JP2002202736A - Display device and its driving method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress the occurrence of flickers in a display device. SOLUTION: An array substrate 10 comprises a pixel electrode 3 provided in each of the regions defined by adjacent two gate lines 1 and two source lines 2, a switching element 5 for switching the voltage applied to a pixel electrode 3 from the source line 2, based on the signal voltage inputted from the gate line 1, a common line 8 provided between adjacent two gate lines 1, and a common electrode 4 electrically connected to the common line 8 and adapted to generate an electric field for driving a liquid crystal between the common electrode 4 and the pixel electrode 3, to which the voltage is applied. The pixel electrode 1 comprises a first picture element electrode 1a and a second pixel electrode 1b, and an opposed electrode 2 includes a first opposed electrode 2a and a second opposed electrode 2b. The display has a first region, where an electric field is generated between the first pixel electrode 1a and the first opposed electrode 2a having light transmittance lower than that of the electrode 1a, and a second region, where an electric field is generated between the second pixel electrode 1b and the second opposed electrode 2b having light transmittance which is higher than that of the pixel electrode 1b.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a display device such as a liquid crystal display device and a driving method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Liquid crystal display devices are widely used as display devices of various electronic devices as thin and lightweight flat displays. There are many display methods for liquid crystal display devices. Among them, a method called IPS (In Plane Switching) mode is to apply an electric field parallel to the substrate surface to the liquid crystal to obtain wide viewing angle characteristics. Due to its excellent image characteristics, it is a display method suitable for a monitor display for a personal computer, a liquid crystal television, and the like.

[0003] This IPS type liquid crystal display device is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-10556, and a plan view of this pixel portion is shown in FIG. This liquid crystal display device includes two array substrates and a counter substrate which are parallel to each other, and a liquid crystal sandwiched between the array substrate and the counter substrate. As shown in FIG. In this example, a gate wiring 101 for supplying a scanning signal and a source wiring 102 for supplying a video signal are arranged so as to be substantially orthogonal to each other. Near each intersection between the gate wiring 101 and the source wiring 102, a thin film transistor (TFT) 104 having a semiconductor layer is formed as a switching element. A comb-shaped pixel electrode 115 is connected to the source wiring 102 via a TFT 104, and an opposing electrode 116 serving as a potential reference is arranged so as to mesh with the pixel electrode 115. The counter electrode 116 is electrically connected to a common wiring 103 provided in parallel with the gate wiring 101 via a contact hole 108. Common line 103 and pixel electrode 11
The storage capacitor portion 107 is formed in a portion where 5 overlaps via an insulating layer (not shown).

According to this liquid crystal display device, the pixel electrode 11
Counter electrode 1 to which the voltage supplied to reference 5 and the reference potential are applied
Due to the difference from the voltage of 16, an electric field is generated in a direction substantially parallel to the substrate surface, and a liquid crystal (not shown) between the electrodes is driven. The storage capacitor unit 107 holds the operation of the liquid crystal during the OFF period of the TFT 104 by storing the electric charge during the ON period of the TFT 104.

In a conventional IPS mode liquid crystal display device, a pixel electrode and a counter electrode are generally formed of a metal material such as aluminum. However, since light cannot pass through the pixel electrode and the counter electrode, the pixel electrode and the counter electrode cannot be transmitted. There is a problem that the aperture ratio of each pixel is not sufficient. Then, the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-10
No. 556 discloses a pixel electrode 115 and a counter electrode 116.
By forming one or both of them with a transparent conductive film, the aperture ratio is improved.

When both the pixel electrode 115 and the counter electrode 116 are formed of transparent electrodes, it is preferable that both are formed in the same layer in order to suppress an increase in the manufacturing process and the manufacturing cost. There is a possibility that the yield may decrease due to a short circuit between the wires 116. For this reason,
A configuration in which only one of the pixel electrode and the counter electrode is a transparent electrode is practically promising.

[0007]

However, when one of the pixel electrode and the counter electrode is made of a transparent material and the other is made of a material such as a metal, a flicker phenomenon may occur due to a difference in optical characteristics between the two. Was.

That is, the liquid crystal display device is driven by AC driving from the viewpoint of applying a sufficient voltage to the liquid crystal while preventing the decomposition and deterioration of the liquid crystal molecules. Every 1/60 second), a positive potential or a negative potential is alternately applied to the counter electrode. When such an AC drive is performed on a liquid crystal display device in which only one of the pixel electrode and the counter electrode is a transparent electrode, a period (positive frame) in which the pixel electrode has a positive potential with respect to the counter electrode,
The transmittance in each pixel periodically fluctuates during a period (negative frame) in which the pixel electrode has a negative potential with respect to the counter electrode, and this may be observed as a luminance difference.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve such a problem. In a display device for driving an electro-optical material by applying a voltage between two electrodes having different light transmittances, the present invention relates to a flicker-free display device. The purpose is to suppress the occurrence.

[0010]

The inventors of the present invention have studied the causes of the flicker described above, and as a result, the following two points are considered to have a great influence.

First, the influence of the flexoelectric phenomenon can be considered as the first factor. The flexoelectric phenomenon is a polarization phenomenon that occurs with the splay deformation (orientation deformation) of the liquid crystal. In connection with the IPS method, for example, the lecture number 3D06 (514 of the 1999 meeting of the Liquid Crystal Society of Japan).
Page) discusses the relationship between the polarity of the electrode and the rubbing direction for the generation of the reverse rotation domain.

The influence of the flexoelectric phenomenon on flicker will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
4 (a) shows a case where a positive voltage is applied to the electrode 21 and a negative voltage is applied to the electrode 22 in a liquid crystal display device using a horizontal electric field such as an IPS system, and the electric lines of force 26 when the shape effect of liquid crystal molecules is not considered. This is indicated by a solid line. The lines of electric force are electrodes 21,
On 22, it spreads like a spray. 23 is a liquid crystal layer,
Reference numerals 24 and 25 are a counter substrate and an array substrate, respectively.
Since the liquid crystal display device is driven by an alternating current, the direction of the electric field is reversed, for example, every 1/60 second.

FIG. 44B shows the arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules 27 by the splay-like electric field. Liquid crystal molecules include
A cyano group, a fluorine atom, or the like is introduced at the molecular end to give dielectric anisotropy, but this portion functions as a negative electrode of a dipole moment and is a large portion in the molecular skeleton. Therefore, the shape of the molecule is a wedge shape opened to the negative electrode side as shown in the enlarged view (in the circle) of FIG. When a splay-like alternating electric field is applied to this, the liquid crystal molecules are statistically affected by the shape effect (exclusion volume effect). Arrange them. Since the arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules 27 is thus aligned, an electric field 28 is generated by the liquid crystal molecules themselves.
This is called flexoelectric phenomenon.

FIG. 44C shows an initial electric field 26 and an electric field 2 caused by the flexoelectric phenomenon of the liquid crystal molecules themselves.
8 is indicated by a broken line. The combined electric field 29 has a strong vertical electric field on the positive electrode 21 side and a weak vertical electric field on the negative electrode 22 side.

As a result, the transmittance distribution changes depending on whether the polarity of the applied voltage is positive or negative. FIG.
(D) shows the transmittance distribution when the electrodes 21 and 22 are both formed of transparent electrodes. The solid line indicates that the electrode 21 has a positive potential (positive frame), and the one-dot chain line indicates that the electrode 21 has a negative potential. (Negative frame). Since both are symmetrical with respect to the vertical axis passing through the middle point of the electrodes, when both electrodes 21 and 22 are transparent,
When both 1 and 22 are light-shielding, there is almost no difference in transmittance between positive and negative frames. However, when one is transparent and the other is light-shielding, or when two electrodes 2
If the transmittance characteristics of the electrodes 1 and 22 are significantly different from each other, a difference occurs in the optical contribution of the two electrodes, so that the transmittance in the pixel differs between the positive and negative frames, and flicker occurs.

As a second cause of the flicker, the influence of the peripheral potential can be considered. FIG. 45A shows an equipotential when a voltage of −5 volts is applied to the electrodes 32 and 34 on both sides and a voltage of +5 volts is applied to the center electrode 33 among the three electrodes 32, 33 and 34 on the array substrate 36. The line is shown. Assuming that the potential at the interface of the opposing substrate 35 is an intermediate value (0 volt) between the two voltages, the adjacent electrodes 32, 33,
Since there is an equipotential line of 0 volt in the normal direction of the substrate passing through each intermediate point of 34, the three electrodes 32, 33, and 34 are equivalent unless the influence of the flexoelectric phenomenon is considered. Therefore, in both cases where the electrode 33 has a positive potential and a negative potential, the transmittance distribution is as shown in FIG.
Since the state shown by a solid line in FIG.
Even if only a part of 2, 33, 34 is used as a transparent electrode, the transmittance in the pixel does not change and no flicker occurs.

However, in the IPS type liquid crystal display device, it is difficult to apply a desired potential to the interface 35 because there is no electrode on the surface of the counter substrate. Therefore, assuming that the potential of the interface 35 of the opposing substrate is −5 volts, when the electrode 33 has a positive potential, the substrate method is placed on the electrodes 32 and 34 as shown in FIG. There is an equipotential line of -5 volts in the line direction, and the transmittance distribution in this case is as shown by a solid line in FIG.
The transmittance on 32 and 34 is higher than the transmittance on the center electrode (positive electrode) 33. On the other hand, when the electrode 33 has a negative potential, the transmittance on the electrodes (positive electrodes) 32 and 34 on both sides becomes the center electrode (negative electrode) 33, as shown by a dashed line in FIG. Lower than the above transmittance. Therefore, when only a part of the plurality of electrodes 32, 33, and 34 is a transparent electrode, a frame in which the potential of the transparent electrode is negative becomes brighter than a frame in which the potential of the transparent electrode is positive, and flicker occurs. .

In consideration of the phenomenon that can be a main factor of the occurrence of flicker, in the conventional display device, the transmittance in each pixel is not uniform but has a certain distribution, and the pixel electrode is positive with respect to the counter electrode. Period during which the potential is reached (positive frame)
It is considered that the transmittance distribution fluctuates between the period when the pixel electrode is at a negative potential with respect to the counter electrode and the period when the pixel electrode is at a negative potential (negative frame). Therefore, for example, when the pixel electrode is formed of a transparent material and the opposing electrode is formed of a light-shielding material, the transmittance of the pixel electrode is increased in one of the positive and negative frames,
It goes low in the other frame. On the other hand, since the opposing electrode does not transmit light, there is no difference in transmittance between the positive and negative frames. As a result, it is considered that the transmittance difference between frames on the pixel electrode is observed as a luminance variation of the entire pixel.

Such a flicker phenomenon is not limited to the liquid crystal display device of the IPS mode, but may occur when a display device having two electrodes having different light transmittances is AC-driven.

In order to achieve the above object, a display device according to the present invention comprises an array substrate, a counter substrate facing the array substrate, and an electro-optical material sandwiched between the array substrate and the counter substrate. And the array substrate comprises:
A plurality of gate wirings and a plurality of source wirings intersecting with each other, and a pixel electrode disposed in each region defined by two adjacent gate wirings and two adjacent source wirings; A switching element that switches a voltage applied from the source wiring to the pixel electrode based on a signal voltage input from the gate wiring;
An electric field for driving the electro-optical material is generated between a common line formed between two adjacent gate lines and the pixel electrode electrically connected to the common line and to which a voltage is applied. A counter electrode, wherein the pixel electrode comprises a first electrode.
A pixel electrode and a second pixel electrode, wherein the counter electrode includes a first counter electrode and a second counter electrode,
A first region where an electric field is generated between the first pixel electrode and the first counter electrode having a lower light transmittance than the first pixel electrode; and a second region between the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode. A second region in which an electric field is generated between the pixel electrode and the second counter electrode having a higher light transmittance than the pixel electrode is formed.

According to this display device, the flicker polarity generated by the transmittance difference between the pixel electrode and the counter electrode can be canceled by the first region and the second region, thereby suppressing the generation of flicker. be able to.

In this display device, it is preferable that the first area and the second area are adjacent to each other.

Preferably, a voltage is applied to the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode from the same source line based on a signal voltage input from the same gate line, Thus, the polarities of the voltages applied to the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode can be made the same, and the flicker polarity can be surely canceled.

It is preferable that the first area and the second area exist in the same dot. In this case, a boundary between the first region and the second region can be positioned on the common wiring, and the first pixel electrode, the second pixel electrode, and the first The counter electrode and the second counter electrode can be connected to each other via a contact hole formed in an intervening insulating layer. Thus, a contact hole for converting the electrode material does not need to be formed in the opening of the display area, so that a high aperture ratio can be maintained. Further, it is possible that the source wiring is arranged between the first region and the second region, and the switching element is connected to the first pixel electrode and the second pixel. It is preferable to provide one for each of the electrodes. According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the defect rate of dots. Further, in the case where a plurality of the first regions and the second regions are respectively formed, it is preferable that the first regions and the second regions are arranged so as to be alternately continuous two by two along the gate wiring, and two continuous first regions are formed. It is preferable that a boundary between a region and the second region be present on the pixel electrode or the counter electrode. Thus, the pixel electrode or the counter electrode can be shared between adjacent regions, and the aperture ratio can be increased.

In the case where a plurality of the first regions and a plurality of the second regions are respectively formed, a flicker polarity is determined according to a predetermined voltage polarity applied to the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode. It is preferable that the first region and the second region are arranged so that the first region and the second region periodically change along both the gate wiring and the source wiring. Accordingly, a vertical streak or a horizontal streak due to driving does not occur, and flicker can be reduced to perform uniform display. In this case, it is preferable that the inversion of the flicker polarity is performed for each dot along both the gate wiring and the source wiring. When a checkered pattern or the like is displayed, it is preferable that the inversion of the flicker polarity is performed for each of a plurality of dots along both the gate wiring and the source wiring.

Further, the first area and the second area can be configured to correspond to one dot, respectively, or the first area and the second area are
A configuration corresponding to each of pixels composed of three dots of red, green, and blue can be provided. In any case, the effect of reducing flicker can be obtained in the small area.

Further, a storage capacitor electrode electrically connected to the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode is provided in each of the first region and the second region.
The two storage capacitor electrodes make the capacitance values of the two storage capacitor portions substantially equal when the storage capacitor portions are formed by being disposed on the common wiring or the gate wiring via an insulating layer, respectively. Is preferred. To this end, it is preferable that the two storage capacitor electrodes are formed of the same material, which can be dealt with by making the surface areas substantially equal.

Further, the first pixel electrode and the second counter electrode can be made of a light-transmitting material.
The counter electrode and the second pixel electrode can be made of a light-shielding material.

The area occupied by the first pixel electrode in the opening of the first region is substantially equal to the area occupied by the second counter electrode in the opening of the second region. It is preferable to cancel the flicker polarity, thereby enhancing the effect of reducing flicker. In this case, it is preferable that the first pixel electrode and the second counter electrode have substantially the same transmittance. Such a configuration uses a light shielding layer that shields a part of the array substrate formed on the counter substrate, and covers a part of the first counter electrode or the second pixel electrode. It can be easily achieved.

It is preferable that a drive voltage having the same polarity is applied to the first region and the second region.

In the first region and the second region, the absolute value of the luminance difference between the case where the pixel electrode has a positive potential and the case where the pixel electrode has a negative potential with respect to the counter electrode is substantially equal. Preferably, they are equal.

Further, the object of the present invention is to provide an array substrate, an opposing substrate opposing the array substrate, and an electro-optical material sandwiched between the array substrate and the opposing substrate. Means that a plurality of gate wirings and a plurality of source wirings crossing each other
A pixel electrode disposed in each region defined by two gate lines and two adjacent source lines, and a voltage applied from the source line to the pixel electrode based on a signal voltage input from the gate line. Between a switching element that switches a voltage to be applied, a common line formed between two adjacent gate lines, and the pixel electrode electrically connected to the common line and to which a voltage is applied. An opposing electrode in which an electric field driving the electro-optical material is generated, and an intermediate electrode disposed between the pixel electrode and the opposing electrode, wherein the intermediate electrode is more than any of the pixel electrode and the opposing electrode. This is achieved by a display device characterized by high or low transmittance.

In this display device, the pixel electrode and the counter electrode are formed of the same material, and the space between the pixel electrode and the intermediate electrode and the space between the intermediate electrode and the counter electrode are substantially equal. Preferably, the distances are the same.

The intermediate electrode is preferably connected by resistance to the pixel electrode and the counter electrode, or may be capacitively coupled.

It is preferable that the potential of the intermediate electrode is an intermediate potential between the potential of the pixel electrode to which a voltage is applied and the potential of the counter electrode serving as a reference potential.

In each of the above display devices, the electro-optical material is preferably liquid crystal, and an AC voltage is preferably applied to the pixel electrode.

Further, the object of the present invention is to provide an array substrate, an opposing substrate opposing the array substrate, and an electro-optical material sandwiched between the array substrate and the opposing substrate. Means that a plurality of gate wirings and a plurality of source wirings crossing each other
A pixel electrode disposed in each region defined by two gate lines and two adjacent source lines, and a voltage applied from the source line to the pixel electrode based on a signal voltage input from the gate line. Between a switching element that switches a voltage to be applied, a common line formed between two adjacent gate lines, and the pixel electrode electrically connected to the common line and to which a voltage is applied. A method of driving a display device, comprising: a counter electrode for generating an electric field for driving the electro-optical material, wherein the pixel electrode and the counter electrode are formed of materials having different transmittances, wherein a voltage applied to the pixel electrode Is inverted for each adjacent predetermined region.

According to this display device driving method, the flicker polarity can be canceled in the adjacent area.
The occurrence of flicker can be suppressed.

It is preferable that the predetermined region is adjacent in two directions along the gate line and the source line.

Further, the predetermined area is one dot,
Alternatively, it preferably corresponds to two dots adjacent along either the gate wiring or the source wiring. Alternatively, it may correspond to one pixel composed of three dots of red, green, and blue.
One pixel composed of three blue dots may correspond to two adjacent pixels along either the gate line or the source line.

Further, the object of the present invention is to provide an array substrate, an opposing substrate facing the array substrate, and an electro-optical material sandwiched between the array substrate and the opposing substrate. Means that a plurality of gate wirings and a plurality of source wirings crossing each other
A pixel electrode disposed in each region defined by two gate lines and two adjacent source lines, and a voltage applied from the source line to the pixel electrode based on a signal voltage input from the gate line. Between a switching element that switches a voltage to be applied, a common line formed between two adjacent gate lines, and the pixel electrode electrically connected to the common line and to which a voltage is applied. A method of driving a display device, comprising: a counter electrode for generating an electric field for driving the electro-optical material, wherein the pixel electrode and the counter electrode are formed of materials having different transmittances, wherein a voltage applied to the pixel electrode And a method for driving a display device, characterized in that a constant luminance correction voltage is increased or decreased when the polarity of the display device is inverted.

According to this display device driving method, the luminance difference when the polarity of the voltage applied to the pixel electrode is inverted can be made substantially the same, and flicker can be suppressed.

In this driving method of the display device, when the pixel electrode and the counter electrode of the display device are both formed of a transparent conductor, the pixel electrode and the counter electrode occupying the light transmission range in the region. This is effective in a configuration in which the total area of the electrodes is different from each other.

Further, the object of the present invention is to provide an array substrate, an opposing substrate opposing the array substrate, and an electro-optical material sandwiched between the array substrate and the opposing substrate. Means that a plurality of gate wirings and a plurality of source wirings crossing each other
A pixel electrode disposed in each region defined by two gate lines and two adjacent source lines, and a voltage applied from the source line to the pixel electrode based on a signal voltage input from the gate line. Between a switching element that switches a voltage to be applied, a common line formed between two adjacent gate lines, and the pixel electrode electrically connected to the common line and to which a voltage is applied. A counter electrode for generating an electric field for driving the electro-optical material, wherein the pixel electrode includes a first pixel electrode and a second pixel electrode, and the counter electrode includes a first counter electrode and a second counter electrode. A first region including an electrode, wherein an electric field is generated between the first pixel electrode and the first counter electrode having a lower light transmittance than the first pixel electrode; and An electrode and the second pixel A method of driving a display device, wherein a plurality of second regions in which an electric field is generated between the second counter electrode and the second counter electrode having a higher light transmittance than a pole are formed, wherein the flicker polarity is set to the gate line and the gate line. Applied to the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode based on the arrangement pattern of the first region and the second region so as to periodically change along both of the source lines. The present invention is attained by a method for driving a display device, wherein a predetermined polarity inversion of a voltage is performed.

According to such a driving method, the flicker polarity can be cancelled, and the generation of vertical streaks and horizontal streaks due to driving can be prevented.

It is preferable that the inversion of the flicker polarity is performed for each dot or for a plurality of dots along one or both of the gate wiring and the source wiring.

In each of the driving methods described above, it is preferable that the driving frequency of the voltage applied to the pixel electrode is not less than 60 Hz, thereby making it possible to eliminate flicker.

[0048]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a structure of one dot which is a minimum display unit of an array substrate in a display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
(A) to (c) are AA ′ portions in FIG. 1, respectively.
It is sectional drawing of a BB 'part and a CC' part. In FIG. 1, a gate wiring 4 for supplying a scanning signal and a source wiring 7 for supplying a video signal are arranged so as to be substantially orthogonal to each other, and near each intersection of the gate wiring 4 and the source wiring 7,
Thin Film Transistor (TFT) 5
Are formed as switching elements. This TFT
5 has a semiconductor layer 8 made of amorphous silicon formed on the gate wiring 4 with an insulating layer interposed therebetween. On both sides of the semiconductor layer 8, the protruding portion of the source wiring 7 and the drain electrode 6 are arranged opposite to each other. Have been.

The pixel electrode 1 is connected to the source wiring 7 via the drain electrode 6 of the TFT 5, and the counter electrode 2 serving as a potential reference is arranged so as to face the pixel electrode 1. The counter electrode 2 is electrically connected to a common line 3 which is provided in parallel between two gate lines 4 and 4 and supplies a predetermined potential (counter voltage) to the counter electrode 2.

The pixel electrode 1 is composed of a first pixel electrode 1a made of a transparent conductor disposed in the upper half of the dot in the figure.
And a second metal material disposed in the lower half of the dot.
Pixel electrode 1b. In addition, the counter electrode 2
A first opposing electrode 2a made of a metal material is disposed on the upper half of the dot so as to face the first pixel electrode 1a, and is disposed on a lower half of the dot so as to face the second pixel electrode 1b. A second counter electrode 2b made of a transparent conductor.

Further, on the gate line 4, a storage capacitor section 10 connected to the first pixel electrode 1a is formed via an insulating layer.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the array substrate 9
A gate wiring 4, a first opposing electrode 2a, and a common wiring 3 are formed thereon by a first metal layer (for example, a three-layer structure of titanium, aluminum, and titanium).
A second metal layer (for example, a three-layer structure of titanium, aluminum, and titanium) is formed thereon via an insulating layer 11a.
Thereby, the source line 7, the drain electrode 6, and the second pixel electrode 1b are formed. On top of that, the insulating layer 11
The first pixel electrode 1a and the second opposing electrode 2b are formed by a transparent conductor layer (for example, ITO) via b. The semiconductor layer 8 is formed and patterned between the first metal layer and the second metal layer. The metal layer may be a single layer instead of a multilayer, and may be, for example, chromium, aluminum, tantalum, or the like. Alternatively, an alloy of molybdenum and tungsten, an alloy of molybdenum and tantalum, or the like can be used. In particular, when a silver-based alloy (for example, an alloy of silver, palladium, and copper) is used, there is an advantage that the wiring resistance can be reduced and the processing process can be simplified. In addition to ITO (Indium-Tin-Oxide), an oxide such as tin oxide or an organic conductive film can be used for the transparent conductor layer.

The first pixel electrode 1a and the second pixel electrode 1b
Means a contact hole 13 formed in the insulating layer 11b.
Connected through. In addition, the first counter electrode 2a
Are connected to a common wiring 3 formed in the same layer,
The second counter electrode 2b is connected to a common wiring via a contact hole 14 formed in the insulating layers 11a and 11b. The number of contact holes and the number of layer conversions are adjusted according to the shape and the number of electrodes.

A display device can be obtained by enclosing liquid crystal (not shown) between the array substrate 9 and the opposing substrate (not shown) configured as described above.

Next, the operation of the display device will be described. When an on-voltage is applied to the gate wiring 4, the semiconductor layer 8
A channel is formed in the source line 7 and the drain electrode 6.
Is in a conductive state. At this time, the drain electrode 6 and the pixel electrode 1 are charged to the same potential as the potential of the source wiring 7. This causes a difference between the voltage supplied to the pixel electrode 1 and the voltage of the counter electrode 2 to which the reference potential is applied.
Electric fields are generated between the first pixel electrode 1a and the first opposing electrode 2a and between the second pixel electrode 1b and the second opposing electrode 2b in a direction substantially parallel to the substrate surface. Then, it is applied to the liquid crystal between the electrodes.

Since no channel is formed in the semiconductor layer 8 while the off voltage is being applied to the gate wiring 4, the source wiring 7 and the drain electrode 6 are in a non-conductive state.
The charges charged in the drain electrode 6 and the pixel electrode 1 are held. The storage capacitor electrode 10 forms a storage capacitor portion between the storage capacitor electrode 10 and the gate line 4, and compensates and alleviates a potential change due to leakage of electric charge from the pixel electrode 1, thereby stabilizing the operation of the display device. I have. The above is a description of the operation of one dot. However, as a whole of the display device, a signal voltage corresponding to the dot being scanned is sequentially applied to each dot arranged in a matrix while sequentially scanning the gate wiring. In addition to the wiring, a predetermined potential is sequentially written to each dot.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the operation of the display device of the present embodiment will be described in more detail. Since the configuration in FIGS. 3 and 4 is the same as the configuration in FIG. 2, the components added to those in FIG.

The signal voltage of each dot is AC-converted so that the potential of the pixel electrode 1 with respect to the counter electrode 2 takes a positive or negative value for each frame. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the gate voltage has been turned off (Vg (OFF)) after a positive potential has been written to the pixel electrode 1 in the first frame, and FIG.
This shows a state where the gate voltage is turned off after a negative potential is written to the pixel electrode in the second frame. In the display device, the first frame and the second frame are alternately repeated, and AC driving is performed. For simplicity of explanation, the potential of the counter electrode 2 is assumed to be constant and the ground potential. However, if the counter voltage and the gate voltage are also modulated according to the polarity of the pixel potential, the amplitude of the signal voltage is reduced. Can be reduced.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the first frame, the first pixel electrode 1a and the second pixel electrode 1b become positive potential, and the first counter electrode 2a and the second counter electrode 2a
Since b becomes the ground potential, an electric field is generated as shown by an arrow in the figure. Therefore, in the upper half of the dot, an electric field is generated from the transparent first pixel electrode 1a toward the light-shielding first counter electrode 2a, and the transparent electrode (the hatched portion in the figure) has a relatively positive potential. However, in the lower half of the dot, an electric field is generated from the light-shielding second pixel electrode 1b toward the transparent second counter electrode 2b, and the transparent electrode (shaded area in the figure) becomes relatively negative potential. ing.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, in the second frame, the first pixel electrode 1a and the second pixel electrode 1b have a negative potential, and the first counter electrode 2a and the second
Since the opposite electrode 2b is at the ground potential, an electric field is generated as shown by the arrow in the figure. Therefore, in the upper half of the dot, an electric field is generated from the light-shielding first counter electrode 2a toward the transparent first pixel electrode 1a, and the transparent electrode (hatched portion in the figure) has a relatively negative potential. However, in the lower half of the dot, an electric field is generated from the transparent second counter electrode 2b toward the light-shielding second pixel electrode 1b, and the transparent electrode (shaded area in the figure) becomes relatively positive potential. ing.

The light passing through the space portion of the dot and the transparent electrode portion (hatched portion in the figure) has a transparent potential of the pixel electrode 1 and the counter electrode 2 which is relatively negative with respect to the light-shielding electrode. Becomes brighter than a portion having a relatively positive potential. Therefore, in the first frame shown in FIG. 3, the lower half of the dots becomes brighter, and in the second frame shown in FIG. 4, the upper half of the dots becomes brighter. in this way,
Since only one of the upper half and the lower half of the dots is alternately brightened, the brightness is canceled inside one dot for each frame, and the flicker phenomenon does not occur.

In the present embodiment, since a dividing line for dividing a dot into two upper and lower regions is present on the common wiring 3, it is possible to reverse the dot inside one display unit without newly providing an electrode layer or a switching element. Two regions having flicker polarities (light and dark polarities) can be formed. Therefore, there is an advantage that flicker is reduced or eliminated without increasing the manufacturing cost due to the increase in the process or reducing the aperture ratio due to the formation of the switching element.

Further, the first and second pixel electrodes 1a and 1b and the first and second counter electrodes 2a and 2
Since the layer conversion and the material conversion of b are performed, the contact holes 13 and 14 for this conversion do not need to be formed in the openings of the display area, and there is an advantage that the aperture ratio is increased. Further, in the configuration in which the common wiring 3 is arranged near the center of the display unit as in the present embodiment, if the electrode material is converted in this portion, the areas of the two regions having different flicker polarities can be made substantially equal, and the simple structure can be obtained. With the configuration, a large flicker reduction effect can be obtained. Generally, if the conversion of the electrode material is performed on the common wiring or the gate wiring, the above-described effect of improving the aperture ratio can be obtained.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a structure of one dot which is a minimum display unit of an array substrate in a display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
(A) to (d) are the DD ′ part in FIG. 5, respectively.
It is sectional drawing of the EE 'part, the FF' part, and the GG 'part. 5 and 6, the same components as those in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

In the display device according to the present embodiment, the storage capacitor electrode 10 in the first embodiment is formed on the common line 3 instead of on the gate line 4, and between the common line 3 and the storage capacitor electrode 10. The storage capacitor portion is formed. According to this configuration, the capacitance addition on the gate wiring 4 is reduced,
Even when a large screen is displayed, distortion of the scanning voltage is small and uniform display can be performed. The principle of eliminating flicker is the same as in the first embodiment.

The storage capacitor electrode 10 is formed of the second metal layer together with the source wiring 7, the drain electrode 6, and the second pixel electrode 1b in the first embodiment. It is connected to the. The storage capacitor electrode 10 is connected via a contact hole 13 to a first pixel electrode 1a formed of a transparent conductor layer via an insulating layer 11b.

As a result, the area (dot) constituting the display unit is divided into upper and lower parts, and the material of the pixel electrode 1 and the counter electrode 2 is converted on the common wiring 3 corresponding to the upper and lower dividing lines, thereby increasing the process. This has the advantage that flicker is reduced or eliminated without increasing the manufacturing cost due to the increase in the aperture ratio due to the formation of the switching element, and the conversion of the electrode material is performed on the wiring. Therefore, it is not necessary to form a contact hole for changing the electrode material at the opening of the display area, and the advantage that the aperture ratio is increased is the same as that of the first embodiment.

In the following embodiments, the storage capacitor electrode is formed on the common wiring 3 as in the present embodiment, but may be formed on the gate wiring 4 as in the first embodiment.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a structure of one dot which is a minimum display unit of an array substrate in a display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
In FIG. 7, the same components as those in the first embodiment shown in FIG.

In the display device of the present embodiment, a region 81 corresponding to a black matrix as a light shielding layer formed on a counter substrate (not shown) facing the array substrate shown in FIG.
The inside of the outline shown by the dashed line is shown with hatching. That is, the region 81 is a region where passing light is blocked, and forms an opening at the center of the dot.

The outline of the region 81 passes through the centers of the first counter electrode 2a and the second counter electrode 2b in the longitudinal direction. That is, the first pixel electrode 1a and the second
Have the same area.
As a result, the flicker polarity can be reliably canceled within the dot. This configuration is particularly effective when the actual area of the transparent electrode is different between the upper half and the lower half of the dot.

In the present embodiment, the area of the transparent electrode in the upper half and the lower half of the dot is made equal by using a black matrix. This is because the width of the electrode is changed in a part, or the length of the electrode is changed. By adjusting the size of the transparent electrode, the areas of the transparent electrodes can be made equal. Further, the black matrix may be formed on the array substrate side. Further, a metal layer may be used instead of the black matrix, and the metal layer may be overlapped on a part of the transparent electrode layer to function as a light shielding layer. By forming a light-shielding layer such as a black matrix on the array substrate side, the influence of displacement between the two substrates is eliminated, the positional accuracy of the light-shielding layer with respect to the electrodes is increased, and the performance of eliminating flicker can be improved. More desirably, by adjusting the light-shielding layer, the width of the electrode, the length of the electrode, and the like so that the effective areas of the transparent electrodes contributing to the transmittance become equal using experiments and simulations, flicker can be prevented. Be more certain. Note that this configuration is not limited to the display device of the first embodiment,
The present invention can be applied to a display device of another embodiment.

(Embodiment 4) FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a structure of one dot which is a minimum display unit of an array substrate in a display device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
(A) And (b) is sectional drawing of the HH 'part and II' part in FIG. 8, respectively. 8 and 9, the same components as those in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

The display device of this embodiment is configured so that the inside of a dot is divided into a right half and a left half, and the flicker polarity is canceled in two areas on the left and right.

That is, the right region includes a first pixel electrode 1a made of a transparent conductor and a first counter electrode 2a made of a metal material. The left region includes a second pixel electrode 1b made of a metal material and a second counter electrode 2b made of a transparent conductor. In the center of the dot,
A first central counter electrode 2c made of a metal material is formed on the right side of the boundary line between the left and right regions, and a second central counter electrode 2d made of a transparent conductor is formed on the left side. The common wiring 3 is arranged above the center in the dot.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the array substrate 9
On the first metal layer, a gate wiring 4, a first counter electrode 2a, a common wiring 3, and a first central counter electrode 2c are formed by a first metal layer.
Are formed. A source line 7, a drain electrode 6, a second pixel electrode 1b, and a storage capacitor electrode 10 are formed thereon by a second metal layer via an insulating layer 11a. A first pixel electrode 1a, a second counter electrode 2b, and a second central counter electrode 2d are formed thereon by a transparent conductor layer via an insulating layer 11b.
The first pixel electrode 1 a is connected to the storage capacitor electrode 10 via the contact hole 13, and the second counter electrode 2
b and the second central counter electrode 2 d
4 are connected to the common wiring 3.

According to the display device configured as described above,
Not only the occurrence of flicker can be suppressed, but also the number of contact holes can be reduced, so that high definition can be easily achieved, and the probability of occurrence of defects due to contact failure is reduced, thereby increasing the production yield. There is an advantage. Note that the position of the common wiring 3 may be lower than the center of the dot.

(Embodiment 5) FIG. 10 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 11A and 11B are plan views showing a configuration of one dot which is a minimum display unit of an array substrate in the display device according to the embodiment. FIGS.
It is sectional drawing of the J 'part and the KK' part. 10 and 1
In FIG. 1, the same components as those in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

Region 4 outlined by a dashed line in FIG.
1 indicates an area of one dot. In this embodiment, one dot is divided into two sub-dots SD1 and SD2 having opposite flicker polarities (bright and dark polarities), and the flicker polarity is canceled inside the dot.

The two sub-dots SD 1 and SD 2 are one in which one dot is divided right and left at the center of the source wiring 7, and receive signals from the same gate wiring 4 and the same source wiring 7. The right sub-dot SD1 includes a first pixel electrode 1a made of a transparent conductor and a first counter electrode 2a made of a metal material. On the other hand, the left sub-dot SD2 is opposite to the sub-dot SD1, and has a second pixel electrode 1b made of a metal material and a second pixel made of a transparent conductor.
And the opposite electrode 2b. The first pixel electrode 1a and the second pixel electrode 1b are connected to the same source line 7 via TFTs 42 and 43, respectively. Further, storage capacitor electrodes 10b and 10c are formed on the common wiring 3, and are connected to the first pixel electrode 1a and the second pixel electrode 1b, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a gate wiring 4 and a first metal layer are formed on the array substrate 9 by a first metal layer.
And the common wiring 3 are formed. A source line 7, drain electrodes 6a and 6b, a second pixel electrode 1b, and storage capacitor electrodes 10b and 10c are formed thereon by a second metal layer via an insulating layer 11a. A first pixel electrode 1a and a second counter electrode 2b are formed thereon by a transparent conductor layer via an insulating layer 11b. The first pixel electrode 1a is connected to the storage capacitor electrode 10b through the contact hole 13, and the second counter electrode 2b is connected to the contact hole 14
And is connected to the common wiring 3 via.

According to this configuration, the left and right subdots
The difference in brightness due to the influence of the flexoelectric phenomenon and the peripheral potential is offset, and a display without flicker is obtained.

In the display device of this embodiment, one dot is divided into two sub-dots SD1 and SD2, and the TFTs 42 and 43 are provided in each of the sub-dots SD1 and SD2. Even if a failure occurs, the subdot having the other TFT operates normally. Thus, there is also an advantage that it is less likely that a non-lighted dot is generated due to a defect of the entire dot.

The two sub-dots SD1 and SD2 are arranged so as to sandwich the source line 7, and one source line 7 is shared by the two sub-dots SD1 and SD2. There is no need to increase.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, since the electrodes 1a and 2b extend vertically from the contact holes 13 and 14, only one of the electrodes extends from the contact hole as in the first and second embodiments. The number of contact holes can be reduced as compared with the extended configuration. For this reason,
There is an advantage that high definition can be easily achieved, and an advantage that the probability of occurrence of a defect due to a contact failure is reduced to increase the manufacturing yield.

In order to further improve the flicker reduction effect, it is desirable to balance the flicker polarities of the two sub dots. For this purpose, two storage capacitor electrodes 10
It is desirable to make the capacitance values of b and 10c equal, and it is advantageous in design to form the two storage capacitor electrodes 10b and 10c from the same material and make the areas equal to each other. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the right sub-dot SD1, the transparent first pixel electrode 1a is layer-converted, and the storage capacitor electrode 10b is used as a metal layer. As a result, the design period of the TFT array is not reduced and the design period is shortened, and the manufacturing yield can be improved by performing the design with a high tolerance of the manufacturing process.

Next, a preferred example of a combination of a dot repetition pattern on the entire array substrate and a driving method will be described. FIG. 12 shows the sub-dot S shown in FIG.
In D1 and SD2, a repetition pattern of subdots when the left subdot (pixel electrode is a metal layer) SD2 is P and the right subdot (pixel electrode is a transparent electrode layer) SD1 is Q is shown. It is. As can be seen from FIG. 10, there is a first counter electrode 2a or a second counter electrode 2b between each dot. Therefore, a configuration in which the first counter electrode 2a or the second counter electrode 2b is shared by the left and right dots is preferable from the viewpoint of pattern design, and the aperture ratio is improved. Therefore, in the dot arrangement along the gate wiring 4, it is desirable that the two dots on the right side of the dot on which two subdots are aligned with PQ have two subdots aligned with QP. That is, it is preferable that the arrangement of the sub-dots is inverted between the dots adjacent on the left and right, and then repeated.

On the other hand, for vertically adjacent dots,
It is desirable that the arrangement period of the sub dots does not coincide with the polarity inversion period of the drive voltage. This is because if the two periods coincide with each other, the effect of the inversion is cancelled, and dots having the same flicker polarity may be arranged along the source wiring 7 to cause a vertical streak.

Hereinafter, a specific example will be described. Regarding the sub-dot arrangement of vertically adjacent dots, one that is easy to adopt in terms of layout design, as shown in FIG. 12A, alternately reverses the arrangement of left and right sub-dots between vertically adjacent dots. 12B and a pattern in which the arrangement of the left and right subdots is kept constant without being inverted, as shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 shows the manner in which the polarity of the voltage applied to each dot is converted into AC in two frames, and shows various polarity inversion methods of the drive voltage. FIG.
Among the polarity inversion methods shown in FIG. 3, (a) the frame inversion drive and (b) the column inversion drive (column inversion drive)
, A voltage of the same polarity is applied to dots in the vertical direction. These driving methods are desirably combined with the sub-dot arrangement pattern shown in FIG. Thus, when considering the upper and lower adjacent rows, the sub-dot array is inverted, whereas the voltage of the pixel electrode has the same polarity.
It is preferable that the sub dots having the same flicker polarity are not continuously arranged in a vertical direction, so that the flicker is more difficult to see.

In the polarity inversion method shown in FIG. 13, the line inversion drive (line inversion drive) (c),
It is desirable that the dot inversion drive shown in (d) is combined with the sub-dot arrangement pattern shown in FIG. This allows
When considering the adjacent upper and lower rows, the sub-dot arrangement is constant, while the voltage of the pixel electrode is inverted in polarity.
As a result, it is preferable that the sub dots having the same flicker polarity are not continuously arranged in a vertical direction, so that the flicker is more difficult to see.

FIG. 1 shows a polarity inversion method in driving a liquid crystal.
As shown in (c) and (d) of No. 3, inversion is performed not every line but every n lines. 2 in FIG.
Line inversion drive (inversion drive every two rows) and (f)
The two-line dot inversion drive is an example in which n = 2. In the case of performing the polarity inversion driving every n rows, if the sub dot arrangement is inverted every n rows and the arrangement cycle does not coincide with the polarity inversion cycle of the driving voltage, a display having no serious problem on visual perception is obtained. It can be carried out.

That is, when combined with the sub-dot arrangement shown in FIG. 12A, the flicker polarity of the vertically arranged sub-dots continues to be inverted during n rows, and the flicker polarity is once every n rows. There are portions where the polar sub-dots are vertically arranged.
On the other hand, in the case of combination with the sub-dot arrangement of FIG. 12B, sub-dots having the same flicker polarity are vertically arranged for n rows, and then once every n rows, The flicker polarity is reversed. Therefore, when n = 2, FIG.
Regardless of which of the sub-dot arrangements 2 (a) and (b) is employed, if two sub-dots having the same flicker polarity are arranged vertically one after another, they will be inverted. Is obtained. When n is 3 or more, FIG.
Combining with the sub-dot arrangement of (a) increases the number of reversals of the flicker polarity, and gives a desirable result.

(Embodiment 6) FIG. 14 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 15A to 15D are plan views showing the configuration of one dot which is the minimum display unit of the array substrate in the display device according to the embodiment. FIGS.
It is sectional drawing of L 'part, MM' part, NN 'part, and OO' part. This embodiment corresponds to a combination of the second embodiment and the fifth embodiment. Components similar to those of the display devices of the second and fifth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. I do.

The display device of this embodiment divides one dot 51 whose outline is shown by a dashed line in FIG. 14 into two subdots SD3 and SD4, and
3, flicker polarity is canceled above and below SD4.

That is, the two subdots SD3 and SD4
Is one in which one dot is divided right and left at the center of the source wiring 7, and receives a signal from the same gate wiring 4 and the same source wiring 7. The upper half of the right sub-dot SD3 and the upper half of the left sub-dot SD4 include a first pixel electrode 1a made of a transparent conductor and a first counter electrode 2a made of a metal material. The lower half of the right sub-dot SD3 and the lower half of the left sub-dot SD4 include a second pixel electrode 1b made of a metal material and a second counter electrode 2b made of a transparent conductor. Second pixel electrode 1 in left and right subdots SD3, SD4
b is connected to the same source line 7 via the TFTs 42 and 43, respectively. The left and right sub dots SD
3, the storage capacitor electrode 1 on the common line 3 in SD4.
0 are formed and connected to the first pixel electrode 1a and the second pixel electrode 1b, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the gate wiring 4 and the first
And the common wiring 3 are formed. The source line 7, the drain electrodes 6a and 6b, the second pixel electrode 1b, and the storage capacitor electrode 10 are formed thereon by a second metal layer via an insulating layer 11a.
A first pixel electrode 1a and a second counter electrode 2b are formed thereon by a transparent conductor layer via an insulating layer 11b. The first pixel electrode 1 a is connected to the storage capacitor electrode 10 via the contact hole 13,
Are connected to the common wiring 3 via the contact holes 14.

The display device of this embodiment divides one dot into two sub-dots SD3 and SD4 and applies a TFT to each sub-dot SD3 and SD4 as in the fifth embodiment.
42 and 43, one of the TFTs 4
Even if a defect occurs in the TFTs 2 and 43, the subdot having the other TFT operates normally. Thus, there is also an advantage that it is less likely that a non-lighted dot is generated due to a defect of the entire dot.

The two sub-dots SD3 and SD4 are arranged so as to sandwich the source line 7, and one source line 7 is shared by the two sub-dots SD3 and SD4. It is similar to the fifth embodiment in that it is not necessary to increase

An advantage unique to this embodiment is that since the two sub-dots SD3 and SD4 are symmetrical, good flicker polarity can be obtained regardless of the driving method.

(Embodiment 7) FIG. 16 shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 17A to 17C are plan views showing a configuration of one dot which is a minimum display unit of the array substrate in the display device according to the embodiment. FIGS.
It is sectional drawing of the P 'part, the QQ' part, and the RR 'part.
16 and 17, the same components as those in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

In the display device of this embodiment, the pixel electrode 1 and the counter electrode 2 are both formed of a metal layer, and an intermediate electrode 61 of a transparent conductive layer is formed between the two. The space width between the counter electrode 2 and the intermediate electrode 61 and the space width between the intermediate electrode 61 and the pixel electrode 1 are set to be substantially the same. The pixel electrode 1, the intermediate electrode 61, and the counter electrode 2 are electrically connected at ends by a band-shaped resistor 62.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17A to 17C, the gate wiring 4, the counter electrode 2, and the common wiring 3 are formed on the array substrate 9 by the first metal layer. I have. On top of that, the source wiring 7, the drain electrode 6, the pixel electrode 1, and the second metal layer via the insulating layer 11a.
And a storage capacitor electrode 10. On top of that,
The intermediate electrode 61 is formed by a transparent conductor layer via the insulating layer 11b. A resistor 62 is formed thereon by a metal oxide layer or a semiconductor layer via the insulating layer 11c. Examples of the metal oxide layer include high-resistance ITO and tin oxide, and examples of the semiconductor layer include an amorphous silicon layer.

The pixel electrode 1 is connected to the resistor 62 via a contact hole 67 formed in the insulating layers 11b and 11c. The counter electrode 2 includes insulating layers 11a, 11b,
It is connected to the resistor 62 via a contact hole 68 formed in 11c. The intermediate electrode 61 is formed of the insulating layer 11
c through the contact hole 69 formed in the resistor 6.
2 are connected.

FIG. 18 shows an equivalent circuit of the above array substrate. In the figure, a case is considered in which the counter electrode 2 is set to the ground potential through the common wiring 3 and a positive signal potential (Va) is applied to the pixel electrode 1. By setting the resistance values of the respective portions of the resistor 62 to be substantially equal, the potential of the intermediate electrode 61 becomes a potential (Va / 2) exactly intermediate between the pixel electrode 1 and the counter electrode 2.

The counter electrode 2 and the intermediate electrode 6 in FIG.
1 and between the intermediate electrode 61 and the pixel electrode 1.
Since the distances are substantially equal, the electric field strengths of the space portions S1, S2, S3, S4 formed therebetween are equal, and the directions are indicated by arrows in the figure.
At this time, considering the left intermediate electrode 61, the left half of the intermediate electrode 61 functions as a positive electrode for the space S1, and the right half functions as a negative electrode for the space S2. On the other hand, the left half of the right intermediate electrode 61 functions as a negative electrode for the space S3, and the right half functions as a positive electrode for the space S4.
Therefore, the difference in brightness between the left and right of each intermediate electrode 61 formed of the transparent conductor due to the influence of the flexoelectric phenomenon and the peripheral potential is offset.

When a negative signal voltage is applied in the next frame, the direction of the electric field and the operation of each part as the positive / negative electrode are reversed. However, for the same reason as described above, the respective intermediate electrodes The difference between light and dark is offset between 61 left and right. As described above, since the brightness of the entire dot is equal between the positive and negative frames, the flicker phenomenon can be eliminated.

Since the intermediate electrode 61 is connected by resistance to the electrodes to which the potential is applied (the pixel electrode 1 and the counter electrode 2), the potential is stabilized without a floating state. Therefore, a stable display can be obtained.

In this embodiment, the intermediate electrode 61 is connected by resistance to the pixel electrode 1 and the counter electrode 2 as described above. Instead, an external potential is supplied to the intermediate electrode 61. And the intermediate electrode 6
It is also possible to stabilize the potential of 1.

In the present embodiment, the intermediate electrode 6
1 is formed of a transparent conductor, and the pixel electrode 1 and the counter electrode 2 are formed of a metal layer. The intermediate electrode 61 may be formed of a metal layer. According to this configuration, a brighter display can be obtained because the number of portions formed of the transparent conductor increases.

The potential of the intermediate electrode 61 is desirably exactly the middle potential between the pixel electrode 1 and the counter electrode 2 as in the present embodiment. However, the potential of the pixel electrode 1 and the potential of the counter electrode 2 are preferable. If the potential is between the two, a flicker reduction effect can be obtained.

Further, in the present embodiment, the intermediate electrode 6
Although the resistor 62 is formed on the substrate 1 via the insulating layer 11c, if the intermediate electrode 61 is not affected during the patterning of the resistor 62, it is not necessary to protect the intermediate electrode 61 with the insulating layer 11c. Therefore, P- in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 17D, the P ′ portion may be configured so that the insulating layer 11c is not formed, thereby reducing the process and manufacturing cost.

As a specific method of forming the resistor 62 in this case, a resin-based resistance material layer is formed on the intermediate electrode 61 formed of ITO, and this resistance material is formed by using a patterned photoresist. There is a method of etching. Alternatively, a photosensitive resin material may be used, and this may be directly subjected to pattern exposure. Further, as another method, it is possible to attach a resistor only to a predetermined portion by using mask evaporation.

(Eighth Embodiment) FIG. 19 shows an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 20A to 20C are plan views showing a configuration of one dot which is a minimum display unit of an array substrate in the display device according to the embodiment. FIGS.
It is sectional drawing of S 'part, TT' part, and UU 'part.
In the present embodiment, in the display device of the fifth embodiment, the pixel electrode 1, the intermediate electrode 61, and the counter electrode 2 are capacitively coupled instead of being connected by a resistive element. This is similar to the fifth embodiment. Therefore, the same components as those of the fifth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 19, in this embodiment, the intermediate electrode 61 is provided without providing the resistor 62 shown in FIG.
Are formed on the pixel electrode 1 and the counter electrode 2 to form coupling capacitors 72a and 72b.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 (a), the extension 71 of the intermediate electrode 61 is formed on the insulating layer 11b, and is coupled to the pixel electrode 1 via the insulating layer 11a. A capacitor 72a is formed, and a coupling capacitor 72b is formed between the capacitor 72a and the counter electrode 2 via the insulating layers 11a and 11b.

FIG. 21 shows an equivalent circuit of the above array substrate. As in the seventh embodiment, the common electrode 3 is used to set the counter electrode 2 to the ground potential, and a positive signal potential (V
Consider the case where a) is added. By setting the capacitance values of the coupling capacitors 72a and 72b so as to be substantially equal, the potential of the intermediate electrode 61 becomes a potential (Va / 2) just intermediate between the pixel electrode 1 and the counter electrode 2.

As in Embodiment 7, in FIG.
Between the counter electrode 2 and the intermediate electrode 61, and
And the pixel electrode 1 are substantially equal in width, so that the space portions S1, S
2, S3 and S4 have the same electric field strength, and their directions are indicated by arrows in the figure. Therefore, similarly to the seventh embodiment, the difference in brightness between the left and right of each intermediate electrode 61 formed of a transparent conductor due to the influence of the flexoelectric phenomenon and the peripheral potential is offset.

When a negative signal voltage is applied in the next frame, the direction of the electric field and the operation of each part as a positive / negative electrode are reversed, but for the same reason as described above, each intermediate electrode The difference between light and dark is offset between 61 left and right. As described above, since the brightness of the entire dot is equal between the positive and negative frames, the flicker phenomenon can be eliminated.

The display device of the present embodiment does not require the formation of a resistor or a connection portion (contact hole) between the resistor and each electrode, as compared with the display device of the seventh embodiment. Manufacturing costs can be reduced.

Note that also in the display device of the present embodiment,
As in the seventh embodiment, for example, a layer conversion is performed by forming a contact hole or the like, and the pixel electrode 1 and the counter electrode 2 are formed of a transparent conductor.
1 may be formed of a metal layer. In this case, a brighter display can be obtained because the number of portions formed of the transparent conductor increases.

Further, the potential of the intermediate electrode 61 is
It is desirable that the potential be exactly the middle potential between the pixel electrode 1 and the counter electrode 2. However, if the potential is between the pixel electrode 1 and the counter electrode 2, a flicker reduction effect can be obtained.

In order to equalize the capacitances of the coupling capacitors 72a and 72b, it is necessary to consider that the thickness of the insulating layer is different between the coupling capacitors 72a and 72b.
It is preferable to adjust the facing area between the electrodes at a and 72b. For example, the widths of the pixel electrode 1 and the counter electrode 2 are
What is necessary is just to partially change the portion where the coupling capacitors 72a and 72b are formed.

In this embodiment, the two intermediate electrodes 61 are separated from each other. However, as shown in FIG. 22, the two intermediate electrodes 61 may be connected to each other by the extension 71. . Thereby, the two intermediate electrodes 6
1 can be reliably set to the same potential. FIG. 20D shows a cross section taken along the line SS ′ in this case. In the figure, since the left and right coupling capacitances 72b, 72b are in parallel, it is preferable that the sum of these capacitances is equal to the capacitance of the central coupling capacitance 72a. Specifically, the widths of the pixel electrode 1 and the counter electrode 2 may be partially changed as described above.

(Embodiment 9) FIG. 23 shows a ninth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 24 is a plan view showing a configuration of two adjacent dots on an array substrate in the display device according to the embodiment of FIG.
(A) to (c) respectively show VV ′ in FIG.
It is sectional drawing of a part, WW 'part, and XX' part.

The display device according to the fifth embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 changes the flicker polarity of each sub-dot obtained by dividing one dot into two, thereby canceling the flicker polarity inside the dot. On the other hand, the display device of the present embodiment has two adjacent dots D1 and D2.
2 is supplied with the same polarity signal voltage, the adjacent two dots D are set so that the flicker polarity is canceled between the dots.
1, D2. 23 and 24, the same components as those in the fifth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 23, the left dot D1
Has a first pixel electrode 1a and a first counter electrode 2a, the first pixel electrode 1a is formed of a transparent conductor, and the first counter electrode 2a is formed of a metal layer. On the other hand, the right dot D2 includes a second pixel electrode 1b and a second counter electrode 2b, and the second pixel electrode 1b is formed of a metal layer.
Is made of a transparent conductor. First pixel electrode 1
a and the second pixel electrode 1b are each provided with a separate TFT 5
Are connected to different source lines 7 respectively. The configuration of the TFT 5 is the same as that in the first embodiment. Further, storage capacitor electrodes 10d and 10e are formed on the gate line 4, and are connected to the first pixel electrode 1a and the second pixel electrode 1b, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 23 and FIG. 24, the gate wiring 4 and the first
And the common wiring 3 are formed. A source line 7, a drain electrode 6, and a second pixel electrode 1b are formed thereon by a second metal layer via an insulating layer 11a. The first pixel electrode 1a, the second counter electrode 2b, and the storage capacitor electrodes 10d and 10e are formed thereon by a transparent conductor layer via an insulating layer 11b. The first pixel electrode 1a is connected to the drain electrode 6 via the contact hole 13, and the second counter electrode 2b is connected to the common line 3 via the contact hole.

According to this configuration, when a positive voltage is written to both dots D1 and D2, the transparent first pixel electrode 1a has a relatively positive potential in the left dot D1, and the right dot In D2, the transparent second counter electrode 2b
Has a relatively negative potential. On the other hand, when a negative voltage is written to both dots, the transparent first pixel electrode 1a has a relatively negative potential in the left dot D1, and the transparent second counter electrode in the right dot D2. 2b has a relatively positive potential. Therefore, the flicker polarity is changed to two dots D1,
D2 can be offset.

In the display device of the present embodiment, in order to further improve the flicker reduction effect, two dots D
It is desirable to balance the flicker polarities of D1 and D2. For this purpose, it is desirable to make the capacitance values of the two storage capacitance electrodes 10d and 10e equal, and in terms of design, the two storage capacitance electrodes 10d and 10e are formed from the same material.
It is advantageous for the areas to be equal to one another. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the right dot D2, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4 (c), the second pixel electrode 1b made of a metal material is layer-converted to make the storage capacitor electrode 10e a transparent conductor. As a result, the design period of the TFT array is not reduced and the design period is shortened, and the manufacturing yield can be improved by performing the design with a high tolerance of the manufacturing process. The storage capacitor electrodes 10d and 10e are
As in the fifth embodiment, it is also possible to form a metal layer on the gate wiring 4.

(Embodiment 10) FIG. 25 is a plan view showing a configuration of two adjacent dots on an array substrate in a display device according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.
6 (a) to 6 (c) are respectively AA-A in FIG.
It is sectional drawing of A 'part, BB-BB' part, and CC-CC 'part.

In the display device of the ninth embodiment, the storage capacitor electrodes 10d and 10e are formed on the gate wiring 4. On the other hand, in the display device of the present embodiment, the storage capacitor electrodes 10b and 10e are formed.
10c is formed on the common wiring 3. 25 and 26, the same components as those in the ninth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the gate wiring 4 and the first
And the common wiring 3 are formed. The source line 7, the drain electrode 6, and the second pixel electrode 1 are formed thereon by a second metal layer via an insulating layer 11a.
b, and storage capacitor electrodes 10b and 10c are formed. A first pixel electrode 1a and a second counter electrode 2b are formed thereon by a transparent conductor layer via an insulating layer 11b. The first pixel electrode 1a is connected to the storage capacitor electrode 10b via the contact hole 13, and the second counter electrode 2b is connected to the common line 3 via the contact hole 14.

In the display device of the present embodiment, as in the ninth embodiment, the flicker polarity is offset between two adjacent dots D1 and D2. Further, the configuration of the present embodiment is characterized in that since the addition of the capacitance on the gate wiring 4 is reduced, the distortion of the scanning voltage is small and a uniform display can be performed even in a large screen.

In the present embodiment, as in the ninth embodiment, it is desirable to make the characteristics of the two dots uniform in order to improve the flicker reduction effect. For this reason, the capacitance values of the storage capacitors 10b and 10c are made equal. It is desirable to do. For this purpose, two storage capacitor electrodes 10
Advantageously, b and 10c are formed from the same material and have equal areas. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the dot D1 on the left side, the transparent first pixel electrode 1a is converted into a layer, and the storage capacitor electrode 10b is used as a metal layer. As a result, the design period of the TFT array is not reduced and the design period is shortened, and the manufacturing yield can be improved by performing the design with a high tolerance of the manufacturing process. Note that the storage capacitor electrodes 10b and 10c can be formed on the common wiring 3 by a transparent conductive layer as in the ninth embodiment.

(Embodiment 11) The display of this embodiment is a color display having the configuration of each of the embodiments of the present invention described above. In a color display device having a matrix type dot structure, a black matrix and a color filter are usually formed on a counter substrate facing the array substrate. The color filter is formed in the opening of the black matrix, and has one of red, green and blue color layers for each pixel, and is arranged so as to repeat these three colors in the entire display device. That is, as shown by a region surrounded by a thick line in FIG. 27, one pixel 91 is generally formed by three dots having three primary colors of red (R), green (G), and blue (B). is there.

In this color display device, as shown in FIG. 28, a predetermined voltage is applied to the gate wiring 4 to supply a scanning signal, and a predetermined voltage is applied to the source wiring 7. Video signal drive circuit M that supplies video signals
The driving circuits M1 and M2 are controlled by the controller C. In the color display device having such a configuration, each dot shown in FIG.
With the configuration shown in each embodiment of the present invention described above,
Good display characteristics with a wide viewing angle, high brightness, and reduced flicker can be obtained.

(Embodiment 12) In the display device of this embodiment, the dot arrangement on the array substrate shown in FIG.
This is a color display device in which the configuration of three dots of red, green and blue in one pixel is the same, and the flicker polarity is different between adjacent pixels. FIG. 29 shows a dot arrangement in two adjacent pixels.

In FIG. 29, P and Q are dot configurations in which the flicker polarities are different from each other for the same drive voltage. For example, the configuration of the dot D1 in the ninth and tenth embodiments corresponds to P, The configuration of the dot D2 corresponds to Q. The subscripts R, G, and B indicate the color of each dot. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG.
In two adjacent pixels 91, 91, the configuration of dots in each pixel is the same, and the dots are different between adjacent pixels. This makes it possible not only to easily cancel the flicker polarity between adjacent pixels, but also because the characteristics of each dot in the pixels match, so that even in a halftone display that is susceptible to a shift in luminance-voltage characteristics. There is an advantage that displacement is hard to occur.

(Thirteenth Embodiment) The color display device according to the twelfth embodiment has the same dot configuration in the pixel, whereas the color display device according to the present embodiment has a structure similar to that of FIG.
As shown by 0, the dot configuration is different between adjacent dots. According to such a configuration,
The flicker polarity can be canceled in a finer area.

(Embodiment 14) The display device of this embodiment is configured to be driven by a driving method having a high effect of reducing flicker in the color display device having the dot arrangement shown in FIG. is there.

From the viewpoint of suppressing flicker, it is desirable that the arrangement cycle of the regions exhibiting the same flicker polarity for the same drive voltage does not coincide with the polarity inversion cycle of the drive voltage. This is because if the two periods coincide with each other, the effect of the inversion is canceled and the effect of reducing flicker is impaired.

Hereinafter, the dot arrangement (P and Q shown in FIG. 29)
An example of a particularly preferable combination of the above-described arrangement and the method of inverting the polarity of the driving voltage will be described. FIG. 31 shows the polarity of the drive waveform of the odd-numbered frame, the dot configuration, and the case where the dot configuration in the pixel 91 is the same as shown in FIG.
And a flicker polarity (odd-numbered frame) determined by the combination thereof. Although not shown, since the polarity of the drive waveform is inverted in the even-numbered frames, the flicker polarity is also inverted.

A type in which the resulting distribution of the flicker polarity is inverted between pixels or dots for each line (row) has a large flicker reduction effect. FIG. 31 (a): Combination of line inversion (row inversion) drive and line non-inversion (row non-inversion) dot array, FIG. 31 (c): Frame inversion drive and line inversion (row inversion) 31) Combination with dot arrangement, and FIG. 31E: Combination with column inversion (column inversion) drive and line inversion (row inversion) dot arrangement.

On the other hand, for example, when a checkered pattern is displayed as wallpaper on a personal computer screen or the like, in order to prevent interference between the pattern and the flicker pattern, pixels or dots are set every two lines (rows). A type in which the distribution of the flicker polarity is inverted between the two gives good results. FIG. 31 (b): Combination of line inversion (row inversion) drive and two-line inversion (two-row inversion) dot arrangement, and FIG. 31 (d): Frame inversion drive and two-line inversion (2
FIG. 31 (f): Combination with column inversion (column inversion) drive and two-line inversion (two-row inversion) dot arrangement.

Although not shown, the relationship between the polarity of the driving waveform and the dot arrangement shown in FIGS. 31B and 31F is such that the drive inversion cycle and the dot arrangement cycle are interchanged. ): Combination of two line inversion (two row inversion) drive and line inversion (row inversion) dot arrangement, and (f ′): two line inversion (two row inversion) drive and column inversion (column inversion) dot In combination with the arrangement, a type in which the flicker polarity distribution is inverted between pixels or dots every two lines (rows) can be used.

Similarly, for n of 3 or more, a type in which the distribution of the flicker polarity is inverted between pixels or dots for every n lines (rows) can be formed, and n is 10 or less. If it is (preferably 5 or less), it is possible to prevent the interference with the checkerboard pattern display while reducing the flicker, and it is possible to obtain substantially the same effect as in the case where the distribution of the flicker polarity is inverted in two lines.

(Embodiment 15) The display device of the present embodiment is configured to be driven by a driving method with a high effect of reducing flicker in the color display device having the dot arrangement shown in FIG. is there.

From the viewpoint of suppressing flicker, as in the fourteenth embodiment, the arrangement cycle of the regions having the same flicker polarity with respect to the same drive voltage should not match the polarity inversion cycle of the drive voltage. desirable.

Hereinafter, the dot arrangement (P and Q shown in FIG. 30)
An example of a particularly preferable combination of the above-described arrangement and the method of inverting the polarity of the driving voltage will be described. FIG. 32 shows the flicker polarity (dot configuration) determined by the polarity of the drive waveform of the odd-numbered frame, the dot configuration, and a combination thereof when the dot configuration is different between adjacent dots in the pixel 91 as shown in FIG. (Odd frame). Although not shown, since the polarity of the drive waveform is inverted in the even-numbered frames, the flicker polarity is also inverted.

As in the fourteenth embodiment, the type in which the distribution of the resulting flicker polarity is inverted between pixels or dots for each line (row) has a large flicker reduction effect. FIG. 32 (a): Combination of line inversion (row inversion) drive and line non-inversion (row non-inversion) dot arrangement, and FIG. 32 (c): Frame inversion drive and line inversion ( Row inversion) in combination with a dot array.

On the other hand, for example, when a checkered pattern is displayed as wallpaper on a personal computer screen or the like, in order to prevent interference between this pattern and a flicker pattern, pixels or dots are set every two lines (rows). A type in which the distribution of the flicker polarity is inverted between the two gives good results. FIG. 32 (b): Combination of line inversion (row inversion) drive and two-line inversion (two-row inversion) dot arrangement, and FIG. 32 (d): Frame inversion drive and two-line inversion (2
Row inversion) in combination with a dot array.

Although not shown, the relationship between the polarity of the driving waveform and the dot arrangement shown in FIG.
(B ′): A combination of two-line inversion (two-line inversion) drive and a line-inversion (row-inversion) dot array in which the drive inversion period and the dot array period are interchanged. A type in which the distribution of the flicker polarity is inverted between pixels or dots may be used.

Similarly, it is also possible to configure a type in which the flicker polarity distribution is inverted between pixels or dots for every n lines (rows) for n of 3 or more, where n is 10 or less. If it is (preferably 5 or less), it is possible to prevent the interference with the checkerboard pattern display while reducing the flicker, and it is possible to obtain substantially the same effect as in the case where the distribution of the flicker polarity is inverted in two lines.

The display devices according to the fourteenth and fifteenth embodiments can be operated by the above-described configuration shown in FIG. 28, whereby the entire screen or a region including a plurality of dots can be viewed in total. In addition, good display characteristics with a wide viewing angle, a high brightness, and reduced flicker can be obtained.

Further, in the description of the fourteenth and fifteenth embodiments, the relationship between the polarity of the drive waveform and the dot arrangement has been described in units of dots. The same effect can be obtained even when the combination is applied in units of pixels.
Further, it is also possible to combine one of the polarity of the drive waveform and the dot arrangement in a dot unit and the other in a pixel unit.

(Embodiment 16) FIG. 33A is a sectional view of a display device according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 33B is a plan view showing the configuration of one dot of the array substrate in this display device. FIG. 33A shows FIG.
3B corresponds to the DD-DD ′ portion.

FIG. 34 is an enlarged sectional view showing the configuration near the switching element of the display device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 35A is a plan view showing a pixel portion for 4 × 4 dots of the display device according to the present embodiment, and FIGS. 35B and 35C show the polarity of writing to this pixel. FIG. In FIG. 35A, S1, S
2,... Indicate a video signal input to each pixel, and G1,
G2,... Indicate a scanning signal input to each pixel.

In FIG. 33, reference numeral 201 denotes a counter substrate;
2 is a liquid crystal, 209a is an alignment film formed on the inner surface of the array substrate 9, 209b is an alignment film formed on the inner surface of the counter substrate 201, and 210a, 210b and 210c are color filter materials. In addition, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted. In the present embodiment, the pixel electrode 1 is formed of a metal material, and the counter electrode 2 is formed of a transparent conductor.

In FIG. 34, 8a is an a-Si layer, 8b
Denotes an n + type a-Si layer, and 14 denotes a contact hole provided in the insulating layers 11a and 11b.

The display device of the present embodiment is manufactured as follows. First, a first metal layer of a light non-transmissive conductor made of Al, Ti, or the like is formed on the array substrate 9, and the common wiring 3 and the gate wiring 4 are patterned into a predetermined shape.
After forming an insulating layer 11a on this layer, the insulating layer 11a
a-Si layer 8a and n + type a-Si
The semiconductor switching element 5 including the layer 8b is formed. Further, a second metal layer of a light non-transmissive conductor made of Al, Ti, or the like is formed on the insulating layer 11a and a predetermined portion of the semiconductor switching element 5, and the source wiring 7, the drain electrode 6, and the pixel electrode 1 are formed. It is patterned into a predetermined shape. An insulating layer 11b made of SiNx or the like is formed on this layer. This insulating layer 11b also serves as a protective film for protecting the semiconductor switching element 5.

Further, the counter electrode 2 is formed of an ITO film which is a transparent conductor. Here, in order to obtain electrical continuity between the common wiring 3 formed of a light non-transmissive conductor and the counter electrode 2 formed of a transparent conductor, the insulating layers 11a and 11b
Is provided with a contact hole 14.

Thereafter, the array substrate 9 and the opposing substrate 201
Next, alignment films 209a and 209b made of polyimide or the like are formed in order to align the arrangement of molecules of the liquid crystal 202.

The counter substrate 201 is provided so as to face the array substrate 9, and includes a red color filter material 210a, a green color filter material 210b, and a blue color filter material 2
10c and a black matrix 211 are formed in a predetermined pattern.

The array substrate 9 and the opposing substrate 201 thus produced each have an initial orientation in a predetermined direction, and the periphery is adhered with a sealant, and then the liquid crystal 202 is injected and sealed.

Next, the operation of the display device will be described. The semiconductor switch element 5 is turned on / off by a drive signal input from the gate wiring 4. Then, an electric field is generated by a liquid crystal driving voltage applied between the pixel electrode 1 connected to the semiconductor switch element 5 and the counter electrode 2, and the orientation of the liquid crystal 2 is changed to change the brightness (light transmittance) of each pixel. And display the image.

In FIG. 33, d is a cell gap, w1
Denotes a line width of the counter electrode 2, w2 denotes a line width of the pixel electrode 1, and l denotes a distance between the counter electrode 2 and the pixel electrode 1.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 33, the line width w1 of the counter electrode 2 is 5 μm, and the line width w2 of the pixel electrode 1 is 4 μm.
m, cell gap d = 4 μm, interval l = 10 μ between electrodes
m. That is, the line widths w1 and w2 of the opposing electrode 2 and the pixel electrode 1 are substantially the same as the gap d (cell gap) between the array substrate 9 and the opposing substrate 201.

As the shape of the electrode, for example, as shown in FIG.
As shown in (1), the opposing electrode 2 and the pixel electrode 1 are in a comb shape arranged mutually, and a horizontal electric field is formed between the opposing electrode 2 and the pixel electrode 1. By making the shape of the electrode as above,
In addition to the lateral electric field, the electric field strength on each of the electrodes 1 and 2 increases the electric field strength on the electrodes and the liquid crystal rotates. Therefore, in the present embodiment, by using a transparent conductive material for the pixel electrode 2, Light is transmitted.

In such an electrode configuration, for example,
By combining the liquid crystal 202 shown below, it is possible to sufficiently increase the electric field intensity on the electrode with the conventionally applied liquid crystal driving voltage (about 5 V) and drive the liquid crystal.

That is, as the material of the liquid crystal 202, a cyano-based liquid crystal material containing about 10% to 20% of a cyano-based compound is used, and the retardation Δn · d (cell gap d
(Product of the refractive index difference Δn) and about 350 nm. Further, the splay elastic constant K11 of the liquid crystal material of the liquid crystal layer 2 is K11 = 12.
(PN), twist elastic constant K22 = 7 (pN), bend elastic constant K33 = 18 (pN), dielectric anisotropy Δε = +
8. Here, the dielectric anisotropy Δε and the elastic constant K 33 of the bend are important in determining the driving voltage of the liquid crystal,
In particular, the dielectric anisotropy Δε is +8 or more, and the bend elastic modulus K
33 is desirably 18 (pN) or less for lowering the voltage. The cyano-based compound is effective for preventing local accumulation of electric charge in the liquid crystal.
%, The ionicity is so strong that the reliability may be reduced.

Further, since the pixel electrode 1 and the counter electrode 2 are bent, the directions of rotation of the liquid crystal molecules are divided into two directions, and the coloring in the viewing angle direction is canceled out with each other, and the color change in the viewing angle direction is small. It can be a panel configuration. Although not shown here, if the source wiring 7 and the black matrix 211 are also bent so as to have the same bending angle as the counter electrode 2 and the pixel electrode 1, the electrodes 1 and 2 are bent. An increase in the light-shielding area can be eliminated, and a liquid crystal panel with a higher aperture ratio can be obtained.

Next, effects of the display device of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 36 is a diagram showing the light transmittance characteristics of the pixel portion of the liquid crystal display device according to the present embodiment, and shows the relative luminance distribution (the pixel electrode (light-shielding property) 1, 1, the counter electrode (transparent) 2, and the opening). (Transmittance distribution). FIG.
6A shows a case where the video signal applied to the pixel electrode 1 is positive, and FIG. 36B shows a case where the video signal applied to the pixel electrode 1 is negative. It can be seen that flicker polarity (bright and dark polarity) occurs. As described above, since the light transmittance characteristics differ depending on the polarity of the drive voltage, flicker occurs in the frame inversion drive in which the polarity is inverted for each frame. Also, H for inverting the drive voltage polarity for each line
In the line inversion drive or the V-line inversion drive in which the drive voltage polarity is inverted for each column, when a specific pattern such as a vertical line and a horizontal line is displayed, vertical stripes and horizontal stripes appear.

Therefore, as a driving method of the liquid crystal display device in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 35 (b), the polarity of the pixel voltage is inverted every 1 line (row) and every column (column). 1V line inversion drive (also referred to as dot inversion drive). Alternatively, as shown in FIG.
A 2H / 1V line inversion drive in which the polarity of the pixel voltage is inverted every line and every column.

In the 1H / 1V line inversion drive as shown in FIG. 35 (b), in an arrangement pattern such as vertical stripes and horizontal stripes, the luminance difference due to the positive and negative polarities of adjacent pixels is canceled out, so that flicker appears. Can be eliminated. On the other hand, in the case of a checkered pattern, FIG.
The 2H / 1V line inversion drive as shown in FIG. 5C is preferable. Even in a checkerboard pattern, a luminance difference due to positive and negative polarities can be canceled out, so that flicker can be apparently eliminated. This effect can be similarly obtained by 1H / 2V line inversion driving.

In this embodiment, the driving voltage is inverted in units of dots. However, FIG. 35B and FIG. 35 are used in units of one pixel composed of three dots of red, green and blue. The polarity inversion driving of the pixel voltage as shown in FIG. This makes it possible to easily match the characteristics of each dot in the pixel,
There is an advantage that color shift is less likely to occur even in a halftone display that is easily affected by a shift in voltage characteristics.

The driving frequency of one frame is conventionally
The frequency is 30 Hz, but if the speed is increased to 60 Hz, even if a luminance difference due to the polarity occurs, it is not perceived by human eyes, so that flicker can be apparently eliminated. This is the same in other embodiments.

(Embodiment 17) FIG. 37A is a sectional view of a display device according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 37B is a plan view showing the configuration of one dot on the array substrate in this display device. FIG. 37A shows FIG.
7 (b) corresponds to the EE-EE 'section.

FIG. 38 is an enlarged sectional view showing the configuration near the switching element of the display device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 39A is a plan view showing a pixel portion for 4 × 4 dots of the display device according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 39B is a plan view showing each pixel in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a waveform of a video signal to be transmitted. FIG.
In (a), S1, S2,... Indicate a video signal input to each pixel, S1 ′, S2 ′,... Indicate a corrected video signal input to each pixel, and G1, G2,. Indicates a scanning signal input to each pixel.

The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that both the pixel electrode 1 and the counter electrode 2 are made of a transparent conductor.
6 and the other points are the same as in the sixteenth embodiment. Therefore, the same components as those of the sixteenth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

The display device of the present embodiment is manufactured as follows. First, a first metal layer of a light non-transmissive conductor made of Al, Ti, or the like is formed on the array substrate 9, and the common wiring 3 and the gate wiring 4 are patterned into a predetermined shape.
After forming an insulating layer 11a on this layer, the insulating layer 11a
a-Si layer 8a and n + type a-Si
The semiconductor switching element 5 including the layer 8b is formed. Further, a second metal layer of a light non-transmissive conductor made of Al, Ti, or the like is formed on the insulating layer 11a and a predetermined portion of the semiconductor switching element 5, and the source wiring 7 and the drain electrode 6 are patterned into a predetermined shape. I do. S on this layer
An insulating layer 11b made of iNx or the like is formed. This insulating layer 11b also serves as a protective film for protecting the semiconductor switching element 5.

Further, on the insulating layer 11b, the pixel electrode 1 and the counter electrode 2 are formed of an ITO film which is a transparent conductor.
The counter electrode 2 is connected to the common wiring 3 via a contact hole 14 formed in the insulating layers 11a and 11b, and the pixel electrode 1 is connected to the drain electrode 6 via a contact hole 13 formed in the insulating layer 11b. Is done. Incidentally, instead of forming the pixel electrode 1 and the counter electrode 2 on the same layer as in the present embodiment, it is also possible to further provide another layer and form it on another layer.

Subsequent steps are the same as those of the sixteenth embodiment. The display device according to the present embodiment manufactured as described above includes:
Since both the pixel electrode 1 and the counter electrode 2 are transparent, a display device having a substantially higher aperture ratio than the structure of the sixteenth embodiment can be provided.

Next, the effect of the display device of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 40 is a diagram showing the light transmittance characteristics of the pixel portion of the liquid crystal display device according to the present embodiment, and shows the relative luminance distribution (transmission) in the pixel electrodes (transparent) 1, 1, the counter electrode (transparent) 2, and the opening. Rate distribution) is shown by a solid line.
FIG. 40A shows a case where the video signal applied to the pixel electrode 1 is positive, and FIG. 40B shows a case where the video signal applied to the pixel electrode 1 is negative. It can be seen that the characteristics are different and flicker polarity (brightness / darkness polarity) occurs. That is, in FIG. 40, the number of the pixel electrodes 1 is two, whereas the number of the counter electrodes 2 is one. Therefore, even when both are the transparent electrodes, the pixel electrode 1 becomes relatively negative (b ) Is brighter. This is a phenomenon caused by a difference in the number and area of the pixel electrode 1 and the counter electrode 2.

In the present embodiment, as means for eliminating such a luminance difference due to positive and negative polarities, as shown in FIG. 39, in addition to ordinary video signals S1, S2,..., Luminance correction signals S1 ', S2 ', ... In other words, when a positive liquid crystal drive voltage is applied to the pixel electrodes 1 and 1, FIG.
As shown in (b), the luminance correction signal +
By adding S1 ', + S2',..., The potential difference of the liquid crystal drive voltage is increased and the brightness is corrected so as to be bright. As a result, as shown in FIG. 40A, the light transmittance characteristic changes from a solid line state where no luminance correction signal is added to a dot-dash line state where the luminance correction signal is added.

On the other hand, when a negative liquid crystal driving voltage is applied to the pixel electrodes 1 and 1, as shown in FIG. 39 (b), the luminance correction signals -S1 ', -S2',. The potential difference of the liquid crystal drive voltage is reduced, and correction is performed so that the display becomes dark. As a result, as shown in FIG. 40 (b), the light transmittance characteristic changes from the solid line state where the luminance correction signal is not added to the one-dot chain line state where the luminance correction signal is added.

As described above, the difference between the luminance when the positive liquid crystal driving voltage is input and the luminance when the negative liquid crystal driving voltage is input can be made substantially the same by increasing or decreasing the transmittance characteristic by the luminance correction signal. .

At this time, the luminance correction signals S1 ', S2',.
Represents a pixel electrode 1 and a counter electrode 2 formed of a transparent conductive layer.
It is preferable to control so that an appropriate voltage is applied depending on the area ratio of. That is, if the area SA of the transparent pixel electrode and the area SB of the transparent counter electrode 2 in one pixel are equal, the luminance difference due to the polarity of the liquid crystal driving voltage is canceled out, but if SA and SB are different, A luminance difference due to the polarity remains. As the area ratio between SA and SB deviates from 1, the luminance difference increases. Therefore, it is preferable to supply a correction voltage having a magnitude calculated based on the deviation of the area ratio from 1 so as to cancel the luminance difference. With such a configuration, it is possible to cancel the luminance difference due to the positive or negative polarity regardless of the number of electrodes, and to reduce flicker.

In this embodiment, the pixel electrode 1 and the counter electrode 2
Are transparent, but the same effect can be obtained by applying such a luminance correction signal even in a configuration in which only the counter electrode 2 is formed of a transparent conductive layer as in the sixteenth embodiment. can get.

Also, in the case of the present embodiment, the effect of eliminating flicker can be enhanced by applying the polarity inversion drive or the double speed drive in which the drive frequency is 60 Hz or higher as in the sixteenth embodiment. Not even.

In the sixteenth embodiment and the present embodiment, an example in which a-Si (amorphous silicon) is used for the semiconductor switching element 5 has been described.
The same effect can be obtained by using another semiconductor layer such as -Si (polysilicon). This is the same in other embodiments.

In the sixteenth embodiment and the present embodiment, the example in which the pixel electrode 1 and the counter electrode 2 are bent is described. However, regardless of the shape of the electrode, such as a linear electrode or an enclosed electrode. The effect of improving the substantial aperture ratio can be obtained. This is the same in other embodiments.

(Embodiment 18) In the above embodiments, rectangular dots are taken as display units, and the case where the dots are arranged in a matrix has been described. However, when the display units are not rectangular dots, Even when the units are not arranged in a matrix, the effects of the present invention are sufficiently exhibited.

That is, as long as the pixel electrodes and the counter electrodes arranged on the same substrate have substantially the same functions as those of the pixel electrodes and the counter electrodes, the present invention is applied to a structure not necessarily called by such a name. It is possible to apply
For example, in the indicator I of a pie chart as shown in FIG. 41 used for various meters, each block B of the display is displayed, and in the case of the segment display of FIG. With the configuration based on the idea described in each of the above embodiments, flicker is canceled inside each block B or segment SG.
As a result, favorable display characteristics with a wide viewing angle, brightness, and reduced flicker can be obtained.

Also, in the case of a liquid crystal display device having a different configuration from those described above, if the display units for displaying the same contents are configured based on the idea described in each of the above embodiments, the inside of each display unit will be changed. Flicker is canceled by
Good display characteristics with a wide viewing angle, brightness, and reduced flicker can be obtained.

Further, even when the entire surface of a large area is controlled by a single signal, such as a shutter for illumination light and a blind for a window glass, it is regarded as one display unit, and
If the display unit having two flicker polarities is configured based on the idea shown in each of the above embodiments, the flicker is canceled inside each display unit, and there is no dependency on the observation direction, and the flicker does not occur. Reduced light control can be provided.

(Other Embodiments) In the display device according to each of the above embodiments, the total number of the pixel electrodes 1 and the counter electrodes 2 in one dot is an odd number, and the distance between the pixel electrodes 1 and the counter electrodes 2 is one. Is desirably an even number. For example, in the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and the configuration of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5, by setting the number of electrodes and the number of intervals in this way, the left half and the right half of the dot can be obtained. The configuration is substantially symmetric, and the flicker reduction effect is improved. The ninth embodiment shown in FIG. 23 and the first embodiment shown in FIG.
The same applies to the configuration of the zeroth embodiment.

In the structure of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 10 and the structure of the sixth embodiment shown in FIG.
It is desirable that the number of the counter electrodes disposed between the two source wirings be an odd number and the counter electrodes be disposed at the center of the two source wirings. In this case, the two dots can be separated by the counter electrode, and the aperture ratio is improved.

In the configuration of the seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 16 and the configuration of the eighth embodiment shown in FIG. 19, it is desirable that the number of electrodes in the entire dot is odd.
If there are 5 + 4n lines (n is an integer), such as 9 lines or 9 lines, the left half and the right half of the dot are almost symmetrical in structure, and the flicker reduction effect is improved.

In each of the above embodiments, the IPS
Although a liquid crystal display device of the type is described as an example, the present invention is not particularly limited as long as one substrate has a pixel electrode and a counter electrode.

Further, the materials of the pixel electrode and the counter electrode are not limited to the combination of the transparent conductive layer and the metal layer. For example, even if it is not completely transparent, if there is a certain degree of transmittance, there is an effect of improving the luminance of the display device, and this may be combined with a metal layer. Further, two types of transparent conductive layers having different transmittances can be combined.
In this case, the transmittance can be further improved.

Further, in the case of performing a reflection type display, a display device using a combination of two materials having different reflectivities and a display device using a rear electrode as a reflective electrode and an observer electrode as a transparent electrode are also used. The present invention can be applied.

In the case of a liquid crystal display device, as can be seen from the above description, there is a portion where the electric field is in a splay shape near the electrode, causing the flexoelectric phenomenon, or the presence of the electrode in the display unit. When there is a portion that does not exist and the electric field is asymmetric between the positive and negative electrodes due to the influence of the peripheral potential, flicker tends to occur, and the present invention exerts a particularly remarkable effect on a display device having such a configuration.

As a display device having such a configuration, there is a liquid crystal display device in which liquid crystal is operated by an electric field substantially parallel to a substrate. More specifically, the FFS (Fr) method starts with the IPS method in which liquid crystal molecules respond only in the direction parallel to the substrate.
inge Field Switching) method, H
An S (Hybrid Switching) method is exemplified. For example, as shown in FIG. 43 (a), when the driving voltage is off, the liquid crystal molecules L are in a rising state, and when the driving voltage is on, as shown in FIG. The rising angles of the electrodes 21 and 22
The configuration of each of the above embodiments can be applied to a vertical alignment type liquid crystal display device that changes along the electric field between them.

On the other hand, MVA (Multi-domain)
Also in the VA) mode, a splay-like electric field is used to divide the orientation of the liquid crystal by electric field distortion. For example, when display is performed using electrodes having different optical characteristics such as a reflection type display. The present invention can be applied.

The liquid crystal material used in each of the above embodiments is generally a rod-like low molecule, and several to several tens of materials are mixed in order to obtain high performance. Specific materials are not particularly limited, but in order to reduce the difference in flicker polarity, a mixture containing a compound having a large positive electrode side that inhibits the flexoelectric effect is preferably used. Compounds represented by formulas (A) to (F) can be mentioned. General formula (A)

Embedded image General formula (B)

Embedded image General formula (C)

Embedded image General formula (D)

Embedded image General formula (E)

Embedded image General formula (F)

Embedded image

However, in the above general formulas (A) to (F), X and Y are cyclic hydrocarbon residues.
An aromatic hydrocarbon residue (benzene ring), an aliphatic hydrocarbon residue (cyclohexane ring), or a part of carbon atoms constituting these aromatic hydrocarbon residues or aliphatic hydrocarbon residues is a nitrogen atom, Those substituted with a hetero atom such as an oxygen atom can be exemplified.

P is a central group, and an ester group (-
COO-) and the like. This P includes those directly connecting the groups on both sides.

In the terminal groups at both ends, CN is
F, CF ₃ , CHF ₂ , CH ₂ F, and CH
_{3, C n H 2n + 1 (} n is 2 to 20 integer) may be. These terminal groups play a role in adjusting physical properties such as electric and optical anisotropy and a temperature range of a liquid crystal.

The number of cyclic groups contained in the core portion surrounded by the dotted line is practically three or less, but may be more.

As specific examples of the above compounds, those represented by the following chemical formula can be exemplified.

[0215]

Embedded image

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration of one dot which is a minimum display unit of an array substrate in a display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an operation state of the configuration shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an operation state of the configuration shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a configuration of one dot as a minimum display unit of an array substrate in a display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a configuration of one dot as a minimum display unit of an array substrate in a display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a configuration of one dot which is a minimum display unit of an array substrate in a display device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a configuration of one dot which is a minimum display unit of an array substrate in a display device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing an arrangement of dots.

FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing various polarity inversion methods of a driving voltage.

FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a configuration of one dot which is a minimum display unit of an array substrate in a display device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of FIG.

FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a configuration of one dot as a minimum display unit of an array substrate in a display device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of FIG.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit of the configuration shown in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a plan view showing a configuration of one dot which is a minimum display unit of an array substrate in a display device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a plan view of FIG. 19;

21 is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit of the configuration shown in FIG.

FIG. 22 is a plan view showing a modification of FIG. 19;

FIG. 23 is a plan view showing a configuration of two adjacent dots on an array substrate in a display device according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a sectional view of FIG.

FIG. 25 is a plan view showing a configuration of two adjacent dots on an array substrate in a display device according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a sectional view of FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a diagram schematically showing an arrangement of dots in a pixel in a color display device.

FIG. 28 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a display device according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a diagram schematically showing a dot arrangement in two adjacent pixels in the display device according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a diagram schematically showing a dot arrangement in two adjacent pixels in a display device according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a diagram schematically showing a polarity, a dot configuration, and a flicker polarity of a drive waveform of an odd-numbered frame in the display device according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a diagram schematically showing the polarity, the dot configuration, and the flicker polarity of the drive waveform of the odd-numbered frame in the display device according to the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a sectional view and a plan view of a display device according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a configuration near a switching element of a display device according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a plan view showing a pixel portion for 4 × 4 dots of a display device according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention, and a schematic diagram showing the polarity of writing to the pixel.

FIG. 36 is a view showing light transmittance characteristics of a pixel portion of a display device according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a sectional view and a plan view of a display device according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 38 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a configuration near a switching element of a display device according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 39 is a plan view showing a pixel portion for 4 × 4 dots of a display device according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention, and a schematic diagram showing a waveform of a video signal applied to each pixel. .

FIG. 40 is a view showing light transmittance characteristics of a pixel portion of a display device according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 41 is a plan view showing a display device according to an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 42 is a plan view showing another display device according to the eighteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 43 is a view illustrating an operation state of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 44 is a diagram for describing a first cause of flicker.

FIG. 45 is a diagram illustrating a second cause of flicker.

FIG. 46 is a diagram for explaining a second cause of flicker.

FIG. 47 is a plan view showing a conventional display device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pixel electrode 1a 1st pixel electrode 1b 2nd pixel electrode 2 Counter electrode 2a 1st counter electrode 2b 2nd counter electrode 3 Common wiring 4 Gate wiring 5, 42, 43 TFT 7 Source wiring 8 Semiconductor layer 9 Array Substrate 10, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e Storage capacitance electrode 11a, 11b, 11c Insulating layer 13, 14, 69 Contact hole 61 Intermediate electrode 62 Resistor 72a, 72b Coupling capacitance SD1, SD2, SD3, SD4 Subdot D1, D2 Dot

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] April 5, 2002 (2002.4.5)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Claims]

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0037

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Further, the object of the present invention is to provide an array substrate, an opposing substrate opposing the array substrate, and an electro-optical material sandwiched between the array substrate and the opposing substrate. Means that a plurality of gate wirings and a plurality of source wirings crossing each other
A pixel electrode disposed in each region defined by two gate lines and two adjacent source lines, and a voltage applied from the source line to the pixel electrode based on a signal voltage input from the gate line. Between a switching element that switches a voltage to be applied, a common line formed between two adjacent gate lines, and the pixel electrode electrically connected to the common line and to which a voltage is applied. wherein a facing electric field for driving the electro-optical material occurs electrodes and two said gate lines and adjacent to two adjacent
Adjacent to each other defined by said source lines
Of the two regions, the pixel electrode in one region
The transmittance is the transmittance of the counter electrode existing in the one region.
Higher than the transmittance of the pixel electrode in the other area
Is smaller than the transmittance of the counter electrode existing in the other region.
A low method for driving a display device, which is characterized by inverting a voltage applied to the pixel electrode for each adjacent predetermined region, is achieved by a method for driving a display device.

[Procedure amendment 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0041

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Further, the object of the present invention is to provide an array substrate, an opposing substrate facing the array substrate, and an electro-optical material sandwiched between the array substrate and the opposing substrate. Means that a plurality of gate wirings and a plurality of source wirings crossing each other
A pixel electrode disposed in each region defined by two gate lines and two adjacent source lines, and a voltage applied from the source line to the pixel electrode based on a signal voltage input from the gate line. Between a switching element that switches a voltage to be applied, a common line formed between two adjacent gate lines, and the pixel electrode electrically connected to the common line and to which a voltage is applied. A method of driving a display device, comprising: a counter electrode for generating an electric field for driving the electro-optical material, wherein the pixel electrode and the counter electrode are formed of materials having different transmittances, wherein a voltage applied to the pixel electrode A certain brightness correction power
This is achieved by a method for driving a display device, which comprises applying pressure .

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G09G 3/20 611 G09G 3/20 611E 621 621 621B 3/36 3/36 (72) Inventor Masanori Kimura Osaka Prefecture 1006, Kadoma, Kadoma Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. NA33 NA34 NC34 ND10 ND22 ND53 NF04 5C006 AC27 AF42 AF43 AF44 BB16 BC03 BC06 BC11 BC20 FA23 GA03 5C080 AA10 BB05 DD06 DD29 EE28 FF11 JJ05 JJ06 5C094 AA03 BA03 BA43 CA19 CA24 DA14 DA15 DB01 DB04 EA04 EA04 EA04 EA04 EA07

Claims (39)

[Claims] An array substrate, an opposing substrate facing the array substrate, and an electro-optical material sandwiched between the array substrate and the opposing substrate, wherein the array substrates intersect each other. A plurality of gate lines and a plurality of source lines, a pixel electrode disposed in each region defined by two adjacent gate lines and two adjacent source lines, and an input from the gate line. A switching element for switching a voltage applied from the source wiring to the pixel electrode based on the signal voltage, a common wiring formed between two adjacent gate wirings, and an electrical connection to the common wiring. And a counter electrode that generates an electric field that drives the electro-optical material between the pixel electrode and a pixel electrode to which a voltage is applied. The pixel electrode includes a first pixel electrode and a second pixel electrode. And the counter electrode includes a first counter electrode and a second counter electrode, and the first pixel electrode and the first pixel electrode having a light transmittance lower than that of the first pixel electrode. An electric field is generated between a first region where an electric field is generated between the second pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode, and an electric field is generated between the second pixel electrode and the second counter electrode having a higher light transmittance than the second pixel electrode. A display device, wherein two regions are formed. 2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the first area and the second area are adjacent to each other. 3. A voltage is applied to the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode from the same source line based on a signal voltage input from the same gate line. The display device according to claim 1. 4. The first area and the second area,
The display device according to claim 3, wherein the display device exists in the same dot. 5. A boundary between the first region and the second region is located on the common wiring, and the first pixel electrode, the second pixel electrode, and the first 5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein the counter electrode and the second counter electrode are connected to each other via a contact hole formed in an intervening insulating layer. 6. 6. The source line is disposed between the first region and the second region, and the switching element corresponds to each of the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode. The display device according to claim 4, wherein the display device is provided. 7. The first area and the second area,
A plurality of each are formed and arranged so as to be alternately continuous two by two along the gate wiring, and a boundary between two continuous first regions or second regions is formed on the pixel electrode or The display device according to claim 4, wherein the display device is provided on the counter electrode. 8. The first area and the second area,
A plurality of flicker polarities are periodically formed along both the gate wiring and the source wiring according to a predetermined voltage polarity applied to the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display device is arranged to change. 9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein the inversion of the flicker polarity is performed for each dot along both the gate wiring and the source wiring. 10. The display device according to claim 8, wherein the inversion of the flicker polarity is performed for each of a plurality of dots along both the gate wiring and the source wiring. 11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the first area and the second area respectively correspond to one dot. 12. The display according to claim 1, wherein the first area and the second area respectively correspond to pixels composed of three dots of red, green, and blue. apparatus. 13. A storage capacitor electrode electrically connected to the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode, wherein the storage capacitor electrode is electrically connected to the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode.
And the second storage region, the two storage capacitor electrodes are formed on the common wiring or the gate wiring via an insulating layer to form storage capacitor portions, respectively. 2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the capacitance values of the two storage capacitors are substantially equal. 14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein the two storage capacitor electrodes are formed of the same material, and have substantially equal surface areas. 15. The method according to claim 15, wherein the first pixel electrode and the second counter electrode are made of a light transmitting material, and the first counter electrode and the second pixel electrode are made of a light shielding material. The display device according to claim 1. 16. The area occupied by the first pixel electrode in the opening of the first region is substantially equal to the area occupied by the second counter electrode in the opening of the second region. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: 17. The display device according to claim 16, wherein the first pixel electrode and the second counter electrode have substantially the same transmittance. 18. A light shielding layer for shielding a part of the array substrate from light on the counter substrate, and a part of the first pixel electrode or the second counter electrode is covered by the light shielding layer. 17. The display device according to claim 16, wherein the display device is provided. 19. The display device according to claim 1, wherein drive voltages having the same polarity are applied to the first region and the second region. 20. The first region and the second region,
2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein an absolute value of a luminance difference between a case where the pixel electrode has a positive potential and a case where the pixel electrode has a negative potential is substantially equal. 3. 21. An array substrate, comprising a counter substrate facing the array substrate, and an electro-optical material sandwiched between the array substrate and the counter substrate, wherein the array substrates cross each other. A plurality of gate lines and a plurality of source lines, a pixel electrode disposed in each region defined by two adjacent gate lines and two adjacent source lines, and an input from the gate line. A switching element for switching a voltage applied from the source wiring to the pixel electrode based on the signal voltage, a common wiring formed between two adjacent gate wirings, and an electrical connection to the common wiring. And a counter electrode that generates an electric field that drives the electro-optical material between the pixel electrode and the voltage-applied pixel electrode, and is disposed between the pixel electrode and the counter electrode. And a middle electrode, the intermediate electrode, a display device, wherein one is higher or lower transmittance than the pixel electrode and the counter electrode. 22. The pixel electrode and the counter electrode are formed of the same material, and the distance between the pixel electrode and the intermediate electrode and the distance between the intermediate electrode and the counter electrode are substantially the same. The display device according to claim 21, wherein: 23. The device according to claim 2, wherein the intermediate electrode is connected to the pixel electrode and the counter electrode by resistance.
2. The display device according to 1. 24. The device according to claim 2, wherein the intermediate electrode is capacitively coupled to the pixel electrode and the counter electrode.
2. The display device according to 1. 25. The potential according to claim 21, wherein the potential of the intermediate electrode is a potential intermediate between the potential of the pixel electrode to which a voltage is applied and the potential of the counter electrode serving as a reference potential. Display device. 26. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the electro-optical material is a liquid crystal. 27. The display device according to claim 26, wherein an AC voltage is applied to the pixel electrode. 28. An array substrate, a counter substrate facing the array substrate, and an electro-optical material sandwiched between the array substrate and the counter substrate, wherein the array substrates cross each other. A plurality of gate lines and a plurality of source lines, a pixel electrode disposed in each region defined by two adjacent gate lines and two adjacent source lines, and an input from the gate line. A switching element for switching a voltage applied from the source wiring to the pixel electrode based on the signal voltage, a common wiring formed between two adjacent gate wirings, and an electrical connection to the common wiring. And a counter electrode for generating an electric field for driving the electro-optical material between the pixel electrode and the pixel electrode to which a voltage is applied, wherein the pixel electrode and the counter electrode are transmitted. A different method of driving a display device formed by a material, a voltage applied to the pixel electrode, the driving method of a display device, characterized in that to invert for each predetermined region adjacent. 29. The method according to claim 28, wherein the predetermined region is adjacent to the gate wiring and the source wiring in two directions. 30. The method according to claim 28, wherein the predetermined area corresponds to one dot. 31. The method according to claim 28, wherein the predetermined area corresponds to two adjacent dots along either the gate line or the source line. . 32. The method according to claim 28, wherein the predetermined area corresponds to one pixel including three dots of red, green, and blue. 33. The predetermined area is such that one pixel composed of three dots of red, green, and blue corresponds to two pixels adjacent to each other along either the gate line or the source line. The method for driving a display device according to claim 28, wherein: 34. An array substrate, comprising a counter substrate facing the array substrate, and an electro-optical material sandwiched between the array substrate and the counter substrate, wherein the array substrates cross each other. A plurality of gate lines and a plurality of source lines, a pixel electrode disposed in each region defined by two adjacent gate lines and two adjacent source lines, and an input from the gate line. A switching element for switching a voltage applied from the source wiring to the pixel electrode based on the signal voltage, a common wiring formed between two adjacent gate wirings, and an electrical connection to the common wiring. And a counter electrode for generating an electric field for driving the electro-optical material between the pixel electrode and the pixel electrode to which a voltage is applied, wherein the pixel electrode and the counter electrode are transmitted. Different method of driving a display device formed by the material, when reversing the polarity of the voltage applied to the pixel electrode of,
A method for driving a display device, comprising: increasing or decreasing a constant luminance correction voltage. 35. An array substrate, a counter substrate facing the array substrate, and an electro-optic material sandwiched between the array substrate and the counter substrate, wherein the array substrates cross each other. A plurality of gate lines and a plurality of source lines, a pixel electrode disposed in each region defined by two adjacent gate lines and two adjacent source lines, and an input from the gate line. A switching element for switching a voltage applied from the source wiring to the pixel electrode based on the signal voltage, a common wiring formed between two adjacent gate wirings, and an electrical connection to the common wiring. And a counter electrode that generates an electric field for driving the electro-optical material between the pixel electrode and the pixel electrode to which a voltage is applied. A driving method for a display device, which is also formed of a transparent conductor, wherein a total area of the pixel electrode and the counter electrode occupying a light transmission range in the region is different from each other, and a voltage applied to the pixel electrode When reversing the polarity of
A method for driving a display device, comprising: increasing or decreasing a constant luminance correction voltage. 36. An array substrate, a counter substrate facing the array substrate, and an electro-optical material sandwiched between the array substrate and the counter substrate, wherein the array substrates cross each other. A plurality of gate lines and a plurality of source lines, a pixel electrode disposed in each region defined by two adjacent gate lines and two adjacent source lines, and an input from the gate line. A switching element for switching a voltage applied from the source wiring to the pixel electrode based on the signal voltage, a common wiring formed between two adjacent gate wirings, and an electrical connection to the common wiring. And a counter electrode that generates an electric field that drives the electro-optical material between the pixel electrode and a pixel electrode to which a voltage is applied, wherein the pixel electrode has a first pixel electrode and Two pixel electrodes, wherein the counter electrode includes a first counter electrode and a second counter electrode, and the first pixel electrode and the first pixel electrode having a light transmittance lower than that of the first pixel electrode. An electric field is generated between a first region where an electric field is generated between the first counter electrode and the second pixel electrode and the second counter electrode having a light transmittance higher than that of the second pixel electrode. A method of driving a display device, wherein a plurality of second regions are respectively formed, wherein the first region and the first region are arranged so that flicker polarity periodically changes along both the gate line and the source line. Based on the arrangement pattern of the second area, the first
A predetermined polarity inversion of a voltage applied to the pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode. 37. The method according to claim 36, wherein the inversion of the flicker polarity is performed for each dot along both the gate wiring and the source wiring. 38. The method according to claim 36, wherein the inversion of the flicker polarity is performed for each of a plurality of dots along one or both of the gate wiring and the source wiring. . 39. A driving frequency of a voltage applied to the pixel electrode is set to 60 Hz or more.
39. The method for driving a display device according to any one of items 8 to 38.