JP2006323423A - Liquid crystal display device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vertical alignment liquid crystal display device having high response speed, high display quality, and high transmissivity. <P>SOLUTION: In the liquid crystal display device having a first substrate, a second substrate opposed to the first substrate, a liquid crystal layer enclosed between the first and the second substrates, a first electrode formed on the first substrate, a second electrode formed on the second substrate, a first alignment layer formed on the first substrate so as to cover the first electrode and a second alignment layer formed on the second substrate so as to cover the second electrode, the first and the second alignment layers align liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer in a direction substantially vertical to the surface of the liquid crystal layer in a non-driving state where driving voltage is not applied between the first and the second electrodes and a plurality of directional patterns are formed toward the same azimuth on the first substrate. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention generally relates to a liquid crystal display device, and more particularly to a vertical alignment mode liquid crystal display device.

  A liquid crystal display device is widely used as a small and low power consumption display device in various portable information processing devices, particularly laptop computers and mobile phones. On the other hand, the performance of the liquid crystal display device has been remarkably improved. Recently, a liquid crystal display device having a response speed and a contrast ratio that can replace a CRT display device of a desktop computer or a workstation has been realized.

  On the other hand, in the conventional liquid crystal display device, there is a demand for further improving the contrast ratio and the response speed particularly in connection with the application to the desktop type flat display device, and further, the displayed information can be visually recognized at an angle other than the front of the display device. There is a demand to realize a wide viewing angle as possible.

  As a practical liquid crystal display device, a normally white mode TN liquid crystal display device has been widely used. In such a TN mode liquid crystal display device, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules changes in accordance with the applied voltage signal in the plane of the liquid crystal layer, and the transmitted light is on / off controlled by the change in the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules.

  However, the TN mode liquid crystal display device has a problem in that the contrast ratio is limited in relation to the operation principle, and it is difficult to provide a wide viewing angle as required for a desktop display device. .

  In contrast, the inventor of the present invention has proposed a so-called vertical alignment type liquid crystal display device in which liquid crystal molecules are aligned in a substantially vertical direction to a liquid crystal layer in a state where a driving voltage is not applied.

  FIGS. 1A and 1B show the principle of a vertical alignment type liquid crystal display device 10 called a so-called MVA type proposed by the present inventors. 1A shows a non-driving state in which no driving voltage is applied to the liquid crystal display device 10, and FIG. 1B shows a driving state in which the driving voltage is applied to the liquid crystal display device 10.

  Referring to FIG. 1A, a liquid crystal layer 12 is sandwiched between glass substrates 11A and 11B, and the glass substrates 11A and 11B together with the liquid crystal layer 12 form a liquid crystal panel. A molecular alignment film (not shown) is formed on each of the glass substrates 11A and 11B. Due to the action of the molecular alignment film, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 12 are in the state where no driving voltage is applied. Alignment is performed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the liquid crystal layer 12. In this state, the plane of polarization of the light beam incident on the liquid crystal display device is not substantially rotated in the liquid crystal layer. Therefore, in the non-driven state of FIG. When the polarizer and the analyzer are arranged in a crossed Nicols state, the light beam that has passed through the polarizer and entered the liquid crystal layer 12 is blocked by the analyzer.

  On the other hand, in the driving state shown in FIG. 1B, the liquid crystal molecules are tilted by the action of the applied electric field, so that the polarization plane of the light beam incident on the liquid crystal layer is rotated. As a result, the light beam that has passed through the polarizer and entered the liquid crystal layer 12 passes through the analyzer.

  Further, in the liquid crystal display device 10 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, in order to improve the response speed by regulating the direction in which the liquid crystal molecules tilt during the transition from the non-driving state to the driving state, Convex patterns 13A and 13B are formed on glass substrates 11A and 11B so as to extend in parallel to each other.

  Such convex patterns 13A. By forming 13B, the response speed of the liquid crystal display device 10 is improved, and at the same time, a plurality of domains having different liquid crystal molecule tilt directions are formed in the liquid crystal layer. As a result, the viewing angle of the liquid crystal display device is greatly improved. The

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an alignment state of liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the convex patterns 13A and 13B in the driving state of FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the liquid crystal molecules are tilted because they are in a driving state, but the alignment direction is changed by 180 ° between one side and the other side of the convex pattern 13A or 13B, that is, twisted. Recognize. FIG. 2 also shows the absorption axis direction P of the polarizer and the absorption axis direction A of the analyzer.

  In such a conventional vertical alignment liquid crystal display device 10, while the tilted liquid crystal molecules are twisted by 180 °, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules is aligned with the absorption axis direction P of the polarizer at one edge of the protrusion pattern 13A or 13B. In addition, it can be seen that a situation always coincides with the absorption axis direction A of the analyzer at the other edge. When such alignment of liquid crystal molecules occurs, two dark lines are generated along both side edges of the convex pattern as shown in the figure. Such dark lines reduce the transmittance of the liquid crystal panel, and thus reduce the contrast ratio of the display of the liquid crystal display device.

  Further, in the liquid crystal display device 10 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the convex patterns 13A and 13B is regulated, but the liquid crystal molecules in other regions are not regulated. As a result, when the state of the liquid crystal display device transitions from the non-driving state of FIG. 1A to the driving state of FIG. 1B, the tilt of the liquid crystal molecules is first started in the region near the convex patterns 13A and 13B. However, as it propagates to other regions, all liquid crystal molecules will eventually tilt in the desired direction, but such tilt propagation takes time and there is still room for improvement in response speed. It is left. In particular, in relation to the propagation of the tilt, when halftone display is performed on the liquid crystal display device 10, since the electric field applied to the liquid crystal molecules is weak, the liquid crystal molecules in a region away from the convex pattern 13A or 13B. The tilt direction is not determined, and the response tends to be delayed.

  In addition, in the conventional liquid crystal display device 10 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a pattern having a height of at least 1.2 μm is required as the convex patterns 13A and 13B. When the film is formed by, for example, the retardation of the liquid crystal layer 12 is reduced in the pattern portion, and the decrease in the retardation causes a decrease in transmittance.

  Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide a new and useful liquid crystal display device that solves the above problems.

  A more specific object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display device having a high contrast ratio, a high response speed, and a wide viewing angle.

  The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems by providing a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, a liquid crystal layer sealed between the first and second substrates, and the first substrate. A first electrode formed on the first substrate; a second electrode formed on the second substrate; and a first electrode formed on the first substrate so as to cover the first electrode. 1 alignment film and a second alignment film formed on the second substrate so as to cover the second electrode. The first alignment film and the second alignment film are: , In a non-driving state where no driving voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer are aligned in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the substrate, At least on the first substrate, extends in at least a first direction parallel to the substrate surface, and is parallel to the surface of the liquid crystal layer and in the first direction. A structural pattern that periodically changes with respect to a second direction perpendicular to each other is formed, and the structural pattern is a driving state in which a driving voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode. In the liquid crystal display device, an electric field periodically changing with respect to the second direction is formed, and the liquid crystal molecules are substantially tilted in the first direction in the driving state. ,Resolve.

  The structural pattern may be a convex pattern of an insulating material or a conductive material formed on the first electrode as long as it can form an electric field that periodically changes in the second direction. Further, it may be a concave pattern such as a cutout formed on the first electrode. In the present invention, the first electrode is preferably a plurality of pixel electrodes formed on the first substrate. In this case, each of the plurality of pixel electrodes is divided into a plurality of domains, and By forming a structural pattern in each of the plurality of domains in such a relationship that the first direction in one domain intersects the first direction in domains adjacent to each other at an angle of 90 °. The viewing angle characteristics that were originally excellent by adopting the vertical alignment mode can be further improved. On the first substrate, a thin film transistor for driving the pixel electrode is formed corresponding to each of the plurality of pixel electrodes, and an active matrix driving method is employed. Excellent response characteristics can be maximized.

  A structural pattern different from the structural pattern is further formed on at least one of the first and second substrates so that the other structural pattern intersects the first direction. You may form so that it may be repeated in the direction different from the said 2nd direction by the repetition period substantially larger than the repetition period to the said 2nd direction. By forming such another structural pattern, the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules at the time of voltage application can be uniquely determined, and the effect of regulating the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules by the fine pattern can be enhanced. As a result, the response speed of the liquid crystal display device is improved. Such another structural pattern preferably has a height greater than the structural pattern.

  When the structural pattern is formed by a plurality of fine patterns extending in the first direction and repeated in the second direction at a first period, the another structural pattern is the first substrate. A first rough structure pattern formed on the second substrate and extending in a third direction intersecting the first direction; and a fourth coarse structure pattern formed on the second substrate and orthogonal to the second direction. A second coarse structure pattern extending in a direction, and repeating the first coarse structure pattern in the fourth direction with a period substantially larger than the first period, It is preferable that the coarse structure pattern is repeated in the third direction with a period substantially larger than the first period. In order to maximize the effect of improving the response speed due to the other structure pattern, each of the first and second coarse structure patterns preferably has a larger width than the fine pattern. The third direction is preferably orthogonal to the first direction, or the third direction preferably intersects the first direction at an angle of 45 °.

  When each of the structural patterns includes a plurality of fine patterns extending in the first direction with a first width and repeated in the second direction at a first period, the another structural pattern is A first lattice pattern formed on one substrate so as to extend in a third direction oblique to the first and second directions and a fourth direction orthogonal to the third direction And a second grid pattern formed on the second substrate so as to extend in the third and fourth directions and shifted from the first grid pattern. It may be configured. In this case, the first and second lattice patterns are repeated with each period larger than the first period. Also in this configuration, it is preferable that each of the first and second lattice patterns has a width larger than the width of the fine pattern. The third direction preferably intersects the first direction at an angle of 45 °. In this case, the first grid pattern defines first to fourth domains defined by the first grid pattern on the first substrate, and the fine pattern includes the first pattern. The angle of view can be optimized by forming each of the fourth domains in such a manner that the first direction forms an angle of 90 ° with the first direction in domains adjacent to each other on the side. Is possible.

  The another structural pattern may be a convex pattern or a concave pattern.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that each of the plurality of patterns forming the structural pattern has a directivity that points in at least one direction in the first direction. For example, it is preferable that each of the plurality of patterns has a substantially triangular shape and a vertex is directed to the directionality. Alternatively, each of the plurality of patterns has a rhombus shape having first and second opposing vertices, and the first vertex is directed in one direction on the first direction, It is preferable that the second apex is formed so as to be directed in the opposite direction on the second direction. By using the pattern having such directionality as the structural pattern, when the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer are tilted in the driving state, the direction in which the liquid crystal molecules tilt is uniquely determined on the first direction, and as a result The response speed of the liquid crystal display device is improved. The same effect can be obtained when a photocured product of the photocured composition is formed in the liquid crystal layer. Each of the plurality of patterns having the directivity preferably has a maximum width of 10 μm or less.

According to the present invention, in the vertical alignment type liquid crystal display device, the first structure that gives a rough pretilt to the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer on the substrate, and the cycle that is repeated with a shorter cycle than the first structure are driven. By forming the second fine periodic structure that regulates the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the mode, the operation speed of the vertical alignment mode liquid crystal display device is improved and the display quality is improved.
[Action]
3A and 3B are diagrams for explaining the principle of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 3A, a liquid crystal display device 20 according to the present invention basically includes a pair of glass substrates 21A and 21B that sandwich a liquid crystal layer 22 including liquid crystal molecules 22A, and is disposed on the glass substrates 21A and 21B. Electrode layers 23A and 23B are formed respectively. Further, a fine structure pattern 24 is formed on the surface of the electrode layer 23A on the glass substrate 21A so as to deform an electric field pattern formed between the electrode layers 23A and 23B. A molecular alignment film 25A is formed on the surface of 23A so as to cover the structure pattern 24. On the other hand, a molecular alignment film 25B is formed on the glass substrate 21B so as to cover the electrode layer 23B. The molecular alignment films 25A and 25B are in contact with the liquid crystal layer 22, and the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 22 are in contact with each other. 22A is regulated in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the liquid crystal layer 22 in a non-driven state where no electric field is applied between the electrode layers 23A and 23B.

  Further, a polarizing film (polarizer) 26A having a first light absorption axis is formed on the lower main surface of the glass substrate 21A, and orthogonal to the first light absorption axis on the upper main surface of the glass substrate 21B. A polarizing film (analyzer) 26B having a second light absorption axis is formed.

  In the illustrated example, the fine structure pattern 24 is composed of a plurality of insulating or conductive fine convex patterns formed to extend in parallel to each other on the electrode layer 23A. Any concave pattern may be used as long as it locally deforms the electric field in the liquid crystal layer 22, such as a cutout portion formed so as to extend parallel to each other in the electrode layer 23 </ b> A shown in FIG. 4. It may be. When the fine structure pattern 24 is formed by a convex pattern on the electrode layer 23A, the convex pattern is preferably formed of a transparent material so that a light beam introduced into the liquid crystal display device can pass through.

  FIG. 3B shows the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules 22A on the surface of the glass substrate 21A with respect to the driving state of the liquid crystal display device 20 in which a driving voltage is applied between the electrode layers 23A and 23B.

  Referring to FIG. 3B, in the liquid crystal display device 20 of the present invention, the liquid crystal molecules 22A extend in the extending direction due to the effect of the locally deformed electric field formed by the fine structure pattern 24 in the driving state. When the polarizing films 26A and 26B are arranged so as to have the light absorption axes P and A shown in the lower part of FIG. 3B, respectively, the state shown in FIG. It can be seen that the dark lines described above with reference to FIG.

  Further, in the liquid crystal display device 20 of the present invention, when a driving voltage is applied between the electrode layers 23A and 23B and a driving electric field is formed in the liquid crystal layer 22, each liquid crystal molecule is expressed by the structure pattern 24. Since the liquid crystal molecules are tilted in the extending direction of the fine structure pattern 24 in response to the deformed driving electric field, the liquid crystal molecules are tilted when the liquid crystal molecules are tilted as in the conventional liquid crystal display device of FIGS. Is not required to propagate from the area near the convex patterns 13A and 13B to another area, and the response speed becomes very fast.

  In addition to these advantages, as can be seen from FIG. 3B, in the liquid crystal display device 20 of the present invention, the orientation direction of the individual liquid crystal molecules 22A is substantially restricted to the extending direction of the microstructure pattern 24 in the driven state. Therefore, the tilted liquid crystal molecules 22A interact with each other so that the twist angle of the liquid crystal molecules 22A does not change in the plane of the liquid crystal layer 22, and a high-quality display with a high contrast ratio is possible.

  When the driving voltage is applied between the electrode layers 23 </ b> A and 23 </ b> B, the fine structure pattern 24 is substantially in the first direction in the liquid crystal layer 22 that coincides with the extending direction of the fine structure pattern 24. Thus, an electric field distribution that periodically changes is formed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

  FIG. 5 shows the results obtained by examining the transmittance of the liquid crystal display device shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B by changing the ratio between the width of the fine convex pattern 24 and the gap in various ways. However, in the experiment of FIG. 5, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 22 is set to 3.5 μm, the gap width between the adjacent fine convex patterns 24 is fixed to 3 μm, and the width of the fine convex patterns 24 themselves is variously changed. The electrode layers 23A and 23B are uniformly formed of an ITO film.

  As can be seen from FIG. 5, the conventional liquid crystal display device of FIG. 1 indicated by a dotted line in the figure, particularly when the width and gap of the fine convex pattern 24 are both 3 μm, that is, the width / gap ratio is 1: 1. It can be seen that a transmittance of nearly 30%, which is much higher than the transmittance of the TN mode liquid crystal display device, is comparable to that of the TN mode liquid crystal display device. This means that in the liquid crystal display device 20 of the present invention, the problem of generation of dark lines described above with reference to FIG. 2 is solved. In FIG. 5, the conventional example is the conventional liquid crystal display device 10 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, that is, the liquid crystal display device 10 that does not include the fine pattern 24. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer is 3.5 .mu.m, This is for the case where the interval of 30 μm is set.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 6 shows a schematic configuration of the liquid crystal display device 30 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 6, the liquid crystal display device 30 is an active matrix drive type liquid crystal display device, and a number of thin film transistors (TFTs) and transparent pixel electrodes cooperating with the TFTs are replaced with those shown in FIG. A TFT glass substrate 31A supported corresponding to the electrode layer 23A, and a counter glass substrate 31B formed on the TFT substrate 31A and supporting the counter electrode corresponding to the electrode layer 23B. The substrates 31A and 31B A liquid crystal layer 31 is sealed between the two by a sealing member 31C. In the illustrated liquid crystal display device, the transparent pixel electrodes are selectively driven through corresponding TFTs, thereby selectively aligning the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 31 corresponding to the selected pixel electrodes. To change. Further, a polarizer 31a and an analyzer 31b are disposed outside the glass substrates 31A and 31B in a crossed Nicols state. Further, although not shown in the drawings, a molecular alignment film corresponding to the molecular alignment films 25A and 25B of FIG. 3A or 4 is formed inside the glass substrates 31A and 31B so as to be in contact with the liquid crystal layer 31. The alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules is regulated so as to be substantially perpendicular to the surface of the liquid crystal layer 31 in a non-driven state.

  As the liquid crystal layer 31, a liquid crystal having negative dielectric anisotropy commercially available from Merck can be used, and a vertical alignment film provided by JSR is used as the molecular alignment film. Can do. In a typical example, the substrates 31A and 31B are assembled using appropriate spacers so that the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 31 is about 4 μm.

  7A is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display device 30 of FIG. 6, and FIG. 7B is an enlarged view of a part of the TFT glass substrate 31A.

  Referring to FIG. 7A, the pixel electrode 34 is formed on the lower glass substrate 31A, which is a TFT substrate, by being electrically connected to a TFT 31T (not shown). Covered by the vertical molecular alignment film 35. Similarly, a uniform counter electrode 36 is formed on the upper glass substrate 31 </ b> B, and the counter electrode 36 is covered with another molecular alignment film 37. The liquid crystal layer 33 is sandwiched between the substrates 31A and 31B while being in contact with the molecular alignment films 36 and 37.

  Referring to FIG. 7B, on the glass substrate 31A, a large number of pad electrodes 33A to which scanning signals are supplied and a large number of scanning electrodes 33 extending therefrom, and a large number of pad electrodes to which video signals are supplied. The extending direction of the scanning electrode 33 and the extending direction of the signal electrode 32 are formed so that the extending direction of the scanning electrode 33 and the extending direction of the signal electrode 32 are substantially orthogonal to each other. A TFT 31T is formed at the intersection with the. Further, on the substrate 31A, a transparent pixel electrode 34 is formed corresponding to each TFT 31T, and each TFT 31T is selected by a scanning signal on the corresponding scanning electrode 33, and on the corresponding signal electrode 32. The transparent pixel electrode 34 such as ITO cooperating with the video signal is driven.

  In the liquid crystal display device 30, the liquid crystal molecules are aligned substantially perpendicular to the surface of the liquid crystal layer 31 in a non-driving state in which no driving voltage is applied to the transparent pixel electrode 34, so that the operations of the polarizer 31 a and the analyzer 31 b are performed. As a result, the display becomes black, but in a driving state in which a driving voltage is applied to the transparent pixel electrode 34, the liquid crystal molecules are substantially horizontally aligned, so that a white display is obtained.

  In FIG. 7A, one or more phase compensation films may be interposed between the glass substrate 31A and the polarizer 31a and / or between the glass substrate 31B and the analyzer 31b. Such a phase compensation film may be, for example, an optically uniaxial phase compensation film in which the refractive indices nx and ny in the plane of the liquid crystal layer 31 are larger than the refractive index nz in the traveling direction of the light wave.

  FIG. 8 shows in detail the structure of the pixel electrode 34, which is formed on the substrate 31A.

  Referring to FIG. 8, the signal electrode 32 and the scanning electrode 33 extend on the substrate 31 </ b> A so as to correspond to the TFT 31 </ b> T corresponding to the intersection of the electrodes 32 and 33. It can be seen that a pixel electrode 34 is formed. In FIG. 8, an auxiliary capacitance electrode Cs is formed in parallel with the scanning electrode 33.

  In FIG. 8, the pixel electrode 34 is shown in a satin surface, but the pixel electrode 34 is divided into regions A to D, and a large number of fine cutout patterns shown in white are formed on each region. 34A is formed to extend in parallel with each other, corresponding to the configuration of FIG. 4 described above.

  In a typical example, the fine cutout pattern 34 has a width of 3 to 13 μm, typically about 3 μm, and is repeatedly formed at intervals of 3 to 13 μm, typically about 3 μm. In each of the regions A to D, the fine cutout pattern 34 is formed so that the extending direction in one region intersects the extending direction of the other fine cutout pattern 34 in another region. At that time, the extending direction of these fine cut-out patterns is relative to any of the light absorption axis A of the polarizer 31a and the light absorption axis P of the analyzer 31b shown in FIG. Is also set in a direction that crosses.

  In the liquid crystal display device 30 having such a configuration, when the TFT 31T is driven and a driving voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 34, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 31 are not cut into the fine cutout pattern as shown in FIG. The liquid crystal display device 30 exhibits a wide viewing angle characteristic because the direction in which the liquid crystal molecules fall is different in the regions A to D.

  In the driving state of the liquid crystal display device 30 of the present invention, the liquid crystal molecules are affected by an electric field that is formed by the fine cutout pattern 34 and periodically changes in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the pattern 34. In response to this, the fine cutout pattern 34 is tilted in the extending direction, and the tilting direction is not restricted by the tilt of other liquid crystal molecules. For this reason, the change in the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules from the vertical alignment state to the horizontal alignment state or vice versa is rapid, and the liquid crystal display device 30 is changed from the non-driven state to the driven state and from the driven state to the non-driven state. Transition occurs at a very high speed, including transition to a halftone state. For example, when the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 31 is 4 μm and the width and interval of the cut-out pattern 34 are 3 microns, the transition from the non-driven state (black state) to the halftone state (1/4 gradation) It was confirmed that the transition from the black state to the white state occurred in about 18 milliseconds, which was shortened by about 20 milliseconds from the conventional one, and that the transition from the black state to the white state occurred in 18 milliseconds, which was shortened by 2 milliseconds.

  Further, according to the configuration of FIG. 8, since the direction of the liquid crystal molecules is regulated by the pattern 34A in the driving state, the twist angle does not change due to the interaction with other liquid crystal molecules, and it is uniform and high quality. Display can be realized.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in a liquid crystal display device including a plurality of domains A to D having different orientations in one pixel electrode 34, the orientation direction of liquid crystal molecules is a domain A and a domain adjacent thereto as shown in FIG. It changes by about 90 ° at the boundary with B or the boundary between domain C and domain D adjacent thereto. For this reason, it is inevitable that dark lines appear corresponding to these boundaries. However, unlike the conventional case, two dark lines do not appear along both edges of one projection pattern, and the transmittance in the driving state is greatly improved. Furthermore, the formation of domains A to D greatly improved the viewing angle, and a viewing angle of 160 ° could be realized vertically and horizontally. Also, the transmittance was 5.6%, which was 20% higher than the conventional 4.8%.

  In the configuration of FIG. 8, dark lines are also generated at the boundary between the domain A and the domain C, and the boundary between the domain B and the domain D, but these boundaries are covered with a conductor pattern connected to the auxiliary capacitor Cs. Therefore, the display of the liquid crystal display device is not affected.

  In the liquid crystal display device 30 of the present embodiment, a fine convex pattern may be formed in the same shape on the pixel electrode 34 using an insulating material or a conductive material instead of the fine cutout pattern 34A. In this case, for example, a resist pattern such as a positive resist PC403 manufactured by JSR Corporation can be used as the insulating material, and it is preferably formed to a thickness of about 0.4 μm. Thus, when the pattern 34A was formed of an insulating material, it was confirmed that the transmittance was further improved and reached 6.2%. When the pattern 34A is formed of an insulating material, the liquid crystal display device 30 has the same cross-sectional shape as the liquid crystal display device 20 described with reference to FIG.

  Furthermore, in the liquid crystal display device 30 of the present embodiment, a similar fine pattern 34A can be formed of the same transparent conductive material as that of the pixel electrode 34 instead of the fine cutout pattern 34A. In this case, before forming the pixel electrode 34, when forming the TFT 31T, an SiN film used as an insulating protective film of the TFT 31T is patterned, and the pattern is formed in the formation region of the pixel electrode 34. A fine pattern corresponding to 34A is formed. Furthermore, an electroconductive fine pattern 34A can be formed by depositing an ITO film constituting the pixel electrode 34 on the SiN film patterned in this way. In this case, a transmittance of about 5.8% is obtained.

Further, a fine pattern similar to the fine pattern 34A can be provided on the counter substrate 31B in correspondence with the pixel electrode 34.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a liquid crystal display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention in which the response speed of the previous liquid crystal display device 20 or 30 is further improved will be described.

  First, the principle of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is an extension of the configuration of FIGS. 3A and 3B to the present embodiment. In FIG. 10, the same reference numerals are given to the portions described above, and description thereof is omitted. .

  In the liquid crystal display device 20 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, when a driving voltage is applied between the electrode layers 23A and 23B, the liquid crystal molecules 22A are tilted in the extending direction of the structural pattern 24. However, there is still a degree of freedom as to which of the two extending directions is 180 ° different from each other in the extending direction, so that the liquid crystal molecules 22A are in the two directions at the beginning of the transition process. It took time to decide which of the two would fall.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10 in the liquid crystal display device 20 of FIG. 3A, in addition to the periodic fine structure pattern 24, another coarse structure having a larger pitch and a wider width. The patterns 27A and 27B are formed so as to extend in a direction different from the extending direction of the fine structure pattern 24 to form the liquid crystal display device 20A. However, in FIG. 10, the other characteristics of the liquid crystal display device are the same as those of the previous liquid crystal display device 20, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Referring to FIG. 10, the coarse structure pattern 27A is formed on the substrate 21A, the coarse structure pattern 27B is formed on the substrate 21B, and a driving voltage is applied to the electrode layers 23A and 23B. In this case, the direction in which the liquid crystal molecules 22A are tilted is restricted on the extending direction of the fine structure pattern 24. The coarse structure patterns 27A and 27B typically correspond to the convex patterns 13A and 13B of the conventional liquid crystal display device 10 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, respectively, and produce similar effects. That is, the structure of FIG. 10 is a structure in which the convex patterns 13A and 13B of FIG. 1A are formed in the structure including the fine structure pattern 24 of FIG. In the configuration of FIG. 10, the extending direction of the fine structure pattern 24 is orthogonal to the extending direction of the coarse structure patterns 27A and 27B, and as in the case of FIG. 3 (A), (B) or FIG. 26A and the analyzer 26B are set so as to cross the absorption axis.

  Further, FIG. 11 is also a diagram showing the principle of the present embodiment based on the structure of FIG. 10. In the configuration of FIG. 11, the extending direction of the fine structure pattern 24 is set to the rough structure pattern 27A on the substrate 21A. The viewing angle is expanded on both sides. In the structure of FIG. 11, since the extending direction of the structural pattern 24 is oblique to the extending direction of the structural pattern 27A or 27B, the polarizer 26A and the analyzer 26B have absorption axes A and P that are the structural pattern 27A and It is formed so as to be parallel or orthogonal to the extending direction of 27B.

  As described above, when the convex patterns 13A and 13B of FIG. 1A or FIG. 1B are combined with the fine structure pattern 24 of the present invention, the liquid crystal display device changes from the non-driving state to the driving state. The change in the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules can be promoted, and thus the response speed of the liquid crystal display device is improved.

  FIGS. 12 and 13 show test pattern structures used by the inventors of the present invention in experiments for obtaining optimum structure parameters for the fine structure pattern 24 and the coarse structure patterns 27A and 27B. FIG. The coarse structure pattern 27A is formed in a lattice shape on 21A, and the coarse structure pattern 27B is shifted from the coarse structure pattern 27A and similarly formed in a lattice shape. On the other hand, FIG. 13 shows a structure in which the fine structure pattern 24 on the substrate 21A is not formed in the region immediately below the coarse structure pattern 27B on the substrate 21B in the structure of FIG. The region defined by the lattice-like coarse structure pattern 27B on the substrate 21A is further divided into four domains by the lattice-like coarse structure pattern 27A, and the preceding fine structure pattern 24 is formed in each domain. They are formed with different orientations.

  FIGS. 14A to 15D show the results of transmittance evaluation experiments conducted by the present inventors for the test pattern structures of FIGS.

  In the liquid crystal display device used in the experiment, the fine structure pattern 24 is formed in the same manner as in the previous embodiment by repeatedly arranging cutout patterns having a width of 3 μm at intervals of 3 μm in each domain of FIG. Furthermore, in the experiment, the lattice-like coarse structure patterns 27A and 27B are formed with various spacings and heights by using a resist pattern (LC200; Shipley Far East Co., Ltd.) having a width of 5 μm to improve the transmission characteristics of the panel. Evaluation was performed by visual observation in a driving state, that is, in a state where a driving voltage of 5 V was applied between the electrode layers 23A and 23B.

  14A shows the case where the coarse structure patterns 27A and 27B are formed at a height of 0.95 μm, and FIG. 14B shows the case where the coarse structure patterns 27A and 27B are formed at a height of 0.75 μm. 15C shows the case where the rough structure patterns 27A and 27B are formed to a height of 0.5 μm, and FIG. 15D shows the case where the rough structure patterns 27A and 27B are a height of 0.3 μm. 14A to 15D, the left side is the case where the orientation direction of the polarizer 26A and the analyzer 26B is made to coincide with the extending direction of the fine structure pattern 24, that is, the liquid crystal. When aligned with the tilt direction of the molecule 22A, the right side indicates the orientation direction of the polarizer 26A and the analyzer 26B, and the rough structure patterns 27A and 27B. Shows a case in which is aligned with the extension direction. 14A to 15D, the two diagrams on the right correspond to the test pattern structure of FIG. 11, and the two diagrams on the left correspond to the test pattern structure of FIG. Yes.

  In each figure of FIG. 14 (A)-FIG. 15 (D), although the space | interval of the said rough structure patterns 27A and 27B is set to 80 micrometers, the result of FIG. 14 (A)-FIG. It can be seen that if the heights of the rough structure patterns 27A and 27B are inappropriate, the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules becomes poor along the structure pattern 24 and dark lines appear. However, the results shown in FIGS. 14A to 15D show that the liquid crystal layer 22 uses Merck vertical alignment liquid crystal in combination with the vertical molecular alignment films 25A and 25B of JSR, and the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 22 is as follows. Is when the thickness is 4 μm.

  14A to 15D, the best display quality, that is, the display quality with the least loss is that the height of the coarse structure patterns 27A and 27B is 0.75 μm or It can be seen that it is obtained in the case of FIG. 14B or FIG. 14A to 15D, the structure 20C of FIG. 11 and the structure 20D of FIG. 12 are compared, and the structure 20C of FIG. 11 is somewhat superior in display quality. The transmittance is also about 4% higher.

  In addition, the response speed of the structure 20C of FIG. 12 or the structure 20D of FIG. 13 having excellent transmittance as described above is the same as that of the conventional liquid crystal display device 10 described with reference to FIGS. In comparison, when the gap between the convex patterns 13A or 13B is 20 μm in the conventional liquid crystal display device 10, the time required for transition from the black state (non-driving state) to the white state (driving state) is 104 ms. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as a result of combining the fine structure pattern 24 with the coarse structure patterns 27A and 27B, it was reduced to 71 milliseconds, and it was confirmed that the response speed was greatly improved. Further, in the structure 20C or 20D, when the gap between the coarse structure patterns 27A and 27B is set to 30 μm, the time required for the transition from the black state to the white state was 470 milliseconds, which is shown in FIG. In the liquid crystal display device 10 of (B), this is greatly improved from the value of 640 milliseconds, which is the response time when the convex patterns 13A, 13B are arranged with similar gaps.

  FIG. 16 shows a configuration of a liquid crystal display device 40 according to the second embodiment of the present invention based on the principle described above. However, in FIG. 16, the parts described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  Referring to FIG. 16, in the liquid crystal display device 40, the same pattern as that of FIG. 8 is formed on the glass substrate 31A as the pixel electrode 34. The pixel electrode 34 is the same as FIG. Similarly, it is shown with a satin finish.

  In this embodiment, lattice-like coarse structure patterns 41A and 41B having a width of about 5 μm and a height of 0.5 to 0.75 μm are further formed on the counter glass substrate 31B, that is, a so-called CF substrate, at the center of the pixel electrode 34. Are repeatedly formed at the arrangement pitch of the pixel electrodes 34 in the scanning electrode direction and the signal electrode direction so as to intersect each other. Therefore, in the plan view of FIG. 16, the lattice-like coarse structure patterns 41A and 41B are formed so as to coincide with the sections of the domains A to D. On the other hand, in each of the domains A to D, the fine structure pattern 34A having a width of 3 μm differs from each other in the domains A to D with a gap width of 3 μm, like the fine structure pattern 24 of FIG. It is formed so as to extend in respective directions intersecting at an angle of 45 °.

  The coarse structure patterns 41A and 41B have a convex cross-sectional shape similar to the convex patterns 13A and 13B of the conventional liquid crystal display device 10 described above. For example, the liquid crystal display device 40 is a 15 inch diagonal 1024 ×. In the case of configuring a liquid crystal display device capable of handling 768 pixels, the coarse structure pattern 41A is formed at an interval of 297 μm, and the coarse structure pattern 41B is formed at an interval of 99 μm.

The coarse structure patterns 41A and 41B are not limited to convex patterns made of resist or conductor patterns, but may be concave patterns such as cut-out patterns in the electrode layer.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a liquid crystal display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention in which the response speed of the previous liquid crystal display device 20 or 30 is further improved will be described.

  First, the principle of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 17 shows an example of a directional pattern 24A formed on the substrate of the liquid crystal display device used in this embodiment, for example, the glass substrate 21A of FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 17, the directional pattern 24A is an insulating or conductive pattern having a triangular shape, and is formed in place of the periodic structure pattern 24 in the liquid crystal display device 20 of FIG. In this case, as indicated by contour lines in FIG. 17, the electric field is locally deformed in the liquid crystal layer 22 to form an electric field distribution inclined in the direction of the tip of the pattern.

  Therefore, if such a directional pattern is formed in the liquid crystal display device 20 in place of the structural pattern 24, the liquid crystal molecules 22A are aligned in the direction when a driving voltage is applied between the electrode layers 23A and 23B. The directional pattern 24A is inclined along the gradient formed by the directional pattern 24A.

  Table 1 below shows that the triangular directional pattern 24A in the liquid crystal display device 20 is formed in various shapes, that is, full width, full length and height by resist patterns instead of the structural pattern 24. The result of examining the orientation is shown. However, the numerical values in Table 1 are shown in μm units.

表１より、前記三角形パターン２４Ａの辺近傍においてのみ配向方向が異なる場合をも所望の配向状態が得られた場合に含めると、前記三角形パターン２４Ａの全幅、すなわち底辺の長さは１０μｍ以下に設定するのが好ましいことがわかる。一方前記三角形パターン２４Ａの全長は、１０〜３０μｍの範囲で良好な分子配向が実現されるが、前記全幅が７．５μｍの場合には１５μｍ以上、全幅が１０μｍの場合には３０μｍ以上必要であることがわかる。前記三角形パターン２４Ａの幅が１０μｍを超えると、前記パターン２４Ａの先端方向以外の方向に配向する液晶分子の割合が増加するのが認められた。

From Table 1, when including the case where the desired orientation state is obtained even when the orientation direction is different only in the vicinity of the side of the triangular pattern 24A, the full width of the triangular pattern 24A, that is, the length of the bottom side is set to 10 μm or less. It can be seen that this is preferable. On the other hand, the triangular pattern 24A has a total length of 10 to 30 μm, and a good molecular orientation is realized. However, when the total width is 7.5 μm, it is 15 μm or more, and when the total width is 10 μm, it needs 30 μm or more. I understand that. When the width of the triangular pattern 24A exceeded 10 μm, it was recognized that the ratio of liquid crystal molecules aligned in a direction other than the tip direction of the pattern 24A increased.

  Of course, as in the case of FIG. 4, the triangular directional pattern 24A may be a concave pattern such as a cutout formed in the electrode layer 23A.

  Such a directivity pattern is not limited to the triangular pattern 24A shown in FIG. 17, but may be the triangular pattern 24B or 24C with the tip cut off or rounded as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 19, a pattern 24D in which two triangular patterns are coupled by rotating each other by 90 °, or a rhombus shape in which two triangular patterns are coupled by rotating each other by 180 ° as illustrated in FIG. It can also be realized by the pattern 24E.

  In particular, in the rhombus-shaped pattern of FIG. 20, the liquid crystal molecules are tilted in opposite directions on the right and left sides with respect to the center of the pattern.

  In Table 1, when the fine pattern is formed with an electrode pattern (slit) instead of a convex structure, the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules is reversed, but the degree of alignment in the axial direction is more distorted in the electric field. The height is about the same as that when forming a structure having a height of 0.8 μm.

  Table 2 shows the results of examining the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules when the overall length, full width, and height are variously changed in the rhombic pattern 24E. However, the numerical values in Table 2 are shown in units of μm.

表２より、前記菱形パターン２４Ｅの辺近傍においてのみ配向方向が異なる場合をも所望の配向状態が得られた場合に含めると、前記菱形パターン２４Ｅの全幅は１０μｍ以下に設定するのが好ましいことがわかる。一方前記菱形パターン２４Ｅの全長は、２０〜６０μｍの範囲で良好な分子配向が実現されるのがわかる。

From Table 2, it is preferable to set the overall width of the rhombus pattern 24E to 10 μm or less, including the case where the orientation direction is different only in the vicinity of the side of the rhombus pattern 24E when the desired alignment state is obtained. Recognize. On the other hand, it can be seen that good molecular orientation is realized when the total length of the rhombus pattern 24E is in the range of 20 to 60 μm.

  Also in Table 2, when the fine pattern is formed with an electrode pattern (slit) instead of the convex structure, the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules is reversed, but the degree of orientation in the axial direction is stronger in the distortion of the electric field. Therefore, the height is about the same as that when forming a structure having a height of 0.8 μm.

  In FIG. 21, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 22 is 4 μm in the liquid crystal display device 20, and the rhombus pattern 24E is formed by a resist pattern so that the total length is 70 μm, the total width is 10 μm, and the thickness is 0.4 μm. The relationship between the transmittance and the response speed is shown. However, in FIG. 21, the transmittance when the drive voltage is 5.4 V is 100%. Further, in FIG. 21, in the conventional vertical alignment type liquid crystal display device 10 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the convex patterns 13A and 13B are formed by a resist pattern having a width of 10 microns and a height of 1.5 μm. For comparison, the relationship between the transmittance and the response speed when the gap width is 30 μm and other specifications are the same as those of the liquid crystal display device 20 used in the experiment is shown.

  Referring to FIG. 21, the liquid crystal display device according to the present embodiment substantially includes a halftone display mode in which a driving voltage smaller than 5.4 V is applied under a condition of the same transmittance. You can see that it has been shortened.

  FIG. 22 shows an example in which the rhombic pattern 24E of FIG. 20 is formed side by side on the pixel electrode 34 in the liquid crystal display device 30 described with reference to FIGS. However, in FIG. 22, the same reference numerals are given to the parts described above, and the description thereof is omitted.

  Referring to FIG. 22, the pixel electrode 34 is divided into two upper and lower regions or domains. In the upper domain, a rhombus pattern 24E made of a resist pattern or the like has an angle of 45 ° with respect to the extending direction of the scan electrode 33. It is repeatedly formed in the first direction intersecting at. The rhombus pattern 24E is repeated also in a first direction orthogonal to the first direction, and when a driving electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer 31 due to local deformation of the electric field induced by the slope portion. Further, the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 31 is restricted to the tip direction of the rhombus pattern. As a result, as described above with reference to FIG. 21, the response speed of the liquid crystal display device is greatly improved.

In addition, in the rhombus pattern 24E in FIG. 20 or FIG. 22, and further in the triangular patterns 24A to 24D in FIG. 17 to 19, the oblique sides can be formed in a step shape as shown in FIG. Such a step-like pattern is easy to form, and thus the manufacturing yield of the liquid crystal display device is improved.

[Modification 1]
FIG. 24 shows a modification 50A of the configuration of FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 24, in the present modified example 50A, the triangular pattern 24B of FIG. 18 is formed based on the tip of the rhombus pattern 24E formed on the pixel electrode 34 in the configuration of FIG. A rhombus pattern 24E ′ is formed, and as a result, a region 34F where no structural pattern is formed is formed between the opposing patterns 24E ′ and 24E ′.

In the present embodiment, the rhombus pattern 24E is formed only at a location where the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules is likely to be disturbed, and this configuration can also improve the transmittance and response speed of the liquid crystal display device. .

[Modification 2]
Further, in this embodiment, in the liquid crystal display device 30 shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, a local change in the electric field similar to that of the triangular or rhombic patterns 24A to 24E is induced in order to further improve the response speed. For this purpose, a photocurable composition having a three-dimensional liquid crystal skeleton may be introduced into the liquid crystal layer 31 made of nematic liquid crystal. When such a photocurable composition is cured to form a photocured product, the liquid crystal skeleton is tilted with respect to the substrate 31A, thereby tilting in the extending direction of the fine pattern 34A. An electric field similar to that described can be formed. Such a photocurable composition must be introduced in a large amount if it is used to regulate the orientation direction in the conventional liquid crystal display device 10 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, for example. Although there was a problem of disturbing the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules, in the liquid crystal display device in which the fine structure pattern 34A regulates the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules as in the liquid crystal display device 30 of the present invention, a slight addition A desirable orientation regulating effect can be obtained in an amount.

  Therefore, in this modification, in the liquid crystal display device 30 of the first embodiment, in the liquid crystal layer 31, in addition to the liquid crystal MJ96213, a liquid crystal monoacrylate monomer UCL-001-K1 manufactured by Dainippon Ink Co., Ltd. Then, the monomer is cured by applying ultraviolet light while applying a driving voltage of 5.0 V to form a liquid crystal display device. In the photocured product thus formed, the three-dimensional liquid crystal skeleton is aligned in a direction different from the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules when the liquid crystal display device is not driven.

  FIG. 25 shows the relationship between the transmittance and the response speed when the drive voltage is 5.4 V for the liquid crystal display device thus obtained, as in FIG. This is shown in comparison with the case of the conventional liquid crystal display device 10 of (B).

Referring to FIG. 25, it can be seen that the liquid crystal display device according to the present modification has a substantially shorter response time than the conventional liquid crystal display device, and a remarkable improvement is seen particularly in the halftone region.

[Fourth embodiment]
Next, as in the liquid crystal display device 40 shown in FIG. 16, the structure pattern 24 shown in FIG. 3A is combined with the structure patterns 13A and 13B shown in FIGS. A liquid crystal display device according to the fourth embodiment will be described. However, in the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment, the structural pattern 24 is a cut-out pattern formed in the electrode layer 23A as shown in FIG. 4, and of the structural patterns 13A and 13B, on the substrate 11A. The formed structural pattern 13A is also formed by a cutout pattern formed in the electrode layer 23A.

  FIGS. 26A and 26B are diagrams for explaining the principle of this embodiment based on the structure of FIG. However, in the drawing, for simplicity, the substrates 21A and 21B, the liquid crystal layer 22 and the liquid crystal molecules 22A, and only the electrode layers 23A and 23B are shown, and the polarizers 26A and 26B and the molecular alignment films 25A and 25B are not shown. FIG. 26A shows a case where a wide gap 23G is formed in the electrode layer 23A with a large repetition period corresponding to the convex patterns 13A and 13B, and FIG. A case is shown in which fine gaps 23g are formed in the electrode layer 23A with a small repetition period.

  As can be seen from FIG. 26A, when a wide gap 23G is formed in the electrode layer 23A, the equipotential surface in the liquid crystal layer 22 is locally deformed due to the effect of the gap edge, and as a result. Even in a non-driving state in which a driving voltage is not applied between the electrode layers 23A and 23B, a pretilt structure in which the liquid crystal molecules 22A are inclined in the liquid crystal layer 22 toward the central portion of the electrode pattern constituting the electrode layer 23A is obtained. It is done. Therefore, when a driving voltage is applied between the electrode layers 23A and 23B to the liquid crystal layer 22 having such a pretilt structure, the liquid crystal molecules 22A are quickly tilted in the respective pretilt directions.

  On the other hand, when the size of the gap 23g repeatedly formed in the electrode layer 23A is small as shown in FIG. 26B and the repetition period of the gap 23g is small, it is shown in the left half of FIG. As shown in FIG. 26A, a pretilt similar to that shown in FIG. 26A is generated. However, when a driving voltage is applied between the electrode layer 23A and the electrode layer 23B in the driving state, the tilt is to be tilted rightward and leftward. The liquid crystal molecules interfere with each other and eventually fall down in the extending direction of the gap 23g, as shown in the right half of FIG.

  In the state of FIG. 26A, the pretilt of the liquid crystal molecules 22A can regulate whether the liquid crystal molecules 22A are tilted to the right or left when a driving voltage is applied, but the tilted liquid crystal molecules are aligned in one direction. 26B, when the configuration of FIG. 26B is combined with FIG. 26A, the liquid crystal molecules 22A are tilted when tilted in the restricted right or left direction. It is possible to control the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules so that the liquid crystal molecules 22A are aligned in a desired specific direction. That is, this embodiment uses the cut-out pattern formed in the electrode layer 23A instead of the structure pattern 27A in the second embodiment of the present invention described above with reference to FIG. A fine cutout pattern formed in the electrode layer 23A is used.

  FIG. 27 shows the configuration of the pixel electrode portion of the liquid crystal display device 60 according to this embodiment. However, in FIG. 27, the parts described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  Referring to FIG. 27, the liquid crystal display device 60 has the same overall configuration as the liquid crystal display device 30 described above with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, but includes a pixel electrode 61 instead of the pixel electrode 34.

  On the glass substrate 31B, the width typically corresponds to the convex pattern 13B described with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, and typically has a width of 3 to 35 μm and a height of 1.2 to 1.6 μm. A convex pattern 61A made of a resist pattern is repeatedly formed in a zigzag manner while being bent at a right angle, and corresponds to the convex pattern 61A in the pixel electrode 61 in the middle of the adjacent convex patterns 61A and 61A. The zigzag cutout pattern 61B thus formed is formed with a width of about 4 to 15 μm. Further, in the configuration of FIG. 27, a fine cutout pattern 61C having a width of 2 to 5 μm, preferably about 3 μm, extends laterally from the cutout pattern 61B in the pixel electrode 61. And is repeatedly formed at a pitch of 2 to 5 μm, preferably about 3 μm. As a result of the formation of the fine cut-out pattern 61C, the pixel electrode 61 becomes a set of elongated comb-like patterns 61D. In the configuration of FIG. 27, the pixel electrode 61 includes a first domain in which the convex pattern 61A extends from the upper right to the lower left, and a second domain in which the convex pattern 61A extends from the upper left to the lower right. Therefore, the extending direction of the comb-like pattern 61D is also different between the first domain and the second domain, and the extending direction of the comb-like pattern 61D in the first domain is the second direction. It is orthogonal to the extending direction of the comb-like pattern 61D in the domain.

  These comb-shaped patterns 61D need to form a single pixel electrode 61 as a whole, and therefore, these comb-shaped patterns 61D are arranged at the edge 61m of the pixel electrode 61 and on the upper substrate 31B. Are connected to each other in the region immediately below the convex pattern 61A.

  Further, in the configuration 60 of FIG. 27, the auxiliary capacitor Cs is formed along the cut-out pattern 61B in the pixel electrode 61 directly on the glass substrate 31A, that is, below the pixel electrode 61 with an insulating film therebetween. The transparent or opaque common electrode pattern 61E ′ to be formed is extended. The electrode patterns 61E and 61E ′ are electrically connected. Here, a portion extending diagonally from the electrode pattern 61E within the pixel is indicated by the reference numeral 61E ′. The transparent common electrode pattern 61E is maintained at the same potential as the counter electrode on the counter glass substrate 31B, and as a result, the molecular orientation action by the wide cutout pattern 61B can be further enhanced. Here, the electrode pattern 61E ′ intersects with the signal electrode 32 in the configurations of FIGS. 27 to 29, but it is effective to actually block the pattern 61E ′ before intersecting. If the pattern 61E ′ extends as it is, there is a risk of short-circuiting with the signal electrode 32. In any case, even when the pattern 61E ′ is stopped before the signal electrode 32 in this way, an excellent effect can be obtained.

  In the configuration 60 of FIG. 27, the transparent or opaque common electrode pattern 61E forming the auxiliary capacitance Cs is a region circled in FIG. 27 in the extending direction of the scanning signal line 33 on the substrate 31A. To stabilize the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in such a region.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 26A and 26B, the liquid crystal display device 60 having such a configuration corresponds to the convex pattern 61A, the wide cutout pattern 61B, and the cutout pattern 61B. The direction in which the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer are tilted is determined by the formed common electrode pattern 61E, and the liquid crystal molecules are tilted by the fine cutout pattern 61C and the comb-like electrode pattern 61D. Is regulated. As a result, the response speed of the liquid crystal display device 60 is improved and the display quality is improved. In particular, the stability of the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules is improved, and even when the display image is suddenly changed, a phenomenon such as the original display remaining can be suppressed.

In FIG. 27, in the region surrounded by the circle, the fine cutout pattern 61C extends across the region immediately below the convex pattern 61A on the counter glass substrate 31B. Control of alignment of liquid crystal molecules can be realized. Further, the convex pattern 61A may be a cut-out pattern formed on the counter electrode.

[Modification 1]
FIG. 28 shows a configuration of a liquid crystal display device 60A according to a modification of the liquid crystal display device 60 of FIG.

Referring to FIG. 28, in the present modification, the fine cutout pattern 61C in FIG. 27 is replaced with the triangular cutout pattern 61C ′ having the directionality described in FIG. As described above, since the pattern having such directivity induces an electric field distribution having directivity, in the liquid crystal display device 60 of FIG. 28, the convex pattern 61A, the cutout 61B, and the common electrode 61E The action of regulating the direction in which the liquid crystal molecules fall is enhanced, and as a result, the response speed of the liquid crystal display device is further improved.

[Modification 2]
FIG. 29 shows a liquid crystal display device 60C obtained by adding various modifications to the liquid crystal display device 60 of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 29, in the liquid crystal display device 60 of FIG. 27, a convex pattern 61A ′ having a comb pattern similar to the comb electrode 61D is formed on the counter glass substrate 31B. Or between the counter substrate 31B and the counter electrode 36. When the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules is sufficiently restricted by the convex pattern 61 or 61A ′ and the cutout pattern 61B, the liquid crystal molecules are formed in the pixel electrode 61 as shown in a region A in FIG. A uniform electrode may be formed without forming the fine cutout pattern 61C. Furthermore, as shown by a region B in FIG. 29, the fine cutout pattern 61C may be formed only partially. Although not shown, a corresponding cutout pattern may be formed in the counter electrode 36 on the glass substrate 31B instead of the convex pattern 61A or 61A ′.

[Fifth embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention in which the operation characteristics of the liquid crystal display device 60A of FIG. 28 are further improved will be described.

  In the liquid crystal display device 60A of FIG. 28, a high-speed response characteristic is realized by forming a tapered fine cutout pattern 61C in the pixel electrode 61. It is necessary to form the tapered fine cutout pattern 61C substantially over the entire surface excluding the formation region of the cutout pattern 61B, and a high-precision photolithography process is required to form the tapered fine cutout pattern 61C. A problem arises that the yield of the liquid crystal display device tends to decrease.

  On the other hand, the inventor of the present invention uses a pixel electrode structure 71 in which a comb-shaped ITO pattern 71B is periodically extended laterally from a strip-like ITO pattern 71A shown in FIG. The liquid crystal display device 70 formed and having the pixel electrode structure 71 was examined for display characteristics while varying the length B of the comb pattern 71B and the width A of the strip-like ITO pattern 71A.

  FIG. 31 shows the configuration of the liquid crystal display device 70, particularly the configuration of the pixel electrode structure 71.

Referring to FIG. 31, the pixel electrode structure 71 includes a plurality of strip-like ITO patterns 71A each having the comb-shaped pattern 71B, and the plurality of strip-like ITO patterns 71A have a width B shown in FIG. However, they are separated from each other by a gap G corresponding to the cut-out pattern 61B in the configuration of FIG. These ITO patterns 71A are connected to each other by the connecting portions 71C ₁ , 71C ₂ and 71C ₃ made of ITO patterns and connected to the TFT 31T. The strip-like ITO pattern 71A is formed in a zigzag shape corresponding to the zigzag convex pattern 61A (see FIG. 27 or 28) formed on the counter glass substrate 31B.

  Table 3 below shows display characteristics when the parameters A and B in FIG. 30 are variously changed in the liquid crystal display device 70 in FIG. 31. However, the experiment of Table 3 was conducted in the case of using a liquid crystal manufactured by Merck as a liquid crystal 31 in combination with a vertical molecular alignment film manufactured by JSR as in the previous embodiment, and the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 33 was 4 μm. . In the pixel electrode structure 71, the comb pattern 71B has a width W of 3.5 μm and is repeated at a period of 6 μm.

表３を参照するに、前記画素電極７１中において前記櫛型パターン７１Ｂの長さＢが、前記櫛型パターン７１Ｂと帯状ＩＴＯパターン７１Ａの全体幅の６５％以上になると中間調表示モードにおいてむらが発生し、このことから、前記櫛型パターン７１Ｂの全体幅Ａ＋Ｂに対する割合は、６５％以下とするのが好ましいことがわかる。一方、前記櫛型パターン７１Ｂの長さＢが全体幅の３５％以下になると応答特性改善効果が弱くなり、このことから、前記櫛型パターン７１Ｂの前記全体幅に対する割合は、３５％以上とするのがより好ましいことがわかる。前記中間調表示モード時における表示むらの発生は、櫛型パターン７１Ｂのパターニング時の０．２〜０．３μｍ程度のばらつきの影響が、このような中間調表示モードにおいて強まるためと考えられる。

Referring to Table 3, when the length B of the comb pattern 71B in the pixel electrode 71 is 65% or more of the entire width of the comb pattern 71B and the strip-like ITO pattern 71A, unevenness occurs in the halftone display mode. From this, it can be seen that the ratio of the comb pattern 71B to the total width A + B is preferably 65% or less. On the other hand, when the length B of the comb pattern 71B is 35% or less of the entire width, the response characteristic improving effect is weakened. Therefore, the ratio of the comb pattern 71B to the entire width is set to 35% or more. It can be seen that is more preferable. The occurrence of display unevenness in the halftone display mode is considered to be due to the influence of the variation of about 0.2 to 0.3 μm during the patterning of the comb pattern 71B being strengthened in such a halftone display mode.

  FIG. 32A shows changes in transmittance and response speed when the comb pattern width W is variously changed in the liquid crystal display device 70 of FIG. However, the result of FIG. 32A shows that in the electrode 71 of FIG. 30, the width A of the strip electrode 71A is 11 μm, the length B of the comb pattern 71B is 15 μm, and the repetition period of the comb pattern 71B is 6 μm. It is about the case.

  Referring to FIG. 32A, as for the response time, when the pattern width W is 0, only the effect of the strip electrode 71A appears, but from the time when the pattern width W exceeds 1.5 μm. It can be seen that the response speed increases rapidly, and that the response speed gradually decreases when it exceeds 3.5 μm. On the other hand, regarding the light transmittance, the pattern width W starts to decrease from around 3.5 μm, and further rapidly decreases from around 4.5 μm, but this is originally white as shown in FIG. It is considered that the liquid crystal molecules whose orientation should be regulated in the direction shown starts to be disordered as shown in black, and as a result, the transmittance is lowered.

  The result of FIG. 32A shows that the range of 2.5 to 4.5 μm is most preferable as the width W of the comb pattern 71B.

  FIG. 33 shows the relationship between transmittance and rise time for the liquid crystal display device 70 of FIG. However, the result of FIG. 33 is that the width A of the strip ITO pattern 71A is 11 μm, the length B of the comb pattern 71B is 15 μm, the width of the gap G is 8 μm, and the width W of the comb pattern 71B in FIG. Is 3.5 microns, and the repetition period of the comb pattern 71B is 6 μm. No convex pattern 61A is formed on the counter substrate 31B. FIG. 33 shows the transmittance and rise characteristics of the conventional liquid crystal display device 10 of FIGS. 1 (A) and 1 (B).

  Referring to FIG. 33, it can be seen that the rise time of the liquid crystal display device 70 of this embodiment is significantly reduced compared to the conventional one, particularly in the halftone region.

  FIG. 34 shows the transmittance and rising characteristics of the liquid crystal display device 70 similar to FIG. 33. In the case of FIG. 34, a convex pattern 61A similar to FIGS. 27 and 28 is formed on the counter substrate 31B. . This is shown as Example 2 in FIG. On the other hand, the characteristics of the liquid crystal display device 70 shown in FIG. 33 are shown as the first embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 34, it can be seen that the response speed is improved when the convex pattern 61A is formed on the counter substrate 31B, particularly in a region where the transmittance is close to 0%.

  FIG. 35 shows the transmittance of the liquid crystal display devices of Examples 1 and 2 in FIG. However, in FIG. 35, a state where a drive voltage of 5.4 V is applied to the pixel electrode 71 is defined as 256 gradations.

  Referring to FIG. 35, it can be seen that the transmittance of the liquid crystal display device 70 is greatly improved by forming the convex pattern 61A on the counter substrate 31B.

  In this embodiment, as the pixel electrode 71, various patterns shown in FIGS. 36A to 36C can be used in addition to the pattern shown in FIG.

Also in this embodiment, the pattern 61A on the counter substrate 31B is not limited to a convex pattern such as a resist pattern, but may be a cut-out pattern formed in the counter electrode 36. In addition, the repetition period of the comb pattern 71B is not limited to the above 6 μm, and if the range is 2 μm or more and 15 μm or less, the liquid crystal molecules are effectively regulated in the extending direction of the comb pattern. Can be realized.

[Sixth embodiment]
Next, a manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display device when the structural pattern in the liquid crystal display device 30 described in the first embodiment, for example, the structural pattern 34A of FIG. 8 is formed by a resist pattern will be described with reference to FIGS. This will be described with reference to 45 (U).

  Referring to FIG. 37A, a conductive film 81 for forming the scanning electrode 33 and the auxiliary capacitance electrode Cs is uniformly formed on the glass substrate 31A, and the scanning electrode to be formed on the conductive film 81 is further formed. Resist patterns R1 and R2 corresponding to the pattern and the auxiliary capacitance electrode pattern are formed.

  Next, in the step of FIG. 37 (B), the conductor film 81 is patterned using the resist patterns R1 and R2 as a mask, and the glass substrate 31A is subjected to the patterning as shown in the plan view of FIG. The scanning electrode pattern 33 and the auxiliary electrode pattern Cs are formed. As a result of the patterning step in FIG. 37B, an electrode pad 33A is formed at the tip of the scanning electrode 33, and an electrode pad CsA is formed at the tip of the auxiliary electrode pattern Cs.

  Next, in the step of FIG. 38D, a gate insulating film 82, an amorphous silicon film 83, and an SiN film 84 are sequentially deposited on the structure of FIG. 37C, and further, the channel region of the TFT 31T is covered. A resist pattern R3 is formed on the SiN film 84.

  Further, in the step of FIG. 38E, the SiN film 84 is patterned using the resist pattern R3 as a mask, and a SiN channel protective film 84A is formed corresponding to the channel region of the TFT 31T. FIG. 38F shows a plan view of the structure thus formed.

  Next, in the step of FIG. 39G, an n + -type amorphous silicon film 85 and a conductor film 86 for forming the signal electrode 32 are sequentially deposited on the structure of FIG. 38F, and further on the conductor film 86. A resist pattern R4 corresponding to the signal electrode 32 and a resist pattern R5 corresponding to the auxiliary capacitor Cs are formed. The resist pattern R4 further has a shape corresponding to the source electrode pattern and the drain electrode pattern of the TFT 31T. By patterning the layers 83, 85, 86 using the resist patterns R4, R5 as a mask, FIG. ) And the source electrode pattern 86S and the drain electrode pattern 86D of the TFT 31T are formed together with the channel layer pattern 83A, the source pattern 85S, and the drain pattern 85D constituting the TFT 31T, as shown in FIG. On the other hand, in the auxiliary capacitance region, a counter electrode pattern Cs ′ that forms a capacitor together with the auxiliary capacitance electrode Cs is simultaneously formed. FIG. 39I shows a plan view of the structure of FIG. 39H formed in this way. In the patterning step of FIG. 39H, the signal electrode 32 is formed including the pad electrode 32A at the tip by further patterning the conductor layer 86.

  Next, in the step of FIG. 40J, a protective film 87 is uniformly deposited on the structure of FIG. 39H, and a resist pattern R6 is formed on the protective film 87 to form the source electrode pattern 86S and the source electrode pattern 86S. It is formed to have resist openings RA and RB respectively corresponding to the storage capacitor counter electrode pattern Cs ′.

  Next, in the step of FIG. 40K, the protective film 87 is patterned using the resist pattern R6 as a mask, and contact holes 87A and 87B are formed in the protective film 87 corresponding to the resist openings RA and RB, respectively. To do. At the same time, as shown in FIG. 40 (L), in the electrode pad portion 33A, an opening 87A ′ exposing the pad portion 33A is formed in the protective film 87, and as shown in FIG. 40 (M). Also in the pad electrode portion 32A, a contact hole 87B ′ exposing the pad electrode CsA is formed in the protective film 87. FIG. 41N shows a plan view of the structure thus obtained.

  Next, in the step of FIG. 42 (O), the ITO film 88 is uniformly contacted with the source region 86S and the auxiliary capacitor counter electrode Cs ′ in the contact holes 87A and 87B, respectively, on the structure of FIG. 41 (N). Further, a resist pattern R7 corresponding to the pixel electrode 34 to be formed is formed on the ITO film 88. In the step of FIG. 42P, the transparent pixel electrode 34 is formed by patterning the ITO film 88 using the resist pattern R7 as a mask.

  At the same time, as shown in FIGS. 42 (Q) and (R), also in the electrode pads 33A and 32A, the ITO contact pads 88A and 88B contact the electrode pads 33A and 32A in the contact holes 87A ′ and 87B ′, respectively. Formed as follows.

  FIG. 43S shows a plan view of the substrate 31A obtained in this way.

  Next, in this embodiment, in the step of FIG. 44 (T), a resist film is uniformly applied to the entire surface of the structure of FIG. 43 (S), and exposure / development processing is performed. A structure pattern 34X having fine branches corresponding to the described fine structure pattern 34A is formed in the form of a resist pattern, and a liquid crystal display device 80 corresponding to the liquid crystal display device 30 is obtained.

  In such a structural pattern 34X, in order to effectively regulate the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules described above, each of the fine branches needs to have a width of 6 μm or less. Such a fine resist pattern For example, the resist film 34X is formed to a thickness of 600 to 800 nm, preferably about 700 nm by adjusting the viscosity of resist SC-1811 manufactured by Shipley Co., Ltd. Thus, by setting the thickness of the uniform resist film to about 700 nm, the resist pattern maintains a thickness of 100 to 700 nm, preferably 600 to 700 nm, even after the exposure / development process. It becomes possible. At that time, a gh-line stepper is used for exposure in order to suppress a decrease in film thickness at the branch tip at the time of development. It is preferable to perform so-called underexposure by setting it to about 5 times.

After the exposure / development process, the surface layer portion is ashed and removed from the resist pattern 34X, so that the thickness of the resist pattern 34X is about 300 nm. Such an ashing process may be performed using, for example, a reactive plasma etching apparatus while supplying O ₂ at a flow rate of 400 SCCM with a plasma power of 600 W under a pressure of 30.0 Pa.

  After the ashing process, the thermosetting process is initially performed on the resist pattern 34X at a temperature of 140 ° C. or lower, preferably about 130 ° C., and gradually or stepwisely increased. Finally, heat curing is performed at a maximum temperature of 140 ° C. to 270 ° C., preferably 200 ° C. for 10 minutes or more. By doing in this way, even if the width of the branch is 6 μm or less, the resist pattern 34X having the fine branch can be cured without impairing its shape.

  In addition, this process can also form a resist pattern 34Y having a branch with a sharp tip as shown in FIG. Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the fine resist pattern 24E or 24E ′ described with reference to FIG. 22 or 24 can be formed. The configuration in FIG. 45 roughly corresponds to the liquid crystal display device 50 in FIG. 22 described above.

In this embodiment, various polyimide resins, novolac resins, or acrylic resins can be used as the resist film.

[Seventh embodiment]
Next, the configuration of the liquid crystal display device 90 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In the liquid crystal display device 90 of the present embodiment, the thickness of each branch is reduced toward the tip in the pattern 34X of FIG. 44 or the pattern 34Y of FIG.

  46A and 46B show the principle of this embodiment.

  46 (A) and 46 (B), the illustrated liquid crystal display device 90 is configured based on the liquid crystal display device 10 of FIGS. 1 (A) and 1 (B), and is formed with a convex pattern 13A. Although the liquid crystal layer 12 is held between the glass substrate 11A and the glass substrate 11B on which the convex pattern 13B is formed, the convex pattern 13A has a directionality with a pointed tip on the side. The fine pattern 13a extends in the same manner as the fine pattern 24E in FIG. 22 or the fine pattern 24E ′ in FIG.

  At that time, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 46B, not only the width but also the height or thickness of the fine pattern 13a is reduced in the tip direction, and as a result, a pair of opposing fine patterns. 13a defines slopes facing each other. By forming the upper convex pattern 13B corresponding to the facing portion of the fine pattern 13a, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 12 are given a pretilt, and as a result, when a driving electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer 12, The liquid crystal molecules quickly tilt to a substantially horizontal alignment state. At this time, since the fine pattern 13a is repeatedly formed with a minute pitch, typically with a period of several μm, the direction of the liquid crystal molecules to be tilted is the fine pattern 13a as described in the previous embodiment. It is regulated in the extending direction.

  The fine pattern 13a having such a slope can be formed, for example, by exposing a positive resist using an exposure mask shown in FIG.

  In a typical example, a positive resist S1808 manufactured by Shipley Co., for example, is spun to a thickness of 0.1 to 3 μm, typically about 1.5 μm so as to cover the pixel electrode on the glass substrate 13A. Coating.

  Next, the resist film is exposed to ultraviolet light using the exposure mask of FIG. 47, and development, rinsing, and baking processes are performed. As a result of this step, as shown in FIGS. 46A and 46B, the convex pattern 13A can be formed such that the fine convex pattern 13a extends laterally.

  FIG. 48 shows the result of simulating the operation of the liquid crystal display device 90 thus formed. In FIG. 48, the right side is the case according to the present invention and the fine pattern 13a is provided, and the left side is the conventional case and the fine pattern 13a is not provided. FIG. 48 shows the time required to reach various predetermined contrast ratios. In the example of the present invention, as a result of providing the inclined fine pattern 13a, the rise time in the vicinity of the convex pattern 13A is greatly reduced. You can see that

  Table 4 below shows the time until 90% transmittance is achieved when the applied voltage is 2.5 V and 3.0 V, and the conventional liquid crystal display device of FIGS. 1 (A) and 1 (B). 46A and 46B are shown in comparison with the liquid crystal display device according to this embodiment.

表４は、前記微細構造パターン１３ａの応答時間短縮に対する寄与を明瞭に示している。

Table 4 clearly shows the contribution of the fine structure pattern 13a to shortening the response time.

In the present embodiment, since the fine structure pattern 13a is inclined, the tip of the pattern 13a is not necessarily sharp, for example, the pattern 13a ′ having a uniform width shown in FIG. 49A. Alternatively, the same effect can be obtained even with the pattern 13a ″ whose width shown in FIG. 49B increases toward the tip.

[Eighth embodiment]
FIG. 50 shows a configuration of a liquid crystal display device 100 according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

  However, the liquid crystal display device 100 of FIG. 50 is based on the configuration of the liquid crystal display device 30 described above. Therefore, the portions described above in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 50, on the pixel electrode 34, a large number of directional patterns 101A similar to the pattern 24A described above with reference to FIG. 17 are arranged in a common direction, at intervals of WG in the row direction, and It is formed in a matrix at intervals of HG in the column direction.

  FIG. 51 shows an example of the directional pattern 101A.

  Referring to FIG. 51, the directional pattern 101A has a wedge shape with a width of W and a height of H, and a cutout portion with a width of SW and a height of SH is formed at the bottom. The directional pattern 101A may be a resist pattern formed in the pixel electrode 34 or a cutout pattern formed in the pixel electrode 34. In one example, the width W is 8 μm, the width SW is 4 μm, the height H is 30 microns, and the height SH is 5 to 20 μm. The pattern 101A has a spacing WG of 2 μm on the pixel electrode 34, The arrangement is repeated with the interval HG set to 0 μm.

  By forming the directional pattern 101A, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 31 are regulated in the direction defined by the directional pattern 101A as described above, and as a result, the liquid crystal layer 31. When a driving electric field is applied to the first electrode, it quickly tilts and a transition to the nine-layer state occurs at high speed.

  FIG. 52 shows the liquid crystal display device of FIG. 50, in which the domain A and the domain B are partitioned in the pixel electrode 34, and the orientation direction of the directional pattern 101A is made different between the domain A and the domain B as indicated by arrows. The configuration is shown. According to this configuration, the viewing angle characteristics of the liquid crystal display device can be improved.

  53, in the liquid crystal display device of FIG. 50, domains A to D are partitioned in the pixel electrode 34 in the same manner as in the configuration of FIG. 16, and the direction of the directional pattern 101A is set in each of the domains A to D. Different configurations are shown as shown by arrows. According to this configuration, the viewing angle characteristics of the liquid crystal display device can be further improved.

  FIG. 54 shows a liquid crystal display device having the structure shown in FIG. 52, in which the structural pattern 102 made of a resist pattern or a cut-out pattern is formed on the boundary between the domain A and the domain B in the liquid crystal shown in FIGS. The example formed similarly to the convex pattern 13A in the display apparatus 10 is shown.

  According to this configuration, the alignment of liquid crystal molecules in the direction of the arrow by the directional pattern 101 </ b> A is further reinforced by the structural pattern 102.

  FIG. 55 shows an example in which a structural pattern 102B made of a lattice-like resist pattern or cut-out pattern is formed at the boundary between the domains A to D in the liquid crystal display device having the configuration shown in FIG.

  By forming the lattice pattern 102B, the alignment regulation of the liquid crystal molecules in the direction of the arrow by the directional pattern 101A is further strengthened.

  FIG. 56 shows a configuration of a directional pattern 101B according to a modification of the directional pattern 101A.

  Referring to FIG. 56, the directional pattern 101B is an inverted T-shaped pattern having a width W and a height H, a width having a width W and a height SH, and a width protruding upward from the bottom. Consists of a protruding portion of SW.

  In a typical example, the width W is set to 5 to 8 μm, the height H is set to 10 to 30 μm, the width SW of the protrusion is set to 2 to 3 μm, and the height SH of the bottom is set to 3 to 5 μm. In the configuration shown in FIG. 50, the directional pattern 101A is arranged on the pixel electrode 34 with an interval HG of 2 μm and an interval WG of 2 μm.

  FIG. 57 shows examples of various directional patterns that can be used in place of the directional pattern 101A or 101B.

  These directional patterns generally have a line-symmetric shape, and further consist of figures lacking rotational symmetry. As described above, these directional patterns may be a resist pattern formed on the pixel electrode 34 or a cut-out pattern formed in the pixel electrode 34.

  FIGS. 58A and 58B show a configuration in which the alignment regulation of desired liquid crystal molecules is realized by arranging such directional patterns on the pixel electrodes 34 with directional properties.

  In FIG. 58A, the pattern on the equilateral triangle is arranged in a cross shape and aligned in the direction of the tip of the cross arm, and the alignment of desired liquid crystal molecules is regulated by the collection of such patterns. In this case, the regular triangle pattern itself is not a directional pattern because it has rotational symmetry, but a desired effect can be realized by collecting such non-directional patterns.

  In contrast, FIG. 58B shows an example in which a large number of isosceles triangular directional patterns are arranged with rotational symmetry with respect to the center. Even in such a configuration, desired alignment of liquid crystal molecules can be regulated.

  51 may be arranged alternately as shown in FIG. 59 when arranged in a grid pattern on the pixel electrode 31 as shown in FIG.

If necessary, they can be arranged concentrically or spirally as shown in FIG.

[Ninth embodiment]
61A and 61B are a sectional view and a plan view, respectively, showing the configuration of the liquid crystal display device 110 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. However, the cross section of FIG. 61 (A) is a cross sectional view along the line AA ′ in FIG. 61 (B).

  Referring to FIG. 61A, the liquid crystal display device 110 has a configuration in which a liquid crystal layer 113 is sandwiched between a glass substrate 111A supporting a pixel electrode 112A and a glass substrate 111B supporting a counter electrode 112B. A convex pattern 114A is formed on the pixel electrode 112A in a grid pattern, and a convex pattern 114B is formed on the counter electrode 112B in a grid pattern.

  On the grid pattern 114A, there are formed localized patterns 114a that form slopes as shown in FIGS. 61 (A) and (B), corresponding to the intersections of the grids constituting the pattern 114A. Similarly, a localized pattern 114b that forms an inclined surface is formed on the lattice pattern 114B in correspondence with the intersection of the lattices constituting the pattern 114B.

  Further, a vertical molecular alignment film 115A is formed on the glass substrate 111A so as to cover the lattice pattern 114A, and a vertical molecular alignment film 115B is formed on the glass substrate 111B so as to cover the lattice pattern 114B. The vertical molecular alignment layers 115A and 115B are in contact with the liquid crystal layer 113, and align liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 113 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the liquid crystal layer 113 when the liquid crystal display device 110 is not driven. Further, a polarizer 115A is formed outside the glass substrate 111A, and an analyzer 115B is formed outside the glass substrate 111B in a crossed Nicols state. In FIG. 61B, the directions of the absorption axes of the polarizer 115A and the analyzer 115B are shown.

  In the liquid crystal display device 110, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 113 are not only the lattice patterns 114A and 114B but also the slopes formed by the localized patterns 113a and 113b. As described in (B), when a pretilt angle is given and, as a result, when a driving electric field is applied between the electrodes 115A and 115B, the liquid crystal molecules quickly fall down due to the effect of the pretilt, and the liquid crystal display device 110 operating speed is improved.

  FIG. 62 shows the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules 113A in the liquid crystal layer 113 in the driving state of the liquid crystal display device 110.

  Referring to FIG. 62, by setting the directions of the light absorption axes of the polarizer 116A and the analyzer 116B so as to coincide with the extending direction of the grid patterns 114A and 114B, the grid patterns 114A and 114B are directly above. Although a single dark line is generated as in the case of FIG. 9, there is no double dark line on both sides of the pattern 114A or 114B, and the generation of the double dark line described above with reference to FIG. The associated problem of reduced transmission is avoided.

  Next, a manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display device 110 shown in FIGS. 61A and 61B will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Referring to FIG. 61A, a resist film 114 typically made of a positive resist S1808 manufactured by Shipley Far East is formed on the substrate 111A so as to cover the pixel electrode 112A. After pre-baking at 20 ° C. for 20 minutes, this is exposed using a mask M1, and further developed using a developer such as developer MF319 manufactured by Shipley Far East, for example, as shown in FIG. 61 (B). Thus, the lattice pattern 114A is formed. In the process of FIG. 61 (B), the lattice pattern 114 is further post-baked at 120 ° C. for 40 minutes and further post-baked at 200 ° C. for 40 minutes.

  Next, in the step of FIG. 63C, a resist film 114 ′ constituting the localized pattern 114a is formed on the substrate 111A so as to cover the lattice pattern 114A, and this is further formed using a mask M2. By performing exposure and development, as shown in FIG. 63D, the localized pattern 114a is formed corresponding to the lattice intersection of the lattice pattern 114A. The localized pattern 114a is typically formed to have a side of 45 μm and a height on the grid pattern 114A of 0.3 μm. On the other hand, the width of the lattice pattern 114A itself is, for example, 5 μm.

  In the step of FIG. 63D, a vertical alignment film JALS684 manufactured by JSR, for example, is formed as the molecular alignment film 115A so as to cover the lattice pattern 114A and the localized pattern 114a.

  The lattice pattern 114B and the localized pattern 114b on the substrate 111B can be formed in the same manner.

  The lattice patterns 114A and 114B are formed in a positional relationship such that they are separated by 20 μm in the surface direction of the liquid crystal layer 113 when the liquid crystal display device 110 is formed by combining the substrates 111A and 111B.

  FIG. 64 shows a protrusion extending at an angle of 45 ° with respect to the extending direction of the grid patterns 114A and 114B in place of the localized patterns 114a and 114b in the configuration of FIG. 61 (B). The case where the localized patterns 114c and 114d having the above are formed is shown.

  According to the configuration of FIG. 64, a desirable pretilt can be formed in the liquid crystal molecules even in an intermediate region between the lattice patterns 114A and 114B where the pretilt effect by the lattice patterns 114A and 114B does not directly reach. it can.

  On the other hand, FIG. 65 shows a localized pattern having protrusions extending in the extending direction of the lattice patterns 114A and 114B in place of the localized patterns 114a and 114b in the configuration of FIG. 61 (B). The case where 114e and 114f are formed is shown.

  According to the configuration of FIG. 65, the pretilt effect by the lattice patterns 114A and 114B can be further enhanced by the localized patterns 114e and 114f.

  Further, FIG. 66 has a configuration in which the configuration of FIG. 64 and the configuration of FIG. 65 are combined, and a localized pattern 114g is formed at the intersection of the lattice pattern 114A, and a localized pattern 114h is formed at the intersection of the lattice pattern 114B. Is formed. FIG. 67 has a structure in which the configuration of FIG. 65 is overlaid on the configuration of FIG. 64. Therefore, the localized pattern 114e is located on the localized pattern 114c, and the localized pattern 114f is located on the localized pattern 114d. Is formed.

  In the configuration of FIG. 67, the inclination of the localized patterns 114e and 114f can be made particularly steep, and the pretilt effect of the liquid crystal molecules can be enhanced.

  The configurations in FIGS. 61 to 67 can be combined with any of the embodiments described above, and contribute to improving the operation speed of the liquid crystal display device.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the claims.
(Appendix)
(Appendix 1) a first substrate;
A second substrate facing the first substrate;
A liquid crystal layer sealed between the first and second substrates;
A first electrode formed on the first substrate;
A second electrode formed on the second substrate;
A first molecular alignment film formed on the first substrate so as to cover the first electrode;
A second molecular alignment film formed on the second substrate so as to cover the second electrode;
A first polarizing plate disposed outside the first substrate;
A second polarizing plate disposed outside the second substrate in a crossed Nicol state with respect to the first polarizing plate;
The first molecular alignment film and the second molecular alignment film are formed in the liquid crystal layer in a non-driving state where a driving voltage is not applied between the first electrode and the second electrode. Aligning liquid crystal molecules in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the substrate;
On the first substrate, extending in a first direction parallel to the surface of the liquid crystal layer and periodic with respect to a second direction parallel to the surface of the liquid crystal layer and perpendicular to the first direction. The structural pattern has a period with respect to the second direction in a driving state in which a driving voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode. Form a changing electric field,
The liquid crystal display device, wherein the liquid crystal molecules are substantially tilted in the first direction in the driving state.

  (Additional remark 2) The said structural pattern is formed so that it may each extend in the said 1st direction on the said 1st electrode, and consists of a some pattern repeated in the said 2nd direction. 1. A liquid crystal display device according to 1.

  (Supplementary note 3) The liquid crystal display device according to supplementary note 2, wherein each of the plurality of patterns is a convex pattern made of an insulating material.

  (Supplementary note 4) The liquid crystal display device according to supplementary note 2, wherein each of the plurality of patterns is a convex pattern made of a conductive material.

  (Supplementary note 5) The liquid crystal display device according to supplementary note 2, wherein each of the plurality of patterns is a concave pattern formed in the first electrode.

  (Supplementary Note 6) The structural pattern is formed on the first electrode so as to extend in the first direction, and includes a plurality of patterns repeated in the second direction. 6. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein each of the liquid crystal display devices has a directivity that is oriented in at least one direction in the first direction.

  (Supplementary note 7) The liquid crystal display device according to supplementary note 6, wherein each of the plurality of patterns has a substantially triangular shape, and a vertex is directed to the directionality.

  (Supplementary Note 8) Each of the plurality of patterns has a rhombus shape having first and second vertices facing each other, and the first vertices are oriented in one direction on the first direction. The liquid crystal display device according to appendix 6, wherein the second apex is oriented in the opposite direction on the second direction.

  (Supplementary note 9) The liquid crystal display device according to any one of supplementary notes 6 to 8, wherein each of the plurality of patterns having the directivity has a maximum width of 10 μm or less.

  (Supplementary note 10) The liquid crystal display device according to any one of supplementary notes 9 to 9, wherein each of the plurality of patterns having the directivity is defined by stepped sides.

  (Supplementary Note 11) The first electrode includes a plurality of pixel electrodes formed on the first substrate, and each of the plurality of pixel electrodes is partitioned into a plurality of domains, and the structural pattern is Each of the plurality of domains is formed such that the first direction in one domain intersects the first direction in domains adjacent to each other at an angle of 90 °. The liquid crystal display device according to any one of Supplementary notes 1 to 10.

  (Supplementary Note 12) On at least one of the first and second substrates, a structural pattern different from the structural pattern further intersects the first direction, and the structural pattern has the first pattern. 2. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal display device is formed so as to be repeated in a direction different from the second direction with a repetition period substantially larger than a repetition period in the direction of 2.

  (Supplementary note 13) The liquid crystal display device according to supplementary note 12, wherein the another structural pattern has a height higher than the structural pattern.

  (Supplementary Note 14) Each of the structural patterns includes a plurality of fine patterns extending in the first direction and repeated in the second direction at a first period, and the other structural pattern is the first pattern. A first coarse structure pattern formed on the substrate and extending in a third direction intersecting the first direction; and a fourth coarse structure pattern formed on the second substrate and intersecting the second direction. The first coarse structure pattern is repeatedly formed in the fourth direction with a period substantially larger than the first period, and the second coarse structure pattern extending in the direction of 14. The liquid crystal display device according to appendix 12 or 13, wherein the second coarse structure pattern is repeatedly formed in the third direction with a period substantially larger than the first period.

  (Supplementary note 15) The liquid crystal display device according to supplementary note 14, wherein each of the first and second coarse structure patterns has a larger width than the fine pattern.

  (Supplementary note 16) The liquid crystal display device according to supplementary note 14, wherein the third direction is orthogonal to the first direction.

  (Supplementary note 17) The liquid crystal display device according to supplementary note 14, wherein the third direction intersects with the first direction at an angle of 45 °.

  (Supplementary Note 18) Each of the structural patterns includes a plurality of fine patterns extending in a first width in the first direction and repeated in a first period in the second direction, and the other structural pattern is And a first direction formed on the first substrate so as to extend in a fourth direction orthogonal to the third direction and a third direction obliquely intersecting the first and second directions. A second lattice shape formed on the second substrate so as to extend in the third and fourth directions and in a positional relationship shifted from the first lattice pattern. 18. The liquid crystal display device according to appendix 16 or 17, characterized in that the first and second lattice patterns are repeated with a period greater than the first period.

  (Supplementary note 19) The liquid crystal display device according to supplementary note 18, wherein each of the first and second lattice patterns has a width larger than a width of the fine pattern.

  (Supplementary note 20) The liquid crystal display device according to supplementary note 18 or 19, wherein the third direction intersects with the first direction at an angle of 45 °.

  (Supplementary Note 21) The first grid pattern defines first to fourth domains partitioned by the first grid pattern on the first substrate, and the fine pattern includes the first pattern Each of the first to fourth domains is formed such that the first direction forms an angle of 90 ° with the first direction in domains adjacent to each other on a side. A liquid crystal display device according to any one of the above.

  (Additional remark 22) The said another structure pattern consists of convex patterns, The liquid crystal display device as described in any one of Additional remarks 12-21 characterized by the above-mentioned.

  (Supplementary Note 23) The liquid crystal display device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 12 to 21, wherein the another structural pattern is a concave pattern.

(Supplementary Note 24) a first substrate;
A second substrate facing the first substrate;
A liquid crystal layer sealed between the first and second substrates;
A first electrode formed on the first substrate;
A second electrode formed on the second substrate;
A first molecular alignment film formed on the first substrate so as to cover the first electrode;
A second molecular alignment film formed on the second substrate so as to cover the second electrode;
A first polarizing plate disposed outside the first substrate;
A second polarizing plate disposed outside the second substrate in a crossed Nicol state with respect to the first polarizing plate;
The first molecular alignment film and the second molecular alignment film are formed in the liquid crystal layer in a non-driving state where a driving voltage is not applied between the first electrode and the second electrode. Aligning liquid crystal molecules in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the liquid crystal layer;
The first electrode has an electrode pattern extending in a first direction parallel to the surface of the liquid crystal layer with respect to a second direction parallel to the surface of the liquid crystal layer and perpendicular to the first direction. Having a configuration in which the first width gap is periodically and repeatedly arranged across the gap,
The electrode patterns arranged repeatedly in the second direction are connected to each other by a connecting portion;
The first electrode is further formed with a cutout pattern extending in the second direction with a second width substantially larger than the first width,
The liquid crystal display device, wherein the liquid crystal molecules are substantially tilted in the first direction in the driving state.

  (Supplementary note 25) The liquid crystal display device according to supplementary note 24, wherein each of the electrode patterns is separated from a corresponding electrode pattern adjacent in the first direction by the cutout pattern.

  (Supplementary Note 26) Further, on the second substrate, a coarse pattern extending in the second direction intersects the electrode pattern when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first substrate. When the electrode pattern is viewed from the direction perpendicular to the corresponding electrode pattern adjacent to the second direction and the first substrate, the portion of the coupling portion is below the coarse pattern. 26. The liquid crystal display device according to appendix 24 or 25, wherein at least a part thereof is disposed.

  (Supplementary note 27) The liquid crystal display device according to any one of supplementary notes 24 to 26, wherein at least a part of the pattern is further connected to each other along the edge of the pixel electrode opening.

  (Supplementary note 28) The liquid crystal display device according to any one of supplementary notes 24 to 27, wherein each of the electrode patterns has a tapered shape in the first direction.

  (Supplementary note 29) The liquid crystal display device according to any one of supplementary notes 24 to 27, wherein each of the electrode patterns has a shape that narrows in a stepped manner toward the tip.

  (Additional remark 30) Furthermore, on the first substrate, a third electrode pattern extending along the cutout pattern at the same potential as the second electrode is formed below the first electrode. 30. The liquid crystal display device according to any one of appendices 24-29, wherein

  (Supplementary Note 31) The first and second regions on the first electrode are such that the first direction in the first region is orthogonal to the first direction in the second region. Supplementary note 30, wherein the third electrode extends on the first substrate along a boundary between the first region and the second region. The liquid crystal display device described.

  (Additional remark 32) The said rough pattern consists of a convex pattern formed on the said 2nd board | substrate, The liquid crystal display device of Additional remark 26 characterized by the above-mentioned.

  (Additional remark 33) The said rough pattern has a pattern repeated in the said 2nd direction with the same period as the repetition period to the said 2nd direction of the said electrode pattern in the said 1st direction, or an equivalent period. Item 33. The liquid crystal display device according to item 26 or 32, wherein:

  (Supplementary Note 34) Of the supplementary notes 24-33, wherein the first electrode includes a first region where the electrode pattern is repeated and a second region covered with a uniform conductive film. The liquid crystal display device according to any one of claims.

  (Additional remark 35) The said connection part consists of a strip | belt-shaped pattern with the substantially constant width | variety extended in the said 2nd direction, The said electrode pattern is extended to the side from the said strip | belt pattern, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. 35. The liquid crystal display device according to any one of appendices 24-34.

  (Supplementary note 36) The liquid crystal display device according to supplementary note 35, wherein the electrode pattern is repeatedly formed in the second direction at a cycle of 2 μm or more and 15 μm or less.

  (Supplementary note 37) The liquid crystal display device according to supplementary note 35 or 36, wherein the electrode pattern region has an area ratio in a range of 35 to 65% with respect to the band-shaped pattern region.

  (Supplementary Note 38) The band-shaped pattern has a width of about 22 μm in the first direction, the elongated electrode pattern has a width of 3.5 ± 1 μm at the base connected to the band-shaped pattern, Appendices 35-37, characterized in that a cut-out pattern of about 8 μm is formed between the electrode pattern opposite in the first direction and having a length of about 15 ± 5 μm in one direction. A liquid crystal display device according to any one of the above.

(Supplementary Note 39) The liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer have a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate, and the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer are in the non-driving state in which no driving electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer. Manufacture of a liquid crystal display device in which liquid crystal molecules are aligned substantially perpendicular to the surface of the liquid crystal layer and liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer are aligned substantially parallel to the surface of the liquid crystal layer in a driving state where a driving electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer In the method
Forming a pixel electrode pattern on the first substrate;
Applying a resist film on the pixel electrode pattern;
Exposing and developing the resist film, and forming a resist pattern having a shape in which a plurality of branches are repeated on the pixel electrode pattern;
Performing an ashing process on the resist pattern;
A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display device, comprising: a step of thermally curing the resist pattern subjected to the ashing process.

  (Additional remark 40) The said exposure process exposes the said resist film by the exposure amount of 2 times or less of the exposure threshold value amount of the said resist film, The manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display device of Additional remark 39 characterized by the above-mentioned.

  (Supplementary Note 41) The step of applying the resist film includes the step of forming the resist film to a thickness such that the resist pattern has a thickness in the range of 100 to 700 nm after the ashing step. 41. A method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device according to appendix 39 or 40, wherein

  (Additional remark 42) The process of apply | coating the said resist film includes the process of adjusting the viscosity of the said resist film so that the thickness of the said resist film may be 600-800 nm, Of additional remarks 39-41 characterized by the above-mentioned A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display device according to any one of the above.

  (Appendix 43) The thermosetting step includes a step of starting at a temperature of 140 ° C or lower and gradually increasing the temperature to a thermosetting temperature of 270 ° C or lower. A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display device according to any one of the above.

(Supplementary Note 44) a first substrate;
A second substrate facing the first substrate;
A liquid crystal layer sealed between the first and second substrates;
A first electrode formed on the first substrate;
A second electrode formed on the second substrate;
A first molecular alignment film formed on the first substrate so as to cover the first electrode;
A second molecular alignment film formed on the second substrate so as to cover the second electrode;
A first polarizing plate disposed outside the first substrate;
A second polarizing plate disposed outside the second substrate in a crossed Nicol state with respect to the first polarizing plate;
The first molecular alignment film and the second molecular alignment film are formed in the liquid crystal layer in a non-driving state where a driving voltage is not applied between the first electrode and the second electrode. Aligning liquid crystal molecules in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the liquid crystal layer;
A convex pattern extending in a first direction parallel to the surface of the liquid crystal layer is formed on the first electrode in a second direction that is parallel to the surface of the liquid crystal layer and intersects the first direction. A structure that is periodically and repeatedly arranged is formed,
The liquid crystal display device, wherein the liquid crystal molecules are substantially tilted in the first direction in the driving state.

  (Supplementary Note 45) The liquid crystal display device according to supplementary note 44, wherein the convex pattern has a tapered shape that gradually decreases in width toward a tip portion.

  (Supplementary Note 46) The liquid crystal display device according to supplementary note 44, wherein the convex pattern has a shape that narrows in a stepped manner toward the tip.

  (Supplementary note 47) The liquid crystal display device according to any one of supplementary notes 44 to 46, wherein the convex pattern has a shape that gradually decreases in height toward a tip portion.

  (Supplementary Note 48) On the first electrode, another convex pattern extending in the second direction is further formed, and each of the elongated convex patterns is formed laterally from the other convex pattern. 48. The liquid crystal display device according to any one of supplementary notes 44 to 47, wherein the liquid crystal display device is extended.

  (Supplementary Note 49) The first direction defined for the convex pattern extending from the another convex pattern to the first side extends from the another convex pattern to the second side. 49. The liquid crystal display device according to any one of supplementary notes 44 to 48, wherein the liquid crystal display device is orthogonal to the first direction defined with respect to the convex pattern.

  (Supplementary note 50) The liquid crystal display device according to supplementary note 49, wherein the first direction intersects with the second direction at an angle of 45 °.

  (Supplementary note 51) The liquid crystal display device according to any one of supplementary notes 44 to 48, wherein the first direction is orthogonal to the second direction.

  (Supplementary Note 52) The liquid crystal display device according to supplementary note 51, wherein each of the convex patterns extends in a direction orthogonal to the second pattern.

  (Supplementary Note 53) The first electrode is divided into a first region and a second region, and the second direction defined for the different pattern in the first region is the first region. 53. The liquid crystal display device according to appendix 52, wherein the liquid crystal display device is orthogonal to the second direction defined for the another pattern in the area of 2.

  (Supplementary note 54) The liquid crystal display device according to any one of supplementary notes 48 to 53, wherein the another convex pattern has a larger width than the convex pattern.

  (Supplementary note 55) The liquid crystal display device according to any one of supplementary notes 48 to 54, wherein the another convex pattern has a height greater than that of the convex pattern.

  (Additional remark 56) The said convex pattern consists of resist patterns, The liquid crystal display device as described in any one of Additional remarks 44-55 characterized by the above-mentioned.

  (Supplementary note 57) The liquid crystal display device according to any one of supplementary notes 44 to 56, wherein the another convex pattern is a resist pattern.

  (Supplementary note 58) The liquid crystal display device according to any one of supplementary notes 44 to 57, wherein a convex pattern is formed on the second electrode in parallel with the other convex pattern. .

  (Supplementary note 59) The liquid crystal display device according to any one of supplementary notes 44 to 54, wherein the convex pattern is replaced with a slit pattern.

(Supplementary Note 60) a first substrate;
A second substrate facing the first substrate;
A liquid crystal layer sealed between the first and second substrates;
A first electrode formed on the first substrate;
A second electrode formed on the second substrate;
A first molecular alignment film formed on the first substrate so as to cover the first electrode;
A second molecular alignment film formed on the second substrate so as to cover the second electrode;
A first polarizing plate disposed outside the first substrate;
A second polarizing plate disposed outside the second substrate in a crossed Nicol state with respect to the first polarizing plate;
The first molecular alignment film and the second molecular alignment film are formed in the liquid crystal layer in a non-driving state where a driving voltage is not applied between the first electrode and the second electrode. Aligning liquid crystal molecules in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the liquid crystal layer;
A liquid crystal display device, wherein a plurality of directional patterns are formed on a common orientation on the first substrate.

  (Supplementary note 61) The liquid crystal display device according to supplementary note 60, wherein the directional pattern has a shape that is line-symmetric and lacks rotational symmetry.

  (Supplementary note 62) The liquid crystal display device according to supplementary note 60 or 61, wherein the directional pattern is a convex pattern formed on the first electrode.

  (Supplementary note 63) The liquid crystal display device according to supplementary note 60 or 61, wherein the directional pattern includes a cut-out pattern formed in the first electrode.

  (Supplementary note 64) The liquid crystal display device according to any one of supplementary notes 59 to 63, wherein the directional pattern is repeatedly oriented in a matrix on the first electrode.

  (Supplementary note 65) The liquid crystal display device according to any one of supplementary notes 59 to 64, wherein the directional pattern is a set of a plurality of pattern elements.

  (Supplementary Note 66) The liquid crystal display device according to any one of supplementary notes 59 to 65, wherein in the liquid crystal layer, the liquid crystal molecules are tilted in a direction in which the directional pattern is directed in a driving state.

(Supplementary Note 67) a first substrate;
A second substrate facing the first substrate;
A liquid crystal layer sealed between the first and second substrates;
A first electrode formed on the first substrate;
A second electrode formed on the second substrate;
A first molecular alignment film formed on the first substrate so as to cover the first electrode;
A second molecular alignment film formed on the second substrate so as to cover the second electrode;
A first polarizing plate disposed outside the first substrate;
A second polarizing plate disposed outside the second substrate in a crossed Nicol state with respect to the first polarizing plate;
The first molecular alignment film and the second molecular alignment film are formed in the liquid crystal layer in a non-driving state where a driving voltage is not applied between the first electrode and the second electrode. Aligning liquid crystal molecules in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the liquid crystal layer;
A first lattice pattern is formed on the first substrate,
A second grid pattern is formed on the second substrate in a positional relationship shifted from the first grid pattern in the plane of the liquid crystal layer,
A first localized pattern having a slope is formed at the intersection of the first grid pattern, and a second localized pattern having a slope is formed at the intersection of the second grid pattern. A liquid crystal display device.

  (Supplementary note 68) The liquid crystal display device according to supplementary note 67, wherein the first and second localized patterns have a quadrangular shape when viewed from a direction perpendicular to a surface of the liquid crystal layer.

  (Supplementary Note 69) The first and second localized patterns each have a cross shape in which an arm extends obliquely with respect to an extending direction of the lattice pattern when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface of the liquid crystal layer. 68. A liquid crystal display device according to appendix 67, comprising:

  (Supplementary Note 70) The first and second localized patterns have a cross shape that extends an arm in an extending direction of the lattice pattern when viewed from a direction perpendicular to a surface of the liquid crystal layer. 68. A liquid crystal display device according to appendix 67, which is characterized in that

  (Supplementary Note 71) The first and second localized patterns include arms and lattices extending obliquely with respect to an extending direction of the lattice pattern when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface of the liquid crystal layer. 68. The liquid crystal display device according to appendix 67, wherein the liquid crystal display device has a star shape having arms extending in the extending direction of the pattern.

  (Supplementary Note 72) The star shape includes a first cross pattern that extends an arm in the extending direction of the grid pattern and a second that extends an arm obliquely in the extending direction of the grid pattern. 68. The liquid crystal display device according to appendix 67, wherein the liquid crystal display device has a configuration in which a cross pattern is superimposed.

  (Supplementary Note 73) The liquid crystal layer includes a nematic liquid crystal and a photocured material of a photocurable composition having a three-dimensional liquid crystal skeleton, and the liquid crystal molecules and the liquid crystal skeleton of the photocured material are not driven. The liquid crystal display device according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 72, wherein the liquid crystal display devices are oriented in different directions in the state.

  (Supplementary Note 74) The thin film transistor that drives the pixel electrode is formed on the first substrate corresponding to each of the plurality of pixel electrodes. A liquid crystal display device according to one item.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the conventional vertical alignment liquid crystal display device. It is a figure explaining the problem of the vertical alignment liquid crystal display device of FIG. (A), (B) is a figure explaining the principle of this invention. It is another figure explaining the principle of this invention. It is another figure explaining the principle of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the liquid crystal display device by 1st Example of this invention. (A), (B) is another figure which shows the structure of the liquid crystal display device of FIG. It is a figure which shows a part of liquid crystal display device of FIG. 6 in detail. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the liquid crystal display device of FIG. It is a figure explaining the principle of the liquid crystal display device by 2nd Example of this invention. It is another figure explaining the principle of the liquid crystal display device by 2nd Example of this invention. FIG. 6 is still another diagram illustrating the principle of a liquid crystal display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is still another diagram illustrating the principle of a liquid crystal display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. (A), (B) is a figure (the 1) which shows the experimental result performed about the liquid crystal display device of FIG. (C), (D) is the figure (the 2) which shows the experimental result performed about the liquid crystal display device of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the liquid crystal display device by 2nd Example of this invention. It is a figure explaining the principle of the liquid crystal display device by 3rd Example of this invention. It is another figure explaining the principle of the liquid crystal display device by 3rd Example of this invention. It is another figure explaining the principle of the liquid crystal display device by 3rd Example of this invention. It is another figure explaining the principle of the liquid crystal display device by 3rd Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operating characteristic of the liquid crystal display device by 3rd Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the liquid crystal display device by 3rd Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the modification of 3rd Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the modification of the liquid crystal display device by 3rd Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the further modification of the liquid crystal display device by 3rd Example of this invention. (A), (B) is a figure explaining the principle of the liquid crystal display device by 4th Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the liquid crystal display device by 4th Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the modification of the liquid crystal display device by 4th Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows another modification of the liquid crystal display device by 4th Example of this invention. It is a figure explaining the principle of the liquid crystal display device by 5th Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the liquid crystal display device by 5th Example of this invention. (A), (B) is a figure explaining the principle of the liquid crystal display device of FIG. FIG. 32 is another diagram illustrating the principle of the liquid crystal display device of FIGS. 30 and 31. FIG. 32 is another diagram illustrating the principle of the liquid crystal display device of FIGS. 30 and 31. FIG. 32 is another diagram illustrating the principle of the liquid crystal display device of FIGS. 30 and 31. (A)-(C) are figures which show the modification of 5th Example of this invention. (A)-(C) are the figures (the 1) explaining the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display device by 6th Example of this invention. (D)-(F) is a figure (the 2) explaining the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display device by 6th Example of this invention. (G)-(I) is a figure (the 3) explaining the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display device by 6th Example of this invention. (J)-(M) is a figure (the 4) explaining the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display device by 6th Example of this invention. (N) is a figure (the 5) explaining the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display device by 6th Example of this invention. (O)-(R) is a figure (the 6) explaining the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display device by 6th Example of this invention. (S) is a figure (the 7) explaining the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display device by 6th Example of this invention. (T) is a figure (the 8) explaining the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display device by 6th Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows another example of the liquid crystal display device by 6th Example of this invention. (A), (B) is a figure explaining the principle of the liquid crystal display device by 7th Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the photomask used in the Example of FIG. (A), (B) is a figure which shows the simulation result of the liquid crystal display device of FIG. 46 compared with the case of the conventional liquid crystal display device. (A), (B) is a figure explaining the modification of a present Example. It is a figure which shows the structure of the liquid crystal display device by 8th Example of this invention. It is a figure which expands and shows a part of FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of the liquid crystal display device of FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of the liquid crystal display device of FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of the liquid crystal display device of FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of the liquid crystal display device of FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of the liquid crystal display device of FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of the liquid crystal display device of FIG. (A), (B) is a figure which shows the modification of the liquid crystal display device of FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of the liquid crystal display device of FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of the liquid crystal display device of FIG. (A), (B) is a figure which shows the structure of the liquid crystal display device by 9th Example of this invention. 61 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the liquid crystal display device of FIGS. 61 (A) and (B). FIG. (A)-(D) are figures which show the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display device of FIG. 61 (A), (B). FIG. 61 is a diagram showing a modification of the liquid crystal display device in FIGS. 61 (A) and (B). FIG. 61 is a diagram showing a modification of the liquid crystal display device in FIGS. 61 (A) and (B). FIG. 61 is a diagram showing a modification of the liquid crystal display device in FIGS. 61 (A) and (B). FIG. 61 is a diagram showing a modification of the liquid crystal display device in FIGS. 61 (A) and (B).

Explanation of symbols

10, 20, 20A-20D, 30, 40, 50, 50A, 60-60C, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110 Liquid crystal display devices 11A, 11B, 21A, 21B, 31A, 31B, 81A, 81B, 111A, 111B glass substrate 12, 22, 31 liquid crystal layer 12A, 22A liquid crystal molecule 13A, 13B, 27A, 27B, 41A, 41B, 61A convex pattern 23A, 23B electrode 23G, 23g gap 24, 24A-24E, 34A, 61D, 101A, 101B Fine structure pattern 25A, 25B, 35, 37 Molecular orientation film 26A Polarizer 26B Analyzer 31C Seal 31T TFT
32 Signal electrode 32A Signal electrode pad 33 Scan electrode 33A Scan electrode pad 34, 61, 71 Pixel electrode 34F, 61B Cutout pattern 36 Counter electrode 61A ', 71, 34X, 34Y Fine pattern 61C, 61C' Fine cutout 61m, 61n Connection part 61E Auxiliary capacitance electrode 71A Band-like part 71B Comb-like part 71C1-71C3 Connection part 81 SiN film 82 Insulating film 83 Amorphous silicon film 84 SiN film 86S Source region 86D Drain region 87S Source electrode 87D Drain electrode 88 ITO film 114A, 114B Localization pattern

Claims (2)

A first substrate;
A second substrate facing the first substrate;
A liquid crystal layer sealed between the first and second substrates;
A first electrode formed on the first substrate;
A second electrode formed on the second substrate;
A first alignment film formed on the first substrate so as to cover the first electrode;
A second alignment film formed on the second substrate so as to cover the second electrode;
The first alignment film and the second alignment film are liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer in a non-driving state in which a driving voltage is not applied between the first electrode and the second electrode. Is aligned in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the liquid crystal layer,
A liquid crystal display device, wherein a plurality of directional patterns are formed in the same direction on the first substrate. A first substrate;
A second substrate facing the first substrate;
A liquid crystal layer sealed between the first and second substrates;
A first electrode formed on the first substrate;
A second electrode formed on the second substrate;
A first alignment film formed on the first substrate so as to cover the first electrode;
A second alignment film formed on the second substrate so as to cover the second electrode;
The first alignment film and the second alignment film are liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer in a non-driving state in which a driving voltage is not applied between the first electrode and the second electrode. Is aligned in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the liquid crystal layer,
A first lattice pattern is formed on the first substrate,
A second grid pattern is formed on the second substrate in a positional relationship shifted from the first grid pattern in the plane of the liquid crystal layer,
A first localized pattern having a slope is formed at the intersection of the first grid pattern, and a second localized pattern having a slope is formed at the intersection of the second grid pattern. A liquid crystal display device.

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