JP2010060960A - Liquid crystal device and electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress the degradation of display quality while having an electrode with a slit and a spacer. <P>SOLUTION: A liquid crystal device (100) includes a first substrate (10), a second substrate (20), a first electrode (9a) formed on the first substrate, a second electrode (11) formed on the first substrate and has an insulating layer (12) interposed between the electrode itself and the first electrode, a liquid crystal layer (50) interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, and a spacer (40) keeping a distance between the first and second substrate constant. One of the first and second electrodes, on the liquid crystal layer side has a slit (9b), and the spacer is disposed on an area other than an area wherein the slit is formed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technical field of, for example, a liquid crystal device and an electronic apparatus including such a liquid crystal device.

  As a liquid crystal device, there is a liquid crystal device in which a liquid crystal is sandwiched between a pair of substrates (for example, a TFT array substrate and a counter substrate) whose intervals are kept substantially constant by spacers. In a liquid crystal device, for example, liquid crystal molecules are placed in a predetermined alignment state between a pair of substrates, for example, by applying a predetermined voltage to the liquid crystal molecules for each pixel portion formed in the image display region, The gradation display is performed by changing the order and modulating the light. As a liquid crystal device, an IPS (In Plane Switching) method or FFS (Fringe Field Switching), in which a pixel electrode and a common electrode are provided on the TFT array substrate side, and the direction of the electric field applied to the liquid crystal is substantially parallel to the substrate. There is known a liquid crystal device that employs a horizontal electric field driving method such as a method (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). The horizontal electric field driving method is compared with a vertical electric field driving method such as a TN (Twisted Nematic) driving method in which a vertical electric field is applied to the liquid crystal interposed between the pixel electrode and the counter electrode formed on each of a pair of opposing substrates. It is attracting attention because of its excellent viewing angle characteristics. In a liquid crystal device employing such a horizontal electric field driving method, at least one of the pixel electrode and the common electrode often has a slit (for example, an opening) having a substantially rectangular shape.

  Here, the slit is generally formed by etching a solid electrode. For example, when forming an elongated rectangular (that is, groove-shaped) slit, The end of the long side is often rounded or rounded due to the limit of the forming process (that is, photolithography or etching). In this case, the electric field generated between the pixel electrode and the common electrode through the slit is generated in a direction perpendicular to the tangent to the outer periphery of the slit, so that the electric field is generated along an arc-shaped pattern at the end of the slit. Will occur. Therefore, for example, when the liquid crystal molecules are driven by applying an electric field in a state where the initial alignment of the liquid crystal molecules is approximately parallel to the long side of the slit by rubbing or the like, the linear portion on the long side of the slit It rotates in the direction perpendicular to the long side, but at the end of the slit, it rotates in the direction perpendicular to the arc shape from the initial orientation state.

  In this case, when the liquid crystal molecules rotate from the initial alignment state along the arc shape at the end of the slit, the rotation direction of the liquid crystal molecules is reversed. For example, the arc shape at the end of the slit is considered to be a part of a circle, the rubbing direction is almost parallel to the long side of the slit, the long side of the slit is the X axis, and the direction perpendicular to the long side is the Y axis Consider the case. In this case, when the arc shape at the end of the slit is a shape corresponding to the first quadrant of the circle, the liquid crystal molecules rotate counterclockwise from the X-axis direction and become perpendicular to the arc shape. On the other hand, when the arc shape at the end of the slit is a shape corresponding to the fourth quadrant, the liquid crystal molecules rotate clockwise from the X-axis direction and become perpendicular to the arc shape. Similarly, when the arc shape at the end of the slit is a shape corresponding to the second quadrant of the circle, the liquid crystal molecules rotate clockwise from the X-axis direction and become perpendicular to the arc shape, and the end of the slit When the arcuate shape is a shape corresponding to a circular third quadrant, the liquid crystal molecules rotate counterclockwise from the X-axis direction and become perpendicular to the arcuate shape.

  Thus, when an electric field is applied, the rotation direction of the liquid crystal molecules varies depending on the location at the end of the slit. This phenomenon in which the direction of rotation varies depending on the location is called disclination.

JP 2000-275664 A JP 2001-249342 A

  Here, when such a disclination occurs, for example, when a disturbance or the like is applied to the liquid crystal device (for example, when the panel of the liquid crystal device is pressed), the liquid crystals having different rotation directions are used. The area where the molecule exists can expand. Specifically, for example, a region where liquid crystal molecules having different rotation directions exist may expand along the long side direction of the slit. As a result, even when liquid crystal molecules having different rotation directions exist only in a local region of a certain pixel, a disturbance or the like is added to the vicinity of the center of a certain pixel (and other adjacent pixels). The region where the liquid crystal molecules having different rotation directions exist may expand. The presence of such liquid crystal molecules having different rotation directions leads to a change in transmittance, so that it is visually recognized by the user as display unevenness or the like. That is, the display quality of the liquid crystal device is deteriorated, which is not preferable.

  In particular, in the region where the spacer is disposed, the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules is likely to be disturbed due to the influence of the spacer. For this reason, when a spacer is arranged on the slit, a state in which the rotation direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the region where the spacer is arranged may be different. That is, disclination may occur in the area where the spacer is disposed. Furthermore, considering that the disturbance applied to the liquid crystal device is transmitted to the TFT array substrate side via the spacer, the region where the liquid crystal molecules having different rotation directions exist from the spacer may be expanded. For this reason, in the region where the spacer is formed, the display quality may be significantly deteriorated due to disclination.

  The present invention has been made in view of, for example, the above-described conventional problems. For example, a liquid crystal device capable of suppressing deterioration in display quality while including an electrode having a slit and a spacer, and such a liquid crystal device are provided. It is an object to provide an electronic device provided.

(Liquid crystal device)
In order to solve the above-described problems, a liquid crystal device of the present invention includes a first substrate (for example, a TFT array substrate described later) and a second substrate (for example, a counter electrode described later) disposed to face the first substrate. Substrate), a first electrode (for example, a pixel electrode described later) formed on the second substrate side of the first substrate, a first electrode formed on the second substrate side of the first substrate, and And a second electrode (for example, a common electrode described later) sandwiching an insulating layer between the first substrate and the second substrate, and between the first electrode and the second electrode A liquid crystal layer including liquid crystal molecules driven by an electric field generated, and a spacer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and maintaining a constant distance between the first substrate and the second substrate; Arranged on the liquid crystal layer side of the first electrode and the second electrode Electrode has a slit, the spacer is disposed on an area other than the region where the slit is formed.

  According to the liquid crystal device of the present invention, the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules sandwiched between a pair of substrates (that is, the first substrate and the second substrate) whose distance is kept substantially constant by the spacer is changed between the first electrode and It can be changed by an electric field generated by a potential difference between the second electrodes. Here, the electrode arranged on the liquid crystal layer side of the first electrode and the second electrode has a slit. Accordingly, an electric field is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode via the slit in accordance with the voltage applied to each of the first electrode and the second electrode. The shape of the slit is arbitrary, but typically has an elongated rectangular shape (in other words, a groove shape). As a result, the liquid crystal device can be used as, for example, various types of display devices such as direct-view type or projection type that perform transmissive display, reflective display, or transflective display, for example.

  In the present invention, the electric field is, for example, a transverse electric field. The “lateral electric field” means an electric field in a direction along the surface of the first substrate or the second substrate (typically, it is regarded as parallel to or substantially parallel to the surface of the first substrate or the second substrate. The electric field to be obtained). In addition, in the present invention, an insulating layer is laminated between the first electrode and the second electrode. That is, in the present invention, the first electrode, the insulating layer, and the second electrode are formed on the first substrate so as to form a laminated structure along the normal direction of the first substrate or the second substrate. That is, the liquid crystal device according to the present invention employs a lateral electric field driving method such as an FFS (Fringe Field Switching) method.

  In the present invention, in particular, the spacer for maintaining a constant distance between the first substrate and the second substrate is formed with a slit of an electrode disposed on the liquid crystal layer side of the first electrode and the second electrode. Arranged in an area other than the area. In other words, the spacer is disposed at a position that does not overlap the slit in the normal direction of the first substrate or the second substrate. In this case, typically, the spacer is preferably disposed at a position separated from the slit by a predetermined distance within the plane of the first substrate or the second substrate, but is adjacent to the slit as long as it does not overlap with the slit. Needless to say, it may be arranged at a position to be.

  For this reason, even when a disturbance is applied to the liquid crystal device of the present invention (for example, when the user presses the second substrate or a panel laminated on the second substrate, etc.) On the other hand, little or no force is applied from the spacer. For this reason, the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules arranged along the outer periphery of the slit (that is, the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules arranged by the electric field applied through the slit) is hardly or completely disturbed by the presence of the spacer. . Therefore, the disclination that is likely to occur particularly at the end of the slit due to the force applied to or from the spacer hardly spreads from the spacer as a starting point. In other words, the region where the liquid crystal molecules having different rotation directions that are likely to be generated particularly at the end of the slit are spread from the spacer as a starting point due to the force applied to or from the spacer hardly or not at all. For this reason, the deterioration of the display quality as the whole liquid crystal device can be suppressed.

  In addition, the electrode arrange | positioned at the liquid crystal layer side among the 1st electrode and the 2nd electrode may have one slit, and may have a some slit. When the electrode disposed on the liquid crystal layer side of the first electrode and the second electrode has a plurality of slits, the spacer is disposed in a region other than a region where each of the plurality of slits is formed. It is preferable. In other words, when the electrode arranged on the liquid crystal layer side of the first electrode and the second electrode has a plurality of slits, the spacer has a plurality of spacers in the normal direction of the first substrate or the second substrate. It is preferable that they are arranged at positions that do not overlap any of the slits.

  In one aspect of the liquid crystal device of the present invention, the spacer is disposed in a region separated by a predetermined distance or more from a region where the slit is formed.

  According to this aspect, the spacer is arranged such that a distance (more preferably, the shortest distance) between the region where the slit is formed and the spacer is secured at a predetermined distance or more. That is, the spacers are arranged so that the spacers and the slits are reliably separated in the plane of the first substrate or the second substrate. For this reason, the spacer is reliably arranged in a region other than the region where the slit is formed. In other words, the spacer is reliably arranged at a position that does not overlap the slit in the normal direction of the first substrate or the second substrate. Therefore, the disclination that tends to occur particularly at the end of the slit due to the force applied to the spacer or from the spacer hardly or not spreads from the spacer as a starting point. Therefore, the display quality of the entire liquid crystal device is improved. The decrease can be suppressed.

  In addition, when the electrode on the liquid crystal layer side of the first electrode and the second electrode has a plurality of slits, the spacer is disposed in a region separated by a predetermined distance from a region where each of the plurality of slits is formed. It is preferred that

  Also, considering that disclination is likely to occur at the end portion of the slit, the spacer may be arranged in a region separated by a predetermined distance or more from the region where the end portion of the slit is formed. Even with this configuration, the liquid crystal device is configured such that the disclination that is likely to occur particularly at the end portion of the slit is hardly or completely spread from the spacer due to the force applied to or from the spacer. The deterioration of display quality as a whole can be suppressed.

  In another aspect of the liquid crystal device of the present invention, the slit extends along one direction, and the spacer is separated from the region where the slit is formed by a predetermined distance or more along the one direction. Placed in the area.

  According to this aspect, the distance (specifically, in one direction) between the region where the slit extending along one direction (that is, having a length along one direction) is formed and the spacer is formed. The spacers are arranged so that a predetermined distance or more is assured (a shortest distance along one direction). For this reason, the spacer is reliably arranged in a region other than the region where the slit is formed. In other words, the spacer is reliably arranged at a position that does not overlap the slit in the normal direction of the first substrate or the second substrate. Therefore, the disclination that tends to occur particularly at the end of the slit due to the force applied to the spacer or from the spacer hardly or not spreads from the spacer as a starting point. Therefore, the display quality of the entire liquid crystal device is improved. The decrease can be suppressed.

  In consideration of the occurrence of disclination at the end portion of the slit, the spacer is arranged in a region separated by a predetermined distance or more along one direction from the region where the end portion of the slit is formed. May be. Even with this configuration, the liquid crystal device is configured such that the disclination that is likely to occur particularly at the end portion of the slit is hardly or completely spread from the spacer due to the force applied to or from the spacer. The deterioration of display quality as a whole can be suppressed.

  In the aspect of the liquid crystal device in which the spacer is disposed in a region separated by a predetermined distance or more from the region where the slit is formed as described above, the predetermined distance is a distance between the first substrate and the second substrate (that is, , The cell gap) may be set. More preferably, the predetermined distance may be a distance (that is, a cell gap) between the first substrate and the second substrate.

  If comprised in this way, an electric field can be reliably applied with respect to a liquid-crystal layer, implement | achieving the state from which a force is hardly applied to a slit from a spacer. For this reason, an electric field is reliably applied to the liquid crystal layer while realizing a state in which the alignment state of liquid crystal molecules arranged along the outer periphery of the slit is hardly or completely disturbed by the presence of the spacer. Can do. Therefore, the disclination that is likely to occur particularly at the end of the slit due to the force applied to or from the spacer hardly spreads from the spacer as a starting point. For this reason, the deterioration of the display quality as the whole liquid crystal device can be suppressed.

  In the aspect of the liquid crystal device in which the spacer is disposed in a region separated by a predetermined distance or more from the region where the slit is formed as described above, the predetermined distance may be configured to be the thickness of the liquid crystal layer.

  If comprised in this way, an electric field can be reliably applied with respect to a liquid-crystal layer, implement | achieving the state from which a force is hardly applied to a slit from a spacer. For this reason, an electric field is reliably applied to the liquid crystal layer while realizing a state in which the alignment state of liquid crystal molecules arranged along the outer periphery of the slit is hardly or completely disturbed by the presence of the spacer. Can do. Therefore, the disclination that is likely to occur particularly at the end of the slit due to the force applied to or from the spacer hardly spreads from the spacer as a starting point. For this reason, the deterioration of the display quality as the whole liquid crystal device can be suppressed.

  As described above, in the aspect of the liquid crystal device in which the spacer is arranged in a region separated by a predetermined distance or more from the region where the slit is formed, the predetermined distance may be 3 μm.

  With this configuration, an electric field is reliably applied to a liquid crystal layer (for example, a liquid crystal layer having a cell gap of 3 μm) while realizing a state in which little or no force is applied to the slit from the spacer. Can be applied. For this reason, an electric field is reliably applied to the liquid crystal layer while realizing a state in which the alignment state of liquid crystal molecules arranged along the outer periphery of the slit is hardly or completely disturbed by the presence of the spacer. Can do. Therefore, the disclination that is likely to occur particularly at the end of the slit due to the force applied to or from the spacer hardly spreads from the spacer as a starting point. For this reason, the deterioration of the display quality as the whole liquid crystal device can be suppressed.

(Electronics)
In order to solve the above problems, an electronic apparatus of the present invention includes the above-described liquid crystal device of the present invention (including various aspects thereof).

  According to the electronic apparatus of the present invention, since the above-described liquid crystal device of the present invention (or various aspects thereof) is provided, it is possible to suppress deterioration in display quality while including an electrode having a slit and a spacer. For this reason, projection-type display devices in which the occurrence of burn-in is suppressed, televisions, mobile phones, electronic notebooks, portable audio players, word processors, digital cameras, viewfinder type or monitor direct-view type video recorders, workstations, video phones, POSs Various electronic devices such as terminals and touch panels can be realized.

  The operation and other advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the embodiments described below.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(1) Basic Configuration of Liquid Crystal Device First, the configuration of the liquid crystal device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the configuration of the liquid crystal device according to this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line HH ′ of FIG.

  1 and 2, in the liquid crystal device according to the present embodiment, the TFT array substrate 10 as an example of the “first substrate” according to the present invention and the counter substrate 20 as an example of the “second substrate” according to the present invention. Are arranged opposite to each other. A liquid crystal layer 50 is sealed between the TFT array substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20, and the TFT array substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20 are in a frame-shaped or frame-shaped seal region located around the image display region 10a. The sealing material 52 provided is bonded to each other.

  The sealing material 52 is made of, for example, an ultraviolet curable resin, a thermosetting resin, or the like for bonding the two substrates, and is applied on the TFT array substrate 10 in the manufacturing process and then cured by ultraviolet irradiation, heating, or the like. It is.

  In a region surrounded by the sealing material 52, a spacer 40 is formed for setting the distance (inter-substrate gap) between the TFT array substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20 to a predetermined value. The spacer 40 may be sprayed with glass resin or other resin material, but can be easily formed at a predetermined position by using a photo spacer that is coated, exposed and developed with a photosensitive resin material. Further, it is also dispersed in the sealing material 52 as spacers containing glass fiber or glass beads or other resin materials.

  A light-shielding frame light-shielding film 53 that defines the frame area of the image display area 10a is provided on the counter substrate 20 side in parallel with the inside of the seal area where the sealing material 52 is disposed. A data line driving circuit 101 and an external circuit connection terminal 102 are provided along one side of the TFT array substrate 10 in a region located outside the sealing region in which the sealing material 52 is disposed in the peripheral region. However, the data line driving circuit 101 may be provided inside the seal region so that the data line driving circuit 101 is covered with the frame light shielding film 53. Further, the scanning line driving circuit 104 is provided so as to be covered with the frame light-shielding film 53 inside the seal region along two sides adjacent to the one side.

  In FIG. 2, on the TFT array substrate 10, a pixel switching TFT (Thin Film Transistor) 116 which is a driving element, scanning lines Y1 to Yn (where n is an integer equal to or greater than 1), and a data line X1 A laminated structure in which wiring such as Xm (where m is an integer of 1 or more) is formed is formed (see FIG. 3). Specifically, in the image display region 10a, the pixel switching TFT 116, the common electrode 11, the insulating layer 12 and the pixel electrode 9a are provided on the upper layer of wiring such as the scanning lines Y1 to Yn and the data lines X1 to Xm. It is formed in order. That is, the liquid crystal device 100 according to the present embodiment employs a lateral electric field driving method (particularly, an FFS method) in which the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer 50 is controlled by an electric field generated between the pixel electrode 9a and the common electrode 11. .

  Here, the pixel electrode 9a constituting one specific example of one of the “first electrode” and the “second electrode” of the present invention is a matrix in plan view so as to form each pixel constituting the image display region 10a. It is provided in the shape. Further, the pixel electrode 9a has a slit 9b opened in a rectangular shape extending in the longitudinal direction, as will be described in detail later (see FIG. 4). The slit 9b may have a shape in which one end extended in the longitudinal direction is opened. On the other hand, the common electrode 11 constituting the other specific example of the “first electrode” and the “second electrode” of the present invention may be provided in a matrix in a plan view like the pixel electrode 9a. In addition, it may be provided in a solid shape or a band shape in plan view so as to be common to the plurality of pixel electrodes 9a. The pixel electrode 9a, the insulating layer 12 and the common electrode 11 are formed in this order on the pixel switching TFT 116, the scanning lines Y1 to Yn, the data lines X1 to Xm, and the like, and the slit 9b is formed as the common electrode. 11 may be formed.

  An alignment film 8 is laminated on the pixel electrode 9a (in other words, on the TFT array substrate 10 on which the components such as the pixel electrode 9a are formed). On the other hand, a color filter (not shown) and a black matrix 23 are formed on a surface of the counter substrate 20 facing the TFT array substrate 10. The black matrix 23 is formed of, for example, a light-shielding metal film such as chromium or chromium oxide, various resin materials, and the like, and is patterned, for example, in a lattice shape in the image display region 10a on the counter substrate 20. An alignment film 8 is formed on the black matrix 23. At this time, a rubbing process is performed on the alignment film 8 formed on each of the TFT array substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20.

  The liquid crystal layer 50 includes, for example, liquid crystal molecules 50a in which one kind or several kinds of nematic liquid crystals are mixed, and takes a predetermined alignment state between the pair of alignment films 8.

  Although not shown here, in addition to the data line driving circuit 101 and the scanning line driving circuit 104, the TFT array substrate 10 is used for inspecting the quality, defects, and the like of the liquid crystal device during manufacturing or at the time of shipment. An inspection circuit, an inspection pattern, or the like may be formed.

(2) Detailed Configuration of Liquid Crystal Device Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, an electrical configuration of a main part of the liquid crystal device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram conceptually showing an electrical configuration of a main part of the liquid crystal device 100 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 4 conceptually shows a more detailed configuration of the pixel unit 70. It is a top view.

  In FIG. 3, the liquid crystal device 100 according to the present embodiment includes a scanning line driving circuit 104 and a data line driving circuit 101 in the peripheral region located around the image display region 10a on the TFT array substrate 10 and a not-shown image. A drive circuit such as a driver IC circuit is formed.

  The scanning line driving circuit 104 sequentially supplies scanning signals to the scanning lines Y1 to Yn. For example, when a high level scanning signal is supplied to a certain scanning line Yj (where j is an integer satisfying 1 ≦ j ≦ n), all the TFTs 116 connected to the scanning line Yj are turned on, and this scanning is performed. All the pixel portions 70 corresponding to the line Yj are selected.

  The data line driving circuit 101 sequentially supplies image signals to the data lines X1 to Xm, and writes a write voltage based on the image signals to the pixel electrodes 9a through the TFTs 116 in the on state.

  The liquid crystal device 100 according to the present embodiment is further provided with a plurality of pixel units 70 arranged in a matrix in the image display region 10 a occupying the center of the TFT array substrate 10.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A, the pixel unit 70 has a pixel electrode 9a having a substantially rectangular outer shape in plan view and a plurality of elongated rectangular shapes 9b formed inside the pixel electrode 9a. The common electrode 11 having a solid shape in plan view including the pixel electrode 9a and the data line Xk extending along the long side end of the pixel electrode 9a (where k is an integer satisfying 1 ≦ k ≦ m) And pixel switching formed near the intersection of the scanning line Yj (where j is an integer satisfying 1 ≦ j ≦ n) and the data line Xk and the scanning line Yj extending along the short side edge of the pixel electrode 9a. TFT 116 and a storage capacitor 119 (not shown in FIG. 4).

  The TFT 116 has a source terminal electrically connected to one of the data lines X1 to Xm, a gate terminal electrically connected to one of the scanning lines Y1 to Yn, and a drain terminal electrically connected to the pixel electrode 9a. Has been. The pixel switching TFT 116 is switched between an on state and an off state by a scanning signal supplied from the scanning line driving circuit 104.

  The liquid crystal element 118 includes a pixel electrode 9 a, a common electrode 11, and liquid crystal molecules 50 a located between the pixel electrode 9 a and the common electrode 11. The pixel electrode 9a is electrically connected to one of the data lines X1 to Xm through the TFT 116. The common electrode 11 is electrically connected to the common wiring COM. The pixel electrode 9a and the common electrode 11 are both provided on the TFT array substrate 10 as described above. During the operation of the liquid crystal device 100, the pixel electrode 9a having the potential (writing potential) of the image signal supplied from the data lines X1 to Xm and the TFT 116 and the common potential having the common potential supplied via the common wiring COM. An electric field is generated between the electrodes 11. The liquid crystal is driven according to the electric field, that is, the orientation or order of the molecular assembly is changed according to the electric field, thereby modulating light and enabling gradation display.

  The storage capacitor 119 is added in parallel with the liquid crystal element 118 in order to prevent the held image signal from leaking. One electrode constituting the storage capacitor 119 is electrically connected to the pixel electrode 9 a, and the other electrode is electrically connected to the common electrode 11.

  Further, the boundary of each pixel unit 70 is covered with the black matrix 23. On the other hand, a region where the pixel electrode 9 a is formed in each pixel unit 70 (that is, a region contributing to image display in each pixel unit 70) is not covered with the black matrix 23.

  The liquid crystal device 100 of this embodiment operates as follows. First, by supplying a high-level scanning signal from the scanning line driving circuit 104 to the scanning line Yj, all the TFTs 116 connected to the scanning line Yj are turned on, and all the pixel units 70 related to the scanning line Yj are turned on. select. In addition, an image signal is supplied from the data line driving circuit 101 to the data lines X1 to Xm in synchronization with the selection of the pixel unit 70 related to the scanning line Yj. As a result, image signals are supplied from the data line driving circuit 101 to the pixel portions 70 selected by the scanning line driving circuit 104 via the data lines X1 to Xm and the TFTs 116, and the writing voltage based on this image signal is applied to the pixels. It is written in the electrode 9a. Thereby, a potential difference is generated between the pixel electrode 9a and the common electrode 11, and a driving voltage is applied to the liquid crystal.

  Here, in the liquid crystal device 100 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, the spacer 40 and the TFT array substrate 10 are disposed so as to be disposed in a region other than the region where the slit 9b is formed. It is formed between the counter substrate 20. In other words, the spacer 40 is formed between the TFT array substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20 so as to be disposed at a position that does not overlap the slit 9b in the normal direction of the surface of the TFT array substrate 10 or the counter substrate 20. Is done. In the case where the pixel electrode 9a has a plurality of slits 9b, it is preferable that the spacer 40 is disposed in a region other than a region where each of the plurality of slits 9b is formed. That is, when the pixel electrode 9 a has a plurality of slits 9 b, the spacer 40 is disposed at a position that does not overlap any of the plurality of slits 9 b in the normal direction of the TFT array substrate 10 or the counter substrate 20. It is preferable.

  At this time, the spacer 40 preferably has a distance (preferably the shortest distance) between the region where the slit 9b is formed (or the slit 9b itself) equal to or greater than the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 (that is, the cell gap). Preferably, it is formed between the TFT array substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20. In other words, the region where the slit 9b is formed (or the slit 9b itself) and the spacer 40 are spaced between the TFT array substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20 so as to be more than the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 (that is, the cell gap). The spacer 40 is preferably formed, and the influence of the leakage electric field between the pixel electrode 9a and the common electrode 11 is not affected. Specifically, for example, when the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 is 3 μm, as shown in FIG. 4B, the spacer 40 is between the region where the slit 9b is formed (or the slit 9b itself). Is preferably formed between the TFT array substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20 so that the distance is 3 μm or more.

  The number of spacers 40 formed on the liquid crystal device 100 is arbitrary. Specifically, for example, if attention is focused on the horizontal direction (that is, the direction along the scanning lines Y1 to Yn), one spacer 40 is arranged for each horizontal line (that is, for each row). As shown in FIG. 4A, one spacer 40 may be arranged for each of a plurality of horizontal lines (that is, for each of a plurality of rows). If attention is paid to one horizontal line, a plurality of spacers 40 may be arranged on one horizontal line, or one spacer 40 may be arranged on one horizontal line. Good. Similarly, for example, if attention is paid to the vertical direction (that is, the direction along the data lines X1 to Xm), one spacer 40 is arranged for each vertical line (that is, for each column). Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4A, one spacer 40 may be arranged for each of a plurality of vertical lines (that is, for each of a plurality of columns). If attention is paid to one vertical line, a plurality of spacers 40 may be arranged in one vertical line, or one spacer 40 may be arranged in one vertical line. Good. In FIG. 4A, the extension direction of the slit 9b is the vertical direction, but it may be a horizontal direction.

  Here, as a comparative example of the liquid crystal device 100 according to the present embodiment, a liquid crystal device 101 in which the spacer 40 and the slit 9b overlap in the normal direction of the TFT array substrate 10 or the counter substrate 20 is described with reference to FIG. explain. FIG. 5 is a plan view conceptually showing a more detailed configuration of the pixel unit 70 of the liquid crystal device 101 according to the comparative example.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the liquid crystal device 101 according to the comparative example, the spacer 40 (or at least a part of the spacer 40) and the slit 9 b overlap in the normal direction of the TFT array substrate 10 or the counter substrate 20. . That is, the spacer 40 is formed between the TFT array substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20 so that at least a part of the spacer 40 is disposed in a region where the slit 9b is formed. In the liquid crystal device 101 according to the comparative example, when a disturbance or the like is applied to the liquid crystal device 101 (for example, when a counter panel 20 or a protective panel or a touch panel provided on the counter substrate 20 is pressed) ), A force resulting from the disturbance is applied to the periphery of the slit 9b through the spacer 40. Here, it is known that disclination is likely to occur particularly in the vicinity of the end of the slit 9b. For this reason, when a disturbance or the like is applied to the liquid crystal device 101, the disclination (that is, a region where liquid crystal molecules having different rotation directions exist) may expand from the spacer 40. For example, the disclination that is originally present only at the end of the slit 9b (ie, the end of the pixel unit 70) is near the center of the slit 9b (ie, near the center of the pixel unit 70). It can spread to. For this reason, display unevenness occurs due to a change in transmittance due to disclination, and the display quality of the liquid crystal device 101 may be significantly deteriorated.

  However, according to the liquid crystal device 100 according to the present embodiment, even when a disturbance or the like is applied, force is applied to the slit 9b (particularly, the end portion of the slit 9b) via the spacer 40. Little or no. For this reason, disclination that is likely to occur at the end of the slit 9b (that is, a region where liquid crystal molecules having different rotation directions exist) hardly or does not spread from the spacer 40 as a starting point. For example, the disclination existing only at the end of the slit 9b (that is, the end of the pixel unit 70) extends to the vicinity of the center of the slit 9b (that is, the vicinity of the center of the pixel unit 70). Little or no. For this reason, the fluctuation | variation of the transmittance | permeability by disclination (especially the fluctuation | variation of the transmittance | permeability by disclination resulting from the force applied from the spacer 40) can be suppressed suitably. For this reason, since generation | occurrence | production of a display nonuniformity can be suppressed suitably, the deterioration of the display quality of the liquid crystal device 100 can be suppressed suitably.

  Considering that disclination is likely to occur at the end of the slit 9b, at least the distance between the region where the end of the slit 9b is formed (or the end of the slit 9b itself) and the spacer 40. However, if the spacer 40 is formed so as to be equal to or greater than the cell gap, the above-described effects can be enjoyed accordingly. In this case, the distance between the region where the portion other than the end of the slit 9b is formed (or the portion other than the end of the slit 9b itself) and the spacer 40 may be greater than the cell gap. It may be configured to be a predetermined distance less than the cell gap.

  In the above description, an example is described in which the spacer 40 is formed such that the distance between the region where the slit 9b is formed (or the end of the slit 9b itself) and the spacer 40 is equal to or greater than the cell gap. ing. However, as long as the region where the slit 9b is formed (or the slit 9b itself) and the spacer 40 do not overlap in the normal direction of the TFT array substrate 10 or the counter substrate 20, the region where the slit 9b is formed (or The slit 9b itself and the spacer 40 may be configured to be in a state where they are adjacent to each other, or are in contact with each other or can be regarded as being in contact with each other. Even in this case, the liquid crystal device 101 according to the comparative example shown in FIG. 5 (that is, the region where the slit 9b is formed (or the slit 9b itself) and the spacer 40 are formed on the TFT array substrate 10 or the counter substrate 20. Compared with the liquid crystal devices overlapping in the normal direction), at least the above-described effects can be enjoyed accordingly.

  In the above description, an example in which the distance between the region where the slit 9b is formed (or the slit 9b itself) and the spacer 40 is set according to the cell gap is described. However, in addition to or instead of the cell gap, a region (or slit) where the end of the slit 9b is formed according to the amount of deflection of the TFT array substrate 10 or the counter substrate 20 (particularly, the amount of deflection caused by disturbance). The distance between the end portion 9b itself) and the spacer 40 may be set. Specifically, for example, when a force due to a disturbance is applied to the TFT array substrate 10 or the counter substrate 20, the TFT array substrate 10 or the counter substrate 20 may bend depending on the thickness of the TFT array substrate 10 or the counter substrate 20. . In this case, the arrangement position of the spacer 40 (or the position where the spacer 40 is in contact with the TFT array substrate 10) may change depending on the deflection of the TFT array substrate 10 or the counter substrate 20. For this reason, the distance between the region in which the slit 9b is formed (or the slit 9b itself) and the spacer 40 changes the amount of change according to the deflection of the TFT array substrate 10 or the counter substrate 20 (specifically, the spacer 40 The spacer 40 may be formed so as to be greater than or equal to the amount of change in the arrangement position. Even if comprised in this way, the various effects mentioned above can be enjoyed suitably.

  In particular, since there is a strong demand for downsizing and thinning of the liquid crystal device 100 in recent years, the TFT array substrate 10 or the counter substrate 20 tends to be thinner. When the thickness of the TFT array substrate 10 or the counter substrate 20 becomes relatively thin, the amount of deflection of the TFT array substrate 10 or the counter substrate 20 increases. Therefore, the arrangement position of the spacer 40 according to the deflection of the TFT array substrate 10 or the counter substrate 20 The amount of change also increases. Even in such a case, depending on the amount of deflection of the TFT array substrate 10 or the counter substrate 20 (particularly, the amount of deflection caused by disturbance), the region where the end of the slit 9b is formed (or the slit 9b Even if the TFT array substrate 10 or the counter substrate 20 bends due to disturbance or the like by setting the distance between the end itself) and the spacer 40, the slit 9b (particularly, the end of the slit 9b) On the other hand, little or no force is applied via the spacer 40. For this reason, the fluctuation | variation of the transmittance | permeability by disclination (especially the fluctuation | variation of the transmittance | permeability by disclination resulting from the force applied when the arrangement position of the spacer 40 fluctuates) can be suppressed suitably. For this reason, the various effects mentioned above can be enjoyed accordingly.

  Further, depending on the cell gap and the amount of deflection of the TFT array substrate 10 or the counter substrate 20 (particularly, the amount of deflection caused by disturbance), the space between the region where the slit 9b is formed (or the slit 9b itself) and the spacer 40 The distance between the region where the slit 9b is formed (or the slit 9b itself) and the spacer 40 may be secured. Even if comprised in this way, the various effects mentioned above can be enjoyed correspondingly.

(3) Electronic Device Next, an example of an electronic device including the liquid crystal device 100 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a mobile personal computer to which the above-described liquid crystal device is applied. In FIG. 6, the computer 1200 includes a main body 1204 provided with a keyboard 1202 and a liquid crystal display unit 1206 including the liquid crystal device 100 described above. The liquid crystal display unit 1206 is configured by adding a backlight to the back surface of the liquid crystal device 100.

  Next, an example in which the above-described liquid crystal device 100 is applied to a mobile phone will be described. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a mobile phone which is an example of an electronic apparatus. In FIG. 7, a mobile phone 1300 includes a liquid crystal device 1005 that adopts a reflective display format and has the same configuration as the liquid crystal device 100 described above, together with a plurality of operation buttons 1302.

  Since these electronic devices also include the liquid crystal device 100 described above, the various effects described above can be suitably enjoyed.

  In addition to the electronic devices described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, a liquid crystal television, a viewfinder type or a monitor direct-view type video tape recorder, a car navigation device, a pager, an electronic notebook, a calculator, a word processor, a workstation A video phone, a POS terminal, a device provided with a touch panel, a projection display device such as a liquid crystal projector, and the like. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to these various electronic devices.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit or concept of the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and the liquid crystal device accompanying such a change In addition, electronic devices are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

It is a top view which shows the structure of the liquid crystal device which concerns on this embodiment. It is H-H 'sectional drawing of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows notionally the electrical structure of the principal part of the liquid crystal device which concerns on this embodiment. It is a top view which shows notionally more detailed structure of a pixel part. It is a top view which shows notionally more detailed structure of the pixel part of the liquid crystal device which concerns on a comparative example. It is a perspective view of a mobile personal computer to which a liquid crystal device is applied. 1 is a perspective view of a mobile phone to which a liquid crystal device is applied.

Explanation of symbols

  9a ... pixel electrode, 9b ... slit, 10 ... TFT array substrate, 11 ... common electrode, 12 ... insulating film, 20 ... counter substrate, 23 ... black matrix, 40 ... spacer, 50 ... liquid crystal layer, 50a ... liquid crystal molecule, 70 ... Pixel part, 100 ... Liquid crystal device, 116 ... TFT

Claims (7)

A first substrate;
A second substrate disposed to face the first substrate;
A first electrode formed on the second substrate side of the first substrate;
A second electrode formed on the second substrate side of the first substrate and sandwiching an insulating layer with the first electrode;
A liquid crystal layer including liquid crystal molecules sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and driven by an electric field generated between the first electrode and the second electrode;
A spacer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and maintaining a constant distance between the first substrate and the second substrate;
Of the first electrode and the second electrode, the electrode disposed on the liquid crystal layer side has a slit,
The liquid crystal device, wherein the spacer is disposed in a region other than a region where the slit is formed.   The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the spacer is disposed in a region separated by a predetermined distance or more from a region where the slit is formed. The slit extends along one direction,
The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the spacer is disposed in a region separated by a predetermined distance or more along the one direction from the region where the slit is formed.   4. The liquid crystal device according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined distance is a distance between the first substrate and the second substrate.   The liquid crystal device according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined distance is a thickness of the liquid crystal layer.   The liquid crystal device according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined distance is 3 μm.   An electronic apparatus comprising the liquid crystal device according to claim 1.

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