JP2004110055A - Liquid crystal device and electronic appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid crystal device which can improve the display quality by improving the blurring (out-of-focus) state of display or a decrease in contrast and which can display a sharp image, and to provide an electronic appliance equipped with the liquid crystal device. <P>SOLUTION: The liquid crystal device comprises a pair of substrates, a liquid crystal layer, a reflecting layer and a directional forward scattering film. The film is applied on the liquid crystal panel in such a manner that when the light from a light source disposed in one face side of the film is made incident on the film and a light receiving part disposed in the other face side of the film is allowed to measure the parallel transmitted light in the whole transmitted light excluding diffused transmitted light, the polar angle showing the minimum transmittance is aligned to the illuminating direction while the polar angle showing the maximum transmittance is aligned to the observation direction. Further, the film is arranged in such a manner that the azimuth angle ψ2 showing the minimum transmittance is aligned to the major axial direction of nematic liquid crystal molecules present in the center of the liquid crystal layer when the voltage applied on the substrates is eliminated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is applicable to a reflective or transflective liquid crystal display device to improve blurring of display (blur) and decrease in contrast, to obtain a clear display, and to realize such a clear display. The present invention relates to a technology capable of providing an electronic device including a possible liquid crystal device.

(2) A liquid crystal display device with low power consumption is frequently used as a display unit in various electronic devices such as a notebook personal computer, a portable game machine, and an electronic organizer. In particular, in recent years, demand for a liquid crystal display device capable of performing color display has been increasing with the frequent use of display contents. In addition, in response to a demand for extending the battery driving time of the electronic device, a reflective color liquid crystal display device that does not require a backlight device has been developed.

An outline of a configuration example of a conventional reflection type color liquid crystal display device will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are enlarged schematic cross-sectional views showing the main parts of a conventional reflective color liquid crystal display device. Among these, FIG. 18A shows a forward scattering plate type reflection type liquid crystal display device, and FIG. 18B shows an inner surface scattering reflection type liquid crystal display device.

In the liquid crystal display device of a forward scattering plate type shown in FIG. 18A, a liquid crystal layer 102 is sandwiched between a pair of glass substrates 100 and 101, and one (upper side in the drawing) of the glass substrate 101 on the liquid crystal layer 102 side. A color filter 104 is provided on the surface portion, and a light reflection layer 103 is provided on the surface portion on the liquid crystal layer 102 side of the other (lower in the drawing) glass substrate 100. Further, on the upper surface side of the glass substrate 101, a forward scattering film 105 in which metal oxide particles are dispersed as a filler in a base material made of, for example, triallyl cyanate having a thickness of 50 to 200 μm is provided with a transparent adhesive material or adhesive sheet ( (Not shown), and a polarizing plate 106 is provided thereon.

In such a forward scattering type reflection type liquid crystal device, the incident light L1 passes through the polarizing plate 106, the forward scattering film 105, the glass substrate 101, the liquid crystal layer 102, and the color filter 104, and then passes through the light reflection layer 103 serving as a drive electrode. The light reflected by the surface is emitted from the liquid crystal device via the liquid crystal layer 102, the color filter 104, the glass substrate 101, the forward scattering film 105, and the polarizing plate 106, and is visually recognized by the observer E as the reflected light L2. . Here, the light emitted from the liquid crystal device is controlled by the state of the liquid crystal layer 102, that is, the polarization state of the reflected light is controlled by the arrangement state of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 102, and the polarization state of the reflected light is When they coincide with the polarization axis, the light passes through the polarizing plate 106 to display a desired color.

18B includes a pair of glass substrates 100 and 101 and a liquid crystal layer 102. The surface of the glass substrate 100 on the side of the liquid crystal layer 102 also serves as a light reflection layer. A pixel electrode 107 made of an Al thin film or the like is formed in a state where irregularities for irregularly reflecting light are provided on the surface.

Here, a color filter 104 is formed on the surface of the glass substrate 101 on the light incident side on the liquid crystal layer 102 side, and a polarizing plate 106 is provided on the upper surface side of the glass substrate 101. In such a reflection type liquid crystal display device of the inner surface scattering plate type, the incident light L1 passes through the polarizing plate 106, the glass substrate 101, the color filter 104, and the liquid crystal layer 102, and then has the uneven light reflection layer 107 also serving as a pixel electrode. After the light is irregularly reflected on the surface of the liquid crystal layer 102 and the polarization is changed according to the state of the liquid crystal layer 102, the reflected light passes through the color filter 104, the glass substrate 101, and the polarizing plate 106. It is opaque, and when transmitted, it enters the observer's naked eye E as scattered light L3 'and is visually recognized as a color display.

By the way, in the conventional structure shown in FIG. 18A, when the light reflection layer 103 is a mirror reflection layer, the forward scattering film 105 weakens strong mirror reflection (specular reflection) in a specific direction unique to the mirror surface, It is used for the purpose of enabling a bright display in the widest possible range.

This kind of forward scattering film 105 is generally formed of an acrylic resin layer (for example, a refractive index n = 1.48 to 1.49) having a thickness of about 25 to 30 μm (25 to 30 × 10 −6 m). It has a structure in which a large number of beads (for example, a refractive index n = 1.4) having a particle size of about 4 μm (4 × 10 −6 m) are dispersed therein, and is a reflective liquid crystal display device for mobile phones, and portable information. It is widely used in reflection type liquid crystal display devices such as equipment.

As a liquid crystal display device of a portable device, a transflective liquid crystal display device having a backlight in addition to a reflective liquid crystal display device is also known. In this type of conventional transflective liquid crystal display device, the reflective layer is configured as a transflective layer, and in the case of transmissive display, light from the backlight is transmitted to the observer through the transflective layer to transmit light. When a display is performed and the backlight is not used, the reflection type liquid crystal display device is configured so that reflected light can be effectively used.

However, the above-described forward scattering film 105 has a problem that different information in different pixels tends to be mixed before the user recognizes it, and display blur is likely to occur. Had. This is because, in the reflective liquid crystal display device, as shown in FIG. 18A, scattering occurs in the forward scattering film 105 from the time when the incident light is reflected by the reflective layer 103 to the time when the incident light reaches the user's eyes. If white display and black display are performed by matching pixels, the boundary between the white display and the black display tends to be difficult to understand due to the scattering action of the forward scattering film 105, and the display is blurred (blurred). The present inventor thinks that it does.

Also, when observing a liquid crystal panel, an observer usually observes the display from a direction shifted from the specular reflection direction of the incident light, in other words, a direction near the normal line or a direction closer to the normal line direction than the specular reflection direction. When the reflection type liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 18A is viewed from a direction shifted from the regular reflection direction, there is a region where the contrast is low, and there is a problem that it is difficult to see. This is because, in the conventional reflection type liquid crystal display device, the high contrast region is deviated from the region near the normal line or the region viewed from the direction closer to the normal line direction than the regular reflection direction, so that the contrast is reduced. The present inventor thinks.

In addition, considering the blurring of the display of the liquid crystal device provided with the color filter 104, the boundary of the color display tends to be difficult to discriminate, and there is a possibility that color mixing may occur, and good color developability cannot be obtained. There is fear.

In addition, such a situation that the display is blurred, the contrast is reduced, or the sufficient coloring property is not obtained also corresponds to the case where the reflective display is performed in the transflective liquid crystal display device. It is.

Next, in a configuration including the light-reflective pixel electrode 107 provided with irregularities as shown in FIG. 18B (internal scattering structure), there is little possibility that the above-described display bleeding on the forward scattering film occurs. However, a special processing step and man-hours are required to manufacture the pixel electrode 107 having the unevenness, so that there is a problem that the manufacturing cost is increased.

From the above background, the present inventors have focused on the forward scattering film and conducted further research. As a result, the scattering of the forward scattering film is made directional so that the display of the liquid crystal display device is blurred. The inventors have found that (blur) can be eliminated, and have reached the present invention. In addition, as a result of repeated studies on the forward scattering film by the present inventors, in the case of the liquid crystal display device having the structure in which the forward scattering film 105 is arranged as shown in FIG. The scattered light generated when passing through the scattering film 105 is unlikely to greatly affect display blur (blurring) or a decrease in contrast, but is diffused when the reflected light passes through the forward scattering film 105 again. Are easily observed by the observer E, and have found that the scattered light when the reflected light passes through the scattering film 105 greatly affects the blurring (blur) of the display.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and can improve display quality by improving blurring of display and lowering of contrast, enabling clear display, and improving the internal scattering plate. It is an object to provide a liquid crystal device which can have a simplified structure with respect to a liquid crystal device provided with the display device, can provide a clear display, and can reduce the manufacturing cost, and an electronic device provided with the liquid crystal device.

In order to solve the above problems, a liquid crystal device according to the present invention includes a pair of substrates, a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between these substrates, a reflection layer provided on a liquid crystal layer side of the one substrate, and the other substrate. A liquid crystal panel having a directional forward scattering film provided on the side opposite to the liquid crystal layer side of the substrate, and light is incident on the directional forward scattering film from a light source disposed on one side thereof. In the light-receiving unit disposed on the other surface side of the directional forward scattering film, of the total transmitted light transmitted through the directional forward scattering film, when observing parallel-line transmitted light excluding diffuse transmitted light,
The incident angle of the incident light with respect to the normal line of the directional forward scattering film is defined as a polar angle θn, the incident light angle in the in-plane direction of the directional forward scattering film is defined as an azimuth φm, and When the maximum transmittance is defined as Tmax (φ1, θ1) and the minimum transmittance of the parallel transmitted light is defined as Tmin (φ2, θ2), the incident light side at the polar angle and the azimuth indicating the minimum transmittance The directional forward scattering film so as to be on the daylighting side of the liquid crystal panel, so that the incident light side in the case of the polar angle and azimuth indicating the maximum transmittance is on the viewing direction side of the liquid crystal panel. On the panel,
Further, the directional forward scattering film is released when the voltage applied between the substrates and the azimuth angle φ2 direction in which the parallel light transmitted through the directional forward scattering film shows the minimum transmittance and the voltage applied between the substrates is released. When no voltage is applied, the long axis directions of the nematic liquid crystal molecules located in the center of the liquid crystal layer are aligned, and the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules is such that when a voltage is applied between the substrates, the liquid crystal molecules become In the direction of responding to

In a reflective liquid crystal display device provided with a directional forward scattering film, the polar angle indicating the maximum transmittance so that the incident light side in the case of the polar angle indicating the minimum transmittance and the azimuthal angle is the daylighting side of the liquid crystal panel. By arranging the directional forward scattering film on the liquid crystal panel so that the incident light side in the case of the azimuth is on the viewing direction side of the liquid crystal panel, the case where the minimum transmittance of the parallel line transmitted light is exhibited The azimuth angle φ2 is the direction of the incident angle, and the azimuth angle φ1 when the maximum transmittance of the parallel line transmitted light is the observer direction. In the case of a liquid crystal display device having the directional forward scattering film arranged as described above, light incident on the directional forward scattering film is strongly scattered at the time of incidence, but is reflected by the reflective layer inside the liquid crystal panel. Since the amount of light scattered when passing through the directional forward scattering film later is reduced, the effect on display blur (blur) is small, and a clear display form with less display blur (blurr) is obtained.

Further, in the reflection type liquid crystal display device having the directional forward scattering film arranged as described above, the directional forward scattering film has a minimum transmittance of parallel ray transmitted light transmitted through the directional forward scattering film. Since the azimuth angle φ2 direction and the long axis direction of the nematic liquid crystal molecules located at the center of the liquid crystal layer when the voltage applied between the substrates is released are usually aligned, the center of the liquid crystal layer is usually The major axis direction of the nematic liquid crystal molecules located in the portion is the direction in which the contrast is high, and the direction in which the contrast is high and the direction in which the blur (blurring) of the display is small are matched, and the blur with high contrast (blurring) is obtained. ), A clear display form can be obtained, and the display quality can be improved.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention can be applied to a transflective liquid crystal device having a transflective layer instead of the reflective layer of the liquid crystal device having the above-described structure. .

The present invention is effective when performing reflective display even in a liquid crystal device having a semi-transmissive reflective layer, and similarly to the case of the above structure, the azimuth φ2 when the minimum transmittance of parallel-line transmitted light is obtained is The azimuth φ1 in the case of the incident angle direction and showing the maximum transmittance of the parallel line transmitted light is the observer direction. With the directional forward scattering film arranged in this way, the light incident on the directional forward scattering film is strongly scattered at the time of incidence, but is reflected by the reflective layer inside the liquid crystal panel and is directional. Since the amount of light passing through the scattering film is scattered less, a clear display form with less blur (blur) of the display can be obtained. Further, in the transflective liquid crystal display device having the directional forward scattering film arranged as described above, the directional forward scattering film transmits parallel light transmitted through the directional forward scattering film at a minimum transmission. The direction of the azimuth angle φ2 indicating the transmittance (the diffuse transmission light indicates the maximum transmittance) and the major axis direction of the nematic liquid crystal molecules located at the center of the liquid crystal layer when the voltage applied between the substrates is released. Usually, the major axis direction of the nematic liquid crystal molecules located in the center of the liquid crystal layer is a direction in which the contrast is high, and the direction in which the contrast is high and the direction in which the blur (blurring) of the display is less visible. Are matched, and a display with high contrast and no blur is obtained, so that a clear display form is obtained and the display quality can be improved.

Further, in the liquid crystal device of the present invention having any one of the above structures, the directional forward scattering film has a direction of an azimuth angle φ2 ± 30 degrees at which parallel light transmitted through the directional forward scattering film exhibits a minimum transmittance. The nematic liquid crystal molecules located at the center of the liquid crystal layer when the voltage applied between the substrates is released may be arranged so that the major axes thereof are aligned.

Further, in the liquid crystal device of the present invention having any one of the above structures, the nematic liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer are set at a twist angle of about 60 to 80 degrees, and the voltage applied between the substrates is released. Sometimes the nematic liquid crystal molecules located at the center of the liquid crystal layer are twisted by about 30 to 40 degrees with respect to the nematic liquid crystal molecules aligned on the substrate surface.

Further, in the liquid crystal device of the present invention having any one of the above structures, the nematic liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer are set to have a twist angle of about 240 to 255 degrees, and the voltage applied between the substrates is released. Sometimes the nematic liquid crystal molecules located at the center of the liquid crystal layer are twisted about 120 to 127.5 degrees with respect to the nematic liquid crystal molecules aligned on the substrate surface.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a pair of substrates, a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between these substrates, a reflective layer provided on a liquid crystal layer side of the one substrate, and the other substrate. Comprising a liquid crystal panel having a directional forward scattering film provided on the side opposite to the liquid crystal layer side, wherein light is incident from a light source disposed on one side of the directional forward scattering film, In the light-receiving portion disposed on the other surface side of the directional forward scattering film, of the total transmitted light transmitted through the directional forward scattering film, when observing parallel-line transmitted light excluding diffuse transmitted light,
The incident angle of the incident light with respect to the normal line of the directional forward scattering film is defined as a polar angle θn, the incident light angle in the in-plane direction of the directional forward scattering film is defined as an azimuth φm, and When the maximum transmittance is defined as Tmax (φ1, θ1) and the minimum transmittance of the parallel transmitted light is defined as Tmin (φ2, θ2), the incident light side at the polar angle and the azimuth indicating the minimum transmittance The directional forward scattering film so as to be on the daylighting side of the liquid crystal panel, so that the incident light side in the case of the polar angle and azimuth indicating the maximum transmittance is on the viewing direction side of the liquid crystal panel. On the panel,
Further, the directional forward scattering film has an azimuth angle φ2 direction in which parallel light transmitted through the directional forward scattering film shows a minimum transmittance and an incident light angle of 10 ° to 30 ° from a polar angle direction. The liquid crystal panel is arranged so that the in-plane directions in which the contrast of the liquid crystal panel is high with respect to light are aligned.

In this reflection type liquid crystal display device, the polarizer and the azimuth indicating the maximum transmittance are arranged such that the incident light side in the case of the polar angle and the azimuth indicating the minimum transmittance is the daylighting side of the liquid crystal panel. By arranging the directional forward scattering film on the liquid crystal panel so that the incident light side is on the viewing direction side of the liquid crystal panel, light incident on the directional forward scattering film is strongly scattered at the time of incidence. However, since the amount of light scattered when passing through the directional forward scattering film after being reflected by the reflective layer inside the liquid crystal panel is reduced, the influence on the display blur (blur) is small, and the display blur ( A clear display form with less blur is obtained.

Further, in the reflection type liquid crystal display device having the directional forward scattering film arranged as described above, the directional forward scattering film has a minimum transmittance of parallel ray transmitted light transmitted through the directional forward scattering film. The azimuth φ2 direction and the in-plane direction where the contrast of the liquid crystal panel is high for incident light whose incident light angle from the polar angle direction is 10 ° to 30 ° are aligned so that the contrast of the liquid crystal panel is improved. The high direction and the direction in which the blur (blurring) of the display is small are matched, and a display with high contrast and no blurring (blurring) is obtained, so that a clear display form is obtained and the display quality can be improved. .

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention can be applied to a transflective liquid crystal device having a transflective layer instead of the reflective layer of the liquid crystal device having the above-described structure. .

The present invention is effective when a reflective display is performed also in a liquid crystal device having this transflective layer, and the azimuth φ2 when the minimum transmittance of the parallel-line transmitted light is exhibited as in the case of the above structure. Is the incident angle direction, and the azimuth angle φ1 when the maximum transmittance of the parallel line transmitted light is the observer direction. With the directional forward scattering film arranged in this way, the light incident on the directional forward scattering film is strongly scattered at the time of incidence, but is reflected by the reflective layer inside the liquid crystal panel and is directional. Since the amount of light passing through the scattering film is scattered less, a clear display form with less blur (blur) of the display can be obtained.

Further, in the transflective liquid crystal display device having the directional forward scattering film arranged as described above, the directional forward scattering film transmits parallel light transmitted through the directional forward scattering film at a minimum transmission. The azimuth angle φ2 indicating the ratio and the in-plane direction in which the contrast of the liquid crystal panel is high with respect to the incident light having an incident light angle of 10 to 30 degrees from the polar angle direction are aligned. The direction in which the contrast is high and the direction in which the blur (blurring) of the display is small have been matched, and a display with high contrast and no blurring (blurring) is obtained. Therefore, a clear display form is obtained, and the display quality is improved. Can be improved.

Further, in the liquid crystal device of the present invention having any one of the above structures, the directional forward scattering film has a direction of an azimuth angle φ2 ± 30 degrees at which parallel light transmitted through the directional forward scattering film exhibits a minimum transmittance. In addition, the liquid crystal panel may be arranged such that the in-plane directions with high contrast of the liquid crystal panel are uniform with respect to incident light having an incident light angle of 10 to 30 degrees from the polar angle direction.

According to another aspect of the present invention, in the liquid crystal device according to any one of the above aspects, the ratio between the maximum transmittance Tmax and the minimum transmittance Tmin of the parallel-line transmitted light is set to (Tmax / Tmin). ) ≧ 2.

By satisfying the relationship of (Tmax / Tmin) ≧ 2, sufficient scattering can be obtained at the time of incidence of light in the directional forward scattering film, so that the display is brighter than the liquid crystal device having the conventional isotropic forward scattering film. A clear (clear) display is obtained.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a liquid crystal device according to any one of the above-described configurations, wherein a liquid crystal driving electrode is provided on a liquid crystal layer of the one substrate and a liquid crystal layer of the other substrate. It is characterized by becoming.

According to such a liquid crystal device, the orientation of the liquid crystal can be controlled by the electrodes sandwiching the liquid crystal layer, and switching between display, non-display, and halftone display can be performed.

According to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in the liquid crystal device of the present invention having any one of the above-described structures, a color filter may be provided on one of the pair of substrates on the side of the liquid crystal layer.

According to such a liquid crystal device, a color display can be performed by providing a color filter, and a liquid crystal device having a high contrast, a low display bleeding, and a clear color display by adopting any one of the above structures is provided. can get.

According to the present invention, when the reflective layer has fine irregularities, the incident light is strongly scattered and guided to the reflective layer. Furthermore, the reflected light from the reflective layer is not strongly scattered by the directional forward scattering film, so that a clear display with less display bleeding can be obtained.

In order to achieve the above object, an electronic apparatus according to the present invention includes the liquid crystal device according to any one of the above-described configurations as display means.

Such an electronic device is provided with the liquid crystal device of the present invention having the above-described excellent display form, and thus can be provided with a display form having a clear display with high contrast, little display bleeding, and the like. .

As described above, according to the liquid crystal device of the present invention, in a reflective or transflective liquid crystal display device provided with a directional forward scattering film, the incident light side at the polar angle and azimuth angle showing the minimum transmittance is obtained. So that the incident light side in the case of the polar angle and azimuth indicating the maximum transmittance is on the viewing direction side of the liquid crystal panel so that the directional forward scattering film is on the liquid crystal panel. By arranging, the azimuth angle φ2 when the minimum transmittance of the parallel-line transmitted light is the incident angle direction, and the azimuth angle φ1 when the maximum transmittance of the parallel-line transmitted light is the viewer direction. In the case of a liquid crystal display device having the directional forward scattering film arranged as described above, light incident on the directional forward scattering film is strongly scattered at the time of incidence, but is reflected by the reflective layer inside the liquid crystal panel. Since the amount of light scattered when passing through the directional forward scattering film later is reduced, the effect on display blur (blur) is small, and a clear display form with less display blur (blurr) is obtained.

Further, in a reflective or semi-transmissive liquid crystal display device provided with the directional forward scattering film arranged as described above, the directional forward scattering film includes a parallel line transmitted light transmitted through the directional forward scattering film. Is arranged so that the long axis direction of the nematic liquid crystal molecules located at the center of the liquid crystal layer when the voltage applied between the substrates is released, and the azimuth angle φ2 direction indicating the minimum transmittance is aligned. The long axis direction of the nematic liquid crystal molecules located in the center of the liquid crystal layer is a direction in which the contrast is high, and the direction in which the contrast is high and the direction in which the blurring (blur) of the display is seen are matched. A display without blur (blurring) can be obtained, so that a clear display form can be obtained and the display quality can be improved.

Further, in a reflective or semi-transmissive liquid crystal display device provided with the directional forward scattering film arranged as described above, the directional forward scattering film includes a parallel line transmitted light transmitted through the directional forward scattering film. Is arranged so that the in-plane direction in which the contrast of the liquid crystal panel is high with respect to the azimuth angle φ2 direction showing the minimum transmittance and the incident light angle of 10 to 30 degrees from the polar angle direction is uniform. Thus, the direction in which the contrast of the liquid crystal panel is high and the direction in which the blur (blurring) of the display is small are matched, and a display with high contrast and no blurring (blurring) is obtained, and thus a clear display mode is obtained. And display quality can be improved.

Further, if the electronic device has the above-described liquid crystal device having various structures, it is possible to provide an electronic device that can display sharp, high-quality images with high contrast without blurring of display (blur). it can.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment of Liquid Crystal Device)
A liquid crystal panel according to a first embodiment of the liquid crystal device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a simple matrix type reflection type liquid crystal panel. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal panel shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of a color filter portion incorporated in the liquid crystal display device. A liquid crystal display device (liquid crystal device) as a final product is configured by attaching ancillary elements such as a liquid crystal driving IC and a support to the liquid crystal panel 10 of this embodiment.

The liquid crystal panel 10 according to this embodiment has a pair of rectangular substrate units 13 and 14 which are substantially rectangular in plan view and are attached to each other via a ring-shaped sealing member 12 so as to face each other with a cell gap therebetween. , A liquid crystal layer 15 sandwiched between and sandwiched together with the sealant 12, a directional forward scattering film 18 provided on the upper surface side of one of the substrate units 13 (upper side in FIG. 2), and a retardation plate 19 and the polarizing plate 16. Among the substrate units 13 and 14, the substrate unit 13 is a front (upper) substrate unit provided facing the observer, and the substrate unit 14 is provided on the opposite side, in other words, a substrate unit provided on the back side (lower side). It is.

The upper substrate unit 13 includes, for example, a substrate 17 made of a transparent material such as glass, a directional forward scattering film 18 sequentially provided on the front side of the substrate 17 (the upper surface side, the observer side in FIG. 2), and a retardation plate. 19, a polarizing plate 16, a color filter layer 20, an overcoat layer 21 sequentially formed on the back side (in other words, the liquid crystal layer 15 side) of the substrate 17, and a color filter layer 20 formed on the surface of the overcoat layer 21 on the liquid crystal layer 15 side. And a plurality of striped electrode layers 23 for driving liquid crystal.

The liquid crystal layer 15 is composed of nematic liquid crystal molecules having a twist angle θt of 240 degrees to 255 degrees.

In an actual liquid crystal device, alignment films are respectively formed on the liquid crystal layer 15 side of the electrode layer 23 and the liquid crystal layer 15 side of the striped electrode layer 35 on the lower substrate side, which will be described later. In these drawings, these alignment films are omitted and the description is omitted, and illustration and description of the alignment films are also omitted in other embodiments which will be sequentially described below. The cross-sectional structure of the liquid crystal device shown in FIG. 2 and each of the following drawings is shown by adjusting the thickness of each layer to a thickness different from that of the actual liquid crystal device so that each layer can be easily seen in the drawing.

In the present embodiment, the drive electrode layers 23 on the upper substrate side are formed of a transparent conductive material such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) in a stripe shape in a plan view. The required number is formed according to the area and the number of pixels.

In the present embodiment, the color filter layer 20 is provided on the lower surface of the upper substrate 17 (in other words, the surface on the liquid crystal layer 15 side) as shown in FIG. Are formed by forming the respective RGB patterns 27. Further, the overcoat layer 21 is coated as a transparent protective flattening film for protecting the RGB pattern 27.

The black mask 26 is formed by patterning a metal thin film of chromium or the like having a thickness of about 100 to 200 nm by, for example, a sputtering method or a vacuum evaporation method. Each of the RGB patterns 27 has a red pattern (R), a green pattern (G), and a blue pattern (B) arranged in a desired pattern shape. For example, a pigment using a photosensitive resin containing a predetermined coloring material is used. It is formed by various methods such as a dispersion method, various printing methods, an electrodeposition method, a transfer method, and a dyeing method.

On the other hand, the lower substrate unit 14 is sequentially formed on a substrate 28 made of a transparent material such as glass or other opaque material, and on the surface side of the substrate 28 (the upper surface side in FIG. 2, in other words, the liquid crystal layer 15 side). It comprises a reflective layer 31, an overcoat layer 33, and a plurality of stripe-shaped driving electrode layers 35 formed on the surface of the overcoat layer 33 on the liquid crystal layer 15 side. Like the electrode layer 23, the required number of these electrode layers 35 are formed in accordance with the display area of the liquid crystal panel 10 and the number of pixels.

Next, the reflective layer 31 of the present embodiment is made of a metal material having excellent light reflectivity and conductivity, such as Ag or Al, and is formed on the substrate 28 by an evaporation method, a sputtering method, or the like. However, it is not essential that the reflective layer 31 is made of a conductive material, and a structure in which a drive electrode layer made of a conductive material is provided separately from the reflective layer 31 and the reflective layer 31 and the drive electrode are separately provided may be employed. Absent.

Next, the directional forward scattering film 18 attached to the upper substrate unit 13 will be described in detail below.

The directional forward scattering film 18 used in the present embodiment has the directivity disclosed in JP-A-2000-035356, JP-A-2000-0666026, JP-A-2000-180607, etc., from the viewpoint of the basic structure. A forward scattering film can be used as appropriate. For example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-035356, a resin sheet which is a mixture of two or more types of photopolymerizable monomers or oligomers having different refractive indices is irradiated with an ultraviolet ray in a diagonal direction to obtain a specific resin sheet. A material having a function of efficiently scattering light only in a wide direction, or an on-line holographic diffusion sheet disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-066606, is irradiated with a laser beam to a hologram photosensitive material to partially reduce the refractive index. Those manufactured so that different regions have a layer structure can be used as appropriate.

Here, in the directional forward scattering film 18 used in the present embodiment, various parameters such as the parallel line transmittance described below have a specific positional relationship suitable for the liquid crystal display device.

First, as shown in FIG. 4, it is assumed that the directional forward scattering film 18 having a rectangular shape in a plan view is installed horizontally. Although the horizontal installation state is easy to explain in FIG. 4, the horizontal installation state will be described. However, the direction in which the directional forward scattering film 18 is installed is not limited to the horizontal direction, and may be any direction. The positional relationship (polar angle θ, azimuth angle φ described later) between K, light receiving portion J and directional forward scattering film 18 can be clearly defined, and the parallel line transmitted light shows the minimum transmittance (the diffuse transmitted light is The direction of the azimuth angle φ2 (indicating the maximum transmittance) and the major axis direction of the nematic liquid crystal molecules located in the center of the liquid crystal layer 15 can be aligned, and the parallel line transmitted light has the minimum transmittance (the diffuse transmitted light has the maximum). It suffices if the liquid crystal panel can be arranged so that the in-plane direction where the contrast of the liquid crystal panel is high with respect to the incident light having an azimuth angle φ2 direction (indicating transmittance) and the incident light angle of 10 to 30 degrees from the polar angle direction. In the present embodiment, the horizontal direction of the directional forward scattering film 18 will be described as an example in which the direction is easy to understand.

In FIG. 4, it is assumed that incident light L1 from the light source K is incident from the obliquely upper right side of the directional forward scattering film 18 toward the origin O at the center of the directional forward scattering film 18. Then, a measurement system is assumed in which the transmitted light that passes through the directional forward scattering film 18 through the origin O of the directional forward scattering film 18 and travels straight ahead is received by a light receiving unit J such as an optical sensor.

Here, in order to specify the direction of the incident light L1 to the directional forward scattering film 18, the directional forward scattering film 18 is formed in a rectangular shape by coordinate axes of 0 °, 90 °, 180 °, and 270 ° as shown in FIG. Assuming coordinates that pass through the origin O in the central part by dividing into four equal parts (in other words, by dividing the center of each side of the directional forward scattering film 18 into four parts such that one end of the coordinate axis passes through), The horizontal rotation angle of the incident light L1 vertically projected on the surface of the directional forward scattering film 18 (a clockwise angle from the 0 ° coordinate axis is +, and a counterclockwise angle from the 0 ° coordinate axis is −. ) Is defined as the azimuth angle φ. Next, the normal H of the directional forward scattering film to the direction of the incident light L1 horizontally projected on a vertical plane (the plane indicated by the symbol M1 in FIG. 4) including the coordinate axes of 0 ° and 180 °. The angle formed is defined as the polar angle θ of the incident light L1. In other words, the polar angle θ indicates the incident angle of the incident light L1 in the vertical plane with respect to the directional forward scattering film 18 installed horizontally, and the azimuth φ corresponds to the rotation angle of the incident light L1 in the horizontal plane.

In this state, for example, when the polar angle of the incident light L1 is 0 ° and the azimuth is 0 °, the incident light L1 is incident on the directional front film 18 at a right angle as shown in FIG. 5), the directional forward scattering film 18 is in the state indicated by reference numeral 18 in FIG. 5, and when the polar angle θ is + 60 °, the light source K, the light receiving unit J, the directional front film 18 Is a state where the directional forward scattering film 18 is arranged as shown by reference numeral 18A in FIG. 5, and when the polar angle θ is −60 °, the light source K, the light receiving unit J, the directional forward scattering film 18 Means that the directional forward scattering film 18 is placed as shown by reference numeral 18B.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6A, the incident light L1 emitted from the light source provided on one surface side (the left side in FIG. 6A) of the directional forward scattering film 18 When the light passes through and passes through the other side of the directional forward scattering film 18 (the right side in FIG. 6A), the light scattered on one side (the left side) of the directional forward scattering film 18 is referred to as backscattered light LR. Light transmitted through the directional forward scattering film 18 is referred to as forward scattered light. As for the forward scattered light transmitted through the directional forward scatter film 18, the light of the forward scattered light (parallel ray transmitted light) L3 which travels straight in the same direction with an angle error within ± 2 ° with respect to the traveling direction of the incident light L1. Regarding the intensity, the ratio of the incident light L1 to the light intensity is defined as the parallel line transmittance, and the light intensity of the forward scattered light (diffuse transmitted light) LT that obliquely diffuses to the surrounding side beyond ± 2 ° is incident. The ratio of the light L1 to the light intensity is defined as the diffuse transmittance, and the ratio of the entire transmitted light to the incident light is defined as the total light transmittance. From the above definition, it can be defined that the value obtained by subtracting the diffuse transmittance from the total light transmittance is the parallel line transmittance. FIG. 1 also shows the relationship between the incident light L1, the azimuth angle φ, and the parallel transmitted light L3 to make the above description easier to understand.

In the field of optics, a transmittance scale called haze is also generally known. Haze is a value obtained by dividing a diffuse transmittance by a total light transmittance and expressing%. This is a definition of a concept completely different from the parallel line transmittance used in the present embodiment.

Next, when the maximum transmittance of the parallel line transmittance is described using the polar angle θ and the azimuth angle φ, it is defined as Tmax (φ1, θ1), and the minimum transmittance of the parallel line transmittance is defined. Is defined as Tmin (φ2, θ2). In other words, from the property of the directional forward scattering film, the condition where the maximum transmittance is exhibited is the condition where the scattering is the weakest, and the condition where the transmittance is the minimum is the condition where the scattering is the strongest.

For example, if the maximum transmittance is shown when the polar angle θ = 0 ° and the azimuth angle = 0 °, it is denoted as Tmax (0,0). (This means that the parallel line transmittance along the normal direction of the directional forward scattering film is the maximum; in other words, the scattering along the normal direction of the directional forward scattering film is the weakest. .), When the minimum transmittance is shown when the polar angle θ = 10 ° and the azimuth angle = 45 °, it is denoted as Tmin (10,45), which means that the scattering in this direction is the strongest. .

各 Based on the above definition, each characteristic of the directional forward scattering film 18 which is preferably applied to the liquid crystal device will be described below.

As described above, in the directional forward scattering film 18, the angle at which the parallel line transmittance shows the maximum transmittance is the angle at which the scattering is weakest, and the angle at which the parallel transmittance shows the minimum is the angle at which the scattering is strongest.

In other words, in other words, as shown in FIG. 2, in the reflective liquid crystal display device, it is considered that ambient light to the liquid crystal panel 10 is used as incident light L1, and the light reflected by the reflective layer 31 is recognized as reflected light by the observer. In the coordinate axes of FIG. 4, incident light enters the liquid crystal panel 10 from a direction in which scattering is strong when light enters (in other words, a direction in which the parallel line transmittance is low), and scattering is weak when an observer observes reflected light. When viewed from the direction (in other words, the direction in which the parallel line transmittance is high), it is considered that a state in which the display is less blurred (blurred) can be obtained. This is because the first scattering at the time of incidence on the directional forward scattering film 18, which the present inventors have found, does not easily affect the bleeding (blur) of the display. This is based on the finding that scattering at the time of passing the second time greatly affects blurring (blur) of display.

That is, in the present embodiment, when the incident light L1 passes through the directional forward scattering film 18 for the first time, the one that scatters the light (the one with more diffuse transmitted light) is specular reflection (mirror reflection) of the reflection layer 31. This is preferable for the purpose of obtaining a bright display with a wide viewing angle by preventing light. Further, when light reflected by the reflective layer 31 inside the liquid crystal device passes through the directional forward scattering film 18 for the second time. This is because it is considered that the less scattering is preferable in reducing the blur (blurring) of the display. Therefore, in the characteristics of the directional forward scattering film 18, the polar angle and the azimuth indicating the minimum transmittance, in other words, the polar angle and the azimuth direction of the incident light having the strongest scattering (the polar angle and the azimuth indicating the maximum diffuse transmittance). It is preferable that the angle is directed to the daylighting side of the liquid crystal panel 10, in other words, to the side opposite to the observer side, and the polar angle and the azimuth (parallel line transmittance indicates the maximum transmittance) and the azimuth angle (the diffuse transmittance indicates the minimum) It is necessary to direct the polar angle and the azimuth angle), in other words, the incident light angle and incident direction at which scattering is weakest, toward the observer side of the liquid crystal panel 10.

Here, FIG. 6B shows a cross-sectional structure of the directional forward scattering film 18 used in the present embodiment, and the polar and azimuthal states described above will be described.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the cross-sectional structure model of the directional forward scattering film 18 used in the present embodiment is such that a portion having a refractive index of n1 and a portion having a refractive index of n2 have a cross-sectional structure of the directional forward scattering film 18. This is a structure in which layers are alternately arranged in a diagonal direction at a predetermined angle. Assuming that the incident light L1 is incident on the directional forward scattering film 18 having this structure at an appropriate polar angle from an oblique direction, the incident light L1 is scattered at the boundary between the layers having different refractive indices and a part of the scattered light. Is reflected by the reflective layer 31 after passing through the liquid crystal layer 15, the reflected light L2 passes through the liquid crystal layer 15 again and passes through the directional forward scattering film 18 at a polar angle different from that of the incident light L1. However, the reflected light L2 can pass through the directional forward scattering film 18 with little scattering.

In order to satisfy such a relationship, it is most preferable that the relationship between the azimuth angles φ1 and φ2 is φ1 = φ2 ± 180 °. This means that φ2 is the incident angle direction and φ1 is the observation direction, and these angles differ by 180 ° when applied to an actual liquid crystal device. In this case, the light incident on the liquid crystal device is strongly scattered at the time of incidence, and the light reflected on the reflection layer 31 is hard to be scattered. Therefore, a sharp display mode without blur (blurring) of the display can be obtained. However, considering that the directional forward scattering film 18 in which layers having different refractive indexes are alternately arranged in layers in a diagonal direction with a predetermined angle as described above is not systematically completely uniform, The relationship between the angles φ1 and φ2 is ideally φ1 = φ2 ± 180 °, but the present invention is based on the relationship φ1 = φ2 ± 180 ° until the angle deviates from that angle by about (± 10) °. It shall be included. If the angle deviates by more than (± 10) °, it becomes difficult to obtain a sharp display form without blurring (blur) of the display.

Next, it is preferable that the value of (Tmax / Tmin) satisfies the relationship of (Tmax / Tmin) ≧ 2. With this relationship, sufficient scattering is obtained at the time of incidence, and a bright and sharp reflective display is obtained. By satisfying this relationship, a brighter reflective display can be realized than in the case where a conventionally known isotropic scattering film is used.

Next, looking at the polar angles θ1 and θ2 individually, in order to obtain a display brighter than the isotropic scattering film, the range of −40 ° ≦ θ1 <0 ° and 0 ° <θ2 ≦ + 40 ° is more preferable. Preferably, it is in the range of −30 ° ≦ θ1 ≦ −10 ° and 10 ° ≦ θ2 ≦ 30 °.

Next, when the parallel line transmittance in the normal direction (directly in front) of the directional forward scattering film 18 is defined as T (0,0), a display brighter than a conventionally known isotropic scattering film is obtained. In order to obtain, when θ1 = −20 ° and θ2 = 20 °, T (0,0) is preferably 3% or more and 50% or less, and T (0,0) is 5% or more, More preferably, it is 40% or less. If T (0,0) is less than 3%, the scattering is too strong and the display becomes blurred, and if T (0,0) exceeds 40%, the front scattering is too weak to be close to mirror reflection.

Next, when the azimuthal angle φ of the directional forward scattering film is defined to be in the range of φ1 ± 60 ° (φ2 ± 60 °), the parallel line transmittance is always maximized at θ1, and the parallel line transmittance is minimized at θ2. It is preferable that the ratio between the maximum value and the minimum value be 1.5 or more. With such a feature, not only one direction of φ2 but also light of azimuth up to ± 60 ° can be scattered, so that it is easy to cope with each environment, Bright display can be realized.

Next, when the polar angle θ in a direction orthogonal to the azimuth angle φ1 indicating the maximum transmittance and the azimuth angle φ2 indicating the minimum transmittance is changed from −40 ° to + 40 °, the parallel line transmittance is directed in this range. When the transmittance is equal to or higher than the transmittance in the normal direction of the forward scattering film, a sharp display without blur (blurring) of the display can be obtained even when the liquid crystal device is observed from the lateral direction. That is, it is preferable that the relationship T (0,0) ≦ T (φ1 ± 90, θ) be satisfied, and the relationship T (0,0) ≦ T (φ2 ± 90, θ) be satisfied.

Next, when the polar angle θ is in the range of −60 ° ≦ θ ≦ + 60 °, the parallel line transmittance T (φ, θ) is 2% or more, and preferably 50% or less. That is, it is preferable to satisfy the relationship of 2% ≦ T (φ, θ) ≦ 50%, provided that −60 ° ≦ θ ≦ + 60 °. With such a relationship, it is possible to obtain a bright and sharp display without blur (blurring) of the display.

Further, in the directional forward scattering film 18, as shown in FIG. 15, the direction in which the parallel-line transmitted light L3 transmitted through the directional forward scattering film 18 shows the minimum transmittance (the diffuse transmitted light LT shows the maximum transmittance). The angle φ2 direction and the long axis direction α of the nematic liquid crystal molecules 15a located at the center in the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer 15 when no electric field is applied (when the applied voltage is released) between the substrates 17 and 28 are aligned. Have been. Since the twist angle θt of the liquid crystal molecules 15a is 240 degrees to 255 degrees as described above, when there is no electric field between the substrates (when the applied voltage is released), the liquid crystal molecules 15a The nematic liquid crystal molecules 15a located are twisted at a twist angle θtm of 120 ° to 127.5 °, and the major axis direction α at the twist angle θtm is aligned with the azimuth φ2 direction.

The azimuth angle φ2 direction in which the parallel-line transmitted light L3 transmitted through the directional forward scattering film 18 shows the minimum transmittance, and the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer 15 when there is no electric field between the substrates (when the applied voltage is released). The angle formed by the long axis direction α of the nematic liquid crystal molecules 15a located at the center does not have to be 0 ° and may be in the range of ± 30 °. In other words, the direction of the azimuth angle φ2 ± 30 degrees at which the parallel-line transmitted light L3 transmitted through the directional forward scattering film 18 shows the minimum transmittance, and the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer 15 when the voltage applied between the substrates 17 and 28 is released. The nematic liquid crystal molecules located at the center may be arranged so that the major axis directions α are aligned.

As described above, the directional forward scattering film 18 is configured such that the azimuth φ2 direction at which the parallel-line transmitted light L3 exhibits the minimum transmittance and the long-axis direction α of the nematic liquid crystal molecules 15a located at the center of the liquid crystal layer 15 are substantially aligned. The long axis direction α of the nematic liquid crystal molecules 15a located at the center of the liquid crystal layer 15 when there is no electric field (when the applied voltage is released) is a direction in which the contrast is high, and the direction in which the contrast is high. Thus, the direction in which the blur (blurring) of the display is reduced is matched, and a display with high contrast and no blurring (blurring) is obtained, so that a clear display form is obtained and the display quality can be improved.

Further, the directional forward scattering film 18 has an azimuth φ2 direction in which the parallel-line transmitted light L3 transmitted through the directional forward film 18 exhibits the minimum transmittance (the diffuse transmitted light LT exhibits the maximum transmittance), and a polar angle. The liquid crystal panel 10 is arranged such that the in-plane directions of the liquid crystal panel 10 with high contrast are uniform with respect to incident light whose incident light angle from the direction θ is 10 degrees to 30 degrees.

The liquid crystal panel responds to incident light having an azimuth angle φ2 direction in which the parallel-line transmitted light L3 transmitted through the directional forward scattering film 18 shows the minimum transmittance and an incident light angle of 10 to 30 degrees from the polar angle θ direction. The angle between the in-plane direction having a high contrast of 10 does not have to be 0 degree and may be in the range of ± 30 degrees. In other words, the direction of the azimuth angle φ2 ± 30 degrees at which the parallel line transmitted light L3 transmitted through the directional forward scattering film 18 shows the minimum transmittance, and the incident light angle of 10 to 30 degrees from the polar angle direction. However, the liquid crystal panels may be arranged so that the in-plane directions with high contrast are aligned.

As described above, the directional forward scattering film 18 has an azimuth angle φ2 direction in which the parallel line transmitted light transmitted through the directional forward scattering film 18 shows the minimum transmittance, and an incident light angle from the polar angle θ direction of 10 °. By arranging the liquid crystal panel 10 such that the in-plane directions where the contrast of the liquid crystal panel 10 is high with respect to the incident light of 30 degrees are aligned, the direction including the region where the contrast of the liquid crystal panel 10 is high as much as possible and the blur of the display described above (blur). The direction in which less is seen is matched, and a display with high contrast and no blur is obtained, so that a clear display form can be obtained and the display quality can be improved.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating contrast characteristics when incident light is incident on the liquid crystal panel 10 of the present embodiment at a polar angle of 20 degrees and an azimuth angle of 0 degrees. At this time, the azimuth angle of the incident light is the azimuth φ2 direction in which the parallel-line transmitted light transmitted through the directional forward scattering film 18 shows the minimum transmittance (the diffuse transmitted light shows the maximum transmittance). The center of the concentric circle shown in FIG. 16 is the viewing angle in the normal direction of the liquid crystal panel 10, the viewing angle when the outermost circle is viewed from a direction inclined by 80 degrees from the normal direction H, and the second circle from the outside is the normal. Viewing angle viewed from a direction inclined by 60 degrees from direction H, viewing angle viewed from a direction in which the third circle from the outside is inclined by 40 degrees from normal direction H, direction in which the innermost circle is inclined by 20 degrees from normal direction H Represents the viewing angle as viewed from. In FIG. 16, an area 3) indicated by oblique lines indicates that a contrast of 1:10 or more can be obtained.

From FIG. 16, even if the viewing angle of the observer is inclined by 40 degrees from the normal direction, a contrast of 1:10 is shown with respect to the incident light from the azimuth angle φ2 direction, and the viewing angle is 30 degrees to 0 degrees from the normal direction. Even when tilted, a contrast of 1:10 or more can be exhibited with respect to incident light from the azimuth angle φ2 direction. When observing a liquid crystal panel, the observer usually observes the display from a direction shifted from the specular reflection direction of the incident light, in other words, a direction near the normal line or a direction closer to the normal direction than the specular reflection direction, As in the liquid crystal panel of the present embodiment, the liquid crystal panel 10 is arranged such that the in-plane direction γ in which the contrast of the liquid crystal panel 10 is high with respect to incident light having an incident light angle of 10 to 30 degrees from the azimuth angle φ2 direction and the polar angle θ direction is uniform. In this case, as shown in FIG. 16, when the viewing angle is 30 degrees to 0 degrees from the normal direction, the contrast is high and the display quality can be improved.

The direction of the azimuth angle φ2 ± 30 degrees at which the parallel ray transmitted light L3 transmitted through the directional forward scattering film 18 shows the minimum transmittance, and the incident light angle of 10 to 30 degrees from the polar angle direction. When the liquid crystal panel is arranged so that the in-plane directions γ of which the contrast of the liquid crystal panel is high are aligned, as can be seen from FIG. 16, the contrast is high when the viewing angle is 30 degrees to 0 degrees from the normal direction.

(Second embodiment of liquid crystal device)
FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view showing a liquid crystal panel 40 of a liquid crystal device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

The liquid crystal panel 40 of this embodiment has a simple matrix structure of the reflection type provided with the directional forward scattering film 18, similarly to the liquid crystal panel 10 of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. Since the basic structure is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of those components will be omitted. The following mainly describes different components.

The liquid crystal panel 40 of the present embodiment is configured such that the liquid crystal layer 15 is sandwiched between the opposed substrate units 41 and 42 by the sealing material 12. The upper substrate unit 41 is the same as the substrate unit 13 of the first embodiment except that the color filter layer 20 is omitted, and the color filter layer 20 is formed on the reflection layer 31 of the lower substrate unit 42 on the opposite side. The configuration of this portion is different from the structure of the first embodiment. That is, in the liquid crystal panel 40 shown in FIG. 4, the color filter layer 20 provided on the upper side (observer side) of the substrate unit 13 in the first embodiment is changed to the lower side of the liquid crystal layer 15 (observer side). This is a structure provided on the substrate unit 42 side (opposite side). The structure of the color filter layer 20 is the same as that of the first embodiment, but since the color filter layer 20 is formed on the upper surface side of the substrate 28, the laminated structure of the color filter layer 20 shown in FIG. Is upside down with respect to the state.

Also in the structure of the second embodiment, the directional forward scattering film 18 has the same structure and arrangement as in the first embodiment (the azimuth angle φ2 direction in which the parallel transmitted light L3 shows the minimum transmittance, and the gap between the substrates is zero). When an electric field is applied (when the applied voltage is released), the major axis direction α of the nematic liquid crystal molecules 15a located at the center of the liquid crystal layer 15 is aligned with the azimuth φ2 direction at which the parallel line transmitted light shows the minimum transmittance. The liquid crystal panel 40 has an in-plane direction in which the contrast of the liquid crystal panel 40 is high with respect to incident light having an incident light angle of 10 to 30 degrees from the polar angle θ direction. The same effect as the structure of the first embodiment can be obtained with respect to blur (blur) and contrast.

Further, in the liquid crystal device 40 shown in FIG. 4, since the color filter layer 20 is formed immediately above the reflection layer 31, light incident on the liquid crystal device 40 reaches the reflection layer 31 via the liquid crystal layer 15 and is reflected. Since it passes through the color filter 32 immediately after being processed, it has a feature that the problem of color misregistration hardly occurs.

反射 In the present embodiment, the reflection layer 31 is in a mirror (mirror surface) state, but may have fine irregularities of about 1 to 20 μm.

(Third Embodiment of Liquid Crystal Device)
FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a liquid crystal panel 50 of a liquid crystal device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

The liquid crystal panel 50 of this embodiment is a substrate unit having a transflective layer 52 instead of the reflective layer 31 provided in the liquid crystal panel 10 of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 55, which are the same as those of the first embodiment in other basic structures, and the description of those components is omitted. Hereinafter, different components will be mainly described.

The structure of the liquid crystal panel 50 is different from that of the first embodiment in that a transflective layer 52 is provided, and a light source 60 such as a backlight is provided behind the liquid crystal panel 50 (the lower side in FIG. 8). Are disposed, and the retardation plate 56 and the polarizing plate 57 are disposed.

When a liquid crystal display device is used as the transmission type, the lower substrate 28 'needs to be formed of a transparent substrate such as glass.

The transflective layer 52 is a transflective layer or a part of the transflective layer having a thickness sufficient to transmit the transmitted light emitted from the light source 60 such as a backlight on the rear side (lower side in FIG. 8). For example, a structure widely used in a transflective liquid crystal display device such as a structure in which a number of fine through holes are formed to enhance light transmittance can be appropriately adopted.

In the liquid crystal device according to the third embodiment, a transmissive liquid crystal display mode is used when light transmitted from a light source 60 such as a backlight is used, and reflection using ambient light is used when light from the light source is not used. The display can be used as a reflective liquid crystal display device. Also, in the structure of the third embodiment, the directional forward scattering film 18 has the structure and arrangement of the first embodiment (the azimuth angle φ2 direction at which the parallel transmitted light L3 shows the minimum transmittance, and Is aligned with the major axis direction α of the nematic liquid crystal molecules 15a located at the center of the liquid crystal layer 15 in the absence of an electric field (when the applied voltage is released), and the azimuth φ2 at which the parallel line transmitted light shows the minimum transmittance. Direction and an in-plane direction in which the contrast of the liquid crystal panel 50 is high with respect to the incident light having an incident light angle of 10 to 30 degrees from the polar angle θ direction). When the display mode as the liquid crystal display device is adopted, a sharp reflective display mode in which blurring (blur) of display and reduction in contrast are eliminated can be obtained as in the case of the first embodiment. .

In the first, second, and third embodiments described above, an example in which the present invention is applied to a simple matrix type reflection type liquid crystal display device has been described. Of course, the present invention may be applied to an active matrix type reflective liquid crystal display device or a transflective liquid crystal display device having a terminal type switching element.

When applied to these active matrix type liquid crystal display devices, a common electrode is provided on one substrate side instead of the striped electrodes shown in FIGS. 2, 7, and 8, and a large number of pixels are provided on the other substrate side. An electrode is provided for each pixel, and a TFT (thin film transistor) driving structure in which each pixel electrode is individually driven by a thin film transistor which is a three-terminal switching element, a stripe-shaped electrode is provided on one substrate side, and Of course, the present invention can be applied to a two-terminal linear element driving type liquid crystal display device in which pixel electrodes are provided for each pixel on the substrate side, and these pixel electrodes are individually driven by thin-film diodes which are two-terminal linear elements. The present invention can be applied to any of these types of liquid crystal display devices only by arranging the directional forward scattering film in the specific direction described above. It has a feature that can be applied to a liquid crystal display device of various forms.

When the liquid crystal device of the present invention is applied to an active matrix type liquid crystal display device, the nematic liquid crystal molecules constituting the liquid crystal layer can use those having a twist angle of 60 to 80 degrees. As shown in FIG. 17, in the forward scattering film, the direction of the azimuth angle φ2 in which the parallel line transmitted light transmitted through the directional forward scattering film shows the minimum transmittance (the diffuse transmitted light shows the maximum transmittance) and the distance between the substrates. When no electric field is applied (when the applied voltage is released), the nematic liquid crystal molecules 15b located at the center in the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer are arranged so that the major axis direction β is aligned. Since the liquid crystal molecules 15b have a twist angle θt of 60 to 80 degrees as described above, the liquid crystal molecules 15b are positioned at the center of the liquid crystal layer in the thickness direction when no electric field is applied (when the applied voltage is released). The nematic liquid crystal molecules 15b are twisted at a twist angle θtm of 30 to 40 degrees, and the long axis direction β at the twist angle θtm is aligned with the azimuth φ2 direction.

Further, the direction of the azimuth angle φ2 at which the parallel light transmitted through the directional forward scattering film shows the minimum transmittance, and the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer 15 when there is no electric field (when the applied voltage is released) between the substrates. The angle formed by the long axis direction β of the nematic liquid crystal molecules 15b located at the central portion does not have to be 0 ° and may be in a range of ± 30 °. In other words, the direction of the azimuth angle φ2 ± 30 degrees at which the parallel light transmitted through the directional forward scattering film shows the minimum transmittance, and the nematic located at the center of the liquid crystal layer when the voltage applied between the substrates is released. The liquid crystal molecules need only be arranged so that the major axis directions β are aligned.

In the above-described embodiment, the directional forward scattering film has an azimuth angle φ2 direction in which the parallel light transmitted through the directional forward scattering film shows the minimum transmittance, and the substrate has no electric field. (When the applied voltage is released), the nematic liquid crystal molecules located in the center of the liquid crystal layer are arranged so that the major axis directions thereof are aligned, and the direction of the azimuth φ2 at which the parallel line transmitted light shows the minimum transmittance is determined. Although the case where the in-plane directions where the contrast of the liquid crystal panel is high with respect to the incident light whose incident light angle from the angle θ direction is 10 degrees to 30 degrees is arranged is described, the directional forward scattering film has the above-described configuration. The azimuth angle φ2 direction and the long axis direction of the nematic liquid crystal molecules located at the center of the liquid crystal layer when there is no electric field between the substrates are arranged so as to be aligned, or the azimuth angle φ2 direction and the polar angle θ direction Incident light If degrees is long as it is arranged so that the contrast of the liquid crystal panel has a higher plane direction aligned relative to the 30 degrees 10 degrees incident light, it can solve the problem of the present invention.

(Embodiment of electronic device)
Next, a specific example of an electronic device including any one of the liquid crystal panels 10, 40, and 50 according to the first to third embodiments will be described.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view showing an example of a mobile phone.

In FIG. 9A, reference numeral 200 denotes a main body of the mobile phone, and reference numeral 201 denotes a liquid crystal display unit using any one of the liquid crystal panels 10, 40, and 50.

FIG. 9B is a perspective view showing an example of a portable information processing device such as a word processor or a personal computer.

9B, reference numeral 300 denotes an information processing device, reference numeral 301 denotes an input unit such as a keyboard, reference numeral 303 denotes a main body of the information processing device, and reference numeral 302 denotes a liquid crystal using any one of the liquid crystal panels 10, 40, and 50. The display unit is shown.

FIG. 9C is a perspective view illustrating an example of a wristwatch-type electronic device.

In FIG. 9C, reference numeral 400 denotes a watch main body, and reference numeral 401 denotes a liquid crystal display unit using any one of the liquid crystal panels 10, 40, and 50.

Each of the electronic devices shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C includes a liquid crystal display unit using any one of the liquid crystal panels 10, 40, and 50, so that there is no display blur (blurring). , High contrast and excellent sharp display quality.

"Test Example 1"
A transmittance measurement test was performed using a directional forward scattering film created by a transmission hologram technique.

Light is incident from the light source of the (halogen) lamp (installed at a position 300 mm away from the directional forward scattering film) on the center of the surface of a horizontally installed (50 × 40) mm rectangular directional forward scattering film in plan view. Then, a light receiving unit having a light receiving element composed of a CCD on the back side of the directional forward scattering film (installed at a position 300 mm away from the directional forward scattering film) is arranged in a direction facing the incident light from the light source. The light source was installed, the polar angle and the azimuth of the light source were defined as shown in FIG.

Adjusting the polar angle θ of the light source (the incident angle of the incident light with respect to the normal line of the directional forward scattering film) in the range of ± 60 °, and measuring the parallel line transmittance (%) at each polar angle. It is shown in FIG. As for the azimuth angles, 0 °, + 30 °, + 60 °, + 90 °, and + 180 ° (all in the clockwise direction shown in FIG. 4), −30 °, −60 °, and −90 ° (in FIG. (Counterclockwise direction shown in Fig. 10) was measured and collectively shown in Fig. 10.

From the results shown in FIG. 10, the measurement results at 0 ° and 180 ° are exactly the same curve, and the relationship between the maximum transmittance Tmax and the minimum transmittance Tmin of the parallel line transmitted light is (Tmax / Tmin) ≒ 50. : 6 ≒ 8.33, a value exceeding 2 desired in the present invention.

Next, FIG. 11 shows the results of a similar transmittance measurement test performed using another directional forward scatter film made of a transmission hologram, and FIG. FIG. 12 shows the results of a similar transmittance measurement test.

Looking at the characteristics shown in FIG. 11, the relationship between the maximum transmittance Tmax and the minimum transmittance Tmin of the parallel line transmitted light is (Tmax / Tmin) ≒ 12: 3 ≒ 4, which exceeds 2 desired in the present invention. The value was shown.

Looking at the characteristics shown in FIG. 12, the relationship between the maximum transmittance Tmax and the minimum transmittance Tmin of the parallel line transmitted light is (Tmax / Tmin) ≒ 52: 26 ≒ 2, which is the desired value of 2 in the present invention. showed that.

Further, in the directional forward scattering films of any of the examples shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 12, it is clear that the maximum value and the minimum value generally exist at almost the same angle in the range of ± 60 °. Was. For example, from the results shown in FIG. 10, when the local maximum value is the polar angle −30 °, when the local minimum value is the polar angle + (23) ゜, from the results shown in FIG. 11, the local maximum value is the polar angle − (20) °. In the case of, the minimum value is the case where the polar angle is + (18) ゜, and from the results shown in FIG. 12, the maximum value is the case where the polar angle is −30 ° and the minimum value is the case where the polar angle is + (25) °.

Next, in the directional forward scattering films of the examples shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 12, when φ is ± 90 °, the transmittance is the lowest when the polar angle θ is 0 in any of the examples. In other words, it was also found that scattering at the time of incidence was strong (a large amount of diffusely transmitted light).

It is also clear that in the directional forward scattering films of the examples shown in FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, the transmittances under all conditions fall in the range of 2 to 50%.

Next, when the polar angle θ was fixed and the azimuth angle φ was changed, in other words, when only the directional forward scattering film was rotated in a horizontal plane, the transmittance of the directional forward scattering film was measured. FIG. 13 shows the results.

According to the results shown in FIG. 13, under the condition of θ = 0 °, light is incident in the normal direction of the directional forward scattering film, but the transmittance is almost constant, and θ = −20 °, − In the case of 40 ° and −60 °, the azimuth shows a curve in which the transmittance takes the maximum convex upward in the range of 0 ± 90 °, and in the case of θ = + 20 °, + 40 ° and + 60 °, the azimuth is 0 ±. In the range of 90 °, the transmittance showed a tendency to show a curve in which the transmittance takes the minimum of convex downward (concave upward). From this, it was clearly shown that the directional forward scattering film used in the present example exhibited a maximum and a minimum transmittance in accordance with the polar angle and the azimuth angle.

When analyzing the relationship between the transmittances shown in FIG. 13, the azimuth angle φ is within ± 30 ° at a negative polar angle θ (−20 °, −40 °, −60 °), that is, φ = −30 ° or more. In the range of + 30 °, the maximum value of the transmittance is suppressed to within 5%, and the azimuth angle φ is within ± 30 ° at positive polar angles θ (+ 20 °, + 40 °, + 60 °), that is, φ = In the range of -30 ° to + 30 °, the minimum value of the transmittance is suppressed to within 5%.

FIG. 14 shows the relationship between polar angle and transmittance for each azimuth angle in a sample of a liquid crystal device configured using a conventional isotropic forward scattering film (trade name: IDS-16K, manufactured by Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.). 1 shows the measurement results. In the test, the same liquid crystal device as in the first test example was used, and the results were measured by changing the directional forward scattering film (anisotropic forward film) to the isotropic scattering film used this time.

From the results shown in FIG. 14, the transmittance of the parallel line transmitted light shows almost no change at any azimuth angle, almost overlaps with one curve, and the polar angle is maximized when the polar angle is 0 °. It is clear that even if it is changed to the minus region, it changes only about a few percent. From this result, it is clear that the effect of the present invention cannot be obtained even when the isotropic forward scattering film is used for a liquid crystal device.

"Test Example 2"
Next, the brightness of the reflective type color liquid crystal display device using the directional forward scattering film when the polar angle θ1 and the polar angle θ2 in the above test were variously changed was compared in an office under fluorescent lamp lighting. As the brightness, a reflection type color liquid crystal display device using a conventional isotropic forward scattering film (a reflection type color liquid crystal display device using an isotropic scattering film used in the measurement shown in FIG. 14 described above) and In comparison, the following Table 1 shows that the image was recognized as brighter than the conventional reflective color liquid crystal display device, Δ was equivalent, and × was dark.

"Table 1"
θ1 (°) -80 -70 -60 -50 -40 -30 -20 -10 0
θ2 (°) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Evaluation result × × × × × △ △ △ ×
θ1 (°) -80 -70 -60 -50 -40 -30 -20 -10 0
θ2 (°) 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
Evaluation result × × × × △ 〇 〇 〇 ×
θ1 (°) -80 -70 -60 -50 -40 -30 -20 -10 0
θ2 (°) 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20
Evaluation result × × × × △ 〇 〇 〇 ×
θ1 (°) -80 -70 -60 -50 -40 -30 -20 -10 0
θ2 (°) 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30
Evaluation result × × × × △ 〇 〇 〇 ×
θ1 (°) -80 -70 -60 -50 -40 -30 -20 -10 0
θ2 (°) 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 20
Evaluation result × × × × × △ △ △ ×
As is clear from the measurement results shown in Table 1, the polar angle θ1 when the parallel line transmitted light is maximum (when the diffused transmitted light is minimum) is in the range of −40 ° ≦ θ1 ≦ 0 °, 0 °. If it is within the range of ≦ θ2 ≦ 40 °, the same brightness as the conventional product can be secured. It can be seen that a liquid crystal display device having excellent brightness can be obtained.

"Test Example 3"
A directional forward scattering film in which the parallel line transmittance T (0,0) in the normal direction of the directional forward scattering film is changed to various values is prepared, and the brightness of a liquid crystal display device provided with the directional forward scattering film is adjusted. The results were compared in offices under fluorescent lighting. The compared conventional product is the same as that used in the previous test example. Table 2 below shows that the light was perceived as brighter than the reflection type color liquid crystal display device using the isotropic forward scattering film of the conventional product as 〇, the equivalent was △, and the dark was ×.

"Table 2"
T (0,0) 3% 5% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
Evaluation result △ 〇 〇 〇 〇 〇 △ ×
As is clear from the results shown in Table 2, in the range of 3% ≦ T (0,0) ≦ 60%, more preferably 5% ≦ T (0,0) ≦ 40%, under the actual use environment. It is clear that a reflective color liquid crystal display device that is brighter than in the prior art can be provided.

Next, from the results shown in FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, when the azimuth angle φ of the directional forward scattering film is defined in the range of φ1 ± 60 ° and φ2 ± 60 °, the parallel line transmittance always becomes θ1. It is also clear that it shows a maximum (in other words, a minimum of the diffuse transmittance) and a minimum of the parallel line transmittance (in other words, a maximum of the diffuse transmittance) at θ2.

"Test Example 4"
Next, when a number of transmission hologram directional forward scattering films are prepared and the value of (Tmax / Tmin) is adjusted to various values, the brightness of the reflection type color display device is adjusted to the isotropic property of the prior art. The results of comparison with the liquid crystal display device using the scattering film are shown in Table 3 below. In the case where the recognition was more than twice as bright as the conventional liquid crystal display device, it was evaluated as 、, in the case where it was recognized as being brighter than the conventional product, in 〇, in the case of equivalent, in △, and in the case of dark, ×.

"Table 3"
Tmax / Tmin 10.0 5.0 3.0 2.0 1.8 1.5 1.0
Evaluation result ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ △ △ △
From the results shown in Table 3, it is clear that the recognition was particularly bright when the ratio between the minimum value and the maximum value of the parallel line transmittance described above was 2 or more.

"Test Example 5"
In the directional forward scattering film, the azimuth when the parallel line transmittance takes the minimum value (in other words, the diffuse transmittance is the maximum value) or the parallel line transmittance takes the maximum value (in other words, the diffuse transmittance is the minimum value) is φ2 or φ2. Assuming φ1, the ratio between the maximum value and the minimum value of the transmitted light characteristics measured by changing the polar angle θ in the range of φ2 ± 60 ° and φ1 ± 60 ° was measured. By changing this ratio, the brightness of the reflective type color liquid crystal display device was compared in an office under fluorescent lamp lighting. The compared conventional product is the same as that used in the previous test example. Table 4 below shows that the light was perceived as brighter than the conventional reflective color liquid crystal display device using an isotropic forward scattering film, Δ was equivalent, and X was dark.

"Table 4"
Maximum value / Minimum value 5.0 3.5 2.0 1.5 1.5 1.2 1.0
Evaluation result 〇 〇 〇 〇 △ △
From the results shown in Table 4, it was clarified that the value of the maximum value / the minimum value is preferably 1.5 or more. That is, when the azimuthal angle φ of the directional forward scattering film is defined in the range of φ1 ± 60 ° and θ2 ± 60 °, it is apparent that the ratio of the minimum value to the maximum value of the parallel line transmittance is 1.5 or more. It is.

"Test Example 6"
In the directional forward scattering film, when the polar angle θ is −60 ° ≦ θ ≦ + 60 °, the maximum value and the minimum value of the parallel line transmittance T are changed to change the brightness of the reflective color liquid crystal display device to fluorescent light. The comparison was made in an office under lighting. The compared conventional product is the same as that used in the previous test example. In Table 5 below, the recognition was brighter than that of the conventional reflection type color liquid crystal display device using an isotropic forward scattering film, the equivalent was Δ, and the dark one was ×.

"Table 5"
Maximum transmittance Tmax 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% Minimum transmittance Tmin 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% Evaluation result × × △ △ △ ×
Maximum transmittance Tmax 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% Minimum transmittance Tmin 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% Evaluation result × 〇 〇 〇 〇 〇 Maximum transmittance Tmax 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% Minimum transmittance Tmin 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% Evaluation result △ 〇 〇 〇 〇 〇 Maximum transmittance Tmax 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% Minimum transmittance Tmin 10% 10% 10% 10% 10% 10% Evaluation result △ 〇 〇 〇 〇 △
Maximum transmittance Tmax 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% Minimum transmittance Tmin 20% 20% 20% 20% 20% 20% Evaluation result × 〇 〇 △ △ ×
Maximum transmittance Tmax 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% Minimum transmittance Tmin 30% 30% 30% 30% 30% 30% Evaluation result × △ △ × × ×
Maximum transmittance Tmax 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% Minimum transmittance Tmin 40% 40% 40% 40% 40% 40% Evaluation result × × × × × ×
From the results shown in Table 5, it can be seen that the maximum value / minimum value ≧ 2 is required and that the transmittance is 2% or more and 50% or less.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a liquid crystal panel according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the liquid crystal panel shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view showing a color filter portion of the liquid crystal panel shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a positional relationship among a directional forward scattering film, a light source, a light receiving section, a polar angle, an azimuth angle, and parallel line transmitted light. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the directional forward scattering film, the light source, and the light receiving unit. FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between incident light, parallel-line transmitted light, diffuse transmitted light, and backscattered light and forward scattered light with respect to the directional forward scattering film, and FIG. 6B is a directional forward scattering film. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between an example of the cross-sectional structure of FIG. FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a liquid crystal panel according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a liquid crystal panel according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9A is a perspective view showing a portable telephone, FIG. 9B is a perspective view showing an example of a portable information processing apparatus, and FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a wristwatch-type electronic device. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a result of measuring a first example of the relationship between the polar angle and the transmittance measured in the example for each azimuth angle. FIG. 11 shows the result of measuring the second example of the relationship between the polar angle and the transmittance measured in the example for each azimuth angle, and the measurement result when the ratio between the minimum value and the maximum value of the parallel line transmittance is 4 FIG. FIG. 12 shows the results of measuring the third example of the relationship between the polar angle and the transmittance measured in the example for each azimuth angle, and the measurement result when the ratio between the minimum value and the maximum value of the parallel line transmittance is 2 FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the result of measuring the relationship between the azimuth angle and the transmittance measured in the example for each polar angle. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the result of measuring the relationship between the polar angle and the transmittance measured for each azimuth angle in the comparative example. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of the positional relationship between the azimuth angle φ2 direction at which the parallel-line transmitted light transmitted through the directional forward scattering film shows the minimum transmittance and the long-axis direction α of the liquid crystal molecules in the STN cell when no electric field is applied. is there. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating contrast characteristics of the liquid crystal panel of the present embodiment. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of the positional relationship between the azimuth angle φ2 direction at which the parallel-line transmitted light transmitted through the directional forward scattering film shows the minimum transmittance, and the major axis direction α of the liquid crystal molecules in the STN cell when no electric field is applied. is there. FIG. 18 shows a conventional reflection type liquid crystal device. FIG. 18 (a) is a schematic sectional view showing an example of a reflection type liquid crystal device provided with a scattering film, and FIG. 18 (b) is a reflection type liquid crystal provided with an inner surface diffusion plate. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a liquid crystal device.

Explanation of reference numerals

α, β: Long axis direction γ: In-plane direction θ: Polar angle,
φ… azimuth,
K… light source,
J: light receiving section,
LT: Diffuse transmitted light,
L3: parallel line transmitted light,
Tmax (φ1, θ1): maximum transmittance,
Tmin (φ2, θ2): minimum transmittance,
10, 40, 50 ... liquid crystal panel,
15 ... liquid crystal layer,
15a: liquid crystal molecules 15b: liquid crystal molecules 17, 28, 28 ': substrate,
18 ... directional forward scattering film,
20 ... color filter layer,
23, 35 ... electrode layers,
31 ... reflection layer,
52: transflective layer,
200: mobile phone body,
300: portable information processing equipment,
400 wristwatch-type electronic device.

Claims (13)

A pair of substrates, a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between these substrates, a reflective layer provided on the liquid crystal layer side of the one substrate, and a directivity provided on the side opposite to the liquid crystal layer side of the other substrate. A liquid crystal panel comprising a forward scattering film, and light is incident on the directional forward scattering film from a light source disposed on one surface thereof, and light is received on the other surface of the directional forward scattering film. In the part, of the total transmitted light transmitted through the directional forward scattering film, when observing parallel-line transmitted light excluding diffuse transmitted light,
The incident angle of the incident light with respect to the normal line of the directional forward scattering film is defined as a polar angle θn, the incident light angle in the in-plane direction of the directional forward scattering film is defined as an azimuth φm, and When the maximum transmittance is defined as Tmax (φ1, θ1) and the minimum transmittance of the parallel transmitted light is defined as Tmin (φ2, θ2), the incident light side at the polar angle and the azimuth indicating the minimum transmittance The directional forward scattering film so as to be on the daylighting side of the liquid crystal panel, so that the incident light side in the case of the polar angle and azimuth indicating the maximum transmittance is on the viewing direction side of the liquid crystal panel. On the panel,
Further, the directional forward scattering film has an azimuth angle φ2 direction in which parallel light transmitted through the directional forward scattering film shows a minimum transmittance, and a center of the liquid crystal layer when the voltage applied between the substrates is released. The long axis direction of the nematic liquid crystal molecules located in the portion is arranged so as to be aligned, and the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules is a direction in which the liquid crystal molecules respond to an electric field when a voltage is applied between the substrates. Characteristic liquid crystal device. A pair of substrates, a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between these substrates, a semi-transmissive reflective layer provided on the liquid crystal layer side of the one substrate, and a liquid crystal layer provided on the other substrate opposite to the liquid crystal layer side. Comprising a liquid crystal panel with a directional forward scattering film,
Light is incident on the directional forward scattering film from a light source disposed on one surface thereof, and is transmitted through the directional forward scattering film at a light receiving unit disposed on the other surface of the directional forward scattering film. When observing the parallel transmitted light excluding the diffuse transmitted light,
The incident angle of the incident light with respect to the normal line of the directional forward scattering film is defined as a polar angle θn, the incident light angle in the in-plane direction of the directional forward scattering film is defined as an azimuth φm, and When the maximum transmittance is defined as Tmax (φ1, θ1) and the minimum transmittance of the parallel transmitted light is defined as Tmin (φ2, θ2), the incident light side at the polar angle and the azimuth indicating the minimum transmittance The directional forward scattering film so as to be on the daylighting side of the liquid crystal panel, so that the incident light side in the case of the polar angle and azimuth indicating the maximum transmittance is on the viewing direction side of the liquid crystal panel. On the panel,
Further, the directional forward scattering film has an azimuth angle φ2 direction in which parallel light transmitted through the directional forward scattering film shows a minimum transmittance, and a central portion of the liquid crystal layer when the voltage applied between the substrates is released. Are arranged so that the major axis directions of the nematic liquid crystal molecules are aligned, and the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules is a direction in which the liquid crystal molecules respond to an electric field when a voltage is applied between the substrates. Liquid crystal device. The directional forward scattering film has a direction of an azimuth angle of φ2 ± 30 degrees at which parallel light transmitted through the directional forward scattering film shows a minimum transmittance, and a liquid crystal layer when a voltage applied between the substrates is released. 3. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the long axis directions of the nematic liquid crystal molecules located at the center of the liquid crystal are aligned. 4. The nematic liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer are set at a twist angle of 60 to 80 degrees, and when the voltage applied between the substrates is released, the nematic liquid crystal molecules located at the center of the liquid crystal layer are aligned on the substrate surface. The liquid crystal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the liquid crystal device is twisted by 30 to 40 degrees with respect to the nematic liquid crystal molecules. The nematic liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer are set at a twist angle of 240 to 255 degrees, and when the voltage applied between the substrates is released, the nematic liquid crystal molecules located at the center of the liquid crystal layer are aligned on the substrate surface. 4. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal device is twisted by 120 ° to 127.5 ° with respect to the nematic liquid crystal molecules. A pair of substrates, a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between these substrates, a reflective layer provided on the liquid crystal layer side of the one substrate, and a directivity provided on the side opposite to the liquid crystal layer side of the other substrate. A liquid crystal panel comprising a forward scattering film, and light is incident on the directional forward scattering film from a light source disposed on one surface side of the directional forward scattering film, and light is disposed on the other surface side of the directional forward scattering film. In the portion, of the total transmitted light transmitted through the directional forward scattering film, when observing parallel-line transmitted light except diffuse transmitted light,
The incident angle of the incident light with respect to the normal line of the directional forward scattering film is defined as a polar angle θn, the incident light angle in the in-plane direction of the directional forward scattering film is defined as an azimuth φm, and When the maximum transmittance is defined as Tmax (φ1, θ1) and the minimum transmittance of the parallel transmitted light is defined as Tmin (φ2, θ2), the incident light side at the polar angle and the azimuth indicating the minimum transmittance The directional forward scattering film so as to be on the daylighting side of the liquid crystal panel, so that the incident light side in the case of the polar angle and azimuth indicating the maximum transmittance is on the viewing direction side of the liquid crystal panel. On the panel,
Further, the directional forward scattering film has an azimuth angle φ2 direction in which parallel light transmitted through the directional forward scattering film shows a minimum transmittance and an incident light angle of 10 ° to 30 ° from a polar angle direction. A liquid crystal device, wherein the liquid crystal device is arranged so that in-plane directions in which the contrast of the liquid crystal panel with respect to light is high are aligned. A pair of substrates, a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between these substrates, a semi-transmissive reflective layer provided on the liquid crystal layer side of the one substrate, and a liquid crystal layer provided on the other substrate opposite to the liquid crystal layer side. Comprising a liquid crystal panel with a directional forward scattering film,
Light is incident on the directional forward scattering film from a light source disposed on one surface thereof, and is transmitted through the directional forward scattering film at a light receiving unit disposed on the other surface of the directional forward scattering film. When observing the parallel transmitted light excluding the diffuse transmitted light,
The incident angle of the incident light with respect to the normal line of the directional forward scattering film is defined as a polar angle θn, the incident light angle in the in-plane direction of the directional forward scattering film is defined as an azimuth φm, and When the maximum transmittance is defined as Tmax (φ1, θ1) and the minimum transmittance of the parallel transmitted light is defined as Tmin (φ2, θ2), the incident light side at the polar angle and the azimuth indicating the minimum transmittance The directional forward scattering film so as to be on the daylighting side of the liquid crystal panel, so that the incident light side in the case of the polar angle and azimuth indicating the maximum transmittance is on the viewing direction side of the liquid crystal panel. On the panel,
Further, the directional forward scattering film has an azimuth angle φ2 direction in which parallel light transmitted through the directional forward scattering film shows a minimum transmittance and an incident light angle of 10 ° to 30 ° from the polar angle direction. A liquid crystal device, wherein the liquid crystal device is arranged so that in-plane directions in which the contrast of the liquid crystal panel with respect to light is high are aligned. The directional forward scattering film has an azimuth angle of φ2 ± 30 degrees at which parallel light transmitted through the directional forward scattering film shows a minimum transmittance, and an incident light angle from a polar angle direction of 10 to 30 degrees. 8. The liquid crystal device according to claim 6, wherein the liquid crystal panel is arranged so that the in-plane directions in which the contrast of the liquid crystal panel with respect to the incident light is high are aligned. The liquid crystal device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a ratio of a maximum transmittance Tmax and a minimum transmittance Tmin of the parallel line transmitted light is set to satisfy a relationship of (Tmax / Tmin) ≥2. . The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein a liquid crystal driving electrode is provided on the liquid crystal layer side of the one substrate and the liquid crystal layer side of the other substrate. The liquid crystal device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a color filter is provided on one of the liquid crystal layers of the pair of substrates. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the reflection layer has fine irregularities. 13. An electronic apparatus comprising the liquid crystal device according to claim 1 as a display unit.

Images