JP2007248695A - Electrooptical device and electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid crystal device in which the number of colors of color filters can be increased without decreasing the productivity, and to provide electronic equipment equipped with the liquid crystal device. <P>SOLUTION: The liquid crystal device has pixels 1f each composed of a plurality of subpixels 1e corresponding to respective colors, wherein the plurality of subpixels 1e include subpixels 1e(R), 1e(G), and 1e(B) of a first type for a plurality of colors which have corresponding colors predetermined by color filters 26(R), 26(G), and 26(B) where colored layers 260(R), 260(G), and 260(G) of the plurality of colors are each formed of a single layer, and subpixels 1e(BG) of a second type which have corresponding colors predetermined by a color filter 26(BG) where colored layers of two or more colors among the colored layers 260(R), 260(G), and 260(B) of the plurality of colors are layered. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electro-optical device in which pixels are configured by a plurality of sub-pixels including a color filter of a predetermined color, and an electronic apparatus including the electro-optical device.

Among various electro-optical devices, for example, a liquid crystal device used for a liquid crystal display or the like is generally a sub-pixel that includes a color filter including red (R), green (G), and blue (B) colored layers. Each pixel corresponds to red (R), green (G), and blue (B). In addition, for the purpose of improving display quality such as color reproducibility, a blue color (BG) is added to red (R), green (G), and blue (B) to form a total of four color filters. In addition, it has been proposed that the sub-pixels constituting the pixel correspond to red (R), green (G), blue (B), and blue-green (BG), respectively (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 2001-306003 A

  However, in order to form a color filter on a substrate, it is necessary to repeat a process of forming a colored layer in a predetermined position by applying a liquid colorant on the substrate by spin coating or the like, and then exposing and developing. When the number of color filters is increased from three to four, there is a problem that the productivity is reduced accordingly.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an electro-optical device capable of increasing the number of colors of a color filter without reducing productivity, and an electronic apparatus including the electro-optical device. It is in.

  In order to solve the above problem, according to the present invention, in the electro-optical device in which a pixel is configured by a plurality of sub-pixels corresponding to each color, the plurality of sub-pixels each include a plurality of colored layers in a single layer. The first type sub-pixels for a plurality of colors whose corresponding colors are defined by the formed color filter and the color filter in which two or more color layers are stacked among the plurality of color layers are supported. And a second type of sub-pixel having a defined color.

  In the electro-optical device according to the aspect of the invention, the pixel includes sub-pixels corresponding to a plurality of colors, but the color filter of the second type sub-pixel is the same as the colored layer used for the first type sub-pixel. Since it has a structure in which a plurality of colored layers of materials are laminated, for example, four or more types of color filters can be formed with three types of colored layers. The color filter of the second type sub-pixel can be formed by using the manufacturing process of the color filter of the first type sub-pixel. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the number of colors of the color filter can be increased without reducing productivity, and an electro-optical device excellent in color reproducibility can be provided at low cost.

  In the present invention, the thickness of the colored layer formed in the second type sub-pixel is greater than the thickness of the colored layer formed in the first type sub-pixel corresponding to the same color as the colored layer. Thin is preferred. With this configuration, the color filter formed in the second type sub-pixel has sufficient transmittance, so that color reproducibility can be improved.

In the present invention, the second type sub-pixel includes a sub-pixel including a transparent resin layer that overlaps the colored layer formed on the second type sub-pixel on the lower layer side. Can be adopted. If comprised in this way, when the photosensitive resin for forming a colored layer will be apply | coated by the spin coat method, the film thickness of the photosensitive resin will become thin in the upper layer of a transparent resin layer. Therefore, a thick colored layer and a thin colored layer can be formed simultaneously without using a halftone mask or the like.

  In the present invention, the thickness of the transparent resin layer is preferably equal to or less than the thickness of the colored layer formed in the first type sub-pixel.

  In the present invention, the pixel may employ a configuration in which the first type sub-pixels are formed for three colors.

  The present invention can be applied to a liquid crystal device (electro-optical device) in which a liquid crystal layer is held between a pair of substrates, as well as an electric type of coloring white light emitted from a self-luminous element such as an electroluminescence element with a color filter. It can also be applied to optical devices. Further, in the case of a liquid crystal device, it can be applied to both a transmission type and a reflection type. Further, the present invention can be applied to a case where the liquid crystal device is a transflective type. In the case of the transflective type, the first type sub-pixel and the second type sub-pixel are each imaged by transmitted light. A transmissive display area for displaying the image, and a reflective display area for displaying an image with reflected light. In the case of such a transflective type, the color filter is preferably thicker in the transmissive display area than in the reflective display area.

  In the transmissive or transflective liquid crystal device, a backlight device that emits backlight light is disposed on one of the pair of substrates. In the present invention, the backlight device includes the second device. It is preferable to emit light having an intensity peak near the color corresponding to the type of sub-pixel.

  The liquid crystal device according to the present invention can be used as a display unit in an electronic device such as a mobile computer or a mobile phone.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings used for the following description, the scales are different for each layer and each member in order to make each layer and each member large enough to be recognized on the drawing.

[Embodiment 1]
(Overall configuration of liquid crystal device)
FIGS. 1A and 1B are a plan view of a liquid crystal device (electro-optical device) as viewed from the side of the counter substrate together with each component formed thereon, and a cross-sectional view thereof taken along the line HH ′. . FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an electrical configuration of the element substrate of the liquid crystal device shown in FIG.

1A and 1B, a liquid crystal device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a TN (Twisted Nematic) mode, an ECB (Electrically Controlled Birefringence) mode, or a VAN (Vertical Aligned Nematic) mode transmissive active matrix type. In the liquid crystal device, the element substrate 10 (element substrate) and the counter substrate 20 (counter substrate) are bonded to each other through the sealing material 22, and the liquid crystal 1k is held therebetween. In the element substrate 10, the data line driving IC 60 and the scanning line driving IC 30 are mounted on the end region located outside the sealing material 22, and the mounting terminals 12 are formed along the substrate side. Yes. The sealing material 22 is an adhesive made of a photo-curing resin or a thermosetting resin for bonding the element substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20 around them, and is used for setting the distance between the substrates to a predetermined value. Gap materials such as glass fiber or glass beads are blended. Note that a liquid crystal injection port 25 is formed in the sealing material 22 by the discontinuous portion, and after the liquid crystal 1k is injected, the liquid crystal 1k is sealed with the sealing material 26.

  As will be described in detail later, on the element substrate 10, thin film transistors 1c and pixel electrodes 2a as switching elements are formed in a matrix, and an alignment film 19 is formed on the surface thereof. On the other hand, on the counter substrate 20, a frame 24 (not shown in FIG. 1B) made of a light-shielding material is formed in the inner region of the sealing material 22, and the inner side becomes the image display region 1a. Yes. Although not shown, a light-shielding film (not shown in FIG. 1B) called a black matrix or black stripe is formed on the counter substrate 20 in a region facing the vertical and horizontal boundary regions of each pixel. On the upper layer side, a counter electrode 28 and an alignment film 29 are formed. Although not shown in FIG. 1B, in the counter substrate 20, a color filter to be described later is formed together with the protective film in a region facing each pixel of the element substrate 10, whereby the liquid crystal device 1. Can be used as a color display device for electronic devices such as mobile computers, mobile phones, and liquid crystal televisions.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the liquid crystal device 1, a plurality of source lines 6a (data lines) and gate lines 3a (scanning lines) are formed in an area corresponding to the image display area 1a in a direction intersecting with each other. A sub-pixel 1e serving as a minimum unit of display is configured at a position corresponding to the crossing portion. The gate line 3a extends from the scanning line driving IC 30 and the source line 6a extends from the data line driving IC 60. In addition, on the element substrate 10, a pixel switching thin film transistor 1c for controlling driving of the liquid crystal 1k is formed in each sub-pixel 1e, and a source line 6a is electrically connected to a source of the thin film transistor 1c. A gate line 3a is electrically connected to the gate. In the element substrate 10, a capacitor line 3b is formed in parallel with the gate line 3a. In this embodiment, a liquid crystal capacitor 1g configured between the thin film transistor 1c and the counter substrate 20 is connected in series, and a holding capacitor 1h is connected in parallel to the liquid crystal capacitor 1g. Here, the capacitor line 3b is connected to the scanning line driving IC 30, but is held at a constant potential. In the liquid crystal device 1 configured as described above, the image signal supplied from the source line 6a is written to the liquid crystal capacitance 1g of each sub-pixel 1e at a predetermined timing by turning on the thin film transistor 1c for a certain period. The image signal of a predetermined level written in the liquid crystal capacitor 1g in this way is held in the liquid crystal capacitor 1g for a certain period, and the hold capacitor 1h prevents the image signal held in the liquid crystal capacitor 1g from leaking. ing.

  In order to display a color image in the liquid crystal device 1 configured as described above, each of the sub-pixels 1e serving as a minimum display unit corresponds to a predetermined color (red (R), green (G), blue (B)). The sub-pixels 1e (R), (G), and (B) are formed, and a plurality of sub-pixels 1e constitute one pixel 1f.

  Further, in this embodiment, as will be described in detail later, the plurality of sub-pixels 1e include sub-pixels 1e (BG) corresponding to blue-green (BG). In this embodiment, red (R), green A total of four sub-pixels 1e (R), (G), (B), and (BG) corresponding to (G), blue (B), and blue-green (BG) constitute one pixel 1f. .

(Configuration of each pixel)
3A and 3B are a plan view of one pixel of the liquid crystal device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and a cross section when the liquid crystal device is cut at a position corresponding to A1-A1 ′ thereof. FIG. In FIG. 3A, the pixel electrode is indicated by a thick and long dotted line, the gate line and a thin film formed simultaneously with it are indicated by a solid line, the source line and a thin film formed simultaneously with it are indicated by a one-dot chain line, The semiconductor film is shown with a thin and short dotted line.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, in the element substrate 10, a region surrounded by the gate line 3a and the source line 6a is configured as a subpixel 1e, and the subpixel 1e includes an active layer of a bottom gate type thin film transistor 1c. A semiconductor layer 7a made of an amorphous silicon film is formed. A gate electrode is formed by a protruding portion from the gate line 3a. Of the semiconductor layer 7a constituting the active layer of the thin film transistor 1c, the source line 6a overlaps as a source electrode at the end on the source side, and the drain electrode 6b overlaps at the end on the drain side. A capacitor line 3b is formed in parallel with the gate line 3a. Further, the sub-pixel 1e is formed with a storage capacitor 1h in which the protruding portion from the capacitor line 3b is the lower electrode 3c and the extended portion from the drain electrode 6b is the upper electrode 6c. Further, the pixel electrode 2a made of an ITO film is electrically connected to the upper electrode 6c through contact holes 81 and 91.

  The A1-A1 ′ cross section of the element substrate 10 configured as described above is expressed as shown in FIG. First, a gate line 3a (gate electrode) and a capacitor line 3b are formed on an insulating substrate 11 made of a glass substrate or a quartz substrate, and at a position shifted laterally from the gate electrode (gate line 3a). A lower electrode 3c of the storage capacitor 1h is formed. A gate insulating layer 4 is formed on the upper layer side of the gate line 3a so as to cover the gate line 3a. Here, a portion of the gate insulating layer 4 that overlaps the lower electrode 3c is used as the dielectric film 4c of the storage capacitor 1h. Of the surface of the gate insulating layer 4, a semiconductor layer 7a (amorphous silicon film) constituting an active layer of the thin film transistor 1c is formed above the gate line 3a. Of the semiconductor layer 7a, an ohmic contact layer 7b made of a doped silicon film and a source line 6a made of an aluminum film or a chromium film are formed in the upper layer of the source region, and the ohmic contact layer 7c, A drain electrode 6b made of an aluminum film or a chromium film is formed to form a thin film transistor 1c. Further, the upper electrode 6c of the storage capacitor 1h made of an aluminum film or a chromium film is formed by the extended portion of the drain electrode 6b. Further, on the upper layer side of the source line 6a, drain electrode 6b, and upper electrode 6c, a passivation film 8 made of a silicon nitride film or the like and a planarizing film 9 made of a photosensitive resin layer are respectively formed as interlayer insulating films. The pixel electrode 2 a formed on the surface of the planarizing film 9 is electrically connected to the upper electrode 6 c via the contact hole 91 formed in the planarizing film 9 and the contact hole 81 formed in the passivation film 8. And is electrically connected to the drain region of the thin film transistor 1c through the upper electrode 6c and the drain electrode 6b. An alignment film 19 is formed on the surface of the pixel electrode 2a.

  The counter substrate 20 is disposed so as to face the element substrate 10 configured as described above, and the liquid crystal 1k is held between the element substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20. The counter substrate 20 is provided with a color filter 26 for each color, a counter electrode 28, and an alignment film 29, and a liquid crystal capacitor 1g (see FIG. 2) is formed between the pixel electrode 2a and the counter electrode 28. In the counter substrate 20, a light shielding film 23 called a black matrix is formed of a metal film or the like along a boundary region between adjacent pixels 1e. A protective film may be formed on the color filter 26.

3A and 3B show an example of the total transmission type liquid crystal device 1. However, if the reflective layer is formed on the entire surface of the sub-pixel 1e, the liquid crystal device 1 is configured as a total reflection type. The liquid crystal device 1 can be configured as a transflective type by forming a light transmitting opening in the reflective layer. In the case of the total transmission type liquid crystal device 1, a backlight device (not shown) is disposed so as to face one of the element substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20, and in this case, the other substrate Display light is emitted from. In the case of the total reflection type liquid crystal device 1, a reflective layer is formed on one of the element substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20, and in this case, display light is emitted from the other substrate. In the case of the transflective liquid crystal device 1, a reflective layer having an opening is formed on one of the element substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20. In this case, a backlight device (not shown) is disposed so as to face the one substrate, and display light is emitted from the other substrate.

(Color filter configuration)
4A and 4B are an explanatory diagram showing a planar arrangement of the color filters in the liquid crystal device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and a cross-sectional view taken along line B1-B1 ′. FIG. 5 is a graph showing the wavelength-transmittance characteristics of the colored layer used in the liquid crystal device to which the present invention is applied. In FIG. 4A, the gate line and the source line are indicated by a dotted line and an alternate long and short dash line for easy understanding of the subpixel range, but the light shielding film is not shown.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, in the liquid crystal device 1 of this embodiment, one pixel 1f corresponds to red (R), green (G), blue (B), and blue-green (BG). 4 sub-pixels 1e (R), (G), (B), (BG) in total, and this configuration includes four types of color filters 26 (R), (G), This is realized by (B) and (BG).

  First, the sub-pixel 1e (R) corresponding to red (R) has a corresponding color due to the color filter 26 (R) in which the red coloring layer 260 (R) is formed on the counter substrate 20 as a single layer. This is a first type of sub-pixel defined in red (R).

  Next, the sub-pixel 1e (G) corresponding to green (G) has a corresponding color by the color filter 26 (G) in which the green coloring layer 260 (G) is formed on the counter substrate 20 as a single layer. Are the first type sub-pixels defined in green (G). In this embodiment, the color filter 26 (G) is formed thicker than the color filter 26 (R).

  Next, the subpixel 1e (B) corresponding to blue (B) has a corresponding color by the color filter 26 (B) in which the blue coloring layer 260 (B) is formed as a single layer on the counter substrate 20. Are sub-pixels of the first type defined in blue (B). In this embodiment, the color filter 26 (B) is thinner than the color filter 26 (G) and is formed to have a thickness substantially equal to that of the color filter 26 (R).

  On the other hand, the sub-pixel 1e (BG) corresponding to blue-green (BG) has the green colored layer 260 (G) used for the sub-pixel 1e (G) and the sub-pixel 1e with respect to the counter substrate 20. The color filter 26 (BG) in which the blue colored layer 260 (B) used in (B) is laminated in this order is a second type sub-pixel in which the corresponding color is defined as blue-green (BG). is there.

  In this embodiment, the overall thickness of the color filter 26 (BG) is thicker than the other color filters 26 (R), (G), and (B), but the color filter 26 (BG) The green colored layer 260 (G) constituting the lower layer is a film than the green colored layer 260 (G) constituting the color filter 26 (G) as a single layer in the green (G) sub-pixel 1 e (G). The blue colored layer 260 (B), which is thin and forms the upper layer of the color filter 26 (BG), is configured by forming the color filter 26 (B) as a single layer in the blue (B) sub-pixel 1 e (B). The film thickness is thinner than the blue colored layer 260 (B). Therefore, in the sub-pixel 1e (BG), subtractive color mixing of the green colored layer 260 (G) and the blue colored layer 260 (B) occurs, but has sufficient transmittance.

That is, the wavelength-transmittance characteristics of the color filters 26 (R), (G), and (B) formed in the sub-pixels 1e (R), (G), and (B) are shown by a solid line R and a solid line in FIG. G, which is represented by a solid line B, has a small thickness because the green colored layer 260 (G) constituting the lower layer of the color filter 26 (BG) formed in the sub-pixel 1e (BG) has a small thickness. -The transmittance characteristic is represented by a dotted line G 'in FIG. 5, and the transmittance is high. Further, since the blue colored layer 260 (B) constituting the upper layer of the color filter 26 (BG) formed in the sub-pixel 1 e (BG) is also thin, the wavelength-transmittance characteristic is shown by a dotted line B in FIG. The transmittance is high as indicated by ′. Therefore, in the sub-pixel 1e (BG), the green color layer 260 (G) and the blue color layer 260 (B) are stacked to form the color filter 26 (BG). However, the color filter 26 (BG) As shown by the solid line B ′ × G ′ in FIG. 5, the wavelength-transmittance characteristic has a relatively high transmittance peak in the vicinity of the wavelength of about 470 nm.

(Manufacturing method of the liquid crystal device 1)
Of the manufacturing processes of the liquid crystal device 1 of the present embodiment, a known method can be adopted for the manufacturing process of the element substrate 10 and the like, and only the process of manufacturing the color filter on the counter substrate 20 will be described below.

  In this embodiment, first, among the colored layers 260 (R), (G), and (B) for three colors, the colored layer 260 (G) having the largest film thickness is formed. In the formation process of the colored layer 260 (G), a photosensitive resin layer containing a green pigment is applied to the entire surface of the counter substrate 20 by a spin coating method, and then exposed and developed using a halftone mask, thereby subpixels. A color filter 26 (G) composed of a thick colored layer 260 (G) is formed on 1 e (G), and a thin colored layer 260 (G) is formed on the sub-pixel 1 e (BG).

  Next, in the formation process of the colored layer 260 (B), a photosensitive resin layer containing a blue pigment is applied to the entire surface of the counter substrate 20 by spin coating. As a result, since the colored layer 260 (G) is already formed in the sub-pixel 1 e (BG), the photosensitive resin layer is formed thin in the sub-pixel 1 e (BG), and the sub-pixel 1 e (BG) is formed. In B), the film is formed thick. Therefore, a thick colored layer 260 (B) is formed on the sub-pixel 1 e (B) only by developing after exposure using a normal mask, while the sub-pixel 1 e (BG) has a film. A colored layer 260 (B) having a small thickness is formed. As a result, the color filter 26 (BG) in which the colored layers 260 (B) and (G) are stacked is formed on the sub-pixel 1 e (BG), and the sub-pixel 1 e (BG) includes the sub-pixel 1 e (BG). A color filter 26 (B) composed of a thicker colored layer 260 (B) is formed.

  Next, in the formation process of the colored layer 260 (R), a photosensitive resin layer containing a red pigment is applied to the entire surface of the counter substrate 20 by spin coating, and then exposed and developed using a normal mask. A color filter 26 (R) including a colored layer 260 (R) is formed on the sub-pixel 1 e (R).

(Main effects of this form)
As described above, in the liquid crystal device 1 according to the present embodiment, the pixel 1f has a total of four sub-pixels 1e (corresponding to red (R), green (G), blue (B), and blue-green (BG). R), (G), (B), and (BG), but the color filter 26 (BG) of the sub-pixel 1 e (BG) is the colored layer 260 (G) used for the sub-pixel 1 e (G). ), A colored layer 260 (G) made of the same material, a colored layer 260 (B) used for the sub-pixel 1 e (B), and a colored layer 260 (B) made of the same material. Accordingly, four types of color filters 26 (R), (G), (B), and (BG) can be formed with the three types of colored layers 260 (R), (G), and (B). In addition, the color filter 26 (BG) of the sub-pixel 1 e (BG) can be formed by using the manufacturing process of the color filters 26 (B) and (G) of the sub-pixels 1 e (B) and (G). Therefore, according to this embodiment, the number of colors of the color filter can be increased without reducing productivity. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the liquid crystal device 1 having excellent color reproducibility can be provided at a low cost.

Moreover, the green colored layer 260 (G) constituting the lower layer of the color filter 26 (BG)
The blue colored layer 260 (B), which is thinner than the colored layer 260 (G) formed on the green (G) sub-pixel 1 e (G) and forms the upper layer of the color filter 26 (BG), is sub-pixel 1 e. Since the film thickness is thinner than the colored layer 260 (B) formed in (B), the color filter 26 (BG) has sufficient transmittance. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide the liquid crystal device 1 that is extremely excellent in color reproducibility at low cost.

[Embodiment 2]
6A and 6B are an explanatory diagram showing a planar arrangement of color filters in the liquid crystal device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and a cross-sectional view taken along line B2-B2 '. In FIG. 6A, the gate line and the source line are indicated by a dotted line and an alternate long and short dash line so that the range of the sub-pixel can be easily understood. In addition, since the basic configuration of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, common portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, in the liquid crystal device 1 of the present embodiment, one pixel if is red (R), green (G), blue (B), and A total of four sub-pixels 1e (R), (G), (B), and (BG) corresponding to blue-green (BG) are provided, and this configuration has four types of color filters 26 (described below). R), (G), (B), (BG).

  First, the sub-pixel 1e (R) corresponding to red (R) has a corresponding color due to the color filter 26 (R) in which the red coloring layer 260 (R) is formed on the counter substrate 20 as a single layer. This is a first type of sub-pixel defined in red (R).

  Next, the sub-pixel 1e (G) corresponding to green (G) has a corresponding color by the color filter 26 (G) in which the green coloring layer 260 (G) is formed on the counter substrate 20 as a single layer. Are the first type sub-pixels defined in green (G). In this embodiment, the color filter 26 (G) is formed to have a thickness substantially equal to that of the color filter 26 (R).

  Next, the subpixel 1e (B) corresponding to blue (B) has a corresponding color by the color filter 26 (B) in which the blue coloring layer 260 (B) is formed as a single layer on the counter substrate 20. Are sub-pixels of the first type defined in blue (B). In this embodiment, it is formed to have a thickness substantially equal to that of the color filters 26 (G) and (R).

  On the other hand, the sub-pixel 1e (BG) corresponding to blue-green (BG) has the green colored layer 260 (G) used for the sub-pixel 1e (G) and the sub-pixel 1e with respect to the counter substrate 20. The blue colored layer 260 (B) used in (B) is laminated in this order, and the color filter 26 (BG) is a second type of sub-pixel whose corresponding color is defined as blue-green (BG). .

  Here, in the sub pixel 1e (BG), the transparent resin layer 25 is formed on the lower layer side of the colored layers 260 (R) and (G) formed in the sub pixel 1e (BG). The film thickness of the transparent resin layer 25 is not more than the thickness dimension of the color filters 26 (R), (G), and (B), but is formed to a sufficient thickness.

  In addition, the colored layer 260 (G) constituting the lower layer of the color filter 26 (BG) is a film that is more than the colored layer 260 (G) constituting the color filter 26 (G) as a single layer in the sub-pixel 1 e (G). The colored layer 260 (B) which is thin and forms the upper layer of the color filter 26 (BG) is a colored layer 260 (B) in which the color filter 26 (B) is formed as a single layer in the sub-pixel 1 e (B). The film thickness is thinner. Accordingly, in the sub-pixel 1e (BG), although the subtractive color mixture between the colored layer 260 (G) and the colored layer 260 (B) occurs, it has sufficient transmittance.

  Also in the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal device 1 of the present embodiment, since a known method can be adopted for the manufacturing process of the element substrate 10 and the like, only the process of manufacturing the color filter on the counter substrate 20 will be described below.

  In this embodiment, first, the formation process of the transparent resin layer 25 is performed. For this purpose, first, a colorless and transparent photosensitive resin layer is applied to the entire surface of the counter substrate 20 by spin coating, and then exposed and developed using a normal mask, so that the sub-pixel 1e (BG) has a thick transparent film. A resin layer 25 is formed.

  Next, in the formation process of the colored layer 260 (G), a photosensitive resin layer containing a green pigment is applied to the entire surface of the counter substrate 20 by spin coating. As a result, since the transparent resin layer 25 having a large film thickness is already formed on the sub-pixel 1e (BG), the photosensitive resin layer is formed thin on the sub-pixel 1e (BG). In 1e (G), the film thickness is increased. Therefore, the color filter 26 (G) composed of the thick colored layer 260 (G) is formed on the sub-pixel 1 e (G) only by developing after exposure using a normal mask, while the sub-pixel In 1e (BG), a colored layer 260 (G) thicker than the sub-pixel 1e (G) is formed.

  Next, in the formation process of the colored layer 260 (B), a photosensitive resin layer containing a blue pigment is applied to the entire surface of the counter substrate 20 by spin coating. As a result, since the transparent resin layer 25 and the colored layer 260 (G) are already formed in the sub-pixel 1e (BG), the photosensitive resin layer is formed thin in the sub-pixel 1e (BG). The sub-pixel 1e (B) is formed with a large film thickness. Therefore, a thick colored layer 260 (B) is formed on the sub-pixel 1 e (B) only by developing after exposure using a normal mask, while the sub-pixel 1 e (BG) has a film. A colored layer 260 (B) having a small thickness is formed. As a result, the color filter 26 (BG) in which the colored layers 260 (B) and (G) are stacked is formed on the sub-pixel 1 e (BG), and the sub-pixel 1 e (BG) includes the sub-pixel 1 e (BG). A color filter 26 (B) composed of a thicker colored layer 260 (B) is formed.

  Next, in the formation process of the colored layer 260 (R), a photosensitive resin layer containing a red pigment is applied to the entire surface of the counter substrate 20 by spin coating, and then exposed and developed using a normal mask. A color filter 26 (R) including a colored layer 260 (R) is formed on the sub-pixel 1 e (R).

  As described above, also in the liquid crystal device 1 of the present embodiment, four types of color filters 26 (R), three types of colored layers 260 (R), (G), and (B), as in the first embodiment. (G), (B), (BG) can be formed, and the color filter 26 (BG) of the sub-pixel 1 e (BG) is the color filter 26 (B) of the sub-pixel 1 e (B), (G). It can form using the manufacturing process of (G). Therefore, according to this embodiment, the number of colors of the color filter can be increased without reducing productivity. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the liquid crystal device 1 having excellent color reproducibility can be provided at a low cost.

  Further, since the transparent resin layer 25 is formed in advance on the sub-pixel 1e (BG), a photosensitive resin for forming the colored layers 260 (B) and (G) is applied thereafter by spin coating. Only such a photosensitive resin is thinly formed in the sub-pixel 1e (BG). Therefore, the colored layers 260 (B) and (G) having a small thickness can be formed on the sub-pixel 1 e (BG) by exposure using a normal mask without using a halftone mask.

[Embodiment 3]
(Overall configuration of liquid crystal device)
FIGS. 7A and 7B are a plan view of one pixel of the liquid crystal device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and when the liquid crystal device is cut at a position corresponding to A2-A2 ′, respectively. It is sectional drawing. 8A and 8B are an explanatory diagram showing a planar arrangement of color filters in the liquid crystal device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, and a cross-sectional view taken along line B3-B3 ′. In FIG. 6A, the gate line and the source line are indicated by a dotted line and an alternate long and short dash line so that the range of the sub-pixel can be easily understood. In addition, since the basic configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, common portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, in the liquid crystal device 1 of this embodiment, a planarizing film 9 made of a photosensitive resin layer is formed on the upper layer side of the thin film transistor 1c, and the upper layer side of the planarizing film 9 is formed. A pixel electrode 2a made of an ITO film is formed on the substrate.

  However, unlike the first embodiment, the liquid crystal device 1 of this embodiment is a transflective liquid crystal device, and the element substrate 10 is made of an aluminum film or the like between the planarizing film 9 and the pixel electrode 2a. A reflective layer 11 is formed. Therefore, as indicated by the arrow L1, external light incident from the counter substrate 20 side is reflected by the reflective layer 11 and light is modulated again while being emitted from the counter substrate 20, and an image is displayed in the reflection mode. be able to. Therefore, the region where the reflective layer 11 is formed can be regarded as the reflective display region 1e ′.

  Here, the pixel electrode 2 a is formed on the entire surface of the sub-pixel 1 e, while an opening 110 is formed in the reflective layer 11. For this reason, as indicated by the arrow L2, it is possible to perform light modulation while the backlight light incident from the element substrate 10 side is emitted from the counter substrate 20 side, and display an image in the transmission mode. Accordingly, the region corresponding to the opening 110 of the reflective layer 11 can be regarded as the transmissive display region 1e ″.

  In this embodiment, unevenness is formed on the surface of the planarizing film 9, and the unevenness is reflected as unevenness for light scattering on the surface of the reflective layer 11. Further, in the planarizing film 9, a recess 90 is formed in a region corresponding to the transmissive display region 1e ″. For this reason, the layer thickness of the liquid crystal 1k in the transmissive display region 1e ″ is equal to the liquid crystal in the reflective display region 1e ′. It is about twice the layer thickness of 1k. Accordingly, in the reflection mode, the display light passes through the layer of the liquid crystal 1k twice, whereas in the transmission mode, the retardation (Δn · d) is obtained even if the display light passes through the layer of the liquid crystal 1k only once. ) And the retardation (Δn · d) with respect to the display light in the transmission mode can be substantially matched. In this embodiment, the planarization film 9 remains thin at the bottom of the recess 90, but a configuration in which the planarization film 9 does not remain at the bottom of the recess 90 may be adopted.

  Also in the liquid crystal device 1 of the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, one pixel 1f has a total of four colors corresponding to red (R), green (G), blue (B), and blue-green (BG). The sub-pixels 1e (R), (G), (B), and (BG) are provided, and this configuration includes four types of color filters 26 (R), (G), (B), ( BG).

  First, the sub-pixel 1e (R) corresponding to red (R) has a corresponding color due to the color filter 26 (R) in which the red coloring layer 260 (R) is formed on the counter substrate 20 as a single layer. This is a first type of sub-pixel defined in red (R).

  Next, the sub-pixel 1e (G) corresponding to green (G) has a corresponding color by the color filter 26 (G) in which the green coloring layer 260 (G) is formed on the counter substrate 20 as a single layer. Are the first type sub-pixels defined in green (G). In this embodiment, the color filter 26 (G) is formed thicker than the color filter 26 (R).

Next, the subpixel 1e (B) corresponding to blue (B) has a corresponding color by the color filter 26 (B) in which the blue coloring layer 260 (B) is formed as a single layer on the counter substrate 20. Are sub-pixels of the first type defined in blue (B). In this embodiment, the color filter 26 (B) is thinner than the color filter 26 (G) and is formed to have a thickness substantially equal to that of the color filter 26 (R).

  On the other hand, the sub-pixel 1e (BG) corresponding to blue-green (BG) has the green colored layer 260 (G) used for the sub-pixel 1e (G) and the sub-pixel 1e with respect to the counter substrate 20. The blue colored layer 260 (B) used in (B) is laminated in this order, and the corresponding color is defined as blue-green (BG) by the color filter 26 (BG).

  In this embodiment, the color filter 26 (BG) is formed thicker than the other color filters 26 (R) and (B), but the green colored layer 260 (underlying the color filter 26 (BG)) ( G) is thinner than the green colored layer 260 (G) in which the color filter 26 (G) is formed as a single layer in the green (G) sub-pixel 1 e (G), and the color filter 26 (BG). The blue colored layer 260 (B) constituting the upper layer of the blue colored layer 260 (B) in which the color filter 26 (B) is constituted by a single layer in the blue (B) sub-pixel 1 e (B). Thin film thickness. Therefore, in the sub-pixel 1e (BG) corresponding to blue-green (BG), subtractive color mixing of the green colored layer 260 (G) and the blue colored layer 260 (B) occurs, but it has sufficient transmittance. Yes.

  In this embodiment, in any of the subpixels 1e (R), (G), (B), and (BG) for four colors, the colored layers 260 (R), (G), The film thickness of (B) is about twice the film thickness of the colored layers 260 (R), (G), and (B) in the reflective display region 1 e ′. The display light passes through the filters 26 (R), (G), (B), and (BG) twice, whereas in the transmission mode, the display light passes through the color filters 26 (R), (G), (B), and (BG). ), The chromaticity of the display light can be made substantially constant between the reflection mode and the transmission mode.

  In manufacturing such a color filter of the liquid crystal device 1, when forming each colored layer 260 (R), (G), (B), the photosensitive resin layer containing the pigment is formed on the counter substrate by spin coating. After coating on the entire surface of 20, exposure and development are performed using a halftone mask, and the thickness thereof may be controlled.

[Color type]
In the first to third embodiments, one pixel if is subpixels 1e (R) of a total of four colors corresponding to red (R), green (G), blue (B), and blue-green (BG) ( G), (B), and (BG) are examples. For example, combinations shown in the following (1) to (5) (1) Red, blue, green, yellow (2) Red, blue , Dark green, yellow (3) red, blue, emerald, yellow (4) red, blue, dark green, yellow green (5) red, blue green, dark green, yellow green may be adopted. That is, for the four colors, among the visible light (wavelength 380 to 780 nm) whose hue changes according to the wavelength, among the blue hue coloring area, the red hue coloring area, and the hue from blue to yellow. It is a coloring area | region of two types of hues selected by. Here, although the term “system” is used, for example, a blue hue is not limited to pure blue, and includes blue-violet and blue-green. As long as the hue is red, it is not limited to red and includes orange. In addition, although these colored regions are described as hues, the hues can be set by appropriately changing the saturation and lightness.

The specific hue range is that the colored region of a blue hue is blue-purple to blue-green, and more preferably indigo to blue. The colored region of the red hue is orange to red. Of the two colored hue regions selected from the blue to yellow hues, the colored region of one hue is blue to green, more preferably blue green to green. Of the two colored hue areas selected from the hues from blue to yellow, the colored area of the other hue is green to orange, more preferably green to yellow, or green to yellow-green. . Here, it is not necessary to use the same hue for each colored region. For example, when green is used in two colored regions selected in hues from blue to yellow, the other uses blue or yellow-green for one green. Thereby, a wider range of color reproducibility can be realized than when three colors of red, green and blue are used.

  If such a condition is expressed in terms of wavelength, it is as follows. First, a colored region having a blue hue is a colored region having a wavelength peak of light of 415 to 500 nm, preferably 435 to 485 nm, which is transmitted through the colored region. The colored region having a red hue is a colored region having a wavelength peak of light transmitted through the colored region of 600 nm or more, and preferably a colored region of 605 nm or more. Among the colored regions of two hues selected from the hues from blue to yellow, the colored region of one hue is a colored region having a wavelength peak of light of 485 to 535 nm transmitted through the colored region, Preferably, it is a colored region at 495 to 520 nm. Among the colored regions of two hues selected from the hues from blue to yellow, the colored region of the other hue is a colored region having a wavelength peak of light transmitted through the colored region of 500 to 590 nm, Preferably, it is a colored region at 510 to 585 nm, or a colored region at 530 to 565 nm. The wavelength shown here is a numerical value obtained when the backlight light from the backlight device is obtained through the color filter in the case of transmissive display. In the case of reflective display, it is a numerical value obtained by reflecting external light.

  In addition, when the above condition is expressed by an x, y chromaticity diagram of the CIE standard color system, first, a colored region of a blue hue is a colored region in which x ≦ 0.151 and y ≦ 0.200, preferably Is a colored region where 0.134 ≦ x ≦ 0.151 and 0.034 ≦ y ≦ 0.200. The colored region of the red hue is a colored region in which 0.520 ≦ x and y ≦ 0.360, preferably 0.550 ≦ x ≦ 0.690 and 0.210 ≦ y ≦ 0.360. It is an area. Of the two colored hue regions selected from the hues from blue to yellow, the colored region of one hue is a colored region where x ≦ 0.200 and 0.210 ≦ y, preferably 0 0.080 ≦ x ≦ 0.200 and 0.210 ≦ y ≦ 0.759. Of the two colored hue regions selected from the hues from blue to yellow, the colored region of the other hue is a colored region having 0.257 ≦ x and 0.450 ≦ y, preferably 0. .257 ≦ x ≦ 0.520 and 0.450 ≦ y ≦ 0.720. The x and y chromaticity diagrams shown here are numerical values obtained when the backlight light from the backlight device is obtained through the color filter in the case of transmissive display. In the case of reflective display, it is a numerical value obtained by reflecting external light.

[Backlight configuration]
When the liquid crystal device 1 to which the present invention is applied is used as a total transmission type or a transflective type, a backlight device is disposed so as to face the element substrate 10 or the counter substrate 20. As the RGB light source in this case, an LED, a fluorescent tube, or an organic electroluminescence light emitting device can be used. Further, a white light source may be used, and a white light source generated by a blue light emitter and a YGA phosphor may be used as the white light source.

  Among these light sources, as RGB light sources, “B” has a light wavelength peak of 435 to 485 nm, “G” has a light wavelength peak of 520 to 545 nm, and “B” has a light wavelength. Preferably have a peak of 610 to 650 nm. If a color filter is appropriately selected depending on the wavelength of the RGB light source, a wide range of color reproducibility can be obtained. Moreover, you may use the light source which a wavelength has a peak, for example at 450 nm and 565 nm.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, since the plurality of colored layers used in the first type sub-pixel are stacked in the second type sub-pixel to form the color filter of the second type sub-pixel, Since the type of sub-pixel color filter is very limited, the use of a backlight device that emits light having an intensity peak near the color corresponding to this color filter can solve the problem caused by the limitation. it can.

[Other embodiments]
In the above embodiment, the sub-pixels 1e for four colors are configured, but sub-pixels 1e for five or more colors may be configured. In the above embodiment, the stripe arrangement is adopted for the arrangement of the color filters 26. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can be applied even when a mosaic arrangement or the like is adopted.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the active matrix liquid crystal device in the TN mode, the ECB mode, and the VAN mode has been described as an example. However, the present invention may be applied to an IPS (In-Plane Switching) mode liquid crystal device. .

  Furthermore, the present invention can be applied not only to a liquid crystal device but also to an electro-optical device of a type that colors white light emitted from a self-luminous element such as an electroluminescence element with a color filter.

[Embodiment of Electronic Device]
FIG. 9 shows an embodiment in which the liquid crystal device according to the present invention is used as a display device of various electronic devices. The electronic device shown here is a personal computer, a cellular phone, or the like, and includes a display information output source 170, a display information processing circuit 171, a power supply circuit 172, a timing generator 173, and the liquid crystal device 1. Further, the liquid crystal device 1 includes a panel 175 and a drive circuit 176, and the above-described liquid crystal device 1 can be used. The display information output source 170 includes a memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), a storage unit such as various disks, a tuning circuit that tunes and outputs a digital image signal, and the like, and is generated by a timing generator 173. Display information such as an image signal in a predetermined format is supplied to the display information processing circuit 171 based on the various clock signals. The display information processing circuit 171 includes various well-known circuits such as a serial-parallel conversion circuit, an amplification / inversion circuit, a rotation circuit, a gamma correction circuit, a clamp circuit, and the like, executes processing of input display information, and outputs the image. The signal is supplied to the drive circuit 176 together with the clock signal CLK. The power supply circuit 172 supplies a predetermined voltage to each component.

(A), (b) is the top view which looked at the liquid crystal device to which this invention is applied from the opposite substrate side with each component formed on it, and its HH 'sectional drawing, respectively. It is explanatory drawing which shows the electrical structure of the element substrate of the liquid crystal device shown in FIG. (A), (b) is the top view for one pixel of the liquid crystal device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention, and sectional drawing when a liquid crystal device is cut | disconnected in the position corresponded to A1-A1 '. is there. (A), (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the planar arrangement | positioning of the color filter in the liquid crystal device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention, and its B1-B1 'line sectional drawing. It is a graph which shows the wavelength-transmittance characteristic of the colored layer used for the liquid crystal device to which this invention is applied. (A), (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the planar arrangement | positioning of the color filter in the liquid crystal device which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention, and its B2-B2 'sectional view taken on the line. (A), (b) is the top view for one pixel of the liquid crystal device which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention, respectively, and sectional drawing when a liquid crystal device is cut | disconnected in the position corresponded to A2-A2 ' It is. (A), (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the planar arrangement | positioning of the color filter in the liquid crystal device which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention, and its B3-B3 'sectional view taken on the line. It is explanatory drawing at the time of using the liquid crystal device which concerns on this invention as a display apparatus of various electronic devices.

Explanation of symbols

1. Liquid crystal device, 1c, Thin film transistor, 1e, Sub pixel, 1f, Pixel, 1g, Liquid crystal capacitance, 1h, Retention capacitance, 1k, Liquid crystal, 2a, Pixel electrode, 3a, Gate line (Gate electrode / scanning line), 6a ... Source line (data line), 6b ... Drain electrode, 26 ... Color filter, 260 ... Color layer

Claims (8)

In an electro-optical device in which a pixel is configured by a plurality of sub-pixels corresponding to each color,
In the plurality of sub-pixels, a plurality of color layers are each formed of a single layer, and a plurality of colors of the first type sub-pixels corresponding to the plurality of colors defined by the color filter, 2. An electro-optical device comprising: a second type sub-pixel in which a corresponding color is defined by a color filter in which two or more colored layers are stacked among the colored layers.   The thickness of the colored layer formed on the second type sub-pixel is smaller than the thickness of the colored layer formed on the first type sub-pixel corresponding to the same color as the colored layer. The electro-optical device according to claim 1.   The second type sub-pixel includes a sub-pixel including a transparent resin layer that overlaps the colored layer formed in the second type sub-pixel on a lower layer side. Item 5. The electro-optical device according to Item 2.   4. The electro-optical device according to claim 3, wherein a thickness of the transparent resin layer is equal to or less than a thickness of the colored layer formed in the first type sub-pixel.   5. The electro-optical device according to claim 1, wherein the first type sub-pixels are formed for three colors in the pixel. 6. Liquid crystal is held between a pair of substrates,
Each of the first type sub-pixel and the second type sub-pixel includes a transmissive display area that displays an image with transmitted light, and a reflective display area that displays an image with reflected light,
The electro-optical device according to claim 1, wherein a thickness of the color filter is larger in the transmissive display region than in the reflective display region. A liquid crystal is held between the pair of substrates, and a backlight device that emits backlight light to one of the pair of substrates is disposed,
The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the backlight device emits light having an intensity peak in the vicinity of a color corresponding to the second type sub-pixel.   An electronic apparatus comprising the electro-optical device according to claim 1.

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