JP2011033821A - Liquid crystal display element - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a stable and wide viewing angle by causing two areas with different tilt directions of liquid crystal molecules to be formed at a predetermined area ratio constantly for each pixel. <P>SOLUTION: On a first substrate 1 provided with a plurality of pixel electrodes 3 and TFTs, lateral electric field generation electrodes 12 corresponding to the pixel electrodes 3 respectively are provided, where lateral electric fields e1 and e2 in directions opposite to each other on one side and the other side of the pixel electrode 3 are generated between the edges of the pixel electrode 3. On a second substrate 2 provided with a counter electrode 16, electric field attenuating means 19 corresponding to the pixel 30 respectively that reduces the intensity of the electric field applied between the pixel electrode 3 and the counter electrode 16 at the boundary of a first area 31 and a second area 32 is provided, which is extended over the whole length of the pixel 30 and formed linearly to divide the pixel 30 into the first area 31 on one side and the second area 32 on the other side. For each pixel 30, a direction of writing electrodes E1 and E2 is caused to be distorted to a direction inclined on one side toward the counter electrode 16 from the pixel electrode 3 in the first area 31, and caused to be distorted to a direction inclined on the opposite side toward the counter electrode 16 from the pixel electrode 3 in the second area 32. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display element having a wide viewing angle.

  Among the first substrate and the second substrate that are arranged to face each other with a liquid crystal layer as a liquid crystal display element, a plurality of pixel electrodes and a corresponding one of the pixel electrodes are arranged on the first substrate, and scanning lines are arranged. A plurality of thin film transistors which are turned on by supplying a gate signal having a predetermined potential from the signal line and apply a data signal supplied from a signal line to the corresponding pixel electrode, and are opposed to the pixel electrodes on the second substrate. A counter electrode is provided, and for each of a plurality of pixels composed of regions in which each pixel electrode and the counter electrode face each other, a liquid crystal molecule of the liquid crystal layer is applied by applying a voltage between the pixel electrode and the counter electrode. There is an active matrix liquid crystal display element that displays images by changing the alignment state.

  As the active matrix liquid crystal display element, a TN type in which the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer are twist-aligned with a twist angle of approximately 90 ° between the first substrate and the second substrate is widely used. Yes.

  By the way, it is desired that the liquid crystal display element has a wide viewing angle. For this purpose, conventionally, each of the pixel electrodes and the counter electrode is provided on one of the first and second substrates. Corresponding to each of a plurality of pixels composed of regions facing each other, for example, by providing a convex portion having a triangular cross-sectional shape and forming an alignment film covering the convex portion, liquid crystal molecules are aligned for each pixel. A first region pretilted in the rubbing direction of the film and a second region in which liquid crystal molecules are pretilted in a direction opposite to the rubbing direction of the alignment film are formed, and viewing angle characteristics of each of these two regions Are designed to obtain a wide viewing angle (see Patent Document 1).

JP-A-7-333612

  However, in the conventional liquid crystal display element, two regions having different tilt directions of liquid crystal molecules are not always formed with a predetermined area ratio for each pixel. For this reason, a stable wide viewing angle is obtained. Can't get.

  According to the present invention, for each pixel, two regions having different tilt directions of liquid crystal molecules due to application of an electric field between the pixel electrode and the counter electrode are constantly formed with a predetermined area ratio, and stable. An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display element capable of obtaining a wide viewing angle.

The invention described in claim 1
Among the first substrate and the second substrate arranged to face each other with the liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween, the first substrate is arranged corresponding to each of the plurality of pixel electrodes and the pixel electrodes, and has a predetermined potential from the scanning line. A plurality of thin film transistors that are turned on by supplying a gate signal and apply a data signal supplied from a signal line to the corresponding pixel electrode are provided, and a counter electrode that is opposed to each pixel electrode is provided on the second substrate. Changing the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer by applying a voltage between the pixel electrode and the counter electrode for each of a plurality of pixels including regions where the pixel electrodes and the counter electrode face each other. A liquid crystal display element for displaying
The first substrate is provided so as to be insulated from the pixel electrode on the outer side of at least one side of the pixel electrode and two edges on the opposite side, corresponding to the pixel electrode, and the data signal A lateral electric field generating electrode for generating lateral electric fields in opposite directions on the one side and the opposite side between the edge of the applied pixel electrode;
A predetermined direction of the pixel so as to divide the pixel into a first region on the one side of the pixel electrode and a second region on the opposite side of the pixel electrode so as to correspond to the pixels on the second substrate. An electric field attenuating means for reducing the strength of the electric field applied between the pixel electrode and the counter electrode at the boundary between the first region and the second region. And
For each of the pixels, the direction of the electric field applied between the pixel electrode and the counter electrode is changed by using the lateral electric field and the electric field attenuation by the electric field attenuating means as a boundary. The first region is distorted in the direction inclined toward the one side from the pixel electrode toward the counter electrode, and the second region is inclined toward the opposite side from the pixel electrode toward the counter electrode. It is characterized by being distorted in the direction.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the liquid crystal display element according to the first aspect, the lateral electric field generating electrode is applied with a voltage having the same potential as the signal applied to the counter electrode, and the edge of the pixel electrode The transverse electric field is generated between the two.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the liquid crystal display element according to the first or second aspect, the lateral electric field generating electrode is provided with an insulating film interposed between the pixel electrodes. Features.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the liquid crystal display element according to the third aspect, the lateral electric field generating electrode faces the edge of each pixel electrode through the insulating film on the first substrate. And a capacitor electrode that forms a compensation capacitor between the pixel electrode and the edge of the pixel electrode.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the liquid crystal display element according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the pixel electrode is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and the lateral electric field generating electrode is the pixel electrode. The electric field attenuating means is formed in a straight line parallel to the long side direction of the pixel electrode.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the liquid crystal display element according to the fifth aspect, the lateral electric field generating electrode is disposed along the entire periphery of the pixel electrode except for the connection portion of the thin film transistor. It is characterized by.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the liquid crystal display element according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the electric field attenuating means is disposed at a position that bisects the pixel. The liquid crystal display element according to claim 1.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the liquid crystal display element according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the electric field attenuating means comprises a dielectric film formed on the counter electrode. Features.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the liquid crystal display element according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the electric field attenuating means comprises a slit provided in the counter electrode.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the liquid crystal display element according to any one of the second to ninth aspects, a first alignment film is provided on the first substrate so as to cover the pixel electrodes, and the second substrate. A second alignment film is provided so as to cover the counter electrode and the electric field attenuating means, and the first alignment film and the second alignment film are respectively in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the electric field attenuating means. It is characterized by being rubbed.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the liquid crystal display element according to the tenth aspect, the first alignment film intersects one direction with respect to the extending direction of the electric field attenuating means at an angle of approximately 45 °. And the second alignment layer is rubbed in a direction intersecting with the extending direction of the electric field attenuating means at an angle of approximately 45 ° in the direction opposite to the one direction, and the liquid crystal layer is The liquid crystal molecules have a positive dielectric anisotropy, and the liquid crystal molecules are twist-oriented at a twist angle of approximately 90 ° between the first substrate and the second substrate.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the liquid crystal display element according to the eleventh aspect, the pixel electrode has a vertically long rectangular shape in which the electrode width in the vertical direction of the screen is larger than the electrode width in the horizontal direction of the screen. The electric field attenuating means is formed in a straight line parallel to the long side direction of the pixel electrode, and the first alignment film is formed from the second substrate side with respect to the extending direction of the electric field attenuating means. The second alignment film is rubbed in a direction that intersects the clockwise direction at an angle of approximately 45 °, and the second alignment film is approximately 45 in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the second substrate side with respect to the extending direction of the electric field attenuating means. It is characterized by being rubbed in an intersecting direction at an angle of °.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the liquid crystal display element according to the eleventh aspect, the pixel electrode has a horizontally long rectangular shape in which the electrode width in the horizontal direction of the screen is larger than the electrode width in the vertical direction of the screen. The electric field attenuating means is formed in a straight line parallel to the long side direction of the pixel electrode, and the first alignment film is formed from the second substrate side with respect to the extending direction of the electric field attenuating means. The second alignment film is rubbed in a direction that intersects the clockwise direction at an angle of approximately 45 °, and the second alignment film is approximately 45 in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the second substrate side with respect to the extending direction of the electric field attenuating means. It is characterized by being rubbed in an intersecting direction at an angle of °.

  The invention according to claim 14 is the liquid crystal display element according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the first polarizing plate is formed on the outer surface of the first substrate, the absorption axis of which is the rubbing direction of the first alignment film. The second polarizing plate is arranged in a parallel or orthogonal direction, and the second polarizing plate is arranged on the outer surface of the second substrate with its absorption axis orthogonal to the absorption axis of the first alignment film. .

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the liquid crystal display element according to the tenth aspect, the first alignment film intersects one direction with respect to the extending direction of the electric field attenuating means at an angle of approximately 90 °. And the second alignment layer is rubbed in a direction intersecting at an angle of approximately 90 ° with the direction opposite to the one direction with respect to the extending direction of the electric field attenuating means. The liquid crystal molecules are composed of liquid crystals having positive dielectric anisotropy, and the liquid crystal molecules are homogeneously aligned with their molecular long axes aligned with the rubbing directions of the first alignment film and the second alignment film.

  According to the liquid crystal display element of the present invention, for each pixel, two regions having different tilt directions of liquid crystal molecules due to application of an electric field between the pixel electrode and the counter electrode are regularly formed at a predetermined area ratio. And a stable wide viewing angle can be obtained.

The top view which abbreviate | omitted the overcoat insulating film and alignment film of a part of 1st board | substrate of the liquid crystal display element of 1st Example of this invention. The expanded sectional view of the said liquid crystal display element which follows the II-II arrow line of FIG. The expanded sectional view of the said liquid crystal display element which follows the III-III arrow line of FIG. The top view which shows the initial orientation of the liquid crystal molecule in the liquid crystal display element of 1st Example, and the direction of the absorption axis of a 1st and 2nd polarizing plate. Sectional drawing which shows typically the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecule at the time of no electric field in the liquid crystal display element of 1st Example. Sectional drawing which shows typically the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecule at the time of the electric field application in the liquid crystal display element of 1st Example. The top view which shows the normal tilt area | region and reverse tilt area | region of the liquid crystal molecule of one pixel in the liquid crystal display element of 1st Example. The viewing angle-luminance characteristic view of the vertical and horizontal directions of the screen in the liquid crystal display element of the first embodiment. The top view which abbreviate | omitted the overcoat insulating film and alignment film of a part of 1st board | substrate of the liquid crystal display element of a comparative example. The viewing angle-luminance characteristic view of the screen in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction in the liquid crystal display element of the comparative example. Sectional drawing which shows the modification of the electric field attenuation | damping means in the liquid crystal display element of 1st Example. Sectional drawing which shows the other modification of the electric field attenuation | damping means in the liquid crystal display element of 1st Example. Sectional drawing which shows the other modification of the electric field attenuation | damping means in the liquid crystal display element of 1st Example. Sectional drawing which shows typically the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecule at the time of no electric field in the liquid crystal display element of 2nd Example of this invention. Sectional drawing which shows typically the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecule at the time of the electric field application in the liquid crystal display element of 2nd Example. The top view of a part of 1st board | substrate of the liquid crystal display element of 3rd Example of this invention. The top view which shows the normal tilt area | region and reverse tilt area | region of the liquid crystal molecule of one pixel in the liquid crystal display element of 3rd Example. The top view which abbreviate | omitted the overcoat insulating film and alignment film of a part of 1st board | substrate of the liquid crystal display element of 4th Example of this invention.

[First embodiment]
The liquid crystal display element of the present invention is an active matrix liquid crystal display element using a thin film transistor (hereinafter referred to as TFT) as an active element, as shown in FIGS.
Of the transparent first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 arranged to face each other with the liquid crystal layer 23 therebetween, they are arranged on the first substrate 1 in the row direction (horizontal direction of the screen) and the column direction (vertical direction of the screen). A plurality of transparent pixel electrodes 3 arranged in correspondence with the respective pixel electrodes 3 are turned on when a gate signal having a predetermined potential is supplied from the scanning line 10, and a data signal supplied from the signal line 11 is supplied. A plurality of TFTs 4 to be applied to the corresponding pixel electrodes 3 are provided, and a transparent counter electrode 16 is provided on the second substrate 2 so as to face the pixel electrodes 3.

  In the liquid crystal display element, the liquid crystal is applied by applying a voltage between the pixel electrode 3 and the counter electrode 16 for each of a plurality of pixels 30 including regions where the pixel electrodes 3 and the counter electrode 16 face each other. An image is displayed by changing the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules 24 of the layer 23.

  In this embodiment, the first substrate 1 is a substrate opposite to the display viewing direction (upward in FIGS. 2 and 3) (hereinafter referred to as a rear substrate), and the second substrate 2 is a display surface side. The pixel electrodes 3, the TFTs 4, the scanning lines 10, and the signal lines 11 are surfaces of the rear substrate 1 facing the front substrate 2 (hereinafter referred to as the rear substrate 1). The counter electrode 16 is provided on a surface of the front substrate 2 facing the rear substrate 1 (hereinafter referred to as an inner surface of the front substrate 2).

  The TFT 4 includes a gate electrode 5 formed on the rear substrate 1, a transparent gate insulating film 6 that covers the gate electrode 5 and is formed over the entire array region of the pixel electrode 3, and the gate insulating film 6. An i-type semiconductor film 7 is formed on the gate electrode 5 so as to face the gate electrode 5, and an n-type semiconductor film (not shown) is formed on one side and the other side of the i-type semiconductor film 7. It consists of a drain electrode 8 and a source electrode 9.

  Further, on the rear substrate 1, a plurality of scanning lines 10 for supplying gate signals to the plurality of TFTs 4 in each row are respectively provided on one side of each pixel electrode row including a plurality of pixel electrodes 3 arranged in the row direction. It is provided along the gate and connected to the gate electrodes 5 of the plurality of TFTs 4 in each row.

  Further, a plurality of signal lines 11 for supplying data signals to the plurality of TFTs 4 in each column are provided on the gate insulating film 6 in each pixel electrode column including a plurality of pixel electrodes 3 arranged in the column direction. And are connected to the drain electrodes 8 of the plurality of TFTs 4 in each column.

  Each scanning line 10 is integrally formed with the gate electrode 5 by the same metal film as the gate electrode 5 of the TFT 4, and each signal line 11 is connected to the drain electrode 8 and the source electrode 9 of the TFT 4. The drain electrode 8 is formed integrally with the same metal film.

  Each pixel electrode 3 is a vertically long rectangle having an electrode width in the vertical direction of the screen larger than an electrode width in the horizontal direction of the screen by a transparent conductive film such as an ITO film on the gate insulating film 6. The source electrode 9 of the TFT 4 corresponding to the pixel electrode 3 is connected to one end of the pixel electrode 3 in the long side direction.

  In addition, an overcoat insulating film 14 is provided on the inner surface of the rear substrate 1 so as to cover the plurality of TFTs 4 and the plurality of signal lines 11, and the plurality of pixels are arranged in the entire array region of the pixel electrodes 3. A first alignment film 15 is provided so as to cover the electrode 3.

  On the other hand, on the inner surface of the front substrate 2, each of the three colors of red, green, and blue is formed so that each of the pixel electrodes 3 and the counter electrode 16 is formed corresponding to each of a plurality of pixels 30 composed of regions facing each other. The area between the color filters 17R, 17G, and 17B and the pixels 30, that is, the area between the adjacent color filters 17R, 17G, and 17B is as thick as the thickness of the color filters 17R, 17G, and 17B. And a light shielding film (black mask) 18 formed of a black resin film, and the counter electrode 16 is formed on the color filters 17R, 17G, 17B and the light shielding film 18, such as an ITO film. A transparent conductive film is formed in a single film shape facing the entire array region of the pixel electrodes 3, and a second alignment film 22 is provided to cover the counter electrode 16.

  The rear substrate 1 and the front substrate 2 are arranged to face each other with a predetermined gap therebetween, and a frame-shaped sealing material (not shown) surrounding a screen area corresponding to the arrangement region of the pixel electrodes 3. The liquid crystal layer 23 is provided in a region surrounded by the sealing material in the gap between the rear substrate 1 and the front substrate 2.

  Further, the inner surface of the rear substrate 1 is disposed so as to be insulated from the pixel electrode 3 on the outer side of at least two opposite edges of the pixel electrode 3 so as to correspond to the pixel electrodes 3, respectively. Horizontal electric fields e1 and e2 (see FIG. 6) opposite to each other are generated between the one side and the opposite side between the edge of the pixel electrode 3 to which the data signal is applied via the TFT 4. A horizontal electric field generating electrode 12 is provided.

  In addition, on the inner surface of the front substrate 2, the pixel 30 is connected to the first region 31 on one edge side of the two edges of the pixel electrode 3 so as to correspond to the pixels 30. The writing applied to the pixel electrode 3 and the counter electrode 16 is linearly formed by extending the entire length of the pixel 30 so as to be divided into the second region 32 on the other edge side. Electric field attenuating means 19 is provided for reducing the strength of the electric field at the boundary between the first region 31 and the second region 32.

  The lateral electric field generating electrode 12 is provided closer to the rear substrate 1 than the pixel electrodes 3 with the gate insulating film 6 of the TFT 4 interposed between the pixel electrodes 3. In this embodiment, the lateral electric field generating electrode 12 is provided on the rear substrate 1 so as to face the edge of each pixel electrode 3 through the gate insulating film, and the edge of the pixel electrode 3. Between the capacitor electrode 13 and the capacitor electrode 13 forming a compensation capacitor for holding the potential of the pixel electrode 3. In FIG. 1, portions corresponding to the horizontal electric field generating electrode 12 and the capacitor electrode 13 are shaded in parallel.

  That is, the lateral electric field generating electrode 12 and the capacitive electrode 13 have an edge on the pixel electrode 3 side facing the edge of the pixel electrode 3 through the gate insulating film 6, The opposite edge is made of a metal film formed in a shape protruding outward from the pixel electrode 3.

  The gate electrode 5 and the scanning line 10 of the TFT 4 and the lateral electric field generating electrode 12 and the capacitor electrode 13 are formed of the same metal film (for example, an aluminum alloy film whose surface is oxidized).

  Further, the horizontal electric field generating electrode 12 and the capacitor electrode 13 are arranged along at least two long sides of the pixel electrode 3 formed in a vertically long rectangular shape. In this embodiment, the horizontal electric field generating electrode 12 and the capacitor electrode 13 are arranged along the entire periphery of the pixel electrode 3 except for the connection portion of the TFT 4. The compensation capacitance is formed over the entire area.

  Further, each side portion of the metal film forming the lateral electric field generating electrode 12 and the capacitance electrode 13 is formed to have a width of 4 to 6 μm, and 2 sides opposite to the center in the width direction of these side portions. A portion having a width of ˜3 μm serves as a horizontal electric field generating electrode 12 projecting around the pixel electrode 3, and a portion having a width of 2-3 μm closer to the pixel electrode 3 than the center in the width direction is the gate insulation. The capacitor electrode 13 is opposed to the peripheral edge of the pixel electrode 3 through the film 6.

  The horizontal electric field generating electrodes 12 and the capacitor electrodes 13 corresponding to the pixel electrodes 3 are formed continuously in each row, and are connected to a common connection (not shown) at one or both ends of each row. Connected to wiring.

  The rear substrate 1 is formed with a driver mounting portion (not shown) extending outward from the front substrate 2 on one end side in the column direction (the vertical direction of the screen), for example. A driver element (not shown) made of an LSI is mounted on the mounting portion.

  Each scanning line 10 bypasses the outside of the screen area and is connected to a plurality of gate signal output terminals of the driver element, and each signal line 11 includes a plurality of data signal output terminals of the driver element. The counter electrode 16 is connected to a common signal output terminal of the driver element via a cross connection portion provided at a substrate bonding portion made of the frame-shaped sealing material.

  Further, the horizontal electric field generating electrode 12 of each row is connected to the common signal output terminal of the driver element via the common connection wiring. That is, a voltage having the same potential as the common signal applied to the counter electrode 16 is applied to the horizontal electric field generating electrode 12 and the capacitor electrode 13 in each row.

  On the other hand, the electric field attenuating means 19 is formed in a straight line parallel to the long side direction of the vertically long rectangular pixel electrode 3, and, as shown in FIG. That is, the pixels 30 are arranged to extend to the full length of each pixel 30 at a position where the pixel 30 is divided into a first region 31 and a second region 32 having substantially the same area.

  In this embodiment, the electric field attenuating means 19 comprises a dielectric film 20 formed on the counter electrode 16 in a straight line parallel to the long side direction of the pixel electrode 3. The dielectric film 20 is a band-shaped film having a film thickness of 1 to 2 μm and a width of 10 to 15 μm. The film surface at the center is formed in a substantially flat surface, and the film surfaces on both sides are both sides from the film upper surface. It has a cross-sectional shape formed into an arcuate curved surface over the surface.

  The dielectric film 20 is formed by coating a photo-curing resin on the counter electrode 16 in a film thickness, patterning the coating film into a strip shape by exposure and development processing, and then heating the upper surface of the resin film. Can be formed by a method in which the corner between the two sides is curved.

  Further, the first alignment film 15 and the second alignment film 22 respectively align the liquid crystal molecules 24 with a very small pretilt angle of about 0 to 1 ° with respect to the substrate surfaces of the rear substrate 1 and the front substrate 2. The second alignment film 22 on the inner surface of the front substrate 2 is provided so as to cover the counter electrode 16 and the dielectric film 20.

  Then, the first alignment film 15 on the inner surface of the rear substrate 1 and the second alignment film 22 on the inner surface of the front substrate 2 are each rubbed in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the dielectric film 20. ing.

  The liquid crystal display element of this embodiment is a TN (twisted nematic) type liquid crystal display element, and the first alignment film 15 is in the direction of extension of the dielectric film 20 provided as the electric field attenuating means 19. The second alignment film 22 is rubbed in a direction intersecting with one direction at an angle of approximately 45 °, and the second alignment film 22 has an angle of approximately 45 ° in a direction opposite to the one direction with respect to the extending direction of the dielectric film 20. It is rubbed in the crossing direction.

  On the other hand, the liquid crystal layer 23 sealed in the gap between the rear substrate 1 and the front substrate 2 is made of nematic liquid crystal having positive dielectric anisotropy. 2, in the vicinity of each, the molecular long axis is directed to the rubbing directions 15 r and 22 r of the first alignment film 15 and the second alignment film 22, and downstream from the rubbing directions 15 r and 22 r (the rubbing start end side). It is substantially between the rear substrate 1 and the front substrate 2 in a state where it is pretilted at an angle of about 0 to 1 ° in the direction away from the film surfaces of the alignment films 15 and 22 toward the side (the end side of the rubbing). Twist orientation is performed at a twist angle of 90 °.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the first alignment film 15 has an angle of approximately 45 ° in the clockwise direction when viewed from the front substrate 2 side with respect to the extending direction of the dielectric film 20. And the second alignment film 22 intersects the extending direction of the dielectric film 20 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed from the front substrate 2 side at an angle of approximately 45 °. 1 and 4, the liquid crystal molecules 24 are twisted in the direction indicated by the broken line arrow T in FIGS. 1 and 4, that is, clockwise from the rear substrate 1 side toward the front substrate 2 side as viewed from the front substrate 2 side. The twist orientation is approximately 90 °.

  Note that the angles of the rubbing directions 15r and 22r of the first alignment film 15 and the second alignment film 22 with respect to the extending direction of the dielectric film 20 are in the range of 45 ° ± 5 °, respectively, and the twist angle of the liquid crystal molecules 24 is 90 °. A range of ° ± 10 ° is preferred.

  Further, the liquid crystal display element has an outer surface of the rear substrate 1 (a surface opposite to the surface facing the front substrate 2) and an outer surface of the front substrate 2 (a surface opposite to the surface facing the rear substrate 1). The first polarizing plate 25 and the second polarizing plate 26 are provided respectively, and these polarizing plates 25 and 26 are used when no electric field is applied between the pixel electrodes 3 and the counter electrode 16. It is arranged so as to constitute a normally white mode liquid crystal display element which is the brightest display.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the first polarizing plate 25 on the outer surface of the rear substrate 1 has an absorption axis 25a parallel to or orthogonal to the rubbing direction 15r of the first alignment film 15 (orthogonal direction in FIG. 4). The second polarizing plate 26 on the outer surface of the front substrate 2 is disposed with its absorption axis 26 a orthogonal to the absorption axis 25 a of the first polarizing plate 25.

  The liquid crystal display element is arranged so that one side of the pixel electrode 3 and its edge are disposed between the rear substrate 1 and the edge of the pixel electrode 3 to which a data signal is applied, corresponding to each pixel electrode 3. A lateral electric field generating electrode 12 for generating lateral electric fields opposite to each other on the opposite side is provided, and the pixel 30 is arranged on the one side of the pixel electrode 3 so as to correspond to the respective pixels on the front substrate 2. A straight line is formed by extending the entire length of the pixel in a predetermined direction so as to be divided into one region 31 and a second region 32 on the opposite side, and is applied between the pixel electrode 3 and the counter electrode 16. Since the dielectric film 20 that lowers the intensity of the written electric field at the boundary between the first region 31 and the second region 32 is provided, the direction of the write electric field is With a linear boundary corresponding to the dielectric film 20 as a boundary The first region 31 on one edge side of the pixel 30 is distorted in the direction inclined toward the one side from the pixel electrode 3 toward the counter electrode 16, and the first region 31 on the other edge side of the pixel 30 The second region 32 is distorted in a direction inclined toward the opposite side from the pixel electrode 3 toward the counter electrode 16.

Therefore, according to this liquid crystal display element, for each of the pixels 30, two regions 31 and 32 having different tilt directions of the liquid crystal molecules 24 due to application of a write electric field between the pixel electrode 3 and the counter electrode 16 are provided. It is possible to obtain a stable wide viewing angle by constantly forming a predetermined area ratio.
That is, the liquid crystal display element sequentially supplies a gate signal having a predetermined potential to each scanning line 10 to sequentially turn on the plurality of TFTs 4 for each row for each row, and the data signal supplied from each signal line 11 is supplied. It is driven by being applied to the pixel electrode 3 through the TFT 4.

  On the other hand, the electric field distortion forming means corresponds to each of the pixel electrodes 3 so as to correspond to at least one side of the pixel electrode 3 and two edges on the opposite side (in the above embodiment, the connection portion of the TFT 4 is excluded). The pixel 30 is placed on the pixel electrode 3 on the lateral electric field generating electrode 12 that is insulated from the pixel electrode 3 outside the entire periphery) and on the counter electrode 16 so as to correspond to the pixels 30. The dielectric film 20 is formed linearly over the entire length of the pixel 30 so as to be divided into two regions, that is, the region on the one edge side and the region on the opposite edge side. . A voltage having the same potential as the common signal applied to the counter electrode 16 is applied to the lateral electric field generating electrode 12.

  Therefore, when no electric field is applied between the pixel electrode 3 and the counter electrode 16 of each pixel 30, no horizontal electric field is generated between the horizontal electric field generating electrode 12 and the pixel electrode 3. Therefore, when there is no electric field, the initial twist in which the liquid crystal molecules 24 are pretilted at an angle of 0 to 1 ° with respect to the rear substrate 1 and the front substrate 2 in the entire area of each pixel 30 as shown in FIG. Align to the alignment state.

  The liquid crystal display element of this embodiment is of a normally white mode in which the first polarizing plate 25 and the second polarizing plate 26 are arranged with their absorption axes 25a and 26a orthogonal to each other. The display of the pixel 30 when there is no electric field is the brightest bright display.

  On the other hand, the data signal is applied to the pixel electrode 3 via the TFT 4, and a writing electric field having a strength corresponding to the gradation value of the data signal is applied between the pixel electrode 3 and the counter electrode 16. As shown in FIG. 6, the pixel electrode 3 is interposed between the lateral electric field generating electrode 12 to which a voltage having the same potential as the common signal applied to the counter electrode 16 is applied and the edge of the pixel electrode 3. A lateral electric field from the edge of the pixel electrode 3 toward the outside thereof, that is, lateral electric fields e1 and e2 opposite to each other are generated on one side of the pixel electrode 3 and the opposite side, and the direction of the writing electric field is the lateral electric field e1. , E 2, the one edge side of the pixel electrode 3 and the opposite edge side are distorted so as to incline in opposite directions.

  In this embodiment, since the horizontal electric field generating electrode 12 is arranged along the entire periphery of the pixel electrode 3 except for the TFT connection portion, a horizontal electric field is generated on the entire periphery of the pixel electrode 3. The pixel electrode 3 is formed in a vertically long rectangular shape, and the writing electric field is 2 of the pixel electrode 3 than the lateral electric field (not shown) generated at the edges of the two short sides of the pixel electrode 3. Strongly affected by the lateral electric fields e1 and e2 generated at the edges of the two long sides, the one side of the two long sides of the pixel electrode 3 and the opposite side are inclined in opposite directions. Distorted.

  The write electric field applied between the pixel electrode 3 and the counter electrode 16 is an electric field having a strength corresponding to the gradation value of the data signal. The dielectric film 20 is formed linearly over the entire length of the pixel 30 so as to divide the pixel electrode 3 into a first region 31 on one edge side of the pixel electrode 3 and a second region 32 on the other edge side. Therefore, the strength of the electric field in the portion corresponding to the dielectric film 20 in the write electric field is lower than the strength of the electric field in other portions due to a voltage drop in the dielectric film 20. .

  Accordingly, the direction of the writing electric field applied between the pixel electrode 3 and the counter electrode 16 is a central portion of the pixel electrode 3 in the width direction of the dielectric film 20 in a portion corresponding to the dielectric film 20. Is distorted in an oblique direction toward both sides of the dielectric film 20.

  Therefore, the write electric field applied between the pixel electrode 3 and the counter electrode 16 is caused by the distortion caused by the lateral electric fields e1 and e2 and the distortion of the portion corresponding to the dielectric film 20, and thus the dielectric film 20. The first region 31 and the second region 32 are distorted in directions opposite to each other with a portion corresponding to the above as a boundary.

  That is, in the first region 31 on one side of the pixel 30 (left side in FIG. 6), the write electric field E1 applied between the pixel electrode 3 and the counter electrode 16 is applied from the pixel electrode 3 to the counter electrode 16. In the second region 32 on the side opposite to the one side of the pixel 30 (right side in FIG. 6), the pixel electrode 3 and the counter electrode 16 are distorted in a direction inclined toward the one side (left side). Is distorted in a direction inclined to the opposite side (right side) from the pixel electrode 3 toward the counter electrode 16. In FIG. 6, the broken line E1a is the equipotential line of the write electric field E1 applied with the above-described distortion in the first region 31, and the broken line E2a is the above-described distortion in the second region 32. 2 is an equipotential line of the write electric field E2 applied.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the liquid crystal molecules 24 have a tilt angle with respect to the rear substrate 1 and the front substrate 2 in the first region 31 in the distortion direction of the write electric field E1 applied to the first region 31 (see FIG. 6). 6 in the direction of increasing toward the molecular end side, that is, in the upward direction toward the right with respect to the rear substrate 1 and in the downward direction with respect to the front substrate 2 in FIG. , The tilt angle with respect to the rear substrate 1 and the front substrate 2 increases toward the molecular end in the distortion direction (leftward in FIG. 6) of the write electric field E2 applied to the second region 32, that is, 6, the rear substrate 1 is tilted leftward and the front substrate 2 is tilted rightward.

  The tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 24 in the first region 31 is the same direction as the pretilt tilt in the initial alignment state of FIG. The tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules 24 is opposite to the pretilt tilt in the initial alignment state in FIG. Hereinafter, the tilt of the liquid crystal molecules 24 when the write electric field is applied in the first region 31 is referred to as normal tilt, and the tilt of the liquid crystal molecules 24 when the write electric field is applied in the second region 32 is referred to as reverse tilt.

  As described above, in the liquid crystal display element, for each pixel 30, the liquid crystal molecules 24 are separated from each other by the application of a writing electric field with the linear boundary extending over the entire length of the pixel 30 in a predetermined direction as a boundary. Normal tilt in the first region 31 on one side of the pixel 30 and reverse tilt in the second region 32 on the opposite side to the one side of the pixel 30.

  Therefore, according to the liquid crystal display element, as shown in FIG. 7, for each pixel 30, the first region 31 (hereinafter referred to as a normal tilt region) 31 in which the liquid crystal molecules 24 are normally tilted by the application of the write electric field, and the liquid crystal molecules A second area 32 (hereinafter referred to as a reverse tilt area) 32 where the reverse tilt 24 is formed is constantly formed at a predetermined area ratio, and the viewing angle characteristics of the normal tilt area 31 and the visual field of the reverse tilt area 32 are It is possible to obtain a stable and wide viewing angle that is synergistic with the angular characteristics.

  The liquid crystal display element includes the dielectric film 20 provided as the electric field attenuating means 19 for reducing the intensity of the writing electric field at the boundary between the first region 31 and the second region 32, and the pixel 30. Is arranged at a position that bisects, the area ratio between the normal tilt region 31 and the second region in which the liquid crystal molecules 24 reverse tilt (hereinafter referred to as a berth tilt region) is approximately 1: 1. Thus, a viewing angle characteristic in which the viewing angle characteristic of the normal tilt region 31 and the viewing angle property of the reverse tilt region 32 are synergized with a substantially equal balance can be obtained.

8 (a) is vertical viewing angle of the screen of the liquid crystal display device - luminance characteristics, and FIG. 8 (a), the viewing angle in the horizontal direction of the screen of the liquid crystal display device - a luminance characteristic diagram, L ₀ , L ₈ , L ₁₆ , L ₂₄ , L ₃₂ , L ₄₀ , L ₄₈ , L ₅₆ , L ₀ , and L ₆₃ are 64 gradations from 0 (darkest gradation value) to 63 (lightest gradation value). The viewing angle-luminance characteristics when a writing electric field of each gradation value of 0, 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56, 63 is applied.

  On the other hand, the liquid crystal display element of the comparative example shown in FIG. 9 does not include the electric field attenuating means 19 (dielectric film 20 in the above embodiment), and the rubbing of the first alignment film 15 and the second alignment film 22. The directions 15r and 22r are each shifted by 90 ° in the clockwise direction when viewed from the front substrate 2 side with respect to the rubbing direction of the above embodiment, and the other configurations are the same as those of the liquid crystal display element of the above embodiment. .

FIG. 10A is a view angle-luminance characteristic diagram in the vertical direction of the screen of the liquid crystal display element of the comparative example, and FIG. 10A is a view angle-luminance characteristic of the screen of the liquid crystal display element of the comparative example in the horizontal direction. In the figure, L ₀ , L ₈ , L ₁₆ , L ₂₄ , L ₃₂ , L ₄₀ , L ₄₈ , L ₅₆ , L ₀ , L ₆₃ are ₀ , ₈ , ₁₆ of 64 gradations of 0-63. , 24, 32, 40, 48, 56, 63 viewing angle-luminance characteristics when a writing electric field of each gradation value is applied.

  In the liquid crystal display element of the comparative example, the viewing angle-luminance characteristic in the vertical direction of the screen shifts the luminance peak upward as the gradation value becomes lower as shown in FIG. This is a vertically asymmetrical characteristic, and when the viewing angle in the vertical direction exceeds the range of about −20 ° to about 30 °, gradation collapse and gradation inversion occur, so the viewing angle in the vertical direction of the screen is narrow.

  The liquid crystal display element of the above embodiment has a viewing angle-luminance characteristic in the vertical direction of the screen that is substantially vertically symmetric around a viewing angle of 0 ° (normal direction of the screen) as shown in FIG. In addition, in the range where the viewing angle in the vertical direction is about −40 ° to about 40 °, a good display without gradation collapse or gradation inversion can be obtained. Therefore, the screen is compared with the liquid crystal display element of the comparative example. Wide viewing angle.

  Further, the liquid crystal display element of the comparative example has a left-right viewing angle-brightness characteristic of the screen as shown in FIG. 10B, but the liquid crystal display element of the above example has the right and left side of the screen. The viewing angle-luminance characteristic in the direction is substantially bilaterally symmetric as shown in FIG. 8B, and the viewing angle characteristic in the horizontal direction of the screen is also better than that of the liquid crystal display element of the comparative example.

  In the above-described embodiment, the dielectric film 20 is formed in a cross-sectional shape in which the corners between the upper surface and both side surfaces are curved, but the dielectric film 20 has the deformation shown in FIG. As an example, it may be formed in a cross-sectional shape that leaves the corners between the upper surface and both side surfaces as they are.

  Furthermore, even if the dielectric film 20 is formed in a semi-elliptical or semi-circular cross-sectional shape as in the other modification shown in FIG. 12, the dielectric film 20 is as in the other modification shown in FIG. Alternatively, the cross-sectional shape may be an isosceles triangle having a top at the center in the width direction.

[Second Embodiment]
In the liquid crystal display element of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the electric field attenuating means 19 for reducing the strength of the write electric field at the boundary between the first region 31 and the second region 32 is provided. The counter electrode 16 is formed by providing a slit 21, and the slit 21 is a straight line over the entire length of the pixel 30 so as to divide each pixel 30 into the first region 31 and the second region 32. It is formed in a shape. Since the other configuration of the liquid crystal display element of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, the duplicated description will be omitted by attaching the same reference numerals to the drawings.

  Also in the liquid crystal display element of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the direction of the write electric fields E1 and E2 applied between the pixel electrode 3 and the counter electrode 16 is a slit provided in the counter electrode 16. The first region 31 of the pixel 30 is distorted in the direction inclined toward the one side from the pixel electrode 3 toward the counter electrode 16 with the linear boundary corresponding to 21 as a boundary, and the second region 32 In FIG. 5, the pixel electrode 3 is distorted in the direction inclined toward the opposite side toward the counter electrode 16.

  Therefore, the liquid crystal molecules 24 in the first region 31 are tilted (normal tilt) in a direction opposite to the pretilt inclination in the initial alignment state in FIG. The liquid crystal molecules 24 in the two regions 32 can be tilted (reverse tilt) in a direction opposite to the pretilt tilt in the initial alignment state in FIG. As in the first embodiment, the two regions 31 and 32 having different tilt directions of the liquid crystal molecules 24 are constantly formed with a predetermined area ratio, and a stable wide viewing angle can be obtained.

[Third embodiment]
In the liquid crystal display element of the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, each pixel electrode 3 is formed in a horizontally-long rectangular shape in which the electrode width in the horizontal direction of the screen is larger than the electrode width in the vertical direction of the screen. The horizontal electric field generating electrode 12 is formed integrally with the capacitor electrode 13 and is disposed along at least two long sides of the pixel electrode 3. In this embodiment, the horizontal electric field generating electrode 12 and the capacitor electrode 13 are arranged along the entire periphery of the pixel electrode 3 except for the connection portion of the TFT 4.

  The electric field attenuating means 19 (either the dielectric film 20 in the first embodiment or the slit 21 provided in the counter electrode 16 in the second embodiment) on the inner surface of the front substrate 2 is the length of the pixel electrode 3. The first pixel 30 is formed in a straight line parallel to the side direction and divides the pixel 30 into two equal parts over the entire length of each pixel 30, that is, the first pixel 30 having substantially the same area as shown in FIG. At the position where the region 31 and the second region 32 are divided, the pixel 30 is disposed so as to extend the entire length.

  The first alignment film 15 on the inner surface of the rear substrate 1 is approximately 45 ° in the clockwise direction when viewed from the front substrate 2 side with respect to the extending direction of the electric field attenuating means 19 (preferably 45 ° ± 5 °). The second alignment film 22 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) on the inner surface of the front substrate 2 is rubbed in the direction 15r intersecting at an angle of The liquid crystal molecules 24 of the liquid crystal layer 23 are rubbed in a direction 22r intersecting at an angle of approximately 45 ° (preferably 45 ° ± 5 °) in the counterclockwise direction as viewed from the direction indicated by a dashed arrow T in FIG. In the twist direction, that is, in the clockwise direction when viewed from the front substrate 2 side from the rear substrate 1 side to the front substrate 2 side, twist orientation is performed at a twist angle of approximately 90 ° (preferably 90 ° ± 10 °). Yes. Since the other configuration of the liquid crystal display element of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same description is given with the same reference numerals in FIG.

  Also in the liquid crystal display element of the third embodiment, for each pixel 30, the direction of the write electric field applied between the pixel electrode 3 and the counter electrode 16 is determined by the horizontal electric field generating electrode 12 and the electric field attenuation. The first region 31 on one side of the pixel (upper side in FIG. 17) with a linear boundary corresponding to the electric field attenuating means 19 of the pixel 30 as a boundary. In the second region 32 on the side opposite to the one side of the pixel 30 (the lower side in FIG. 17), the pixel electrode 3 is distorted in the direction inclined toward the one side from the pixel electrode 3 toward the counter electrode 16. The pixel electrode 3 can be distorted in a direction inclined toward the opposite side toward the counter electrode 16.

  Therefore, for each of the pixels 30, the two regions 31 and 32 having different tilt directions of the liquid crystal molecules 24 due to the application of the write electric field between the pixel electrode 3 and the counter electrode 16 are constantly in a predetermined area ratio. Thus, a stable wide viewing angle can be obtained.

  In the liquid crystal display element of the third embodiment, the pixel electrode 3 is formed in a horizontally long rectangular shape, and the lateral electric field generating electrode 12 is disposed along at least two long sides of the pixel electrode 3. The electric field attenuating means 19 is formed in a straight line parallel to the long side direction of the pixel electrode 3, and the first alignment film 15 and the second alignment film 22 are in the above-mentioned direction, that is, in the first embodiment. Since rubbing is performed in a direction shifted by 90 ° with respect to the rubbing direction, the viewing angle-luminance characteristic in the vertical direction of the screen is as shown in FIG. 8B, and the viewing angle-luminance characteristic in the horizontal direction of the screen is illustrated. The characteristic is as shown in FIG.

[Fourth embodiment]
The liquid crystal display element of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 18 is a non-twisted homogeneous alignment type liquid crystal display element. The rubbing directions 15r and 22r of the first alignment film 15 and the second alignment film 22 and the liquid crystal molecules 24 Except for the initial alignment state and the directions of the absorption axes 25a and 26a of the first polarizing plate 25 and the second polarizing plate 26, the configuration is the same as that of the liquid crystal display element of the first embodiment or the second embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the electric field attenuating means 19 may be the dielectric film 20 in the first embodiment or the slit 21 provided in the counter electrode 16 in the second embodiment.

  In the liquid crystal display element of the fourth embodiment, the first alignment film 15 on the inner surface of the rear substrate 1 is approximately 90 ° (preferably 90 ° ± 10 in one direction) with respect to the extending direction of the electric field attenuating means 19. The second alignment film 22 on the inner surface of the front substrate 2 is approximately 90 in a direction opposite to the one direction with respect to the extending direction of the electric field attenuating means 19. It is rubbed in an intersecting direction 22r at an angle of ° (preferably 90 ° ± 10 °).

  The liquid crystal layer 23 is made of nematic liquid crystal having positive dielectric anisotropy, and the liquid crystal molecules 24 have a molecular long axis in the rubbing direction 15r of the first alignment film 15 and the second alignment film 22. , 22r are homogeneously aligned.

  Also in the liquid crystal display element of the fourth embodiment, for each pixel 30, the direction of the write electric field applied between the pixel electrode 3 and the counter electrode 16 is changed to the horizontal electric field generating electrode 12 and the electric field attenuation. By means of an electric field distortion forming means comprising means 19, the pixel electrode 3 extends from the pixel electrode 3 in the first region on one side of the pixel with a linear boundary corresponding to the electric field attenuation means 19 of the pixel 30 as a boundary. The second electrode is distorted in a direction inclined toward the one side toward the counter electrode 16, and in the second region opposite to the one side of the pixel 30, the opposite side from the pixel electrode 3 toward the counter electrode 16. It can be distorted in the direction inclined.

  Therefore, for each of the pixels 30, the two regions 31 and 32 having different tilt directions of the liquid crystal molecules 24 due to the application of the write electric field between the pixel electrode 3 and the counter electrode 16 are constantly in a predetermined area ratio. Thus, a stable wide viewing angle can be obtained.

[Other embodiments]
In the liquid crystal display elements of the first to fourth embodiments, the electric field attenuating means 19 is arranged at a position for dividing the pixel 30 into two equal parts. The electric field attenuating means 19 is divided into two equal parts. The first region 31 and the second region 32 may be arranged in different areas by being shifted in any one direction from the position.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... 1st board | substrate (rear board | substrate), 2 ... 2nd board | substrate (front board | substrate), 3 ... Pixel electrode, 4 ... TFT, 10 ... Scanning line, 11 ... Signal line, 12 ... Horizontal electric field generation electrode, 13 ... Capacitance electrode 16 ... first alignment film, 15r ... rubbing direction, 16 ... counter electrode, 17R, 17G, 17B ... color filter, 18 ... light-shielding film, 19 ... electric field attenuating means, 20 ... dielectric film, 21 ... slit, 22 ... Second alignment film, 22r ... rubbing direction, 23 ... liquid crystal layer, 24 ... liquid crystal molecule, 25, 26 ... polarizing plate, 25a, 26a ... absorption axis, 30 ... pixel, 31 ... first region, 32 ... second region, E1, E2 ... Write electric field, e1, e2 ... Lateral electric field

Claims (15)

Among the first substrate and the second substrate arranged to face each other with the liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween, the first substrate is arranged corresponding to each of the plurality of pixel electrodes and the pixel electrodes, and has a predetermined potential from the scanning line. A plurality of thin film transistors that are turned on by supplying a gate signal and apply a data signal supplied from a signal line to the corresponding pixel electrode are provided, and a counter electrode that is opposed to each pixel electrode is provided on the second substrate. Changing the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer by applying a voltage between the pixel electrode and the counter electrode for each of a plurality of pixels including regions where the pixel electrodes and the counter electrode face each other. A liquid crystal display element for displaying
The first substrate is provided so as to be insulated from the pixel electrode on the outer side of at least one side of the pixel electrode and two edges on the opposite side, corresponding to the pixel electrode, and the data signal A lateral electric field generating electrode for generating lateral electric fields in opposite directions on the one side and the opposite side between the edge of the applied pixel electrode;
A straight line over the entire length of the pixel so as to divide the pixel into a first region on the one side of the pixel electrode and a second region on the opposite side of the pixel electrode so as to correspond to the pixels on the second substrate. Electric field attenuating means for reducing the strength of the electric field applied between the pixel electrode and the counter electrode at the boundary between the first region and the second region,
For each of the pixels, the direction of the electric field applied between the pixel electrode and the counter electrode is changed by using the lateral electric field and the electric field attenuation by the electric field attenuating means as a boundary. The first region is distorted in the direction inclined toward the one side from the pixel electrode toward the counter electrode, and the second region is inclined toward the opposite side from the pixel electrode toward the counter electrode. A liquid crystal display element characterized by being distorted in the direction.   2. The horizontal electric field generating electrode is applied with a voltage having the same potential as a signal applied to the counter electrode, and generates the horizontal electric field between the edge of the pixel electrode. Liquid crystal display element.   The liquid crystal display element according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal electric field generating electrode is provided with an insulating film interposed between the pixel electrodes.   The lateral electric field generating electrode is provided on the first substrate so as to face the edge of each pixel electrode through the insulating film, and forms a compensation capacitor with the edge of the pixel electrode. The liquid crystal display element according to claim 3, wherein the liquid crystal display element is formed integrally with an electrode.   The pixel electrode is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, the horizontal electric field generating electrode is disposed along at least two long sides of the pixel electrode, and the electric field attenuating means is configured to connect the long side of the pixel electrode. The liquid crystal display element according to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal display element is formed in a straight line parallel to the direction.   The liquid crystal display element according to claim 5, wherein the horizontal electric field generating electrode is disposed along the entire periphery of the pixel electrode except for the connection portion of the thin film transistor.   7. The liquid crystal display element according to claim 1, wherein the electric field attenuating means is disposed at a position that bisects the pixel.   8. The liquid crystal display element according to claim 1, wherein the electric field attenuating means is made of a dielectric film formed on the counter electrode.   The liquid crystal display element according to claim 1, wherein the electric field attenuating means includes a slit provided in the counter electrode.   A first alignment film is provided on the first substrate so as to cover each pixel electrode, and a second alignment film is provided on the second substrate so as to cover the counter electrode and the electric field attenuating means. 10. The liquid crystal display element according to claim 1, wherein the film and the second alignment film are each rubbed in a direction intersecting with an extending direction of the electric field attenuating means.   The first alignment film is rubbed in a direction intersecting with one direction at an angle of approximately 45 ° with respect to the extending direction of the electric field attenuating means, and the second alignment film is aligned with the extending direction of the electric field attenuating means. The liquid crystal layer is rubbed in a direction intersecting with the direction opposite to the one direction at an angle of about 45 °, and the liquid crystal layer is made of liquid crystal having positive dielectric anisotropy, and the liquid crystal molecules are The liquid crystal display element according to claim 10, wherein the liquid crystal display element is twist-aligned with a twist angle of approximately 90 ° between the substrate and the second substrate.   The pixel electrode is formed in a vertically long rectangular shape in which the electrode width in the vertical direction of the screen is larger than the electrode width in the horizontal direction of the screen, and the electric field attenuating means has a linear shape parallel to the long side direction of the pixel electrode The first alignment film is rubbed in a direction intersecting with the extending direction of the electric field attenuating means at a substantially 45 ° angle in a clockwise direction when viewed from the second substrate side, 12. The bi-alignment film is rubbed in a direction intersecting at an angle of about 45 ° in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the second substrate side with respect to the extending direction of the electric field attenuating means. The liquid crystal display element as described.   The pixel electrode is formed in a horizontally long rectangular shape in which the electrode width in the horizontal direction of the screen is larger than the electrode width in the vertical direction of the screen, and the electric field attenuating means is a straight line parallel to the long side direction of the pixel electrode The first alignment film is rubbed in a direction intersecting with the extending direction of the electric field attenuating means at a substantially 45 ° angle in a clockwise direction when viewed from the second substrate side, 12. The bi-alignment film is rubbed in a direction intersecting at an angle of about 45 ° in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the second substrate side with respect to the extending direction of the electric field attenuating means. The liquid crystal display element as described.   A first polarizing plate is disposed on the outer surface of the first substrate with its absorption axis oriented in a direction parallel or perpendicular to the rubbing direction of the first alignment film, and the second polarizing plate is disposed on the outer surface of the second substrate. The liquid crystal display element according to claim 12, wherein the liquid crystal display element is arranged so that an absorption axis thereof is orthogonal to an absorption axis of the first alignment film.   The first alignment film is rubbed in a direction that intersects one direction at an angle of approximately 90 ° with respect to the extending direction of the electric field attenuating means, and the second alignment film is aligned with the extending direction of the electric field attenuating means. The liquid crystal layer is made of a liquid crystal having positive dielectric anisotropy, and the liquid crystal molecule has a molecular long axis. The liquid crystal display element according to claim 10, wherein the liquid crystal display element is homogeneously aligned in a rubbing direction of the first alignment film and the second alignment film.

Images