL) is formed of an aluminum (Al) -based conductive film (g1), the connection between the counter electrode (CL ′) and the counter voltage signal line (CL) is established. Anodization is not performed on the counter voltage signal line (CL), the same material as the counter voltage signal line (CL), and those formed in the same step. In this case, if chromium (Cr) is used for the counter voltage signal line (CL), the same material as the same, and the conductive film formed in the same step, it is not necessary to perform anodic oxidation.

Further, by providing the counter voltage signal line (CL) in the same layer as the pixel electrode (SL), it is possible to make the through-hole not be constituted by (SH). May be formed in the same layer as the counter electrode (CL ′) in the same step. In the liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, similarly to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the opposing surface has the initial alignment direction (RD) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD).
With respect to the counter electrode (C
L ′) and the pixels having the pixel electrodes (SL) are combined and arranged in a matrix, so that the non-uniformity due to the unified driving direction in the homogeneously aligned liquid crystal layer (LCD) due to the viewing angle due to the unified driving direction , The display quality is improved, and a high-quality display image can be obtained. Further, also in the second to seventh embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to form the counter electrode (CL ′) in the same layer as the pixel electrode (SL). An effect similar to that of the embodiment can be obtained.

[Embodiment 10] FIG. 52 shows one pixel of an active matrix type color liquid crystal display device according to another embodiment (Embodiment 10) of the present invention and its periphery. FIG. The embodiment of the present invention is the same as the embodiment 1 of the present invention except for the following configuration.
Is the same as The embodiment of the present invention is directed to the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the opposing voltage (Vc) is applied to the opposing electrode (CL ′) from the adjacent scanning signal line (GL).
om) of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 52, in the embodiment of the present invention,
The gate electrode (GT) and the counter electrode (CL ′)
The signal line (GL) is continuously and integrally formed. Also,
The portion that intersects the video signal line (DL) is the video signal line (D
In order to reduce the probability of short-circuit with L), the width is made thin, and even if short-circuited, it is forked so that it can be separated by laser trimming. Here, the counter electrode (CL ')
Is connected to the immediately preceding scanning signal line (GL). Note that the cross section of the pixel in the embodiment of the present invention (cross section taken along the line aa 'in FIG. 1) is the same as that in FIG.

FIG. 53 is a diagram showing an equalizing circuit of a display matrix unit (AR) and its peripheral circuits in the liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 53 is also a circuit diagram, but is drawn corresponding to an actual geometric arrangement. FIG.
In 3, AR indicates a display matrix unit (matrix array) in which a plurality of pixels are two-dimensionally arranged. In FIG. 53, SL denotes a pixel electrode, and suffixes G, B, and R are added corresponding to green, blue, and red pixels, respectively. GL is a scanning signal line, y0, ..., yend
Indicates the order of the scanning timing. Scan signal line (G
L) is connected to the vertical scanning circuit (V), and the video signal line (DL) is connected to the video signal drive circuit (H). The circuit (SUP) includes a power supply circuit for obtaining a plurality of divided and stabilized voltage sources from one voltage source and information for a CRT (cathode ray tube) from a host (upper processing unit) (TFT). This is a circuit including a circuit for exchanging information for a liquid crystal display device.

FIG. 54 is a diagram showing driving waveforms at the time of driving in the liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
(A) and FIG. 54 (b) show the (i-1) th,
The (i) gate voltage (scan signal voltage) (VG) supplied to the scan signal line (GL) is shown. FIG.
4, (i) is even, thus (i-1)
The odd-numbered scanning signal lines (GL)
L), and the (i) th scanning signal line (GL) indicates an even-numbered scanning signal line (GL). FIG.
4 (c) shows the video signal voltage (VD) applied to the video signal line (DL), and FIG. 54 (d) shows (i)
FIG. 54E shows a pixel electrode voltage (Vs) applied to a pixel electrode (SL) in a pixel in a row and a column (j).
The voltage (VLC) applied to the liquid crystal layer (LCD) of the pixel in (i) row and (j) column is shown. In the driving method of the liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the scanning signal lines (G
L) to the counter electrode (CL ′) must be applied to the counter electrode (CL ′). Therefore, the non-selection voltage of the gate voltage (VG) supplied to the scanning signal line (GL) is changed to VGLH for each frame. And VGLM binary square wave or VGL
It is changed by a binary rectangular wave of M and VGLL. Further, the gate voltage (VG) supplied to the adjacent scanning signal line (GL)
Of the non-selection voltages are not the same.

In the example shown in FIGS. 54A and 54B, the non-selection voltage of the gate voltage (VG) supplied to the (i-1) th scanning signal line (GL) is an odd frame. , VG
The LM and VGLL binary values and the VGLH and VGLM binary values are changed in even frames, and the non-selection voltage of the gate voltage (VG) supplied to the (i) th scan signal line (GL) is odd. In the frame, VGLH, VGLM binary, in the even frame, VGLM,
VGLL is changed by two values. In this case, VGLH and VGLM
Is VGL1, the center potential of VGLM and VGLL is VGL2, and the amplitude values of VGLH and VGLM, and the amplitude values of VGLM and VGLL are equal to 2VB. Also in the liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the opposing surface has a liquid crystal layer (LC).
D) A pixel having a pixel electrode (SL) and a counter electrode (CL ′) having a tilt angle of θ or −θ with respect to the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules (LC) is arranged in a matrix. Thus, it is possible to compensate for non-uniformity due to a viewing angle of a white color tone due to a unified driving direction in a homogeneously aligned liquid crystal layer (LCD), improve display quality, and obtain a high-quality display image. . Also,
Also in the second to seventh embodiments of the present invention, the counter electrode (C) is connected from the adjacent scanning signal line (GL).
L ′) can be supplied with a counter voltage (Vcom), whereby it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the embodiments of the invention. Further, in the liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the aperture ratio can be improved.

[Embodiment 11] FIG. 55 shows one pixel of an active matrix type color liquid crystal display device according to another embodiment (Embodiment 11) of the present invention and its periphery. FIG. The embodiment of the present invention is an embodiment of the invention in which the counter electrode (CL ′) is formed in the same layer as the pixel electrode (SL) in the liquid crystal display device described in Embodiment 10 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 55, in the liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention,
The gate electrode (GT) is integrally formed continuously with the inspection signal line (GL). Further, the counter electrode (CL ′) is connected to the immediately preceding scanning signal line (GL) via a through hole (SH). The cross section of the pixel in the embodiment of the present invention (the cross section taken along the line aa 'in FIG. 50) is the same as that in FIG. In this case, when the scanning signal line (GL) is formed of an aluminum (Al) -based conductive film (g1), in order to establish a connection between the counter electrode (CL ′) and the scanning signal line (GL), The anodic oxidation is not performed on the scanning signal line (GL), the same material as the scanning signal line (GL), and the one formed in the same step. Note that, in this case, the scanning signal line (GL) and
If chromium (Cr) is used as the same material as the conductive film formed in the same step, it is not necessary to perform anodic oxidation.

Also in the liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the opposing surface has the liquid crystal molecules (L) of the liquid crystal layer (LCD).
Combining a pixel having a counter electrode (CL ′) having a tilt angle of θ or −θ and a pixel having a pixel electrode (SL) with respect to the initial alignment direction of C) to unify in a homogeneously aligned liquid crystal layer (LCD). It is possible to compensate for the non-uniformity of the white color tone due to the viewing angle due to the driving direction, improve the display quality, and obtain a high-quality display image. In addition, Embodiment 2 of the invention or Embodiment 7 of the invention
In this case, the counter voltage (Vcom) is supplied to the counter electrode (CL ') from the adjacent scanning signal line (GL), and the counter electrode (CL') is formed in the same layer as the pixel electrode (SL). It is possible, and thereby, it is possible to obtain the same effects as the above-described embodiments of the invention. Further, in the liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the aperture ratio can be improved.

In the embodiments of the invention, the region between the pixel electrode (SL) and the counter electrode (CL ') is divided into two or four within one pixel. (SL) and the counter electrode (CL ′) are periodically added, so that the pixel electrode (SL) and the counter electrode (C
It is also possible to divide the region between L ′) into two or four or more within one pixel. As described above, the present invention has been specifically described based on the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments of the present invention, and may be variously modified without departing from the gist thereof. Needless to say.

[0103]

The effects obtained by typical ones of the inventions disclosed in the present application will be briefly described as follows. (1) According to the present invention, in an active matrix type liquid crystal display device employing a horizontal electric field method, it is possible to largely offset the dependence of the white color tone on the azimuth by canceling out the color tone shift. Furthermore, the characteristics of the short axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules that are difficult to invert the gradation and the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules that are easy to invert the gradation are averaged, and the non-grayscale inversion viewing angle in the direction weak in the grayscale inversion is expanded. It becomes possible. As a result, the range of the viewing angle in all directions can be improved, and the uniformity of gradation and the uniformity of color tone can be averaged or expanded in all directions. (2) According to the present invention, by aligning the driving directions of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal driving region, it is possible to reduce the driving voltage and increase the response speed. (3) According to the present invention, the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer is a single direction, so that it is not necessary to increase the manufacturing process. (4) According to the present invention, an extremely wide viewing angle, an excellent viewing angle characteristic of a color tone, a viewing angle comparable to a cathode ray tube, a high contrast ratio, and an extremely high image quality liquid crystal display having excellent display quality can be obtained. A device can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a principal part showing one pixel of an active matrix type color liquid crystal display device according to an embodiment (Embodiment 1) of the present invention and its periphery.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a pixel taken along the line aa ′ in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a thin film transistor element (TFT) taken along section line 4-4 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a storage capacitance (Cst) along a section line 5-5 in FIG. 1;
It is sectional drawing of g).

FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a matrix peripheral portion of a display panel (PNL) in the liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a scanning signal terminal on the left side and a panel edge portion without an external connection terminal on the right side in the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a connection structure from a scanning signal line (GL) of a display matrix portion (AR) to a gate terminal (GTM) which is an external connection terminal thereof in the liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing connections from a video signal line (DL) of a display matrix section (AR) to a drain terminal (DTM) as an external connection terminal thereof in the liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a connection from a counter voltage signal line (CL) to a counter electrode terminal (CTM) which is an external connection terminal in the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an equalizing circuit of a display matrix unit (AR) and its peripheral circuits in the liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing driving waveforms at the time of driving in the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a cross-sectional view of a pixel portion and a gate terminal portion showing a manufacturing process of processes A to C on the transparent substrate (SUB1) side in the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a cross-sectional view of a pixel portion and a gate terminal portion showing a manufacturing process of processes D to F on the transparent substrate (SUB1) side in the liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a cross-sectional view of a pixel portion and a gate terminal portion showing a manufacturing process of processes G to H on the transparent substrate (SUB1) side in the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a plan view showing a state where peripheral driving circuits are mounted on the liquid crystal display panel (PNL) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view showing a sectional structure of a tape carrier package (TCP) in which an integrated circuit chip (CHI) constituting a drive circuit in the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a flexible wiring board;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a principal part showing a state where the tape carrier package (TCP) in the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is connected to the scanning signal circuit terminal (GTM) of the liquid crystal display panel (PNL).

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of a liquid crystal display module in the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 shows the direction of an applied electric field, the directions of the polarization transmission axes (OD1, OD2) of the polarizing plates (POL1, POL2), and the liquid crystal molecules (L) in the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment of the invention.
It is a figure which shows the drive direction of C).

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement example in which the pixels illustrated in FIG. 1 or similar pixels are arranged in a matrix.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an arrangement example in which the pixels shown in FIG. 1 or similar pixels are arranged in a matrix.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an arrangement example in which the pixels shown in FIG. 1 or similar pixels are arranged in a matrix.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a definition of a viewing angle in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a plan view showing one pixel of an active matrix type color liquid crystal display device according to another embodiment (Embodiment 2) of the present invention and its periphery.

FIG. 25 shows a direction of an applied electric field, a direction of a polarization transmission axis (OD1, OD2) of a polarizing plate (POL1, POL2), and a direction of a liquid crystal molecule (L) in the liquid crystal display device according to the second embodiment of the invention.
It is a figure which shows the drive direction of C).

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an arrangement example in which the pixels shown in FIG. 24 or similar pixels are arranged in a matrix.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an arrangement example in which the pixels shown in FIG. 24 or similar pixels are arranged in a matrix.

FIG. 28 is a plan view showing one pixel of an active matrix type color liquid crystal display device according to another embodiment (Embodiment 3) of the present invention and its periphery.

FIG. 29 shows a direction of an applied electric field, a direction of a polarization transmission axis (OD1, OD2) of a polarizing plate (POL1, POL2), and a direction of a liquid crystal molecule (L) in the liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
It is a figure which shows the drive direction of C).

30 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement example in which the pixels illustrated in FIG. 28 and similar pixels are arranged in a matrix.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement example in which the pixels illustrated in FIG. 28 and similar pixels are arranged in a matrix.

FIG. 32 is a plan view showing one pixel of an active matrix type color liquid crystal display device according to another embodiment (Embodiment 4) of the present invention and its periphery.

FIG. 33 shows a direction of an applied electric field, a direction of a polarization transmission axis (OD1, OD2) of a polarizing plate (POL1, POL2), and a direction of a liquid crystal molecule (L) in a liquid crystal display device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure which shows the drive direction of C).

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an arrangement example in which the pixels shown in FIG. 32 or similar pixels are arranged in a matrix.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an arrangement example in which the pixels shown in FIG. 32 or similar pixels are arranged in a matrix.

FIG. 36 is a plan view showing one pixel of an active matrix type color liquid crystal display device according to another embodiment (Embodiment 5) of the present invention and its periphery.

FIG. 37 shows a direction of an applied electric field, a direction of a polarization transmission axis (OD1, OD2) of a polarizing plate (POL1, POL2), and a direction of a liquid crystal molecule (L) in a liquid crystal display device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure which shows the drive direction of C).

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an arrangement example in which the pixels shown in FIG. 36 or similar pixels are arranged in a matrix.

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing an arrangement example in which the pixels shown in FIG. 36 or similar pixels are arranged in a matrix.

FIG. 40 is a plan view showing one pixel of an active matrix type color liquid crystal display device according to another embodiment (Embodiment 6) of the present invention and its periphery.

FIG. 41 shows directions of an applied electric field, directions of polarization transmission axes (OD1, OD2) of polarizing plates (POL1, POL2), and liquid crystal molecules (L) in the liquid crystal display device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure which shows the drive direction of C).

FIG. 42 is a diagram showing an arrangement example in which the pixels shown in FIG. 40 or similar pixels are arranged in a matrix.

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing an arrangement example in which the pixels shown in FIG. 40 or similar pixels are arranged in a matrix.

FIG. 44 is a plan view showing one pixel of an active matrix type color liquid crystal display device according to another embodiment (Embodiment 7) of the present invention and its periphery.

FIG. 45 shows directions of an applied electric field, directions of polarization transmission axes (OD1, OD2) of polarizing plates (POL1, POL2), and liquid crystal molecules (L) in the liquid crystal display device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure which shows the drive direction of C).

FIG. 46 shows a direction of an applied electric field, a direction of a polarization transmission axis (OD1, OD2) of a polarizing plate (POL1, POL2), and a direction of a liquid crystal molecule (L) in a liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention.
It is a figure which shows the drive direction of C).

FIG. 47 is a plan view showing one pixel of an active matrix type color liquid crystal display device according to another embodiment (Embodiment 8) of the present invention and its periphery.

FIG. 48 shows directions of an applied electric field, directions of polarization transmission axes (OD1, OD2) of polarizing plates (POL1, POL2), and liquid crystal molecules (L) in the liquid crystal display device according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure which shows the drive direction of C).

FIG. 49 is a diagram showing an arrangement example in which the pixels shown in FIG. 47 are arranged in a matrix.

FIG. 50 is a plan view showing one pixel of an active matrix type color liquid crystal display device according to another embodiment (Embodiment 9) of the present invention and its periphery.

FIG. 51 is a sectional view of a pixel taken along the line aa ′ in FIG. 50;

FIG. 52 is a plan view showing one pixel of an active matrix type color liquid crystal display device according to another embodiment (Embodiment 10) of the present invention and its periphery.

FIG. 53 is a diagram showing an equalizing circuit of a display matrix unit (AR) and its peripheral circuits in a liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention.

FIG. 54 is a diagram showing driving waveforms at the time of driving in the liquid crystal display device according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 55 is a plan view showing one pixel of an active matrix type color liquid crystal display device according to another embodiment (Embodiment 11) of the present invention and the periphery thereof;

[Explanation of symbols]

SUB: transparent glass substrate, GL: scanning signal line, DL: video signal line, CL: counter voltage signal line, SL: pixel electrode, C
L ': counter electrode, GI: insulating film, GT: gate electrode, A
S: i-type semiconductor layer, SD: source or drain electrode, OR: alignment film, OC: overcoat film, POL:
Polarizing plate, PSV: Protective film, BM: Shielding film, FIL: Color filter, LCD: Liquid crystal layer, LC: Liquid crystal molecule, TFT
... Thin film transistor, g, d ... Conductive film, Cstg ... Storage capacitor, AOF ... Anodized film, AO ... Anodized mask, G
TM: gate terminal, DTM: drain terminal, CTM: counter electrode terminal, CB: common bus line, SHD: shield case, PNL: liquid crystal display panel, SPB: light diffusion plate,
LCB: Light guide, BL: Backlight fluorescent tube, LCA:
Backlight case, RM ... Reflector.

Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Kazuhiro Ogawa 3300 Hayano Mobara-shi, Chiba Pref.Electronic Device Division, Hitachi, Ltd. (72) Inventor Kazuhiko Yanagawa 3300 Hayano Mobara-shi, Chiba Pref. Electronic Device Division, Hitachi, Ltd. (72 Inventor Masahiro Yanai 3300 Hayano Mobara-shi, Chiba Pref.Electronic Device Division, Hitachi, Ltd. (72) Inventor Katsumi Kondo 7-1-1, Omika-cho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki Pref.Hitachi Research Laboratory, Hitachi, Ltd. (72) Inventor Masato Oe 3300 Hayano, Mobara-shi, Chiba Pref.Electronic Device Division, Hitachi, Ltd. (72) Inventor Nobutake Konishi 3300, Hayano, Mobara-shi, Chiba Pref.Electronic Device Division, Hitachi, Ltd.

Claims (5)

[Claims] A pair of substrates; a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the pair of substrates; a plurality of video signal lines formed on the one substrate; and the video signal formed on the one substrate. A plurality of scanning signal lines that intersect lines, a pixel electrode and a counter electrode formed on the one substrate, and a matrix formed in an intersection region between the plurality of video signal lines and the plurality of scanning signal lines. An active matrix type liquid crystal display device comprising a plurality of pixels to be formed, wherein the liquid crystal layer has an initial alignment direction of liquid crystal molecules substantially perpendicular to the scanning signal line, and the pixel electrode and the counter electrode are: In the display area of each pixel is parallel to the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules, and
An active matrix type liquid crystal display device characterized by intersecting at two or more angles (θ) outside the display area of each pixel. 2. The angle (θ) is: 30 ° ≦ θ ≦ 60 °
The active matrix type liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein 3. A pair of substrates, a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the pair of substrates, a plurality of video signal lines formed on the one substrate, and the video signal formed on the one substrate. A plurality of scanning signal lines that intersect lines, a pixel electrode and a counter electrode formed on the one substrate, and a matrix formed in an intersection region between the plurality of video signal lines and the plurality of scanning signal lines. An active matrix liquid crystal display device comprising: a plurality of pixels, wherein the liquid crystal layer has an initial alignment direction of liquid crystal molecules substantially perpendicular to the scanning signal line; The counter electrode is formed in parallel with a certain inclination angle with respect to the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules, and the pixel electrode and the counter electrode each having a different tilt angle with respect to the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules. Pixel Active matrix liquid crystal display device, characterized in that arranged alternately. 4. The active matrix liquid crystal display device according to claim 3, wherein the different inclination angles are (θ) or (−θ). 5. The active matrix type according to claim 1, wherein said pixel electrode and said counter electrode are formed in different layers on one substrate. Liquid crystal display.