JP2008197508A - Liquid crystal device and electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid crystal device which can prevent the deterioration in contrast by preventing light leakage or the like due to alignment disorder of liquid crystal occurring on the surrounding of a transmission display region with respect to a transflective liquid crystal device of a vertical alignment method. <P>SOLUTION: The liquid crystal device adopts a vertical alignment method and a transflective method, wherein a pixel region has such a configuration as to array a first transmission display region, a reflection display region and a second transmission display region in the order and, on a TFT array substrate, island like electrode parts are disposed on respective regions. Particularly in the TFT array substrate, a light-shielding layer for shielding light emitted from a backlight is disposed on positions adjoining the respective island like electrode parts on the first and the second transmission display regions. The light-shielding layer is disposed on the positions in contact with the respective island like electrode parts on the first and the second transmission display regions in plane view. Accordingly, the light leakage occurring due to alignment disorder of liquid crystal on the surrounding of the island like electrode parts on the first and the second transmission display regions can be concealed by the light-shielding layer and, as the result, the deterioration in contrast can be prevented. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid crystal device suitable for displaying various information.

Conventionally, a transflective liquid crystal device having both functions of a reflective liquid crystal device and a transmissive liquid crystal device is known. Such a liquid crystal device performs reflection display using external light in a bright place in the same manner as a normal reflection type liquid crystal display device, and uses a light source such as a backlight attached to the liquid crystal device in a dark place. Uses transparent display. In this method, by switching to either the reflective display mode or the transmissive display mode according to the ambient brightness, it is possible to display with high display quality even when the surroundings are dark while reducing power consumption. .

There is also known a vertical alignment type liquid crystal device in which the viewing angle dependency is improved by controlling the alignment of liquid crystal molecules and a wide viewing angle is achieved. In a vertical alignment type liquid crystal device, a liquid crystal having negative dielectric anisotropy is used, and in the state where no voltage is applied between the element substrate having the switching element and the color filter substrate, the liquid crystal molecules are applied to the substrate. It is oriented in a substantially vertical direction. The element substrate includes a plurality of substantially circular or polygonal subpixel electrodes, and a so-called CPA (Co
A pixel electrode having an ntinuous pinwheel alignment) structure, a switching element, and the like are formed. On the other hand, on the color filter substrate, a slit or a convex portion (projection) is formed at a position facing substantially the center of each subpixel electrode. When a voltage is applied between the element substrate and the color filter substrate, an electric field corresponding to the voltage is formed in the liquid crystal layer between the substrates, but the sub-pixel electrode is formed in a substantially circular or polygonal shape, and Since the electrode on the side of the color filter substrate facing it is formed with slits, convexes, etc., the liquid crystal molecules are substantially the same as the sub-pixel electrodes due to the oblique electric field generated by the shape of the pixel electrode and the electrode on the color filter substrate The alignment state is controlled radially from the center. Thereby, the viewing angle dependency is suppressed, and a wide viewing angle is possible.

Here, Patent Document 1 discloses a vertical alignment type liquid crystal device. Patent Documents 2 and 3 disclose a transflective liquid crystal device of a vertical alignment type.
In the liquid crystal devices described in Patent Documents 2 and 3, one pixel electrode is divided into three regions along the direction of the data line, and each region is a subpixel electrically connected to each other. Electrodes are arranged. Of these three regions, the central region is a reflective display region, and each of the two regions sandwiching the reflective region is a transmissive display region.

JP 2003-43525 A JP 2005-345757 A JP 2006-338051 A

In general, in a vertical alignment type liquid crystal device, as described above, one pixel electrode includes a plurality of subpixel electrodes, and each subpixel electrode is formed in a substantially circular or polygonal shape. For this reason, an electric field in an oblique direction is applied around the outer shape of each subpixel electrode due to the shape of each subpixel electrode. For this reason, the liquid crystal molecules located around the outer shape of each subpixel electrode start to move at a lower voltage than the liquid crystal molecules located in each subpixel electrode due to the influence of the oblique electric field. Then, light leakage occurs due to the disorder of the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the area around the outer shape of each subpixel electrode. In particular, such light leakage is likely to occur in the area around the outer shape of each sub-pixel electrode in the transmissive display area. Such light leakage causes a problem that the contrast is lowered. Here, if the voltage value of the black level display in the initial alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules is intentionally set lower, such a problem can be improved. However, if such a method is adopted, the potential difference between the time when no voltage is applied and the time when voltage is applied in the liquid crystal device becomes large, thereby causing an increase in power consumption and an increase in the cost of the driver IC for driving the liquid crystal. A new problem arises.

Further, in such a liquid crystal device, when the dot or line inversion driving method is adopted, voltages corresponding to mutually different polarities are applied between the subpixel electrodes adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction of the subpixel electrodes. Is done. For this reason, there is a problem that a large potential difference occurs between the adjacent sub-pixel electrodes and liquid crystal molecules start to move, and light leakage occurs between the sub-pixel electrodes due to the disorder of the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules. In order to improve such a problem, in general, a light-shielding layer having a light-shielding property at a position corresponding to a position between the sub-pixel electrodes on the side of the counter substrate disposed opposite to the substrate on which the sub-pixel electrodes are provided. (Black matrix or the like) is disposed, and the light shielding layer hides the light leakage.

However, in this configuration, a part of the light leaked from between the sub-pixel electrodes (including the light obliquely incident on the liquid crystal layer) is reflected as so-called stray light by the light shielding layer, and the reflection The reflected light is reflected on the substrate surface of the substrate located on the liquid crystal layer side, and further, the reflected light passes through the liquid crystal layer and is finally emitted to the observation side that is visually recognized by the user. There is a problem that light leakage occurs.

In particular, in such a liquid crystal device, a diffusion light source (illumination device) is used to perform transmissive display, and light emitted from the illumination device through the sub-pixel electrodes and emitted toward the light shielding layer is diffused. There is a problem that light leakage due to stray light generated by reflection of the diffused light on the light shielding layer cannot be hidden only by the light shielding layer.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and mainly prevents light leakage due to liquid crystal alignment disturbance around the sub-pixel electrodes in the transmissive display area, and sub-pixels adjacent to the sub-pixel electrodes in the arrangement direction. It is an object of the present invention to provide a vertical alignment type transflective liquid crystal device and an electronic device that can prevent light leakage due to stray light between pixel electrodes and the like and prevent deterioration in contrast.

In one aspect of the present invention, a liquid crystal device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and negative dielectric anisotropy, and is provided between the first substrate and the second substrate. A first electrode provided on the liquid crystal layer side of the first substrate, and a lighting device disposed on a side opposite to the liquid crystal layer side of the second substrate. A plurality of pixel regions defined by regions overlapping with the second electrode provided on the liquid crystal layer side of the second substrate, each of the pixel regions being light emitted from the illumination device Transmitting to the first substrate side to perform transmissive display, and the light incident from the first substrate side by the reflective layer provided on the second substrate side to the first substrate side A reflective display region that performs reflective display by reflecting the light to one of the first electrode and the second electrode. Includes a plurality of island-shaped electrode portions formed in an island shape, and a connection portion that electrically connects each of the island-shaped electrode portions, and each of the island-shaped electrode portions includes the transmissive display region and Provided corresponding to each of the reflective display areas, and in the second substrate, the light emitted from the illumination device is shielded at a position adjacent to the island-shaped electrode portion of the transmissive display area. A light shielding layer is provided for this purpose.

The liquid crystal device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer having negative dielectric anisotropy and provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, and a second substrate And a lighting device disposed on the opposite side of the substrate from the liquid crystal layer side.

Further, this liquid crystal device includes a pixel defined by a region where a first electrode provided on the liquid crystal layer side of the first substrate and a second electrode provided on the liquid crystal layer side of the second substrate overlap. Each of the pixel areas includes a transmissive display area that performs transmissive display by transmitting light emitted from the lighting device to the first substrate side, and a reflective layer provided on the second substrate. And a reflective display region for performing reflective display by reflecting light incident from the first substrate side to the first substrate side to constitute a transflective liquid crystal device. In a preferred example, the reflective layer is preferably made of a metal material having reflectivity.

And either one of the 1st electrode and the 2nd electrode has a plurality of island-like electrode parts formed in the shape of an island, and a connection part which electrically connects each of the island-like electrode parts Each of the island-like electrode portions is provided corresponding to each of the transmissive display area and the reflective display area. In the preferred example,
Each of the island-shaped electrode portions is preferably formed in a substantially rectangular shape in which corner portions are curved.

Here, in a general vertical alignment type liquid crystal device, a pixel electrode provided in a pixel region includes a plurality of sub-pixel electrodes, and the sub-pixel electrodes (hereinafter referred to as “island electrode portions”). Is formed in an island shape, an oblique electric field is applied around the outer shape of the island electrode portion due to the shape. As a result, the liquid crystal molecules located around the outer shape of each island-shaped electrode portion start to move at a lower voltage than the liquid crystal molecules located in each island-shaped electrode portion due to the influence of the oblique electric field. As a result, light leakage occurs due to the disorder of the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the area around each island-shaped electrode portion. In particular, such light leakage is likely to occur in a region around the outer shape of each island-shaped electrode portion in the transmissive display region. Due to this light leakage,
There is a problem that the contrast is lowered.

In contrast, in this liquid crystal device, a light shielding layer for shielding light emitted from the illumination device is provided on the second substrate at a position adjacent to the island-shaped electrode portion of the transmissive display region. . In a preferred example, the light shielding layer is preferably provided at a position in contact with the island-shaped electrode portion of the transmissive display region when seen in a plan view. Thereby, based on the above principle, light leakage generated around the island-shaped electrode portion in the transmissive display region can be hidden by the light shielding layer. as a result,
A reduction in contrast can be prevented.

In addition, with this configuration, for example, it is not necessary to devise a driver IC for driving the liquid crystal to intentionally set the voltage value at the time of displaying the black level in the initial alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules. As a result, the increase in the power consumption of the liquid crystal device can be suppressed as a result of suppressing the potential difference between the liquid crystal when no voltage is applied and when the voltage is applied, and further, no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal for the driver IC. Since it is not necessary to devise a technique to intentionally lower the voltage value at the time, it is possible to suppress an increase in the cost of the driver IC.

In addition, in this configuration, when both the island-shaped electrode portion and the light shielding layer in the transmissive display area are provided on the same second substrate side, the problems caused by adopting the following configuration can be improved. It is possible to prevent the aperture ratio of the island-shaped electrode portion in the transmissive display area from being lowered.

That is, when the light shielding layer is provided on the second substrate side and the island-like electrode portion of the transmissive display area is provided on the first substrate side, the first substrate and the second substrate are interposed via the liquid crystal layer. Due to the misalignment at the time of bonding (a misalignment of about 3 to 4 μm may occur), the light shielding layer and a part of the island-shaped electrode portion of the transmissive display area overlap in a plane, and the island of the transmissive display area There is a possibility that the aperture ratio of the electrode portion is lowered. On the other hand, according to the configuration, both the island-shaped electrode portion and the light shielding layer in the transmissive display area are provided on the same second substrate side, so that it is not necessary to consider the above-described misalignment, and the transmissive display area It is possible to form the island-shaped electrode portion and the light-shielding layer in the transmissive display region on the second substrate so that the island-shaped electrode portion in the display region and the light-shielding layer overlap in a planar manner. Therefore, it can prevent that the aperture ratio of the island-like electrode part of a transmissive display area falls.

In one aspect of the liquid crystal device, the pixel region includes a plurality of the transmissive display regions, and each of the transmissive display regions is provided in a position sandwiching the reflective display region in the pixel region, and The layer is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of outer sides of each of the island-shaped electrode portions of the transmissive display region in contact with the outer side located on the opposite side of the reflective display region in plan view. It has been.

According to this aspect, the following operational effects can be obtained as compared with the comparative example assumed below. As a comparative example, when the pixel region has a configuration in which a transmissive display region, another transmissive display region, and a reflective display region are arranged in this order, when the present invention is applied, The light shielding layer is provided between the other island-like electrode portions of the other transmissive display regions and adjacent to each of the island-like electrode portions and the other island-like electrode portions. Become. Then, in this comparative example, the light shielding layer can hide the light leakage that occurs between the transmissive display area and the other transmissive display areas, thereby improving the contrast. However, in this comparative example, since the light shielding layer is provided between the transmissive display region and the other transmissive display region, the aperture ratio of each island-shaped electrode portion in the transmissive display region and the other transmissive display region is reduced. This makes it difficult to design a liquid crystal device that places importance on transmissive display.

In this regard, in this aspect, the pixel area has a plurality of transmissive display areas, and each of the transmissive display areas is
In the pixel region, the pixel region is provided at a position sandwiching the reflective display region. That is, in this aspect, the pixel area has a configuration in which a transmissive display area, a reflective display area, and a transmissive display area are arranged in this order. The light shielding layer corresponds to a position in contact with the outer side located on the opposite side of the reflective display region among the plurality of outer sides of the island-shaped electrode portions of the transmissive display region as viewed in plan. Is provided. For this reason, among a plurality of outer sides in each island-shaped electrode portion of the transmissive display region,
Light leakage that occurs in the vicinity of the outer edge located on the opposite side of the reflective display area is hidden by a light-shielding layer provided at a position in contact with the outer edge, and further, an island of the transmissive display area located on the reflective display area side. Light leakage generated around the electrode portion is hidden by the reflective layer. As a result, it is possible to prevent the contrast from decreasing. Further, according to such a configuration, since the light shielding layer is not provided in the pixel region, it is possible to prevent the aperture ratio of the island-shaped electrode portion in each transmissive display region from being lowered. As a result, according to this aspect, it becomes easy to design a liquid crystal device that places importance on transmissive display.

In another aspect of the liquid crystal device, the pixel area includes a plurality of the transmissive display areas, and the transmissive display area, the reflective display area, and the transmissive display area are arranged in a predetermined direction in the pixel area in this order. The light shielding layer corresponds between the transmissive display area of the predetermined pixel area and the transmissive display area of another pixel area adjacent to the predetermined pixel area in the predetermined direction. Is provided.

According to this aspect, light leakage that occurs between the transmissive display area of the predetermined pixel area and the transmissive display area of the other pixel area adjacent to the predetermined pixel area in the predetermined direction is ,
It is hidden by the light shielding layer provided at the position where the light leakage occurs. As a result, it is possible to prevent the contrast from decreasing. Further, according to such a configuration, since the light shielding layer is not provided in the pixel region, it is possible to prevent the aperture ratio of the island-shaped electrode portion in each transmissive display region from being lowered. As a result, according to this aspect, it becomes easy to design a liquid crystal device that places importance on transmissive display.

In one aspect of the above-described liquid crystal device, the light-shielding layer includes, as viewed in a plan view, the arbitrary pixel region and another pixel region adjacent to the pixel region in the arrangement direction of the island-shaped electrode portions. Since it is located between the pixel regions, the following problems can be improved.

That is, in the case of adopting the dot or line inversion driving method in a general vertical alignment type liquid crystal device, the pixel electrodes adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction of the island-shaped electrode portions correspond to different polarities. Applied voltage. For this reason, there is a problem that a large potential difference is generated between the pixel electrodes adjacent to each other and liquid crystal molecules start to move, and light leakage occurs due to disorder of the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules between the pixel electrodes. In order to improve such a problem, generally, a light-shielding layer (black layer) having a light-shielding property is provided on the opposite substrate side arranged to face the substrate on which the pixel electrodes are provided and at a position corresponding to the space between the pixel electrodes. A matrix)
The light shielding layer takes measures such as hiding the light leakage. However, in the case of this configuration, part of the light leaked from between the pixel electrodes (including light incident obliquely to the liquid crystal layer) becomes so-called stray light and is reflected by the light shielding layer and further reflected. Light is reflected on the substrate surface of the substrate located on the liquid crystal layer side, and further, the reflected light passes through the liquid crystal layer and is finally emitted to the observation side which is visually recognized by the user, and the light caused by the stray light There is a problem that leakage occurs. In particular, in such a liquid crystal device, a diffusion light source (illumination device) is used to perform transmissive display, and light emitted from the illumination device through the pixel electrodes and emitted toward the light shielding layer is diffused light. In addition, there is a problem that light leakage due to stray light generated when the diffused light is reflected on the light shielding layer cannot be hidden only by the light shielding layer.

On the other hand, in this aspect, the light shielding layer includes an arbitrary pixel region and other pixel regions adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction of the island-shaped electrode portions with respect to the pixel region in plan view. Located between. For this reason, even when the dot or line inversion driving method is adopted for this aspect, based on the above principle, light leakage caused by the alignment disorder of the liquid crystal molecules between the pixel region and the other pixel region is caused by the pixel. It can be hidden by a light shielding layer located between the region and the other pixel region. Further, in this aspect, the diffused light emitted from the lighting device toward the gap between the pixel area and the other pixel area at the time of transmissive display is located between the pixel area and the other pixel area. It is blocked by the light blocking layer. For this reason, it is possible to prevent light leakage due to stray light (including light incident obliquely on the liquid crystal layer) between the pixel region and the other pixel region.

In another aspect of the liquid crystal device, the light shielding layer is formed of the same metal material as the reflective layer. Thereby, in the manufacturing process of this liquid crystal device, the light shielding layer and the reflective layer can be made of the same metal material in the same process. Therefore, the number of steps can be reduced as compared with the case where the light-blocking layer and the reflective layer are formed in separate steps.

In another aspect of the above liquid crystal device, the island-shaped electrode portion of the reflective display region is formed of a reflective metal material, and the reflective layer is configured of the island-shaped electrode portion of the reflective display region. Yes. That is, in this aspect, the reflective layer can be a reflective electrode configured by the island-shaped electrode portion of the reflective display region.

In another aspect of the present invention, an electronic device including the above-described liquid crystal device as a display portion can be configured.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each of these drawings, the scale of each layer and each member is different in order to make each layer and each member recognizable on the drawing.

[First Embodiment]
The configuration of the liquid crystal device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. The liquid crystal device according to the first embodiment includes a thin film transistor (Th
This is an example of an active matrix driving type liquid crystal device using in Film Transistor (hereinafter abbreviated as “TFT”).

(Configuration of electrical equivalent circuit of liquid crystal device)
First, referring to FIG. 1, an electrical equivalent circuit 50 of the liquid crystal device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The configuration of will be described.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an electrical equivalent circuit 50 including a plurality of pixel regions D arranged in a matrix that forms an image display region of the liquid crystal device according to the first embodiment.

In the liquid crystal device according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of pixel regions (regions surrounded by a rectangular broken line) D arranged in a matrix that forms an image display region are provided with a pixel electrode 5 and the pixel. TFTs 30 which are switching elements for driving and controlling the electrodes 5 are formed, and the data lines 6a to which image signals are supplied are source regions 30s of the TFTs 30 (FIG. 2).
See also). Image signals S1, S2,... Written to the data line 6a
Sn is supplied line-sequentially in this order, or is supplied for each group to a plurality of adjacent data lines 6a. Further, the scanning line 3a is electrically connected to the gate electrode 30g (see also FIG. 2) of the TFT 30, and the scanning signals G1, G2,.
Gm is applied line-sequentially in a pulse manner at a predetermined timing. The pixel electrode 5 is TFT3.
The image signal S1, S2,..., Sn supplied from the data line 6a is electrically connected to the zero drain region 30d (see also FIG. 2), and is turned on for a certain period of time by turning on the TFT 30 as a switching element. Is written at a predetermined timing. Image signals S1, S2,..., Sn written at a predetermined level on the liquid crystal via the pixel electrode 5 are held for a certain period with the common electrode 11 described later. The liquid crystal modulates light by changing the orientation and order of the molecular assembly according to the applied voltage level, thereby enabling gradation display. Here, in order to prevent the held image signal from leaking, a storage capacitor 70 is added in parallel with the liquid crystal capacitor formed between the pixel electrode 5 and the common electrode 11. The wiring 3b is a capacitance line.

(Planar configuration of TFT array substrate)
Next, the planar configuration of the TFT array substrate 91 that constitutes the liquid crystal device of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a planar configuration of the TFT array substrate 91 corresponding to the six pixel regions D. FIG. In the first embodiment, in the color filter substrate 92 arranged to face the TFT array substrate 91, the position corresponding to each of the 1 × 3 pixel regions D adjacent in the extending direction of the scanning line 3a Red (R), green (G), and blue (B) colored layers (not shown) are arranged in this order.

As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of TFTs 30 and pixel electrodes 5 are formed on the TFT array substrate 91 corresponding to the intersections of the data lines 6a and the scanning lines 3a, and the pixel electrodes 5 are provided in a matrix. Yes. Here, the pixel electrode 5 is composed of a plurality of island-like island-like electrode portions 5a, 5b, and 5c each having a substantially rectangular shape with corners curved, and each of the island-like electrode portions 5a, 5b, and 5c. Each of them is electrically connected via a connecting portion 5s. In the present invention, the island-like electrode portions 5a, 5b, 5c
May have a planar shape such as a polygon. Further, the island-like electrode portion 5a and the island-like electrode portion 5c are formed of transparent electrodes made of ITO (Indium-Tin-Oxide) or the like, and the regions where the island-like electrode portions 5a and 5c are disposed are respectively transmissive. The first and second transmissive display areas T1 and T2 are displayed. On the other hand, the island-like electrode portion 5b located between the island-like electrode portion 5a and the island-like electrode portion 5c is formed of a reflective metal (for example, aluminum, silver, or a metal film containing these as a main component). It is a reflective electrode, and the island-like electrode portion 5b is a reflective display region R where reflective display is performed. In the lower layer of the island-like electrode portion 5 b having reflectivity, the capacitor line 3 b is provided so as to extend substantially linearly in a direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction of the pixel electrode 5. In the first embodiment, each pixel electrode 5 and the inside of the region where the data line 6a, the scanning line 3a, the capacitor line 3b, and the like arranged so as to surround each pixel electrode 5 are formed is one pixel region D. A display is possible for each pixel region D arranged in a matrix.

The data line 6a is electrically connected to a source region 30s, which will be described later, of a semiconductor layer made of, for example, a polysilicon film constituting the TFT 30, and the pixel electrode 5 is a drain region 30d, which will be described later, of the semiconductor layer. Is electrically connected. Further, in the semiconductor layer, the scanning line 3a is disposed so as to face the channel region, and the scanning line 3a functions as the gate electrode 30g in a portion facing the channel region.

The pixel electrode 5 and the TFT 30 are electrically connected to each other at the island-like electrode portion 5b disposed in the reflective display region R through the wiring portion 34 and the contact hole 7 led out from the drain region 30d. It is illustrated. The wiring part 34 is formed so as to extend substantially in the center of the island-like electrode part 5c arranged in the transmissive display region T in the longitudinal direction of the pixel electrode 5, and at the substantially central part of the island-like electrode part 5b of the reflective electrode. It is electrically connected via the contact hole 7. In the present invention, the electrical connection method of the pixel electrode 5 and the TFT 30 is not limited to the above-described configuration, and the formation positions of the wiring portion 34 and the capacitor line 3b are not limited to the above-described configuration.

Further, in the TFT array substrate 91, a position adjacent to the island-shaped electrode portions 5a and 5c in the first and second transmissive display regions T1 and T2 is from a backlight 19 (see FIG. 3) as a lighting device. Light shielding layer 40 for shielding emitted illumination light (region surrounded by a two-dot chain line)
Is provided. The light shielding layer 40 has a linear shape and extends in the extending direction of the scanning line 3a. In the example of the first embodiment, the light shielding layer 40 is formed of a material such as a black resin, but the forming material is not limited. In the first embodiment, the light shielding layer 40 is the first in a plan view.
The second transmissive display regions T1 and T2 are provided at positions in contact with the island-shaped electrode portions 5a and 5c. In other words, the light shielding layer 40 includes the first and second transmissive display regions T1, as viewed in a plan view.
Of the plurality of outer sides (ends) of each of the island-shaped electrode portions 5a and 5c of T2, the positions correspond to the outer sides (ends) 5aa and 5ca located on the opposite side to the reflective display region R, respectively. Is provided. In addition, since the pixel electrode 5 and the light shielding layer 40 are formed on the same TFT array substrate 91, relative displacement between the two hardly occurs in the process. However, in the unlikely event of a positional shift between the pixel electrode 5 and the light shielding layer 40, there is a possibility that slight light leakage occurs between the pixel electrode 5 and the light shielding layer 40, thereby causing a slight decrease in contrast. Therefore, when such a point is taken into consideration, the light shielding layer 40 has the first and second transmissive display regions T1 in plan view.
, Of the plurality of outer sides (ends) of each of the island-shaped electrode portions 5a and 5c of T2, partially with respect to the outer sides (ends) 5aa and 5ca located on the opposite side to the reflective display region R You may provide so that it may overlap. In addition, the light shielding layer 40 has an arbitrary pixel region D in plan view, and
It is located between the pixel region D and another pixel region D adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction of the island-shaped electrode portions 5a, 5b, and 5c.

(Cross-sectional configuration corresponding to the pixel region of the liquid crystal device)
Next, a cross-sectional configuration corresponding to one pixel region D of the liquid crystal device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional configuration of one pixel region D along the cutting line AA ′ of FIG.

In the liquid crystal device 100 according to the first embodiment, the initial alignment state exhibits a vertical alignment between the TFT array substrate 91 disposed on the opposite side to the observation side and the color filter substrate 92 disposed opposite thereto. The liquid crystal layer 50 made of liquid crystal having negative dielectric anisotropy is sandwiched.

  First, the configuration of the TFT array substrate 91 is as follows.

The TFT array substrate 91 has a role of supporting a plurality of constituent elements, and includes a substrate body 10 made of a translucent material such as quartz or glass. On the inner surface of the substrate body 10, data lines 6a (not shown), scanning lines 3a, capacitance lines 3b, and the like are formed. A first insulating layer 37 is formed on the inner surface of the substrate body 10, and the scanning lines 3 a and the capacitor lines 3 b are covered with the first insulating layer 37. The wiring portion 34 extending from the drain region 30d of the TFT 30 is pulled through the first insulating layer 37 so as to extend from one scanning line 3a side to the reflective display region R side among the plurality of scanning lines 3a. It has been turned. A second insulating layer 38 is formed on the inner surface of the first insulating layer 37, and the wiring part 34 is covered with the second insulating layer 38.

Each outer side of the island-like electrode portions 5a and 5c in the first and second transmissive display regions T1 and T2 located on the inner surface of the second insulating layer 38 and on the opposite side to the reflective display region R ( Edge) 5aa, 5ca
A light shielding layer 40 is provided at a position adjacent to each other. Here, when attention is paid to the pixel electrode 5 and the plurality of light shielding layers 40 arranged on both sides thereof, one of the plurality of light shielding layers 40 located on the island-like electrode portion 5a side of the first transmissive display region T1. One end portion of the light shielding layer 40 is located on the same plane S1 as the outer side (end portion) 5aa of the island-shaped electrode portion 5a, and the second transmissive display region T.
One end portion of the other light shielding layer 40 located on the side of the island-shaped electrode portion 5c is located on the same plane S2 as the outer side (end portion) 5ca of the island-shaped electrode portion 5c.

A third insulating layer 39 is formed on the inner surface of the second insulating layer 38, and the light shielding layer 4.
0 is covered with a third insulating layer 39. The third insulating layer 39 corresponding to the reflective display region R
On the inner surface of the substrate, minute irregularities for moderately scattering light are formed, and on the inner surface of the third insulating layer 39 having the minute irregularities, an island shape as a substantially rectangular reflecting electrode is formed. Electrode portion 5b is formed. For this reason, the island-shaped electrode portion 5b has a shape reflecting the minute irregularities of the third insulating layer 39, and the light reflected by the island-shaped electrode portion 5b is appropriately scattered.

A substantially rectangular island-shaped electrode portion 5a is formed on the inner surface of the third insulating layer 39 corresponding to the first transmissive display area T1, and corresponds to the second transmissive display area T2. On the inner surface of the third insulating layer 39, a substantially rectangular island-shaped electrode portion 5c is formed. The electrical connection between the island-shaped electrode portion 5a disposed in the first transmissive display area T1 and the island-shaped electrode section 5b disposed in the reflective display region R forms a part of the island-shaped electrode section 5a. This is illustrated by the connecting portion 5s. That is,
In this example, the connection part 5s of the island-like electrode part 5a and the part of the island-like electrode part 5b are provided so as to partially overlap, and the island-like electrode part 5a and the island-like electrode part 5b are electrically connected. It is connected. In addition, the electrical connection between the island-shaped electrode portion 5c disposed in the second transmissive display region T2 and the island-shaped electrode portion 5b disposed in the reflective display region R is a part of the island-shaped electrode portion 5c. The connecting portion 5s forming That is, in this example, the connection part 5s of the island-like electrode part 5c and the part of the island-like electrode part 5b are provided so as to partially overlap, and the island-like electrode part 5c and the island-like electrode part 5b are electrically connected. Connected. In the present invention, the electrical connection method between the island-shaped electrode portion 5a or the island-shaped electrode portion 5c and the island-shaped electrode portion 5b is not limited to the configuration described above.

In addition, a contact hole 7 penetrating through the third insulating layer 39 and the second insulating layer 38 is formed in a substantially central portion of the island-shaped electrode portion 5b. The island-like electrode part 5 b is electrically connected to the wiring part 34 through the contact hole 7. Therefore, the electrical connection between the TFT 30 and the pixel electrode 5 is made by dividing the first and second transmissive display regions T1 and T2 by the wiring portion 34 and the contact hole 7 derived from the drain region 30d of the TFT 30. This is a structure made in the island-like electrode portion 5b of the reflective display region R. A vertical alignment film 12 is formed on each inner surface of the pixel electrode 5 and the third insulating layer 39. On the other hand, on the outer surface of the substrate body 10, a phase difference plate (¼ wavelength plate) 17, a polarizing plate 18, and a backlight 19 as an illumination device are arranged in this order. The backlight 19 is preferably a point light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or a combination of a linear light source such as a cold cathode fluorescent tube and a light guide plate.

  Next, the configuration of the color filter substrate 92 is as follows.

The color filter substrate 92 has a role of supporting a plurality of constituent elements, and includes a substrate body 25 made of a translucent material such as quartz or glass. On the inner surface of the substrate body 25, a colored layer 16 (green (G) colored layer 16G in FIG. 3) is provided as a color filter. Colored layer 16
The thickness dt of the liquid crystal layer 50 corresponding to each of the first and second transmissive display regions T1 and T2, and the reflective display region at a position corresponding to at least the reflective display region R on the inner surface of A layer thickness adjusting layer 45 for making the thickness dr of the liquid crystal layer 50 corresponding to R substantially different is formed. In the first embodiment, due to the presence of the layer thickness adjusting layer 45, the thickness dr of the liquid crystal layer 50 in the reflective display region R is changed to the thickness dt of the liquid crystal layer 50 in the first and second transmissive display regions T1 and T2. Can be made smaller. Therefore, the retardation in the reflective display region R (the product of the thickness dr of the liquid crystal layer 50 and the refractive index anisotropy Δn of the liquid crystal), the first and second transmissive display regions T1,
The retardation (the product of the thickness dt of the liquid crystal layer 50 and the refractive index anisotropy Δn of the liquid crystal) in each of T2 can be made close or substantially equal, thereby improving the contrast.

A common electrode 11 made of ITO or the like is formed on each inner surface of the colored layer 16 and the layer thickness adjusting layer 45. Here, the common electrode 11 is provided with alignment control means for controlling the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 50. The alignment control means is the same as the TFT array substrate 1 in the common electrode 11.
It is provided at a position corresponding to a substantially central portion of the island-like electrode portions 5a, 5b, and 5c formed on the 0 side, and its specific configuration is due to the protrusion 13 made of a dielectric. In the present invention, the orientation control means may be a slit that opens a region of the common electrode 11 corresponding to the substantially central portion of the island-like electrode portions 5a, 5b, and 5c, instead of the protrusions 13. . A vertical alignment film 12 is formed on the inner surfaces of the common electrode 11 and the protrusions 13. On the other hand, the substrate body 2
On the outer surface of 5, a retardation plate (¼ wavelength plate) 14 and a polarizing plate 15 are arranged in this order.

In the liquid crystal device 100 having the above configuration, when a voltage is applied between the TFT array substrate 91 and the color filter substrate 92, an electric field corresponding to the voltage is formed in the liquid crystal layer 50 between the two substrates. Each of the island-shaped electrode portions 5a, 5b, and 5c is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and the common electrode 11 on the side of the color filter substrate 92 that faces the island-shaped electrode portions 5a, 5b, and 5c is formed with protrusions 13 as alignment control means. The alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules is controlled radially about the approximate center of each of the island-like electrode portions 5a, 5b, and 5c. Thereby, in the liquid crystal device 100 according to the first embodiment, the viewing angle dependency is suppressed, and a wide viewing angle can be achieved.

When the reflective display is performed in the liquid crystal device 100 of the first embodiment, the external light that has entered the liquid crystal device 100 from the observation side travels along the path Lr shown in FIG. The light passes through the formed region, is reflected by the island-like electrode portion 5b, which is a reflective electrode located below the colored layer 16, passes through the colored layer 16 again, and is emitted onto the display screen. Thereby, the display image which shows a predetermined hue and brightness is visually recognized by the observer. On the other hand, when transmissive display is performed in the liquid crystal device 100, the illumination light emitted from the backlight 19 travels along the path Lt shown in FIG. 3, and passes through the pixel electrode 5, the colored layer 16 and the like for observation. To the person. In this case, the illumination light has a predetermined hue and brightness by passing through the colored layer 16. Thus, a desired color display image is visually recognized by the observer.

Next, a specific operation and effect of the liquid crystal device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Here, in a general vertical alignment type liquid crystal device, a pixel electrode provided in a pixel region includes a plurality of sub-pixel electrodes, and the sub-pixel electrodes (hereinafter referred to as “island electrode portions”). Is formed in an island shape, an oblique electric field is applied around the outer shape of the island electrode portion due to the shape. As a result, the liquid crystal molecules located around the outer shape of each island-shaped electrode portion start to move at a lower voltage than the liquid crystal molecules located in each island-shaped electrode portion due to the influence of the oblique electric field. As a result, light leakage occurs in the region around the outer shape of each island-shaped electrode portion due to the disorder of the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules. In particular, such light leakage is likely to occur in a region around each island-shaped electrode portion in the transmissive display region. Due to this light leakage,
There is a problem that the contrast is lowered.

On the other hand, in the liquid crystal device 100, on the TFT array substrate 91 side, the position adjacent to the island-shaped electrode portions 5a and 5c of the first and second transmissive display regions T1 and T2 is a lighting device. A light shielding layer 40 for shielding illumination light emitted from the backlight 19 is provided. Specifically, the light shielding layer 40 includes first and second transmissive display areas T1, as viewed in a plan view.
It is provided at a position in contact with each of the island-like electrode portions 5a and 5c of T2. Thereby, based on the above principle, light leakage generated around the island-like electrode portions 5a and 5c in the first and second transmissive display areas T1 and T2 can be hidden by the light shielding layer 40. As a result, it is possible to prevent the contrast from decreasing.

In addition, with this configuration, for example, it is not necessary to devise a driver IC for driving the liquid crystal to intentionally set the voltage value at the time of displaying the black level in the initial alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules. As a result, an increase in the potential difference between when no voltage is applied and when a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 50 can be suppressed. As a result, an increase in power consumption of the liquid crystal device 100 can be suppressed. Since it is not necessary to devise a device to intentionally lower the voltage value when no voltage is applied to 50, it is possible to suppress an increase in the cost of the driver IC.

In the liquid crystal device 100 of the first embodiment, each of the first and second transmissive display regions T1 and T2 is provided in the pixel region D at a position sandwiching the reflective display region R, and the light shielding layer 40 includes:
Of the plurality of outer sides (ends) of each of the island-like electrode portions 5a and 5c of the first and second transmissive display regions T1 and T2 as viewed in a plan view, they are located on the opposite side to the reflective display region R. Outside (edge) 5
Since it is provided corresponding to each of the positions in contact with aa and 5ca, the following effects can be obtained as compared with the comparative example assumed below.

As a comparative example, when the pixel region D has a configuration in which a transmissive display region, another transmissive display region, and a reflective display region are arranged in this order, when the present invention is applied, the island-shaped electrode portion of the transmissive display region And a light-shielding layer 40 is provided at a position adjacent to each of the island-shaped electrode portions and the other island-shaped electrode portions between the other island-shaped electrode portions and the other island-shaped electrode portions. become. Then, in this comparative example, the light shielding layer 40 can hide light leakage that occurs between the transmissive display area and the other transmissive display areas, thereby improving the contrast. However, in this comparative example, since the light shielding layer 40 is provided between the transmissive display region and the other transmissive display region, the aperture ratio of each island-shaped electrode portion in the transmissive display region and the other transmissive display region is As a result, it becomes difficult to design a liquid crystal device that emphasizes transmissive display.

In this regard, in the first embodiment, each of the first and second transmissive display regions T1 and T2 is provided in the pixel region D at a position sandwiching the reflective display region R. That is, in the first embodiment, the pixel area D has a configuration in which the transmissive display area, the reflective display area, and the transmissive display area are arranged in this order. The light shielding layer 40 has first and second transmissive display areas T1, T2 as viewed in a plan view.
Of the plurality of outer sides (ends) of each of the island-shaped electrode portions 5a and 5c respectively corresponding to positions in contact with outer sides (ends) 5aa and 5ca located on the opposite side to the reflective display region R. Is provided. For this reason, of the plurality of outer sides (ends) of the island-like electrode portions 5a and 5c of the first and second transmissive display regions T1 and T2, the outer sides located on the opposite side to the reflective display region R (End portions) Light leakage occurring around 5aa and 5ca is hidden by the light-shielding layer 40 provided at the position in contact with the outer sides 5aa and 5ca, and further, the first and second positions located on the reflective display region R side. Light leakage that occurs around the island-like electrode portions 5a and 5c in the transmissive display regions T1 and T2 is hidden by the island-like electrode portion 5b serving as a reflective electrode. As a result, it is possible to prevent the contrast from decreasing.
Further, according to such a configuration, since the light shielding layer 40 is not provided in the pixel region D, the aperture ratios of the island-shaped electrode portions 5a and 5c in the first and second transmissive display regions T1 and T2 are reduced. Can be prevented. As a result, it is easy to design the liquid crystal device 100 with emphasis on transmissive display.

In the first embodiment, the pixel region D includes the first and second transmissive display regions T1 and T2, and the first region in the predetermined direction (the extending direction of the data line 32) in the pixel region D. The transmissive display area T1, the reflective display area R, and the second transmissive display area T2 are arranged in this order.
The first transmissive display region T1 of the predetermined pixel region D and the second transmissive display region T2 of another pixel region D adjacent to the predetermined pixel region D in the predetermined direction (the extending direction of the data line 32). Are provided in correspondence with each other.

Accordingly, the second transmissive display region T1 of the predetermined pixel region D and the second transmissive region of another pixel region D adjacent to the predetermined pixel region D in the predetermined direction (the extending direction of the data line 32). Display area T
2 is hidden by the light shielding layer 40 provided at the position where the light leakage occurs. As a result, it is possible to prevent the contrast from decreasing. According to such a configuration, since the light shielding layer 40 is not provided in the pixel region D, the first and second transmissive display regions T1 are provided.
, T2 can prevent the aperture ratio of the island-like electrode portions 5a and 5c from decreasing. As a result, it is easy to design the liquid crystal device 100 with emphasis on transmissive display.

In the liquid crystal device 100 according to the first embodiment, the light shielding layer 40 includes the arbitrary pixel region D and the arrangement of the island-shaped electrode portions 5a, 5b, and 5c with respect to the pixel region D when viewed in a plan view. Since it is located between other pixel regions D adjacent to each other in the direction, it is possible to improve the problems described below.

First, when the dot or line inversion driving method is adopted in the general vertical alignment type liquid crystal device 100x shown in FIG. 4, the following problems are encountered.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an essential part of a general vertical alignment type liquid crystal device corresponding to the pixel electrodes 5x adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction of the island-shaped electrode portions. In FIG. Elements that are common to each other are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In the liquid crystal device 100x, voltages corresponding to mutually different polarities are applied between the pixel electrodes 5x adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction of the island-shaped electrode portions. For this reason, there is a problem that a large potential difference occurs between the adjacent pixel electrodes 5x and the liquid crystal molecules 50a start to move, and light leakage occurs due to the disorder of the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules 50a between the pixel electrodes 5x. . In order to improve such a problem, generally, as shown in FIG. 4, it is on the opposite substrate 92x side opposed to the substrate 91x on which the pixel electrode 5x is provided and corresponds between the pixel electrodes 5x. A light shielding layer (black matrix or the like) BM having a light shielding property is arranged at a position where the light leakage is prevented, and the light leakage is hidden by the light shielding layer BM. However,
In the case of this configuration, part of the light leaked from between the pixel electrodes 5x (including the light incident obliquely to the liquid crystal layer 50) becomes so-called stray light L and is reflected by the light shielding layer BM. The reflected light L is reflected on the inner surface of the substrate body 10 of the substrate 91x located on the liquid crystal layer 50 side, and the reflected light L passes through the liquid crystal layer 50 and is finally viewed by the user. There is a problem that light leaks due to the stray light L. In particular, in such a liquid crystal device, a diffused light source (backlight) 19 is used to perform transmissive display, and light emitted from the backlight 19 between the pixel electrodes 5x toward the light shielding layer BM is transmitted. There is a problem that light leakage due to stray light L that is diffused light and is generated by reflecting the diffused light to the light shielding layer BM cannot be hidden only by the light shielding layer BM.

On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the light shielding layer 40 includes the arbitrary pixel region D and the arrangement direction of each of the island-shaped electrode portions 5a, 5b, and 5c with respect to the pixel region D in a plan view. It is located between other pixel regions D adjacent to each other. For this reason, even when the dot or line inversion driving method is adopted for the first embodiment, based on the above principle, liquid crystal molecules are disordered between the arbitrary pixel region D and the other pixel region D. The resulting light leakage can be hidden by the light shielding layer 40 located between the arbitrary pixel region D and the other pixel region D. The first
In the embodiment, the diffused light emitted from the backlight 19 between the arbitrary pixel region D and the other pixel region D at the time of transmissive display is the arbitrary pixel region D and the other pixel. The light shielding layer 40 located between the regions D is shielded. For this reason, it is possible to prevent light leakage due to stray light (including light obliquely incident on the liquid crystal layer 50) between the arbitrary pixel region D and the other pixel region D.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the island-like electrode portions 5 of the first and second transmissive display areas T1 and T2 are used.
Since a and 5c and the light-shielding layer 40 are both provided on the same TFT array substrate 91 side, problems caused by adopting the following configuration can be improved, and the first and second transmissive display regions T can be improved.
It is possible to prevent the aperture ratios of the island-shaped electrode portions 5a and 5c of 1 and T2 from decreasing.

That is, the light shielding layer 40 is provided on the color filter substrate 92 side, and the first side is provided on the TFT array substrate 91 side.
When the island-like electrode portions 5a and 5c in the second transmissive display areas T1 and T2 are provided, TF
Due to a misalignment when the T array substrate 91 and the color filter substrate 92 are bonded together via the liquid crystal layer 50 (a misalignment of approximately 3 to 4 μm may occur), the light shielding layer 40 and the first and second light shielding layers 40 A part of each of the island-shaped electrode portions 5a and 5c in the transmissive display regions T1 and T2 overlaps with each other in plan view, and the aperture ratio of the island-shaped electrode portions 5a and 5c in the first and second transmissive display regions T1 and T2 May decrease.

On the other hand, according to the first embodiment, the island-like electrode portions 5a and 5c and the light shielding layer 40 in the first and second transmissive display regions T1 and T2 are both provided on the same TFT array substrate 91 side. ,
There is no need to consider the above-described misalignment, and the first and second transmissive display regions T1 and T2 in the island-shaped electrode portions 5a and 5c and the light shielding layer 40 overlap each other in a planar manner. The island-like electrode portions 5a and 5c and the light shielding layer 40 in the first and second transmissive display regions T1 and T2 can be formed on the TFT array substrate 91. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the aperture ratios of the island-like electrode portions 5a and 5c in the first and second transmissive display areas T1 and T2 from being lowered.

[Second Embodiment]
The configuration of the liquid crystal device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. The liquid crystal device according to the second embodiment includes a thin film diode (Th
This is an example of an active matrix driving type liquid crystal device using in Film Diode (hereinafter abbreviated as “TFD”). Note that in the second embodiment, elements that are the same as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

(Equivalent circuit configuration of liquid crystal device)
First, referring to FIG. 5, an electrical equivalent circuit 51 of the liquid crystal device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
The configuration of will be described.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of an electrical equivalent circuit 51 including a plurality of pixel regions D arranged in a matrix that configures an image display region of the liquid crystal device according to the second embodiment.

In the liquid crystal device according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of pixel regions D arranged in a matrix constituting the image display region are provided with a pixel electrode 55 and a switching element for driving and controlling the pixel electrode 55. Each TFD 31 is formed, and a data line 32 to which an image signal is supplied is electrically connected to one end side of the TFD 31. The image signals S1, S2,..., Sn to be written to the data lines 32 are supplied line-sequentially in this order, or are supplied for each group to a plurality of adjacent data lines 32. Further, the scanning signals G1, G2,..., Gm are applied to the plurality of scanning lines 27 in a line-sequential manner in a pulse manner at a predetermined timing. The pixel electrode 55 is electrically connected to the other end of the TFD 31, and the liquid crystal layer 50 is interposed between the pixel electrode 55 and the scanning line 27. By turning on the TFD 31 as a switching element for a certain period, the image signals S1, S2,.
Is written at a predetermined timing. The predetermined level image signals S1, S2,..., Sn written to the liquid crystal layer 50 through the pixel electrode 55 are held between the scanning lines 27 for a certain period. Liquid crystals change the orientation and order of molecular assembly depending on the applied voltage level,
Modulates light and enables gradation display.

(Planar structure of TFD array substrate)
Next, the planar configuration of the TFD array substrate that constitutes the liquid crystal device of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a planar configuration of the TFD array substrate 93 corresponding to the six pixel regions D. FIG. In FIG. 6, for convenience of explanation, the positions of the scanning lines 27 provided on the color filter substrate 94 (see FIG. 8) disposed to face the TFD array substrate 93 are also illustrated. Further, in the second embodiment, in the color filter substrate 94 arranged to face the TFD array substrate 93, the positions corresponding to the 1 × 3 pixel regions D adjacent in the extending direction of the scanning line 27 are Red (R), green (G), and blue (B) colored layers (not shown) are arranged in this order. FIG. 7A is an enlarged plan view of a main part of the broken line region E1 in FIG.
A connection structure between the FD 31 and the pixel electrode 55 is shown.

As shown in FIG. 6, on the TFD array substrate 93, a plurality of TFDs 31 and pixel electrodes 55 are formed corresponding to the intersections of the data lines 32 and the scanning lines 27, and the pixel electrodes 55 are provided in a matrix. Yes. Here, the pixel electrode 55 is configured by a plurality of island-shaped island-shaped electrode portions 55a, 55b, and 55c having a substantially rectangular shape with corners curved, and the island-shaped electrode portions 55a, 55b, and 5c.
Each of 5c is electrically connected via the connection part 55s. In the present invention, the island-shaped electrode portions 55a, 55b, and 55c may have a planar shape such as a polygon.
The island-shaped electrode portions 55a, 55b, and 55c are formed of transparent electrodes made of ITO or the like. Of the island-shaped electrode portions 55a, 55b, and 55c, the regions where the island-shaped electrode portions 55a and 55c are disposed are first and second transmissive display regions T1 and T2, respectively. On the other hand, the region where the island-like electrode portion 55b is disposed between the first transmissive display region T1 and the second transmissive display region T2 extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the pixel electrode 55. Reflective film 23 having reflectivity
Is provided, and the area is a reflective display area R. Here, the reflective film 23 is preferably formed of, for example, aluminum, silver, or a metal film containing these as a main component. In the second embodiment, an area surrounded by adjacent data lines 32 provided so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the pixel electrode 55 and the scanning lines 27 that planarly overlap the data lines 32 is one pixel. This is a region D, and has a structure that allows display for each pixel region D arranged in a matrix.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the TFD 31 includes a first TFD 31a and a second TFD 31b.
It is comprised including. The first TFD 31a and the second TFD 31b are formed in an island shape,
A first metal film 322 containing tantalum tungsten or the like as a main component and an insulating film 32 formed by anodizing the surface of the first metal film 322 and serving as an anodic oxide film such as tantalum oxide.
3 and second metal films 316 and 336 formed on the surface and spaced apart from each other. Among these, the second metal films 316 and 336 are obtained by patterning the same conductive film such as chromium, and the former second metal film 316 is used for electrical connection with the island-shaped electrode portion 55c. The latter second metal film 336 is branched from the data line 32 in a T shape.

Here, among the TFDs 31, the first TFD 31 a becomes the second metal film 336 / insulating film 323 / first metal film 322 in order from the data line 32 side, and is made of metal / insulator / metal. Due to the structure, the current-voltage characteristic is nonlinear in both positive and negative directions. On the other hand, the second TFD 31b is in order of the first metal film 322 / insulating film 3 when viewed from the data line 32 side.
23 / second metal film 316, which has a structure opposite to that of the first TFD 31a. Therefore, the current-voltage characteristic of the second TFD 31b is the current-voltage characteristic of the first TFD 31a.
The point is symmetrized around the origin. As a result, since the TFD 31 has a configuration in which two TFD elements are connected in series in opposite directions, compared to the case of using one TFD element,
The non-linear characteristic of current-voltage is symmetrized in both positive and negative directions.

The electrical connection between the pixel electrode 5 and the TFD 31 is the island-shaped electrode portion 5 disposed in the reflective display region R.
Electrical connection is achieved in the island-like electrode portion 55c through a contact hole 47a provided at the corner of 5c. However, in the present invention, the electrical connection between the TFD 31 and the pixel electrode 55 is not limited to the configuration described above.

Returning to FIG. 6, in the TFD array substrate 93, the first and second transmissive display regions T1, T2
The backlight 19 (see FIG. 8) is positioned adjacent to each of the island-shaped electrode portions 55a and 55c.
A light shielding layer 41 (a region surrounded by a two-dot chain line) for shielding the illumination light emitted from is provided. The light shielding layer 41 has a linear shape and extends in the extending direction of the scanning line 27. In the second embodiment, unlike the example of the first embodiment, the light shielding layer 41 is formed of a reflective material, but the formation material is not limited. In the second embodiment, the light shielding layer 41.
Is the island-like electrode portions 55a and 55 in the first and second transmissive display regions T1 and T2 as viewed in a plan view.
It is provided at a position in contact with c. In other words, the light shielding layer 41 is a reflective display region among a plurality of outer sides (end portions) of the island-shaped electrode portions 55a and 55c of the first and second transmissive display regions T1 and T2 when viewed in plan. Outer sides (ends) 55aa and 55c located on the opposite side to R
It is provided corresponding to each position in contact with a. In addition, since the pixel electrode 55 and the light shielding layer 41 are formed on the same TFD array substrate 93, relative displacement between the two hardly occurs in the process. However, in the unlikely event of a positional shift between the pixel electrode 55 and the light shielding layer 41, a slight light leakage may occur between the pixel electrode 55 and the light shielding layer 41, which may cause a slight decrease in contrast. Therefore, when such a point is taken into consideration, the light shielding layer 41 has a plurality of outer sides in each of the island-shaped electrode portions 55a and 55c in the first and second transmissive display regions T1 and T2 in plan view. Outer side (end part) 5 located on the opposite side to the reflective display region R among (end part)
It may be provided so as to partially overlap 5aa and 55ca. Further, the light shielding layer 41 includes an arbitrary pixel region D and the island-shaped electrode portion 5 with respect to the pixel region D when viewed in a plan view.
5a, 55b and 55c are located between other pixel regions D adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction.

(Cross-sectional configuration corresponding to the pixel region of the liquid crystal device)
Next, a cross-sectional configuration corresponding to one pixel region D of the liquid crystal device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional configuration of one pixel region D along the cutting line BB ′ of FIG.

The liquid crystal device 200 according to the second embodiment includes a TFD array substrate 93 disposed on the observation side,
A liquid crystal layer 50 made of liquid crystal having an initial alignment state of vertical alignment is sandwiched between the color filter substrate 94 and the color filter substrate 94 disposed opposite thereto.

  First, the configuration of the TFD array substrate 93 is as follows.

The TFD array substrate 93 includes a substrate body 10 that has a role of supporting a plurality of components. A data line 32 (see FIG. 6), a TFD 31 (see FIG. 6), an insulating layer 47 made of a transparent resin, and the like are formed on the inner surface of the substrate body 10, and the data line 32 and the TFD are formed.
31 is covered with an insulating layer 47.

A pixel electrode 55 is formed on the inner surface of the insulating layer 47 and in each pixel region D. The substantially rectangular island electrode portion 55a is provided at a position corresponding to the first transmissive display region T1, and the substantially rectangular island electrode portion 55c corresponds to the second transmissive display region T2. Further, the substantially rectangular island-shaped electrode portion 55b is provided at a position corresponding to the reflective display region R. Further, the electrical connection between the island-shaped electrode portion 55a disposed in the first transmissive display area T1 and the island-shaped electrode section 55b disposed in the reflective display region R is the same as the island-shaped electrode section 55a and the island-shaped electrode. On the inner surface of the insulating layer 47 located between the portions 55b, the connection portion 55s is provided, and the island-shaped electrode portion 55c disposed in the second transmissive display region T2 and the reflective display region R are disposed. The electrical connection with the island-shaped electrode portion 55b is achieved via the connection portion 55s on the inner surface of the insulating layer 47 located between the island-shaped electrode portion 55c and the island-shaped electrode portion 55b.

As shown in FIG. 6, a contact hole 47a that penetrates a part of the insulating layer 47 is formed at the corner position of the island-shaped electrode portion 55c, and the island-shaped electrode portion 55b is formed in the contact hole 47.
They are electrically connected to the TFD 31 and the data line 32 via a. A vertical alignment film 12 is formed on the inner surface of the pixel electrode 55 and the like. On the other hand, a phase difference plate 17 and a polarizing plate 18 are arranged in this order on the outer surface of the substrate body 10.

  Next, the configuration of the color filter substrate 94 is as follows.

The color filter substrate 94 includes a substrate body 25 having a role of supporting a plurality of components. On the inner surface of the substrate body 25, a colored layer 16 (green (G in FIG.
) Colored layer 16G), scattering layer 24, light shielding layer 41, and the like.

The scattering layer 24 is formed of a transparent resin material, and minute unevenness for appropriately scattering light is formed on the surface thereof. The scattering layer 24 is provided at a position corresponding to at least the reflective display region R. In order to simplify the process, the light shielding layer 41 is preferably formed of the same material in the same process as the reflective film 23 described above.

1st and 2nd which are on the inner surface of the board | substrate body 25, and are located in the reverse side with respect to the reflective display area | region R.
Each of the outer sides (end portions) 55aa, 55 of the island-shaped electrode portions 55a, 55c of the transmissive display regions T1, T2
Light shielding layers 40 are provided at positions adjacent to ca. Here, the pixel electrode 55
And the plurality of light shielding layers 41 arranged on both sides thereof, the first of the plurality of light shielding layers 41 is the first.
One end portion of one light shielding layer 41 located on the island-like electrode portion 55a side of the transmissive display region T1 is located on the same plane S1 as the outer side (end portion) 55aa of the island-like electrode portion 55a. One end portion of the other light shielding layer 41 located on the island-shaped electrode portion 55c side of the second transmissive display region T2 is located on the same plane S2 as the outer side (end portion) 55ca of the island-shaped electrode portion 55c. ing.

A reflective film 23 having reflectivity is provided on the inner surface of the scattering layer 24. The reflective film 23 has a shape reflecting the minute irregularities of the scattering layer 24, and the light reflected by the reflective film 23 is appropriately scattered. The colored layer 16 is provided on each inner surface of the substrate body 25 and the light shielding layer 41 and the reflective film 23. For this reason, the thickness of the colored layer 16 located in the reflective display region R is set to be smaller than the thickness of the colored layer 16 located in the first and second transmissive display regions T1 and T2. A color display image having a small color difference with the mold display can be obtained. An insulating layer 46 made of a transparent resin material is formed on the inner surface of the colored layer 16.

The thickness dt of the liquid crystal layer 50 corresponding to each of the first and second transmissive display regions T1 and T2 and the reflection on at least the position corresponding to the reflective display region R on the inner surface of the colored layer 16 A layer thickness adjusting layer 46 for making the thickness dr of the liquid crystal layer 50 corresponding to the display region R substantially different is formed. In the second embodiment, due to the presence of the layer thickness adjusting layer 46, the thickness dr of the liquid crystal layer 50 in the reflective display region R is changed to the thickness dt of the liquid crystal layer 50 in the first and second transmissive display regions T1 and T2. Can be made smaller. Therefore, the retardation in the reflective display region R and the retardation in each of the first and second transmissive display regions T1, T2 are brought closer to each other.
Alternatively, they can be made substantially equal, thereby improving the contrast.

A scanning line (scanning electrode) 27 made of ITO or the like is formed on each inner surface of the coloring layer 16 and the layer thickness adjusting layer 46. Here, the scanning line 27 is provided with an alignment control means for controlling the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 50. The orientation control means is provided at a position corresponding to the substantially central portion of the island-like electrode portions 55a, 55b, and 55c formed on the TFD array substrate 93 side in the scanning line 27. As a specific configuration thereof, This is due to the slit 27a having an opening in the region of the scanning line 27 corresponding to the substantially central portion of the island-shaped electrode portions 55a, 55b, 55c. In the present invention, the orientation control means replaces the slit 27a with the island-shaped electrode portions 55a, 55b, 55.
You may provide the protrusion which consists of dielectrics in the area | region corresponding to the approximate center part of c. A vertical alignment film 12 is formed on the inner surface of the scanning lines 27 and the like. On the other hand, on the outer surface of the substrate body 25, the phase difference plate 14, the polarizing plate 15, and the backlight 19 are arranged in this order.

In the liquid crystal device 200 having the above configuration, when a voltage is applied between the TFD array substrate 93 and the color filter substrate 94, an electric field corresponding to the voltage is formed in the liquid crystal layer 50 between the two substrates. Each of the island-shaped electrode portions 55a, 55b, and 55c is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and a slit 27a as an orientation control means is formed in the scanning line 27 on the color filter substrate 94 side facing the island-shaped electrode portions 55a, 55b, and 55c. The liquid crystal molecules are island-shaped electrode portions 55a, 55b, 55
The alignment state is controlled radially about the approximate center of each of c. Thereby, in the liquid crystal device 200 according to the second embodiment, the viewing angle dependency is suppressed, and a wide viewing angle is possible.

When the reflective display is performed in the liquid crystal device 200 of the second embodiment, the external light that has entered the liquid crystal device 200 from the observation side travels along the path Lr shown in FIG. The light passes through the formed region, is reflected by the reflective film 23 located below the colored layer 16, passes through the colored layer 16 again, and is emitted onto the display screen. Thereby, the display image which shows a predetermined hue and brightness is visually recognized by the observer. On the other hand, when transmissive display is performed in the liquid crystal device 200, the illumination light emitted from the backlight 19 travels along the path Lt shown in FIG. 8, and passes through the pixel electrode 55, the colored layer 16 and the like for observation. To the person. In this case, the illumination light has a predetermined hue and brightness by passing through the colored layer 16. Thus, a desired color display image is visually recognized by the observer.

Next, functions and effects unique to the liquid crystal device 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

First, in the liquid crystal device 200, on the color filter substrate 94 side, the backlight 19 is located at a position corresponding to the position adjacent to the island-shaped electrode portions 55a and 55c in the first and second transmissive display regions T1 and T2. A light shielding layer 41 for shielding illumination light emitted from the light source is provided. Specifically, the light shielding layer 41 has the first and second transmissive display areas T1 and T2 as viewed in a plan view.
Are provided at positions corresponding to positions in contact with the island-shaped electrode portions 55a and 55c. Thereby, similarly to the first embodiment described above, light leakage generated around the island-shaped electrode portions 55a and 55c in the first and second transmissive display regions T1 and T2 can be hidden by the light shielding layer 41. . As a result, it is possible to prevent the contrast from decreasing.

In addition, with this configuration, for example, it is not necessary to devise a driver IC for driving the liquid crystal to intentionally set the voltage value at the time of displaying the black level in the initial alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the potential difference between when no voltage is applied and when a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 50. As a result, an increase in power consumption of the liquid crystal device 200 can be suppressed. Since it is not necessary to devise a device to intentionally lower the voltage value when no voltage is applied to 50, it is possible to suppress an increase in the cost of the driver IC.

In the liquid crystal device 200 of the second embodiment, each of the first and second transmissive display regions T1 and T2 is provided in the pixel region D at a position sandwiching the reflective display region R. That means
In the second embodiment, the pixel area D has a configuration in which a transmissive display area, a reflective display area, and a transmissive display area are arranged in this order. The light shielding layer 41 is a reflective display region R out of a plurality of outer sides (ends) of the island-shaped electrode portions 55a and 55c of the first and second transmissive display regions T1 and T2 as viewed in a plan view. Are provided corresponding to the positions in contact with the outer sides (end portions) 55aa and 55ca located on the opposite side. For this reason, of the plurality of outer sides (ends) of the island-like electrode portions 55a and 55c of the first and second transmissive display regions T1 and T2, the outer sides located on the opposite side to the reflective display region R (End portions) Light leakage occurring in the vicinity of 55aa and 55ca is hidden by the light shielding layer 41 provided corresponding to the positions in contact with the outer sides 55aa and 55ca, and is further located on the reflective display region R side. Light leakage occurring around the island-shaped electrode portions 55a and 55c in the first and second transmissive display regions T1 and T2 is hidden by the reflective film 23. As a result, it is possible to prevent the contrast from decreasing. Further, according to such a configuration, since the light shielding layer 41 is not provided in the pixel region D, the island-shaped electrode portions 55a of the first and second transmissive display regions T1, T2 are provided.
It can prevent that the aperture ratio of 55c falls, respectively. As a result, it becomes easy to design the liquid crystal device 200 with emphasis on transmissive display.

In the liquid crystal device 200 according to the second embodiment, the light shielding layer 41 includes the arbitrary pixel region D and the arrangement of the island-shaped electrode portions 55a, 55b, and 55c with respect to the pixel region D when viewed in a plan view. It is located between other pixel regions D adjacent to each other in the direction. For this reason, even when the dot or line inversion driving method is adopted for the second embodiment, liquid crystal molecules are disturbed between the arbitrary pixel region D and the other pixel region D based on the principle described above. The resulting light leakage can be hidden by the light shielding layer 41 located between the arbitrary pixel region D and the other pixel region D. In the second embodiment, the diffused light emitted from the backlight 19 between the arbitrary pixel region D and the other pixel region D in the transmissive display is the same as the arbitrary pixel region D. The light blocking layer 41 located between the other pixel regions D is blocked. For this reason, it is possible to prevent light leakage due to stray light (including light obliquely incident on the liquid crystal layer 50) between the arbitrary pixel region D and the other pixel region D.

In a preferred example, the light shielding layer 41 is preferably made of the same metal material as the reflective film 23. Thus, in the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal device 200, the light shielding layer 41 and the reflective film 23 can be manufactured using the same metal material in the same process. Therefore, the number of steps can be reduced as compared with the case where the light shielding layer 41 and the reflective film 23 are manufactured in separate steps.

[Electronics]
Next, specific examples of electronic devices to which the liquid crystal devices 100 and 200 according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention can be applied will be described with reference to FIG.

First, an example in which the liquid crystal devices 100 and 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention are applied to a display unit of a portable personal computer (so-called notebook personal computer) will be described. FIG.
) Is a perspective view showing the configuration of the personal computer. As shown in the figure, a personal computer 710 includes a main body 712 having a keyboard 711 and a display 713 to which the liquid crystal devices 100 and 200 according to the present invention are applied as a panel.

Next, an example in which the liquid crystal devices 100 and 200 of the present invention are applied to a display unit of a mobile phone will be described. FIG. 9B is a perspective view showing the configuration of this mobile phone. As shown in the figure, the mobile phone 720 includes a plurality of operation buttons 721, an earpiece 722, a mouthpiece 723.
In addition, a display unit 724 to which the liquid crystal devices 100 and 200 of the present invention are applied is provided.

Note that examples of electronic devices to which the liquid crystal devices 100 and 200 of the present invention can be applied include a liquid crystal television, a personal computer shown in FIG. 9A and a mobile phone shown in FIG.
Viewfinder type / monitor direct view type video tape recorder, car navigation system,
Pager, electronic notebook, calculator, word processor, workstation, videophone, PO
S terminal, a digital still camera, etc. are mentioned.

1 is an electrical equivalent circuit diagram of a liquid crystal device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a planar configuration of the TFT array substrate according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to one pixel region of the liquid crystal device according to the first embodiment. Sectional drawing explaining the principle which light leakage generate | occur | produces between the pixel electrodes of a common liquid crystal device. The electrical equivalent circuit schematic of the liquid crystal device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The top view which shows the planar structure of the TFD array substrate which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The principal part top view which shows the electrical connection structure of a pixel electrode and a TFD element. Sectional drawing corresponding to one pixel area | region of the liquid crystal device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. Examples of electronic devices to which the liquid crystal device of the present invention is applied are shown.

Explanation of symbols

5a, 5b, 5c, 55a, 55b, 55c island-shaped electrode part, 5s, 55s connection part,
5, 55 Pixel electrode, 30 TFT, 31 TFD, 40, 41 Light-shielding layer, 5
0 liquid crystal layer, 91 TFT array substrate, 93 TFD array substrate, 92, 94 color filter substrate, 100, 200 liquid crystal device, D pixel region, T1 first transmissive display region, T2 second transmissive display region, R reflective display region

Claims (8)

A first substrate; a second substrate; a liquid crystal layer having negative dielectric anisotropy and provided between the first substrate and the second substrate; and An illuminating device disposed on the side opposite to the liquid crystal layer side,
A pixel region defined by an overlapping region between a first electrode provided on the liquid crystal layer side of the first substrate and the second electrode provided on the liquid crystal layer side of the second substrate; Have multiple
Each of the pixel regions includes the transmissive display region that performs transmissive display by transmitting the light emitted from the illumination device to the first substrate side, and the reflective layer provided on the second substrate.
A reflective display area for reflecting the light incident from the substrate side of the first substrate side to reflect the light to the first substrate side,
Either one of the first electrode and the second electrode has a plurality of island-shaped electrode portions formed in an island shape and a connection portion that electrically connects each of the island-shaped electrode portions. In addition, each of the island-shaped electrode portions is provided corresponding to each of the transmissive display region and the reflective display region, and is adjacent to the island-shaped electrode portion of the transmissive display region in the second substrate. The position is
A liquid crystal device, comprising: a light shielding layer for shielding the light emitted from the illumination device. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the light shielding layer is provided at a position in contact with the island-shaped electrode portion of the transmissive display region when viewed in a plan view. The pixel region has a plurality of the transmissive display regions,
Each of the transmissive display areas is provided at a position sandwiching the reflective display area in the pixel area.
The light shielding layer corresponds to a position in contact with an outer edge located on the opposite side of the reflective display area among a plurality of outer edges of the island-shaped electrode portions of the transmissive display area as viewed in plan. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal device is provided. The pixel region has a plurality of the transmissive display regions,
In the pixel area, the transmissive display area, the reflective display area, and the transmissive display area are arranged in a predetermined direction in this order.
The light shielding layer is provided between the transmissive display region of the predetermined pixel region and the transmissive display region of another pixel region adjacent to the predetermined pixel region in the predetermined direction. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal device is a liquid crystal device. The light shielding layer is located between the arbitrary pixel region and the other pixel regions adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction of the island-shaped electrode portions with respect to the pixel region in plan view. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal device is a liquid crystal device. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the light shielding layer is formed of the same metal material as the reflective layer. The island electrode portion of the reflective display region is formed of a reflective metal material,
The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the reflective layer includes the island-shaped electrode portion in the reflective display area. An electronic apparatus comprising the liquid crystal device according to claim 1 as a display unit.

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