JP2010008693A - Liquid crystal display element - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vertical orientation type liquid crystal display element capable of obtaining a good viewing angle property. <P>SOLUTION: In this vertical orientation type liquid crystal display element, a plurality of slits 21, 22 in the direction of 45 degrees of the absorption axis 19a of one polarization plate and a plurality of slits 23, 24 in the direction of 60 degrees of the absorption axis 19a are provided to a plurality of pixel electrodes 4 provided on the inner surface of one substrate 2 corresponding to four regions obtained by sectioning one pixel, respectively. A plurality of projection stripes 31, 32, 33, 34 in parallel with the slits corresponding to the same regions are provided on the inner surface of the other substrate with pitches shifting by a half for the pitches of the slits corresponding to the four regions, respectively. In each of the plurality of pixels, first regions 41a, 41b defining the falling down direction of liquid crystal molecules by an electric field to the direction crossing by the first angle of 45 degrees to the absorption axis 19a, and second regions 42a, 42b defining the falling down direction of the liquid crystal molecules by the electric field to the direction crossing by the second angle of 30 degrees to the absorption axis 19a are formed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vertical alignment type liquid crystal display element.

  As a liquid crystal display element, an electrode for forming a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix by opposing regions on each of the opposing inner surfaces of a pair of substrates arranged opposite to each other with a predetermined gap, and covering the electrodes A vertical alignment film formed, and a liquid crystal having negative dielectric anisotropy in a gap between the pair of substrates, wherein the liquid crystal molecules are substantially aligned with respect to the substrate surface due to the alignment property of the alignment film. Vertical alignment type in which a liquid crystal layer that is vertically aligned and is tilted with respect to the substrate surface by an electric field applied between the electrodes is enclosed, and a polarizing plate is disposed on each of the outer surfaces of the pair of substrates There is.

  This vertical alignment type liquid crystal display element has better viewing angle characteristics and can display brighter than a TN (twisted nematic) type liquid crystal display element.

  In the vertical alignment type liquid crystal display element, the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules due to the electric field is provided on the inner surfaces of the pair of substrates by providing tilt direction defining means for defining the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules. It is defined in a direction that intersects with an optical axis of one of the pair of polarizing plates disposed on each outer surface of the substrate at a predetermined angle, generally 45 °.

Further, in the vertical alignment type liquid crystal display element, in order to further improve the viewing angle characteristics, the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules for each of the plurality of pixels is set to one direction with respect to the optical axis of the one polarizing plate. Two directions intersecting each other at an angle of 45 ° are defined, and for each of the plurality of pixels, the liquid crystal molecules are 45 ° in one direction with respect to the optical axis of the one polarizing plate. A region that is tilted and aligned in a direction intersecting at an angle and a region in which the liquid crystal molecules are tilted and aligned in a direction that intersects the other direction at an angle of 45 ° with respect to the optical axis of the one polarizing plate are formed. (See Patent Document 1).
JP 2007-52264 A

  However, a sufficiently wide viewing angle characteristic cannot be obtained with a vertical alignment type liquid crystal display element.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a vertical alignment type liquid crystal display element capable of obtaining good viewing angle characteristics.

The liquid crystal display element according to claim 1 of the present invention is
A pair of substrates disposed opposite each other with a predetermined gap;
An electrode that is provided on each of the opposing inner surfaces of the pair of substrates and that forms a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix by regions facing each other;
A vertical alignment film provided on each of the inner surfaces of the pair of substrates so as to cover the electrodes;
The electrode is composed of a liquid crystal having negative dielectric anisotropy enclosed in a gap between the pair of substrates, and the liquid crystal molecules are aligned substantially perpendicular to the substrate surface by the orientation of the alignment film, and the electrodes A liquid crystal layer that is tilted and aligned with respect to the substrate surface by an electric field applied therebetween,
A pair of polarizing plates respectively disposed on the outer surfaces of the pair of substrates;
The tilt directions of the liquid crystal molecules due to the electric field in the plurality of pixels are defined in a plurality of directions, and at least the liquid crystal molecules of each of the plurality of pixels are optical of one polarizing plate of the pair of polarizing plates. A first region that is tilted and oriented in a direction intersecting at a predetermined first angle with respect to the axis; and the first angle with respect to the optical axis of the one polarizing plate is an absolute value. A tilt direction defining means for forming a second region that tilts and orients in a direction intersecting at a predetermined second angle different from each other;
It is characterized by providing.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the liquid crystal display element according to the first aspect, the tilt direction defining means uses the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the first region as the optical axis of the one polarizing plate. The direction in which the liquid crystal molecules in the second region are tilted is 60 ° ± 7.5 ° or 30 ° with respect to the optical axis of the one polarizing plate. It is characterized in that it is defined in a direction intersecting at an angle of ° ± 7.5 °.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the liquid crystal display element according to the first aspect, the tilt direction defining means includes a plurality of first regions, a plurality of second regions, and a plurality of second regions for each of the plurality of pixels. Is formed by adjoining at least one first region and at least one second region of these regions.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the liquid crystal display element according to the third aspect, the tilt direction defining means includes a tilt direction of liquid crystal molecules in at least one region of the plurality of first regions, The direction of tilting of the liquid crystal molecules in the other first region, respectively, the direction intersecting one direction with the optical axis of the one polarizing plate at a first angle and the optical axis of the one polarizing plate And a direction intersecting the other direction at the first angle, the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules in at least one of the plurality of second regions, and the liquid crystal in the other second region. The direction in which the molecules are tilted is a direction that intersects the optical axis of the one polarizing plate with one direction at a second angle, and a direction that intersects the optical axis of the one polarizing plate in the other direction. And a direction defined by a direction intersecting at an angle of 2.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the liquid crystal display element according to the first aspect, the tilt direction defining means includes a liquid crystal molecule for each of the plurality of pixels, with respect to the optical axis of the one polarizing plate. The first region tilted in the direction intersecting at a predetermined first angle and the liquid crystal molecules have a predetermined absolute value different from the first angle with respect to the optical axis of the one polarizing plate. The second region tilted in the direction intersecting at the second angle and the liquid crystal molecules have a predetermined absolute value different from the first and second angles with respect to the optical axis of the one polarizing plate. And a third region that is tilted and oriented in a direction intersecting at a third angle.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the liquid crystal display element according to the fifth aspect, the tilt direction defining means uses the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the first region as the optical axis of the one polarizing plate. The direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the second region is defined as a direction intersecting at an angle of 45 ° ± 5 ° with respect to the optical axis of the one polarizing plate at an angle of 60 ° ± 7.5 °. And the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the third region is defined as a direction intersecting with the optical axis of the one polarizing plate at an angle of 30 ° ± 7.5 °.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the liquid crystal display element according to the fifth aspect, the tilt direction defining means includes a plurality of first regions, a plurality of second regions, and a plurality of second regions for each of the plurality of pixels. The plurality of third regions are formed by adjoining at least one first region and at least one second or third region among these regions.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the liquid crystal display element according to claim 7, wherein the tilt direction defining means includes a tilt direction of liquid crystal molecules in at least one region of the plurality of first regions, The direction of tilting of the liquid crystal molecules in the other first region, respectively, the direction intersecting one direction with the optical axis of the one polarizing plate at a first angle and the optical axis of the one polarizing plate And a direction intersecting the other direction at the first angle, the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules in at least one of the plurality of second regions, and the liquid crystal in the other second region. The direction in which the molecules are tilted is a direction that intersects the optical axis of the one polarizing plate with one direction at a second angle, and a direction that intersects the optical axis of the one polarizing plate in the other direction. A direction intersecting at an angle of 2, and the plurality of third regions The tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules in at least one region of the liquid crystal and the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the other third region cross each other at a third angle with respect to the optical axis of the one polarizing plate. And a direction intersecting the other axis with the third angle with respect to the optical axis of the one polarizing plate.

  According to a ninth aspect of the invention, in the liquid crystal display element according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, of the electrodes provided on the inner surfaces of the pair of substrates, the electrode provided on one of the substrates is The plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix and the electrode provided on the other substrate are counter electrodes facing the plurality of pixel electrodes, and the tilt direction defining means is provided on each of the plurality of pixel electrodes. Corresponding to each of a plurality of regions in which the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules due to the electric field is different, in a direction substantially parallel to each other at a predetermined pitch and substantially perpendicular to the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the corresponding region. A plurality of slits provided along the inner surface of the other substrate and the inner surface of the other substrate correspond to the plurality of regions of the pixel, respectively, and the pitch of the plurality of slits corresponding to the same region is actual. Manner, characterized in that it is formed by a plurality of ridges provided in said slit substantially parallel 1/2 pitch shift pitch.

  According to the vertical alignment type liquid crystal display element of the present invention, good viewing angle characteristics can be obtained.

(First embodiment)
1 to 3 show a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a plan view of a part of one substrate of a vertical alignment type liquid crystal display element. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the liquid crystal display element shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which follows the -II line.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the vertical alignment type liquid crystal display element has a pair of transparent substrates 1 and 2 arranged opposite to each other with a predetermined gap, and the pair of substrates 1 and 2 are opposed to each other. Transparent electrodes 3 and 4 provided on each inner surface and forming a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix in the row direction (left-right direction of the screen) and column direction (up-down direction of the screen) by regions facing each other; Nematics having a negative dielectric anisotropy enclosed in a gap between the vertical alignment films 16 and 17 provided on the inner surfaces of the substrates 1 and 2 so as to cover the electrodes 3 and 4 and the pair of substrates 1 and 2, respectively. The liquid crystal molecules 18 a are made of liquid crystal and are aligned substantially perpendicular to the surfaces of the substrates 1 and 2 due to the orientation of the alignment films 16 and 17, and the substrate is applied by the electric field applied between the electrodes 3 and 4. Liquid that tilts and aligns with respect to 1 and 2 surfaces The layer 18, and a pair of polarizing plates 19 and 20 respectively disposed on an outer surface of the pair of substrates 1 and 2.

  The liquid crystal display element is an active matrix liquid crystal display element, and one of the electrodes 3 and 4 provided on the inner surfaces of the pair of substrates 1 and 2, for example, an observation side (upper side in FIG. 2). The electrode 4 provided on the opposite substrate (hereinafter referred to as the rear substrate) 2 is formed in a shape corresponding to a predetermined pixel shape, and is arranged in a matrix, and the other substrate. That is, the electrode 3 provided on the observation-side substrate (hereinafter referred to as the front substrate) 1 is a counter electrode that is formed over the entire array region of the plurality of pixels and faces the plurality of pixel electrodes 4.

  A plurality of TFTs (thin film transistors) 5 disposed on the inner surface of the rear substrate 2 so as to correspond to the plurality of pixel electrodes 4, respectively, and a plurality of scans for supplying gate signals to the plurality of TFTs 5 for each row. A line 11 and a plurality of signal lines 12 that supply data signals to the plurality of TFTs 5 for each column are provided.

  Each of the plurality of TFTs 5 includes a gate electrode 6 formed on the plate surface of the rear substrate 2 and a transparent gate insulating film formed on the entire array region of the plurality of pixel electrodes 4 so as to cover the gate electrode 6. 7, an i-type semiconductor film 8 formed on the gate insulating film 7 so as to face the gate electrode 6, and an n-type (not shown) on one side and the other side of the i-type semiconductor film 8. It consists of a drain electrode 9 and a source electrode 10 formed via a semiconductor film.

  The plurality of scanning lines 11 are formed on the plate surface of the rear substrate 2 and connected to the gate electrodes 6 of the plurality of TFTs 5 in each row, respectively, and the plurality of signal lines 12 are connected to the gate insulating film. 7 and connected to the drain electrodes 9 of the plurality of TFTs 5 in each column.

  The plurality of pixel electrodes 4 are formed on the gate insulating film 7 and connected to the source electrode 10 of the corresponding TFT 5. In this embodiment, the ratio between the vertical width parallel to the vertical direction of the screen and the horizontal width parallel to the horizontal direction of the screen is approximately 2: 1. The pixel electrode 4 is formed in a vertically long rectangular shape, and the source electrode 10 of the TFT 5 is connected to the central portion of one side edge of the pixel electrode 4 in the vertical direction.

  Although not shown in the drawing, the inner surface of the rear substrate 2 is formed on the plate surface so as to correspond to the peripheral edge portions of the plurality of pixel electrodes 3, and the peripheral edge portions of the plurality of pixel electrodes 3 and A compensation capacitance electrode for forming a compensation capacitance having the gate insulating film 7 as a dielectric layer is provided between the two.

  Further, an overcoat insulating film 13 is provided on the inner surface of the rear substrate 2 so as to cover the plurality of signal lines 12, and a vertical alignment film 17 is formed thereon so as to cover the plurality of pixel electrodes 4. ing.

  On the other hand, on the inner surface of the front substrate 1, a light shielding film 14 formed so as to be opposed to a region between the plurality of pixels, and red, green, and blue 3 formed respectively corresponding to the plurality of pixels. Color filters 15R, 15G, and 15B are provided, the counter electrode 3 is formed on the color filters 15R, 15G, and 15B, and the vertical alignment film 16 is formed thereon.

  The pair of substrates 1 and 2 are joined via a frame-like sealing material (not shown) surrounding the array region of the plurality of pixels, and are surrounded by the sealing material between the substrates 1 and 2. A liquid crystal layer 18 made of nematic liquid crystal having negative dielectric anisotropy is sealed in the region.

  In addition, the pair of polarizing plates 19 and 20 provided on the outer surfaces of the pair of substrates 1 and 2 respectively display black when no electric field is applied between the electrodes 3 and 4 of the plurality of pixels. In addition, each optical axis, that is, one of the absorption axis and the transmission axis orthogonal to each other, for example, the absorption axis, is arranged so as to be substantially orthogonal.

  In FIG. 1, an alternate long and short dash line indicates an absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 disposed on the observation side of the pair of polarizing plates 19 and 20, and in this embodiment, absorption by the front polarizing plate 19 is performed. The axis 19a is parallel to the horizontal direction of the screen, and the absorption axis (not shown) of the polarizing plate 20 is arranged parallel to the vertical direction of the screen after being arranged on the side opposite to the observation side.

  Further, the liquid crystal display element defines a tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a due to the electric field in the plurality of pixels in a plurality of directions, and at least the liquid crystal molecules 18a are included in the pair of polarized light for each of the plurality of pixels. One of the plates 19 and 20, for example, the first regions 41a and 41b that are tilted and oriented in a direction intersecting at a predetermined first angle with respect to the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19, and Second regions 42a and 42b in which the liquid crystal molecules 18a are tilted and oriented in a direction intersecting with a predetermined second angle having an absolute value different from the first angle with respect to the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19. Are provided.

  The tilt direction defining means corresponds to a plurality of regions 41a, 41b, 42a, and 42b that respectively change the tilt directions of the liquid crystal molecules 18a due to the electric field to the plurality of pixel electrodes 4 provided on the inner surface of the rear substrate 2. And a plurality of the first and second regions 41a, 41b, 42a and 42b provided in parallel with each other at a predetermined pitch and along a direction substantially perpendicular to the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a of the corresponding regions 41a, 41b, 42a and 42b. The plurality of slits 21, 22, 23, 24 and the other substrate, that is, the inner surface of the front substrate 1, correspond to the plurality of regions 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b of the pixel, respectively, and correspond to the same region. Provided substantially parallel to the slits 21, 22, 23, 24 at a pitch that is substantially ½ pitch away from the pitches of 21, 22, 23, 24. It is formed by a plurality of transparent protrusions 31, 32, 33 and 34 were.

  The plurality of ridges 31, 32, 33, 34 are directed from the counter electrode 3 side to the liquid crystal layer 18 side by a photosensitive resist on the counter electrode 3 provided on the inner surface of the front substrate 1. The vertical alignment film 17 on the inner surface of the front substrate 1 is formed so as to cover the ridges 31, 32, 33, and 34. Yes.

  The tilt direction defining means determines the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a due to the electric field of each of the plurality of pixels, for each of the plurality of regions 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b of the plurality of slits 21, 22, 23, 24 and the ridges 31, 32, 33, and 34 are defined in a direction substantially orthogonal to the length direction.

  That is, the liquid crystal molecules 18 a of the liquid crystal layer 18 sealed in the gap between the pair of substrates 1 and 2 are formed on the inner surface of the front substrate 1 due to the orientation of the vertical alignment films 16 and 17. In portions other than the vicinity of the strips 31, 32, 33, and 34, they are oriented substantially perpendicular to the surfaces of the substrates 1 and 2.

  On the other hand, the liquid crystal molecules 18a in the vicinity of the plurality of ridges 31, 32, 33, 34 tend to be aligned perpendicularly to the top surface and both side surfaces of the ridges 31, 32, 33, 34. The portions of the liquid crystal molecules 18a corresponding to the ridges 31, 32, 33, 34 are liquid crystal molecules 18a on the front substrate 1 side on one side and the other side across the ridges 31, 32, 33, 34, respectively. However, the protrusions 31, 32, 33, 34 extend along a direction substantially perpendicular to the length direction of the protrusions 31, 32, 33, 34 with respect to the normal direction of the substrates 1, 2. Oriented in a slanted state in the direction of heading.

  Therefore, when an electric field is applied between the pixel electrode 4 and the counter electrode 3, one of the plurality of regions 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b of the pixel sandwiching the ridges 31, 32, 33, 34 is sandwiched. On the other side and the other side, the liquid crystal molecules 18a oriented in an obliquely inclined state in the vicinity of the ridges 31, 32, 33, 34 fall down in a direction in which the inclination further increases, and accordingly, The liquid crystal molecules 18a in other regions are induced to fall by the intermolecular force between the liquid crystal molecules 18a, and fall in the same direction as that of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in the vicinity of the ridges 31, 32, 33, 34. .

  The plurality of ridges 31, 32, 33, and 34 are substantially ½ pitch away from the pitch of the plurality of slits 21, 22, 23, and 24 provided in the pixel electrode 3, That is, since one ridge 31, 32, 33, 34 is provided in the center between the adjacent slits 21, 21, 22, 22, 23, 23, 24, 24 at the corresponding pitch, the liquid crystal The molecule 18a includes, for each of the plurality of regions 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b of the pixel, a portion corresponding to the gap between the adjacent slits 21, 21, 22, 22, 22, 23, 23, and 24, 24 and One side of the liquid crystal molecules 18a corresponding to the gap between the edge of the pixel electrode 4 and the slits 21, 22, 23, 24 closest to the edge sandwich the ridges 31, 32, 33, 34, respectively. And on the other side it Is, aligned collapse in the longitudinal direction substantially perpendicular directions opposite to each other along a direction (direction toward the ridge 31, 32, 33, 34) of the ridges 31, 32, 33 and 34. In FIG. 1, thick white arrows indicate the tilt directions of the liquid crystal molecules 18a of the plurality of regions 41a, 41b, 42a, and 42b.

  In this liquid crystal display element, the tilt direction defining means sets the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18 a in the first regions 41 a and 41 b at an angle of substantially 45 ° with respect to the absorption axis 19 a of the front polarizing plate 19. The direction in which the liquid crystal molecules 18a of the second regions 42a and 42b are tilted is defined as a direction that intersects the absorption axis 10a of the front polarizing plate 19 at an angle of substantially 60 °. It is formed as follows.

  The tilt direction defining means includes a plurality of liquid crystal molecules 18a that are tilted and aligned in a direction intersecting the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at the first angle of 45 ° for each of the plurality of pixels. The first regions 41a and 41b and a plurality of second regions 42a and 42b in which the liquid crystal molecules 18a are tilted and oriented in a direction intersecting with the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at the second angle of 60 °. Are formed such that at least one first region 41a or 41b and at least one second region 42a or 42b of these regions 41a, 41b, 42a and 42b are adjacent to each other. Yes.

  Further, the tilt direction defining means determines the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in at least one region of the plurality of first regions 41a and 41b and the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in the other first regions. The 45 in the direction intersecting the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 in one direction at the first angle of 45 ° and the other direction with respect to the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19, respectively. A direction intersecting at a first angle of °, and the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in at least one of the plurality of second regions 42a, 42b and the liquid crystal molecules in the other second region The direction in which 18a falls is the direction intersecting the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 in one direction at the second angle of 60 ° and the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 respectively. 60 ° second in the other direction It is formed so as to define in the direction crossing at an angle.

  In this embodiment, as described above, a pixel having a shape corresponding to the pixel electrode 4 formed in a vertically long rectangular shape having a ratio of the width in the vertical direction to the horizontal direction of about 2: 1 is substantially set in the vertical direction. Divided into four equal areas, each of the plurality of pixel electrodes 4 is provided with a plurality of slits 21, 22, 23, 24 corresponding to the four areas, respectively. A plurality of ridges 31, 32, 33, 34 are provided in correspondence with the regions.

  In this embodiment, the plurality of slits 21 and ridges 31 corresponding to the uppermost region in FIG. 1 among the four regions are viewed from the observation side with respect to the absorption axis 19 a of the front polarizing plate 19. A plurality of slits 22 and ridges 32 corresponding to the second region from the top are formed counterclockwise as viewed from the observation side with respect to the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19. A plurality of slits 23 and ridges 33 corresponding to the third region from the top are formed in a clockwise direction when viewed from the observation side with respect to the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19. A plurality of slits 24 and ridges 34 corresponding to the lowermost region are formed in the direction of 30 °, and the direction of 30 ° in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the observation side with respect to the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 Is formed.

  The slits 21, 22, 23, and 24 corresponding to the four regions are provided so as to avoid a portion corresponding to a peripheral portion of the pixel electrode 4 and a boundary portion with an adjacent region. The plurality of portions divided by the slits 21, 22, 23, and 24 are electrically connected to each other at the peripheral edge of the pixel electrode 4 and the portion corresponding to the boundary between the four regions.

  Further, the ridges 31, 32, 33, and 34 respectively corresponding to the four regions are formed to have a length corresponding to the boundary between the adjacent region or the outer peripheral edge of the pixel. , Slits extending toward the boundary between the top and second regions of the plurality of slits 21 and 22 provided in the 45 ° direction so as to correspond to the top and second regions of the pixel, respectively. Of the plurality of slits 23 and 24 provided in the direction of 60 °, which are continuous with each other in the portion corresponding to the boundary portion and correspond to the third and lowermost two regions of the pixel, respectively. The slits extending toward the boundary between the second and lowermost regions are continuous with each other at a portion corresponding to the boundary.

  That is, in this embodiment, the slits 21, 22, 23, and 24 and the ridges 31, 32, 33, and 34 respectively corresponding to the four regions of the pixel are provided in the above direction, A direction in which the liquid crystal molecules 18a intersect with the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at a first angle of substantially 45 ° by an electric field due to the uppermost region and the second region from the top. The first regions 41a and 41b are tilted and oriented, and the third region from the top and the lowermost region cause the liquid crystal molecules 18a to move relative to the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 by an electric field. Forming second regions 42a and 42b that are tilted and oriented in a direction crossing at a second angle of substantially 60 °, and further, the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in the uppermost first region 41a is The front polarizing plate 1 9 is defined in a direction that intersects with the 45 ° angle in the counterclockwise direction as viewed from the observation side, and the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in the second region 41b second from the top is defined. The liquid crystal molecules in the second region 42a third from the top are defined in a direction that intersects the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 in the clockwise direction as viewed from the observation side at an angle of 45 °. The tilt direction of 18a is defined as a direction that intersects the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the observation side at an angle of 60 °, and the liquid crystal in the lowermost second region 42b. The falling direction of the molecules 18a is defined as a direction that intersects the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 in the clockwise direction at an angle of 60 ° when viewed from the observation side.

  The liquid crystal display element includes a plurality of slits 21, 22, 23, 24 provided on a plurality of pixel electrodes 4 on the inner surface of the rear substrate 2, and a plurality of protrusions 31, provided on the inner surface of the front substrate. By providing the tilt direction defining means comprising 32, 33 and 34, the direction in which the liquid crystal molecules 18a intersect with the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at a predetermined first angle for each of the plurality of pixels. The first regions 41a and 41b that are tilted to be aligned with the liquid crystal molecules 18a intersect the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at a predetermined second angle that is different from the first angle in absolute value. Since the second regions 42a and 42b are tilted and oriented in the direction to be tilted, the liquid crystal molecules 18a are tilted in the direction intersecting the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at the first angle. The first viewing angle feature corresponding to And a second viewing angle characteristic corresponding to the tilted orientation of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in a direction intersecting at a second angle different from the first angle with respect to the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 Therefore, it is possible to obtain a favorable viewing angle characteristic in which the first and second viewing angle characteristics are synergistic.

  Further, in this liquid crystal display element, the direction in which the liquid crystal molecules 18a of the first regions 41a and 41b are tilted by an electric field intersects the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at an angle of substantially 45 °. And the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in the second regions 42a and 42b is defined in a direction substantially intersecting with the absorption axis 10a of the front polarizing plate 19 at an angle of 60 °. Thus, it is possible to display with good contrast and brightness with respect to the eight viewing angles of the liquid crystal display element, to obtain better viewing angle characteristics and to increase the brightness of bright display.

  That is, the brightness of the bright display of the vertical alignment type liquid crystal display element is the highest when the angle of the direction in which the liquid crystal molecules 18a are tilted with respect to the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 is 45 °. The angle of the direction in which the liquid crystal molecules 18a are tilted with respect to the absorption axis 19a becomes larger than 45 ° or decreases as the angle becomes smaller.

  In the liquid crystal display element of the above embodiment, the liquid crystal molecules 18a of the first regions 41a and 41b are tilted in a direction intersecting with the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at an angle of substantially 45 °. Then, the liquid crystal molecules 18 a in the second regions 42 a and 42 b are tilted and oriented in a direction substantially intersecting with the absorption axis 10 a of the front polarizing plate 19 at an angle of 60 °.

  Therefore, the bright display brightness of the first areas 41a and 41b is the highest brightness as described above, and the bright display brightness of the second areas 42a and 42b is the same as that of the first area. The brightness is sufficiently high, about 75% of the brightness of the bright display.

  In this liquid crystal display element, the ratio of the total area of the first regions 41a and 41b and the total area of the second regions 42a and 42b is substantially equal. This is substantially the average value of the brightness of the bright display in the first areas 41a and 41b and the brightness of the bright display in the second areas 42a and 42b.

  FIG. 3 is a voltage-luminance characteristic diagram of the liquid crystal display element, A is a voltage-luminance characteristic of the first regions 41a and 41b, B is a voltage-luminance characteristic of the second regions 42a and 42b, C indicates the voltage-luminance characteristics of one entire pixel. In FIG. 3, the luminance value on the vertical axis is the luminance of the emitted light when the luminance of the incident light is 1.

  As shown in this voltage-luminance characteristic diagram, the liquid crystal display element has the brightness of the bright display of the entire pixel (the brightness of the bright display of the first areas 41a and 41b and the brightness of the bright display of the second areas 42a and 42b). (Average value with respect to luminance) is 85 to 87% of the highest luminance of the first regions 41a and 41b, and therefore a high luminance display can be obtained.

  In the liquid crystal display element, the two first regions 41a and 41b and the two second regions 42a and 42b are divided into the regions 41a, 41b, 42a and 42b for each of the plurality of pixels. The first region (second region from the top in FIG. 1) 41b and one second region (third region from the top in FIG. 1) 42a are formed adjacent to each other. Therefore, better viewing angle characteristics can be obtained.

  Further, the liquid crystal display element includes a plurality of slits 21, 22, 23, 24 provided on the plurality of pixel electrodes 4 on the inner surface of the rear substrate 2, and a plurality of protrusions 31 provided on the inner surface of the front substrate. , 32, 33, 34, the tilt direction defining means includes the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in one region 41a of the two first regions 41a, 41b and the liquid crystal in the other first region 41b. The direction in which the molecules 18 a fall is respectively intersected with the absorption axis 19 a of the front polarizing plate 19 at a first angle of substantially 45 ° with respect to the absorption axis 19 a of the front polarizing plate 19. The direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in one region 42a of the two second regions 42a, 42b is defined as a direction that intersects the other direction at the first angle of substantially 45 °. And the liquid crystal of the other second region 42b The direction in which the molecules 18a are tilted respectively intersects the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 with one direction at a second angle of substantially 60 ° and the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 With respect to the other direction, it is formed so as to be defined in the direction intersecting at the second angle of substantially 60 ° with respect to the other direction, so that even better viewing angle characteristics can be obtained.

  In the liquid crystal display element of the first embodiment, the direction in which the liquid crystal molecules 18a are tilted by the electric field intersects with the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at a first angle of substantially 45 °. The first regions 41a and 41b to be defined and the second regions 42a and 52b defined in a direction intersecting with the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at a second angle of substantially 60 ° are shown in FIG. It may be formed not only in the arrangement order such as 1 but in other arrangement orders.

  4 and 5 are plan views of one pixel portion of one substrate (rear substrate) of the vertical alignment type liquid crystal display element showing a modification of the first embodiment. In the modification of FIG. A direction of 45 ° in the clockwise direction when viewed from the observation side with respect to the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 in correspondence with the uppermost region and the lowermost region of the four regions of the pixel. Slits 21 and ridges 31, and slits 22 and ridges 32 of 45 ° in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the observation side with respect to the absorption axis 19 a of the front polarizing plate 19, and the third from the top And the slit 23 and the ridge 33 in the direction of 30 ° clockwise when viewed from the observation side with respect to the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19, In the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the observation side with respect to the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 0 ° are provided and the direction of the slits 24 and ridges 34.

  That is, in this modified example, the liquid crystal molecules 18a are substantially separated from the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 by an electric field by the uppermost region and the lowermost region of the four regions of the pixel. In particular, first regions 41a and 41b that are tilted and oriented in a direction intersecting at a first angle of 45 ° are formed, and an electric field is generated by the second region from the top and the third region from the top. To form second regions 42a and 42b in which the liquid crystal molecules 18a are tilted and oriented in a direction intersecting with the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at a second angle of substantially 60 °. The tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in the upper first region 41a is defined in a direction that intersects the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 in the counterclockwise direction as viewed from the observation side at an angle of 45 °, The lowest first region 41a The tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a is defined as a direction that intersects the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 in the clockwise direction when viewed from the observation side at the angle of 45 °, and the second from the top. The tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in the second region 42a is defined as a direction that intersects the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 in the clockwise direction when viewed from the observation side at an angle of 60 °, and The tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in the third region 42b is defined as a direction crossing the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 counterclockwise at an angle of 60 ° when viewed from the observation side. It is what.

  In this modification, the uppermost region and the lowermost region of the pixel are arranged in a direction in which the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a intersects the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at an angle of 45 °. The first regions 41a and 41b to be defined are the second region from the top and the second two regions from the top, and the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a is 30 with respect to the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19. The first regions 42a and 42b are defined in directions intersecting at an angle of 0 °, and the uppermost region and the lowermost region are defined as the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a. The second regions 42a and 42b are defined in a direction intersecting at an angle of 30 ° with respect to 19a, and the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a is defined as the second region from the top and the second two regions from the top. To the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 The first region 41a that defines the direction crossing at an angle of 45 °, may be 41b.

  Further, in the modification of FIG. 5, observation is made with respect to the absorption axis 19 a of the front polarizing plate 19 so as to correspond to the uppermost region of the four regions of the pixel and the third region from the top. Slits 21 and ridges 31 in a clockwise direction as viewed from the side, and slits 22 and 45 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed from the observation side with respect to the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 and Protruding stripes 32 are provided, corresponding to the lowermost region and the second region from the top, respectively, by 30 ° clockwise relative to the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 when viewed from the observation side. Direction slits 23 and ridges 33, and slits 24 and ridges 34 in the direction of 30 ° in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the observation side with respect to the absorption axis 19 a of the front polarizing plate 19.

  That is, in this modification, the liquid crystal molecules 18a are caused to move to the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 by an electric field by the uppermost region of the four regions of the pixel and the third region from the top. The first regions 41a and 41b are tilted and oriented in a direction substantially intersecting at a first angle of 45 ° with respect to the first region 41a and 41b, and an electric field is formed by the lowermost region and the second region from the top. To form second regions 42a and 42b in which the liquid crystal molecules 18a are tilted and oriented in a direction intersecting with the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at a second angle of substantially 60 °. The tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in the upper first region 41a is defined in a direction that intersects the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 in the counterclockwise direction as viewed from the observation side at an angle of 45 °, 3rd territory from above The tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a at 41a is defined as a direction that intersects the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 in the clockwise direction as viewed from the observation side at an angle of 45 °, and the lowest second The tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in the region 42a is defined as a direction that intersects the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 in the clockwise direction when viewed from the observation side at an angle of 60 °, and 2 from above. The tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in the second second region 42b is defined as a direction intersecting with the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 in a counterclockwise direction at an angle of 60 ° when viewed from the observation side. Yes.

  In this modification, the uppermost region of the pixel and the third region from the top intersect the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a with the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at an angle of 45 °. The first region 41a, 41b is defined in the direction, the second region from the top and the lowest region, the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a is 30 ° with respect to the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 The first regions 42a and 42b are defined in a direction intersecting at an angle. The uppermost region and the third region from the top are defined as the tilting direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a. The second regions 42a and 42b are defined in a direction intersecting at an angle of 30 ° with respect to 19a, the second region from the top and the bottom region are defined, and the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a is defined as the pre-polarized light. 45 ° angle with respect to the absorption axis 19a of the plate 19 In a first region 41a which defines a direction crossing may be 41b.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment and the modifications shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in the first regions 41a and 41b is substantially different from the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19. Of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in the second regions 42a and 42b intersecting the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at an angle of substantially 60 °. However, the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in the first regions 41a and 41b is a direction intersecting the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at an angle of 45 ° ± 5 °, and the second region 42a. , 42b may be tilted in any direction that intersects the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at an angle of 60 ° ± 7.5 °. Get viewing angle characteristics Also, the brightness of bright display can be increased.

  Further, the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in the second regions 42a and 42b is such that the slits 23 and 24 and the ridges 33 and 34 corresponding to the second regions 42a and 42b are on the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19. On the other hand, by providing in the direction of 60 ° ± 7.5 °, it may be defined in a direction intersecting with the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at an angle of 30 ° ± 7.5 °. Also, viewing angle characteristics and bright display brightness equivalent to those in the above embodiment can be obtained.

  In the first embodiment and its modification, the liquid crystal molecules 18a are tilted and oriented in a direction intersecting with the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at an angle of 45 ° ± 5 ° for each pixel 2. The first regions 41a and 42b and the liquid crystal molecules 18a are tilted in a direction intersecting with the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at an angle of 60 ° ± 7.5 ° or 30 ° ± 7.5 °. The two second regions 42a and 42b are formed, but the number of the first region and the second region in one pixel may be three or more.

  Furthermore, the first region and the second region are not limited to the shape of the above embodiment, but may be formed in other shapes, for example, a triangular shape in which rectangular pixels are divided along two diagonal lines. The ratio of the total area of the first regions 41a and 41b and the total area of the second regions 42a and 42b for each pixel may be set arbitrarily.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a plan view of one pixel portion of one substrate (rear substrate) of a vertical alignment type liquid crystal display device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The liquid crystal display element of this embodiment is provided with a tilt direction defining means different from that of the first embodiment, and the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. Omitted.

  In the vertical alignment type liquid crystal display device of this embodiment, for each of the plurality of pixels, the liquid crystal molecules 18a are tilted in a direction intersecting with the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at a predetermined first angle. The plurality of first regions 71a and 71b and the liquid crystal molecules 18a intersect with the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at a predetermined second angle different in absolute value from the first angle. A plurality of second regions 72a and 72b that are tilted in the direction and the liquid crystal molecules 18a have predetermined absolute values different from the first and second angles with respect to the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate. A plurality of third regions 73a, 73b that are tilted and oriented in a direction intersecting at an angle of 3, and at least one first region 71a or 71b of these regions 71a, 71b, 72a, 72b, 73a, 73b. And at least One second region 72a or 72b of at least one third region 73a or 73b, and a direction defining means falling to formed adjacent to each other.

  In this embodiment, the tilt direction defining means intersects the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18 a in the first regions 71 a and 71 b with an angle of substantially 45 ° with respect to the absorption axis 19 a of the front polarizing plate 19. The direction in which the liquid crystal molecules 18a of the second regions 72a and 72b are tilted is defined in a direction that substantially intersects the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at an angle of 60 °, The tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18 a in the third regions 73 a and 73 b is defined to be a direction that intersects the absorption axis 19 a of the front polarizing plate 19 at an angle of substantially 30 °.

  The tilt direction defining means includes a plurality of regions 71a, 71b, 72a, 72b, 73a, 73b in which the plurality of pixel electrodes 4 provided on the inner surface of the rear substrate 2 have different tilt directions of the liquid crystal molecules 18a due to an electric field. Corresponding to each other, substantially parallel to each other at a predetermined pitch, and along the direction substantially perpendicular to the tilting direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in the corresponding regions 71a, 71b, 72a, 72b, 73a, 73b. A plurality of slits 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 provided on the inner surface of the other substrate, that is, the front substrate 1, and a plurality of regions 71a, 71b, 72a, 72b, 73a, 73b of the pixels. Each of the slits 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, and 56 corresponding to the same region is substantially shifted by 1/2 pitch with respect to the pitch. In pitch and the slit 51,52,53,54,55,56 substantially more transparent ridges 61 to 66 provided in parallel is formed by.

  Further, the tilt direction defining means determines a tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in at least one of the plurality of first regions 71a and 71b and a tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in the other first regions. The 45 in the direction intersecting the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 in one direction at the first angle of 45 ° and the other direction with respect to the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19, respectively. A direction intersecting at a first angle of °, and the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in at least one of the plurality of second regions 72a and 72b and the liquid crystal molecules in the other second region The direction in which 18a falls is the direction intersecting the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 in one direction at the second angle of 60 ° and the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 respectively. 60 ° second in the other direction And a direction in which the liquid crystal molecules 18a in at least one of the plurality of third regions 73a and 73b fall, and a direction in which the liquid crystal molecules 18a in the other third region fall. Respectively, in a direction intersecting the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 in one direction at the third angle of 30 ° and in the other direction with respect to the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19. It is formed so as to define a direction intersecting at a third angle of 30 °.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the upper half of a pixel having a shape corresponding to the pixel electrode 4 formed in a vertically long rectangular shape having a ratio of the vertical and horizontal widths of approximately 2: 1 is The lower half of the pixel is divided into three regions: a belt-like region in the middle of the upper half in the diagonally right upward direction, and a triangular region in the lower right and the upper left of the diagonal that sandwich the belt-like region. The area is divided into three areas, a band-like area in a diagonally lower right direction, and a diagonal upper right area and a diagonally lower-left triangular area sandwiching the band-like area, and each of the plurality of pixel electrodes 4 has a total of six areas, the upper half and the lower half. A plurality of slits 51, 52, 53, 54, 54, 55, 56 are provided corresponding to the regions, and a plurality of ridges 61, 62, 63, corresponding to the six regions are provided on the inner surface of the front substrate 1. 64, 65, 66 are provided.

  In this embodiment, a plurality of slits 51 and ridges 61 corresponding to the central band-like region of the upper half of the six regions of the pixel are arranged on the observation side with respect to the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19. A plurality of slits 52 and ridges 62 corresponding to the central band of the lower half are formed from the observation side with respect to the absorption axis 19 a of the front polarizing plate 19. A plurality of slits 53 and ridges 63 that are formed in a 45 ° counterclockwise direction and correspond to the upper half diagonal lower right triangular region are observed with respect to the absorption axis 19 a of the front polarizing plate 19. A plurality of slits 54 and ridges 64 corresponding to the triangular region in the lower half of the diagonal upper right are formed with respect to the absorption axis 19 a of the front polarizing plate 19. 30 ° counterclockwise when viewed from the observation side A plurality of slits 55 and ridges 65 corresponding to the upper left diagonal upper left triangular region are formed in a direction of 60 ° counterclockwise as viewed from the observation side with respect to the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 A plurality of slits 56 and ridges 66 corresponding to the lower left diagonal lower left triangular area of the lower half are 60 ° counterclockwise as viewed from the observation side with respect to the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19. It is formed in the direction.

  The slits 51, 53, 55 and the ridges 61, 62, 63 respectively corresponding to the three regions of the upper half, and the slits 52, 54, 56, and the convex corresponding to the three regions of the lower half, respectively. Of the strips 62, 64, 64, the slits and ridges extending toward the boundary portion of the adjacent region are the boundary portions of the adjacent region and the slits of the other region and the ridges of the adjacent region. Is formed in a continuous shape in the portion corresponding to.

  Of the slits 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, and 56, the slit extending toward the peripheral edge of the pixel electrode 4 and the slit extending toward the boundary between the upper half and the lower half of the pixel are The pixel electrode 4 is provided so as to avoid the peripheral portion of the pixel electrode 4 and the portion corresponding to the boundary between the upper half and the lower half of the pixel, and is separated by the slits 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 of the pixel electrode 4. The plurality of portions are electrically connected to each other at a peripheral edge portion of the pixel electrode 4 and a portion corresponding to the boundary portion between the upper half and the lower half.

  That is, in this embodiment, the slits 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 and the ridges 61, 62, 63, 64, 65.66 respectively corresponding to the six regions of the pixel are provided in the above direction. The liquid crystal molecules 18a are substantially aligned with respect to the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 by an electric field due to the central belt-like region of the upper half and the central belt-like region of the lower half of the six regions. Forming first regions 71a, 71b that are tilted and oriented in a direction intersecting at a first angle of 45 °, and the upper right lower right triangular region and the lower half upper right triangular region, Due to the electric field, second regions 72a and 72b are formed in which the liquid crystal molecules 18a are tilted and oriented in a direction intersecting with the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at a second angle of substantially 60 °. Top left triangle shape Due to the region and the lower left triangular region in the lower half, the liquid crystal molecules 18a are tilted in a direction intersecting with the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at a third angle of substantially 30 ° by the electric field. Third regions 73a and 73b are formed, and the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in the central strip region 71a of the upper half is left when viewed from the observation side with respect to the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19. The direction in which the liquid crystal molecules 18a are tilted in the central band-like region 71b of the lower half is viewed from the observation side with respect to the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19. The direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in the lower right triangular region 72a of the upper half is defined with respect to the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizer 19 in the clockwise direction. Observation The direction in which the liquid crystal molecules 18a of the triangular area 72b in the upper right corner of the lower half are tilted with respect to the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 The direction of the liquid crystal molecule 18a in the upper left triangular region 73a in the upper left half of the upper half is defined as a direction that intersects the clockwise direction when viewed from the observation side, and the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 On the other hand, the direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in the lower left triangular region 73b in the lower half is defined as a direction that intersects with the counterclockwise angle of 30 ° when viewed from the observation side. 19a is defined in a direction that intersects the clockwise direction as viewed from the observation side at an angle of 30 °.

  In this liquid crystal display element, first regions 71a and 71b in which the liquid crystal molecules 18a are tilted and aligned in a direction intersecting at a predetermined first angle with the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 for each of a plurality of pixels. And the second region 72a in which the liquid crystal molecules 18a are tilted and oriented in a direction intersecting with a predetermined second angle different in absolute value from the first angle with respect to the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 , 72b and the liquid crystal molecules 18a are tilted and oriented in a direction intersecting with a predetermined third angle different from the first and second angles with respect to the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at a predetermined angle. Since the third regions 73a and 73b are formed, the first region corresponding to the tilted orientation of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in the direction intersecting the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at the first angle. Viewing angle characteristics and absorption axis of the front polarizing plate 19 A second viewing angle characteristic corresponding to the tilted orientation of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in a direction intersecting at a second angle different from the first angle with respect to the first angle, and the absorption axis of the front polarizing plate 19 19a has a third viewing angle characteristic corresponding to the tilted orientation of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in a direction intersecting at a third angle different in absolute value from the first and second angles, and therefore A favorable viewing angle characteristic in which the first, second, and third viewing angle characteristics are combined can be obtained.

  Further, in this liquid crystal display element, the direction in which the liquid crystal molecules 18a of the first regions 71a and 71b are tilted by an electric field intersects the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at an angle of substantially 45 °. The tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in the second regions 72a and 72b is defined as a direction that intersects the absorption axis 10a of the front polarizing plate 19 at an angle of substantially 60 °, and 3, the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18 a in the regions 73 a and 73 b is defined in a direction substantially intersecting with the absorption axis 10 a of the front polarizing plate 19 at an angle of 30 °, so that a better viewing angle is obtained. The characteristics can be obtained and the brightness of bright display can be increased.

  That is, in this liquid crystal display element, the brightness of the bright display of the first regions 71a and 71b in which the liquid crystal molecules 18a are tilted and oriented in a direction intersecting with the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at a substantially 45 ° angle. Is the highest luminance, and the brightness of the bright display of the second regions 72a and 72b in which the liquid crystal molecules 18a are tilted and oriented in a direction intersecting with the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at an angle of substantially 60 °. The brightness of the bright display of the third regions 73a and 73b in which the liquid crystal molecules 18a are tilted and oriented in a direction intersecting with the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at an angle of substantially 30 °, respectively. Since the brightness is sufficiently high, which is about 75% of the brightness of the bright display in the region, the brightness of the bright display of the entire pixel can be sufficiently increased.

In the liquid crystal display element of this embodiment, the areas of the first regions 71a and 71b, the second regions 72a and 72b, and the third regions 73a and 73b for each pixel are set to the first region 71a. , 71b is S1, the total area of the second regions 72a, 72b is S2, and the total area of the third regions 73a, 73b is S3, these total areas S1, S2, S3 are:
S1> S2
S1> S3
S1 <S2 + S3
S2 ≒ S3
In this way, it is possible to obtain a favorable viewing angle characteristic in which the first, second, and third viewing angle characteristics are combined, and to display the entire pixel brightly. The brightness can be increased.

  Further, in this liquid crystal display element, for each of a plurality of pixels, the first region 71a of the upper half of the pixel and the second and third regions 72a and 73a are adjacent to each other, and the first half of the lower half of the pixel is arranged. Since the region 71b and the second and third regions 72b and 73b are formed adjacent to each other, better viewing angle characteristics can be obtained.

  Further, the liquid crystal display element includes the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in one region 71a of the two first regions 71a and 71b of the upper half and the lower half of the pixel and the other first regions 71b. The direction in which the liquid crystal molecules 18a are tilted respectively intersects the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 with one direction at a first angle of substantially 45 ° and the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 One of the two second regions 72a and 72b of the upper half and the lower half of the pixel. The tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in the region 72a and the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in the other second region 72b are substantially 60 ° in one direction with respect to the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19, respectively. And a direction intersecting at a second angle of 19 in the other direction with respect to the absorption axis 19a at the second angle of substantially 60 °, and two third regions 73a and 73b in the upper half and the lower half of the pixel. The tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in one region 73a and the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in the other third region 73b are in one direction with respect to the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19, respectively. A direction that intersects substantially at a second angle of 60 ° and a direction that intersects the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 in the other direction at the second angle of substantially 60 °. Therefore, better viewing angle characteristics can be obtained.

  In this embodiment, the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in the first regions 71a and 71b intersects the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at an angle of substantially 45 °, the second The direction in which the liquid crystal molecules 18a in the regions 72a and 72b are tilted intersects the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at an angle of substantially 60 °, and the liquid crystal molecules 18a in the third regions 73a and 73b. The tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in the first regions 71a and 71b is defined as the direction that intersects the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at an angle of substantially 30 °. The direction intersecting the absorption axis 19a of the polarizing plate 19 at an angle of 45 ° ± 5 ° and the tilting direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a in the second regions 72a and 72b are opposite to the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19. The direction in which the liquid crystal molecules 18a in the third regions 73a and 73b intersect with each other at an angle of 60 ° ± 7,5 ° is 30 ° ± 7,5 with respect to the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19. Any direction that intersects at an angle of ° may be used, and by doing so, it is possible to obtain good viewing angle characteristics and to increase the brightness of bright display.

  In the liquid crystal display element of the second embodiment, the slits 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 provided in the plurality of pixel electrodes 3 respectively correspond to the three upper half regions of the pixel as shown in FIG. The slits 51, 53, and 55 that are continuous with each other and the slits 52, 54, and 56 that correspond to the three lower half regions of the pixel are not limited to a continuous shape. A plurality of portions formed by avoiding a portion corresponding to a boundary portion with a matching region and divided by the slits 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, and 56 of the pixel electrode 4 are boundary portions of the adjacent regions Conduction may be performed at a portion corresponding to.

  Further, in this liquid crystal display element, a first region that defines the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a due to the electric field to a direction that intersects the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at a first angle of substantially 45 °. 71a, 71b, second regions 72a, 72b defined in a direction intersecting with the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19 at a second angle of substantially 60 °, and absorption of the front polarizing plate 19 The third regions 73a and 73b defined in the direction intersecting with the axis 19a at a second angle of substantially 30 ° are not limited to the arrangement order as shown in FIG. 6, and may be formed in other arrangement orders. Good.

  Further, the shape of each of the regions 71a, 71b, 72a, 72b, 73a, 73b is not limited to the shape as shown in FIG. 6, and may be formed in other shapes, for example, a rectangular shape, etc. The ratio of the total area of the first regions 71a and 71b, the total area of the second regions 72a and 72b, and the total area of the third regions 73a and 73b may be set arbitrarily.

(Other embodiments)
In the first and second embodiments, the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a due to the electric field is set with reference to the absorption axis 19a of the front polarizing plate 19, but the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a is The transmission axis of the polarizing plate 19 may be set as a reference, or one of the absorption axis and the transmission axis of the rear polarizing plate 20 may be set as a reference. In this case, the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 18a may be set. A direction intersecting at a first angle of 45 ° ± 5 ° with respect to the reference axis (either the transmission axis of the front polarizing plate 19 or the absorption axis or the transmission axis of the rear polarizing plate 20), and the reference axis A direction intersecting at a second angle of 60 ° ± 5 ° or 30 ° ± 5 °, or a direction intersecting at a first angle of 45 ° ± 5 ° with respect to the reference axis, and the reference axis Direction intersecting at a first angle of 60 ° ± 5 ° with respect to the reference axis and 3 with respect to the reference axis By defining the a direction intersecting at a third angle of ° ± 5 °, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the first and second embodiments.

1 is a plan view of a part of one substrate of a vertical alignment type liquid crystal display element showing a first embodiment of the present invention; Sectional drawing which follows the II-II line | wire of FIG. 1 of the said liquid crystal display element. The voltage-luminance characteristic view of the liquid crystal display element. The top view of one pixel part of one board | substrate of the vertical alignment type liquid crystal display element which shows the modification of a 1st Example. The top view of one pixel part of one board | substrate of the vertical alignment type liquid crystal display element which shows the other modification of a 1st Example. The top view of one pixel part of one board | substrate of the vertical alignment type liquid crystal display element which shows 2nd Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

2 ... substrate, 3 ... counter electrode, 4 ... pixel electrode, 5 ... TFT, 11 ... scanning line, 12 ... signal line, 15R, 15G, 15B ... color filter, 16, 17 ... vertical alignment film, 18 ... liquid crystal layer, 18a ... liquid crystal molecule, 19, 20 ... polarizing plate, 19a ... absorption axis, 21, 22, 23, 24 ... slit, 31, 32, 33, 34 ... ridge, 41a, 41b ... first region, 42a, 42b ... 1st area | region, 51, 52, 53, 5455, 56 ... Slit, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66 ... Projection, 71a, 71b ... 1st area | region, 72a, 72b ... 1st area | region , 73a, 73b... Third region.

Claims (9)

A pair of substrates disposed opposite each other with a predetermined gap;
An electrode that is provided on each of the opposing inner surfaces of the pair of substrates and that forms a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix by regions facing each other;
A vertical alignment film provided on each of the inner surfaces of the pair of substrates so as to cover the electrodes;
The electrode is composed of a liquid crystal having negative dielectric anisotropy enclosed in a gap between the pair of substrates, and the liquid crystal molecules are aligned substantially perpendicular to the substrate surface by the orientation of the alignment film, and the electrodes A liquid crystal layer that is tilted and aligned with respect to the substrate surface by an electric field applied therebetween,
A pair of polarizing plates respectively disposed on the outer surfaces of the pair of substrates;
The tilt directions of the liquid crystal molecules due to the electric field in the plurality of pixels are defined in a plurality of directions, and at least for each of the plurality of pixels, the liquid crystal molecules are optical axes of one polarizing plate of the pair of polarizing plates. The first region tilted and oriented in a direction intersecting at a predetermined first angle with respect to the liquid crystal molecules, and the first angle with respect to the optical axis of the one polarizing plate has an absolute value. A tilt direction defining means for forming a second region that tilts and orients in a direction intersecting at a different predetermined second angle;
A liquid crystal display element comprising:   The tilt direction defining means defines the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the first region in a direction intersecting with the optical axis of one polarizing plate at an angle of 45 ° ± 5 °, and the liquid crystal molecules in the second region 2. The direction of tilting is defined as a direction that intersects with the optical axis of the one polarizing plate at an angle of 60 ° ± 7.5 ° or 30 ° ± 7.5 °. Liquid crystal display element.   The fall direction defining means includes a plurality of first regions and a plurality of second regions for each of the plurality of pixels, at least one first region and at least one second region among these regions. The liquid crystal display element according to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal display element is formed adjacent to each other.   The tilt direction defining means includes the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules in at least one region of the plurality of first regions and the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the other first region, respectively. A direction intersecting one direction at a first angle and a direction intersecting the other optical axis at the first angle with respect to the optical axis of the one polarizing plate. The tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules in at least one of the regions and the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the other second region are each set in a second direction in one direction with respect to the optical axis of the one polarizing plate. 4. The liquid crystal display element according to claim 3, wherein the liquid crystal display element is defined by a direction intersecting at an angle of 2 and a direction intersecting at the second angle with respect to the optical axis of the one polarizing plate in the other direction.   The tilt direction defining means includes a first region in which the liquid crystal molecules are tilted and aligned in a direction intersecting at a predetermined first angle with respect to the optical axis of one polarizing plate, and the liquid crystal molecules are aligned for each pixel. A second region that is tilted and oriented in a direction intersecting at a predetermined second angle different in absolute value from the first angle with respect to the optical axis of the one polarizing plate, and the one or more liquid crystal molecules Forming a third region that is tilted and oriented in a direction intersecting at a predetermined third angle that is different in absolute value from the first and second angles with respect to the optical axis of the polarizing plate. The liquid crystal display element according to claim 1.   The tilt direction defining means defines the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the first region in a direction intersecting with the optical axis of one polarizing plate at an angle of 45 ° ± 5 °, and the liquid crystal molecules in the second region The tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the third region is defined as a direction intersecting at an angle of 60 ° ± 7.5 ° with respect to the optical axis of the one polarizing plate. The liquid crystal display element according to claim 5, wherein the liquid crystal display element is defined in a direction intersecting with an optical axis of 30 ° ± 7.5 °.   The fall direction defining means includes a plurality of first regions, a plurality of second regions, and a plurality of third regions for each of the plurality of pixels, and at least one first region of these regions. The liquid crystal display element according to claim 5, wherein the at least one second or third region is formed adjacent to each other.   The tilt direction defining means includes the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules in at least one region of the plurality of first regions and the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the other first region, respectively. A direction intersecting one direction at a first angle and a direction intersecting the other optical axis at the first angle with respect to the optical axis of the one polarizing plate. The tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules in at least one of the regions and the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the other second region are each set in a second direction in one direction with respect to the optical axis of the one polarizing plate. And a direction intersecting at the second angle with the other direction with respect to the optical axis of the one polarizing plate, and at least one region of the plurality of third regions The tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules and the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the other third region A direction intersecting the optical axis of the one polarizing plate in one direction at a third angle and a direction intersecting the optical axis of the one polarizing plate in the other direction at the third angle, respectively. The liquid crystal display element according to claim 7, wherein the liquid crystal display element is defined in a crossing direction.   Of the electrodes provided on the inner surfaces of the pair of substrates, the electrodes provided on one substrate are a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix, and the electrodes provided on the other substrate are the plurality of pixel electrodes. The tilt direction defining means substantially corresponds to each other at a predetermined pitch, corresponding to a plurality of regions in which the tilt directions of the liquid crystal molecules due to the electric field are different from each other. Corresponding to a plurality of slits provided in parallel and along a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of tilt of the liquid crystal molecules in the corresponding region, and a plurality of regions of the pixel on the inner surface of the other substrate And a plurality of ridges provided substantially parallel to the slits at a pitch that is substantially ½ pitch shifted from the pitch of the plurality of slits corresponding to the same region. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, characterized in that they are made.

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