JP2013213991A - Liquid crystal display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid crystal display device that can satisfy characteristics of a wide viewing angle, has excellent display quality, can reduce the number of exposure, and can be easily obtained.SOLUTION: A liquid crystal display device comprises a pair of substrates, and a liquid crystal layer held between the substrates. The liquid crystal display device includes a light alignment layer, and a linear alignment control structure; and alignment division is performed in four or more liquid crystal alignment areas in one pixel with voltage below a threshold voltage by the light alignment film included in one of the pair of substrates and the linear alignment control structure in the other of the pair of substrates.

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device that can be easily obtained by performing alignment division within one pixel and reducing the number of exposures while ensuring sufficient aperture ratio and wide viewing angle characteristics.

Liquid crystal display devices (hereinafter also referred to as LCDs) have become very popular as display devices that can achieve light weight, thinness, and low power consumption, such as mobile applications such as smartphones and tablet terminals, various monitors, large televisions, etc. It is indispensable for daily life and business. In such LCDs, developments are being made to realize a wider viewing angle and higher contrast to further improve display quality and to have more functions.

By the way, the current LCD performs display by controlling the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules by applying an electric field, changing the polarization state of light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer, and adjusting the amount of light passing through the polarizing plate.
The display performance of the LCD is affected by the alignment state of liquid crystal molecules when a voltage is applied and the magnitude and direction of the applied electric field. Various display modes of such LCD exist depending on the alignment state of liquid crystal molecules when no voltage is applied and the direction of the applied electric field.

For example, a liquid crystal display element in which liquid crystal molecules have a twist structure has a TN (Twisted Nematic) mode, and a liquid crystal display device with a low driving voltage and low cost can be obtained. A vertical electric field type liquid crystal display element in which liquid crystal alignment when no voltage is applied is perpendicular to the substrate is called a VA (Vertical Alignment) mode. The VA mode is an advantageous system for realizing high contrast, and its application is expanding. In these various modes, various contrivances have been made to satisfy all the characteristics such as a wide viewing angle, high contrast, and high-speed response. One of the most important technologies in recent years in this field is a method of alignment division that divides the region in the pixel so that the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules is different in one pixel, thereby improving the display quality. Can do. In particular, MVA (Multi-Domain Vertical Alignment) mode, which can satisfy such a wide viewing angle characteristic by being subjected to such orientation division, has attracted attention.

As one of the conventional alignment-divided VA modes, the first substrate, the first signal line formed on the first substrate, and the first signal line formed on the first substrate intersect with the first signal line. A second signal line, a switching element formed on the first substrate and connected to the first signal line and the second signal line, a groove, a ridge line, and a groove formed on the switching element. A first inclined member that forms an inclined surface between the first and second ridgelines, a pixel electrode formed on the first inclined member and connected to the switching element, and formed on the pixel electrode, the first A first alignment film photo-aligned in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the substrate; a second substrate facing the first substrate; a common electrode formed on the second substrate; A liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the alignment film and the common electrode; The liquid crystal display apparatus is disclosed that (for example, see Patent Document 1.).

In addition, liquid crystal display devices in which liquid crystals are similarly aligned using photo-alignment or alignment-regulating structures are disclosed in alignment-divided vertical alignment type liquid crystal display devices and the like (for example, Patent Documents 2 to 2). 6).

JP 2009-193066 A JP-A-11-95224 JP 2000-193976 A JP 2002-287158 A JP 2009-80197 A JP 2008-197691 A

As described above, the liquid crystal display device in which the alignment is divided has attracted attention and various studies have been made. Here, in the prior art, when the alignment film is divided into four domains by photo-alignment (alignment domain division), each pixel is divided into two long side portions and two short side portions, and the four domains are bonded together. (FIGS. 76 to 82).

FIGS. 76 and 77 are schematic plan views showing one form of a pixel of the first substrate of the conventional liquid crystal display device during the manufacturing process. FIG. 78 is a schematic plan view showing pixels on a first substrate of a conventional liquid crystal display device. First, as shown in FIG. 76, the right half of the pixel is masked and the left half of the pixel is scanned and exposed to align liquid crystal molecules in the direction indicated by the upward black arrow in FIG. Is granted. Next, as shown in FIG. 77, the left half of the pixel is masked, and the right half of the pixel is scan-exposed to align liquid crystal molecules in the direction indicated by the downward black arrow in FIG. Is granted. As a result, a first substrate having an alignment region in the alignment direction indicated by the black arrow in FIG. 78 is obtained. FIG. 79 and FIG. 80 are schematic plan views showing one form during the manufacturing process of the pixel of the second substrate of the conventional liquid crystal display device. FIG. 81 is a schematic plan view showing pixels on the second substrate of the conventional liquid crystal display device. Similarly, a second substrate having an alignment region in the alignment direction indicated by the black arrow in FIG. 81 is obtained. FIG. 82 is a schematic plan view showing a pixel of a conventional liquid crystal display device. As a result of bonding the first substrate shown in FIG. 78 and the second substrate shown in FIG. 81, a liquid crystal display device having four alignment regions can be manufactured.

When manufacturing such a conventional liquid crystal display device, the upper and lower substrates are exposed a plurality of times. Further, accompanying this, the price of the exposure apparatus for performing the scanning exposure of the alignment film is increased, and the area of the exposure apparatus is remarkably increased.

Here, the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 is an invention for reducing the number of times of exposure for aligning liquid crystal with the alignment film for photo-alignment, and it is disclosed that light leakage is also prevented. it can. However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, exposure is performed on the entire surface of the substrate from the vertical direction without using a mask. The liquid crystal alignment direction of each pixel is divided physically by ribs and slits, or by dividing the angle of the lines of electric force by adding inclined portions. The photo-alignment is performed to vertically align the liquid crystal molecules regardless of the structure.

In the invention described in Patent Document 1, the problem of reducing the number of exposures of the alignment film in a liquid crystal panel using photo-alignment is not a conventional rib or slit, but an inclined member is attached to the substrate of the liquid crystal display device. It is disclosed that the problem is solved by vertical exposure. For example, in the common electrode display panel 200 shown in FIG. 10B of Patent Document 1, there is no optical alignment and physical alignment (ASV [Advanced Super View] or the like) is performed. In the thin film transistor array panel 100, vertical alignment is performed. The liquid crystal alignment direction is divided in the tilt direction of the tilt member. Thus, it is said that light leakage is prevented by aligning the liquid crystal vertically with respect to the main surface of the substrate regardless of the inclination. However, in the portion using the inclined member, when energized, the direction of the electric lines of force is inclined from the horizontal direction of the panel surface, and the liquid crystal is also inclined in the same direction. That is, FIG. 83 is a schematic diagram showing the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal display device described in Patent Document 1, but as shown in FIG. 83, the liquid crystal molecules LC are not inclined in the horizontal direction of the panel surface. As a result, the color balance may be shifted. Further, if the cell thickness is increased to avoid this, the transmittance may be lowered. In FIG. 83, dotted lines indicate lines of electric force.

The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and in a liquid crystal display device, a combination of a photo-alignment film and a linear alignment control structure (ribs, slits, etc.) forms four domains (or more). An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display device which can satisfy the characteristics of a wide viewing angle by performing the alignment division, is excellent in display quality, and can be easily obtained with a small number of exposures.

The present inventor is able to easily obtain a liquid crystal display device with excellent display quality, which is preferably divided into a plurality of orientations within one pixel by photo-alignment, at low cost and with a small-scale exposure apparatus. As a result of various studies on the technique, the conventional liquid crystal display device described above divides the pixels of each substrate into two domains only by photo-alignment, so it is necessary to perform exposure in two directions for each substrate. Focusing on the problem of increasing the number of exposures. Then, various studies have been made on performing alignment division with four or more domains using a combination of a photo-alignment film and a linear alignment control structure (ribs, slits, etc.). And in each board | substrate, it paid attention to mixing the alignment part by the photo-alignment part and the alignment control structure in the pixel to expose. When a substrate in which pixels are divided into two by a linear alignment control structure is photo-aligned, half of the pixels are hidden by a mask, and each substrate is parallel to the direction in which the linear alignment control structure extends. Conceived of a configuration in which photo-alignment is performed once, and with this configuration, alignment division of four domains or more is performed while sufficiently improving display quality, and exposure is performed in only one direction for each pixel of each substrate. Found that it was possible. As a result, it has been found that a liquid crystal display device can be suitably obtained with a low cost and a small area exposure apparatus.

In addition, the inventor of the present invention also has a dark line position of a conventional UV2A (Ultra-violet induced multidomain Vertical Alignment) substrate (cross shape consisting of a long vertical bisector and a short vertical bisector intersecting each other). If the positions of the alignment regulation structures are equal, there is no reduction in the aperture ratio, in other words, the conventional dark line and the alignment regulation structure are overlapped, and the area of the alignment regulation structure is equal to or less than the dark line area. If so, we found that there was no reduction in the aperture ratio. Furthermore, it has also been found that the aperture ratio increases if the alignment control structure is made of a slit or a transparent resin. The inventors have conceived that the above problems can be solved brilliantly, and have reached the present invention.

The alignment region of each pixel is a region where liquid crystal molecules are divided in the alignment region in each pixel so as to show the same alignment direction, and the viewing angle direction is the same in the alignment region. The alignment regions are preferably the same area and symmetrical on each pixel electrode. Thereby, viewing angle uniformity can be ensured.

By the way, the method described in Patent Document 1 is a single method in which the alignment control method is either an alignment control structure or photo-alignment for each substrate. The present invention is different in that a plurality of alignment control methods (both photo-alignment and alignment control structure) are taken on the substrate. In the present invention, exposure is normally performed with an angle from the vertical direction with respect to the main surface of the substrate (FIG. 7). However, the invention described in Patent Document 1 uses vertical exposure as a means for reducing the number of exposures. It is supposed to be. FIG. 84 is a schematic diagram showing the exposure direction of ultraviolet rays onto the substrate during the manufacture of the liquid crystal display device described in Patent Document 1. In FIG. 84, white arrows indicate the ultraviolet light exposure direction.

In addition, since the present invention does not require an inclined member as in the invention described in Patent Document 1, a change in color balance can be sufficiently suppressed, and there is no fear of a decrease in transmittance.
Further, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, when performing alignment division (division of alignment domains) by photo-alignment in the example therein, domains in a plurality of alignment directions must be formed by photo-alignment on one side substrate. (Refer to the upper substrate in FIG. 11 of Patent Document 1). In the present invention, when the domain is divided by photo-alignment, the photo-alignment is performed only by unidirectional photo-alignment on the one-side substrate. A liquid crystal display device with the above is established.

More specifically, a rib is provided on one substrate in the vertical direction (on the vertical bisector of the short side of the pixel in FIG. 1 etc. of the present application), and a rib is provided on the other substrate in the horizontal direction (referred to in FIG. 2 of the present application). In some cases, the alignment can be divided in four ways. However, the present invention is advantageous in terms of transmittance, particularly when the pixels are large, in contrast to the configuration in which the alignment is divided only by the alignment regulating structure. For example, it is assumed that the pixel has a size of a pixel of a liquid crystal panel used for a 32-inch television or the like. Then, it is assumed that one substrate to be bonded is orientation-divided only by a linear structure which is an orientation-regulating structure. At this time, when considering the prior art, a single linear structure with respect to one direction of the pixel is insufficient to secure a sufficient viewing angle and response speed. This is because the range in which the orientation regulation force is sufficiently limited is limited to a certain distance around the linear structure. Therefore, a plurality of linear structures are required, and even if the liquid crystal is oriented in two directions, the pixel itself is divided more than in two, and the transmittance is not advantageous.

On the other hand, in the case where the photo-alignment is also adopted, it is only necessary to divide the pixel into two when the orientation direction is set to two directions regardless of the size of the pixel. The area is divided into a first substrate and a second substrate.) This is because the entire photo-aligned area has a uniform alignment regulating force. Therefore, regardless of the size of the pixel, the non-transmission area of light (the number of boundaries between regions having different alignment directions) does not change, and high transmittance can be achieved.
In summary, particularly in the case of a large pixel, it is advantageous because a decrease in transmittance can be avoided at least in a region where the photo-orientation is performed, compared to a case where only a structure that is an alignment regulating structure is used. Note that a 26-inch television or the like having a smaller panel with a smaller pixel can exhibit the same effect and has an advantage.

That is, the present invention is a liquid crystal display device having a pair of substrates and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the substrates, wherein the liquid crystal display device includes a photo-alignment film and a linear alignment control structure, By the photo-alignment film provided on one of the pair of substrates and the linear alignment control structure on the other of the pair of substrates, the alignment is divided into four or more liquid crystal alignment regions within one pixel at a voltage lower than the threshold voltage. This is a liquid crystal display device.

The exposure for obtaining the photo-alignment film according to the present invention can be either scan exposure or stamp exposure. If the display device is manufactured only for the liquid crystal display device of the present invention, the price of the exposure apparatus for scanning the alignment film and the area of the apparatus are expected to be halved.

The liquid crystal display device of the present invention may be any device as long as the alignment is divided into four or more liquid crystal alignment regions (liquid crystal alignment directions) in one pixel when the main surface of the substrate is viewed in plan. The four or more liquid crystal alignment directions refer to liquid crystal alignment directions near the center of the liquid crystal layer thickness direction.

The threshold voltage means a voltage value that generates an electric field that causes an optical change in the liquid crystal layer and changes a display state in the liquid crystal display device. For example, it means a voltage value that gives a transmittance of 5% when the transmittance in the bright state is set to 100%.

The direction in which the liquid crystal molecules are aligned by the photo-alignment film and the direction in which the linear alignment control structure extends are preferably perpendicular when the substrate main surface is viewed in plan. Note that “vertical” may be substantially vertical as long as the effects of the present invention can be exhibited.

When the liquid crystal molecules are aligned by the photo-alignment film provided on one of the pair of substrates and the linear alignment control structure on the other of the pair of substrates, the liquid crystal molecules are aligned by the photo-alignment film on one of the pair of substrates. The region where the liquid crystal molecules are aligned and the region where the liquid crystal molecules are aligned by the alignment control structure in the other of the pair of substrates are usually overlapped.

At least one of the pair of substrates is different from a region in which liquid crystal molecules are aligned by the photo-alignment film and a region in which liquid crystal molecules are aligned by the photo-alignment film, and the liquid crystal molecules are aligned by the linear alignment control structure. It is preferable to have a region to be oriented. More preferably, both of the pair of substrates align the liquid crystal molecules with an alignment control structure different from the region in which the liquid crystal molecules are aligned by the photo-alignment film and the region in which the liquid crystal molecules are aligned by the photo-alignment film. It has a region to be made.

The direction in which liquid crystal molecules are aligned by the photo-alignment film is preferably one direction per pixel on one substrate. The direction is preferably parallel to the direction in which the linear alignment control structure extends. Furthermore, the direction in which liquid crystal molecules are aligned by the alignment regulating structure is preferably, for example, two directions per pixel on one substrate.

The linear alignment control structure is preferably a protrusion. For example, it is one preferable embodiment of the present invention that the orientation control structure is a rib provided on each of a pair of substrates, and the orientation control structure is provided only on one of the pair of substrates. A columnar structure (rib) is another preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this specification, the linear alignment control structure in the other of the pair of substrates may be a linear alignment control structure provided in the other of the pair of substrates. The linear alignment control structure provided on the other of the pair of substrates may be different as long as it has the same liquid crystal alignment control function as the provided alignment control structure and exhibits the effects of the present invention. It may be a columnar rib provided on one of the substrates. Furthermore, it is also preferable that the linear alignment control structure is an opening of an electrode provided on the substrate.

The pixel preferably has a configuration in which a plurality of viewing directions are orthogonal or opposite directions when the main surface of the substrate is viewed in plan. Thereby, the viewing angle characteristic can be made advantageous.

The difference in the orientation direction (viewing angle direction) is preferably 90 °, 180 ° or 270 °. Note that the division into four or more alignment regions in one pixel may be performed as long as there are four or more alignment regions in one alignment direction in one pixel. That is, in four or more alignment regions in one pixel, the alignment directions of all the alignment regions may be different, but at least if there are alignment regions in four different alignment directions in the pixel, the same alignment There may be two or more orientation regions in the direction. One of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is a so-called 4-domain configuration in which one pixel is divided into four alignment regions.

As a preferable mode of the present invention, the pixel has a mode in which the area of the opening and / or the visible light transmittance is equal between the alignment regions. Usually, the pixel electrode is not completely symmetrical in the vertical and horizontal directions due to the presence of a non-linear element or the like, so that the area of the opening of the pixel electrode is substantially equal in the vertical and horizontal directions, or the substantial visible light transmittance is divided 4 It is desirable to set so that it becomes almost equal over the region. Thus, the uniformity of the viewing angle can be further improved by setting the aperture area and / or the visible light transmittance to be substantially equal between the alignment regions.
The area of the opening and / or the transmittance of visible light is equal to the extent that the area of the opening and / or the transmittance of visible light is generally evaluated to be equal in the technical field of liquid crystal display panels. If it is equal to. The divided four or more regions are four or more regions having different orientation directions. In this case, a region having the same alignment direction may be divided into two or more in the pixel, and it is sufficient that there are four or more regions having different alignment directions when counted as one region.

Further, in the liquid crystal display device, it is preferable that liquid crystal molecules are aligned in a direction substantially perpendicular to the main surface of the substrate when no voltage is applied (less than a threshold voltage). The substantially vertical direction includes a direction having an angle with respect to the vertical direction as long as it can function effectively as a vertical alignment (VA) liquid crystal display device. In such a vertical alignment mode, a negative type liquid crystal having a negative dielectric anisotropy is usually used, and when the voltage is less than a threshold voltage (for example, no voltage is applied), liquid crystal molecules are substantially aligned with respect to the substrate surface. This is a display mode in which the liquid crystal molecules are tilted substantially in the horizontal direction with respect to the substrate surface when they are oriented vertically and a voltage equal to or higher than a threshold value is applied. The liquid crystal molecule having negative dielectric anisotropy refers to a liquid crystal molecule having a larger dielectric constant in the minor axis direction than in the major axis direction. In the liquid crystal display panel of the present invention, a high contrast ratio can be obtained by using the vertical alignment mode.

The liquid crystal display device of the present invention preferably includes an active matrix substrate using thin film transistors. Thereby, the alignment regulating force of the liquid crystal can be further strengthened, and the display quality can be improved. In this case, normally, electrodes such as a gate electrode connected to the gate line (scanning line), a source electrode connected to the source line (signal line), a drain electrode connected to the pixel electrode, and an auxiliary capacitance electrode are formed on the substrate. Formed on top. Usually, the gate line and the source line are arranged so as to intersect with each other, and a thin film transistor (hereinafter also referred to as TFT) as a switching element and a pixel electrode are disposed at the intersecting portion. A gate electrode connected to the gate line; a source electrode connected to the source line facing the gate electrode with a gap; a drain electrode connected to the pixel electrode; and an island-like (island-like) semiconductor layer The pixel electrode structure is formed as follows.

As a configuration of the liquid crystal display device of the present invention, the above-described photo-alignment film and the linear alignment control structure are provided, and the photo-alignment film provided in one of the pair of substrates and the linear shape in the other of the pair of substrates. In addition to the essential component that the alignment is divided into four or more liquid crystal alignment regions within one pixel at a voltage lower than the threshold voltage and the preferable components described above, the alignment control structure of It has the other component which comprises a display apparatus. Such other components are not particularly limited.

According to the liquid crystal display device of the present invention, a wide viewing angle characteristic can be satisfied, the display quality is excellent, and the liquid crystal display device can be obtained easily with a small number of exposures.

3 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a first substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels on a second substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of the liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a pixel of the liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view illustrating one embodiment during the manufacturing process of the pixels of the first substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view illustrating one embodiment during the manufacturing process of the pixels of the first substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an ultraviolet light exposure direction on a substrate at the time of manufacturing the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view illustrating an embodiment during a manufacturing process of a pixel of a second substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view illustrating an embodiment during a manufacturing process of a pixel of a second substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of a first substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to a first modification example of Embodiment 1. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels on a second substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to a first modification of Embodiment 1. 6 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a liquid crystal display device according to a first modification of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels on a first substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to a second modification example of Embodiment 1. 6 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a second substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to a second modification of Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of a liquid crystal display device according to a second modification of Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a pixel of a liquid crystal display device according to a second modification of Embodiment 1. FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a first substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to a third modification of Embodiment 1. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a second substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to a third modification of Embodiment 1. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of a liquid crystal display device according to a third modification of Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing pixels on a first substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing pixels on a second substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a first substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to a first modification of Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a second substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to a first modification of Embodiment 2. FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a liquid crystal display device according to a first modification of Embodiment 2. FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a first substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to a second modification of Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a second substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to a second modification example of Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a liquid crystal display device according to a second modification of Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a first substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to a third modification of Embodiment 2. FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a second substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to a third modification of Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a liquid crystal display device according to a third modification of Embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels on a first substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a pixel on a first substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing pixels on a second substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of a liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a pixel of a liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 3. FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of a first substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to a modification example of Embodiment 3. 10 is a schematic plan view showing pixels on a second substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to a modification of Embodiment 3. FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a liquid crystal display device according to a modified example of Embodiment 3. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing pixels on a first substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 4. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing pixels on a second substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 4. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 4. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a pixel of a liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 4. FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a first substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to a first modification example of Embodiment 4. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a second substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to a first modification example of Embodiment 4. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a liquid crystal display device according to a first modification example of Embodiment 4. FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a first substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to a second modification example of Embodiment 4. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a second substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to a second modification example of Embodiment 4. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of a liquid crystal display device according to a second modification example of Embodiment 4. FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a pixel of a liquid crystal display device according to a second modification example of Embodiment 4. FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a first substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to a third modification example of Embodiment 4. FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of a second substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to a third modification example of Embodiment 4. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a liquid crystal display device according to a third modification example of Embodiment 4. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels on a first substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 5. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels on a second substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 5. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 5. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a pixel of a liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 5. FIG. FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a first substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to a first modification example of Embodiment 5. FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a second substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to a first modification example of Embodiment 5. FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a liquid crystal display device according to a first modification example of Embodiment 5. FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a first substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to a second modification example of Embodiment 5. FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view showing pixels on a second substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to a second modification example of Embodiment 5. FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a liquid crystal display device according to a second modification example of Embodiment 5. FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a pixel of a liquid crystal display device according to a second modification example of Embodiment 5. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a first substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to a third modification example of Embodiment 5. FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view showing pixels on a second substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to a third modification example of Embodiment 5. FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a liquid crystal display device according to a third modification example of Embodiment 5. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels on a first substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 6. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels on a second substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 6. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 6. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a pixel of a liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 6. FIG. FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of a first substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to a modification example of Embodiment 6. FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels on a second substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to a modification example of Embodiment 6. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a liquid crystal display device according to a modified example of Embodiment 6. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a pixel of a liquid crystal display device according to a modified example of Embodiment 6. FIG. It is a plane schematic diagram which shows one form in the manufacturing process of the pixel of the 1st board | substrate of the conventional liquid crystal display device. It is a plane schematic diagram which shows one form in the manufacturing process of the pixel of the 1st board | substrate of the conventional liquid crystal display device. It is a plane schematic diagram which shows the pixel of the 1st board | substrate of the conventional liquid crystal display device. It is a plane schematic diagram which shows one form in the manufacturing process of the pixel of the 2nd board | substrate of the conventional liquid crystal display device. It is a plane schematic diagram which shows one form in the manufacturing process of the pixel of the 2nd board | substrate of the conventional liquid crystal display device. It is a plane schematic diagram which shows the pixel of the 2nd board | substrate of the conventional liquid crystal display device. It is a plane schematic diagram which shows the pixel of the conventional liquid crystal display device. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the alignment direction of liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal display device described in Patent Document 1. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an ultraviolet light exposure direction on a substrate during manufacturing of the liquid crystal display device described in Patent Document 1.

In the embodiment, the substrate on which the thin film transistor element (TFT) is arranged is also referred to as a TFT substrate or a TFT array substrate. In the embodiment, the substrate on which the color filter (CF) is disposed is also referred to as a CF substrate. Moreover, the rib in each embodiment says the protrusion by resin etc., and a slit says the opening part in a transparent electrode. In addition, from a viewpoint of an aperture ratio, the protrusion by a transparent resin and a slit are preferable.
Embodiments will be described below, and the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited only to these embodiments. In this specification, a pixel may be a picture element (sub-pixel) unless otherwise specified.

(Embodiment 1)
A liquid crystal display panel is manufactured by sandwiching and bonding liquid crystals between a TFT substrate and a CF substrate. One of the first substrate and the second substrate indicates a TFT substrate, and the other indicates a CF substrate. In the TFT substrate, the gate wiring and the source wiring are provided on the glass substrate so as to be substantially orthogonal to each other, and a pixel electrode and a TFT are provided for each region surrounded by the gate wiring and the source wiring. .
FIG. 3 shows one pixel on the bonded substrate.
By dividing the alignment direction of the liquid crystal into four in FIG. 3, the viewing angle can be expanded. Note that the conventional technology is divided into four ways.
In the first embodiment, the pixel configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is used in order to achieve this state.

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels on a first substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment. The alignment direction RA of the liquid crystal in the vicinity of the first substrate (indicated by black arrows in the left-right direction in FIG. 1) RA is due to the rib 15R which is a linear alignment regulating structure (structure). The direction LA in which the liquid crystal is aligned by the alignment film (indicated by an upward black arrow in FIG. 1) LA is based on the photo-alignment film obtained by oblique light exposure. A broken line is a partition of the alignment region, and does not indicate a structure such as an alignment regulating structure. The same applies to the drawings to be described later. The black arrow in the horizontal direction is the alignment direction of the liquid crystal near the substrate by the structure, and the black arrow in the vertical direction is the alignment direction of the photo-alignment film obtained by light exposure. And the broken lines separating the different black arrows are the alignment regions. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels on the second substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 2, the black arrow in the left-right direction indicates the alignment direction of the liquid crystal near the second substrate, and is due to the rib 25R that is a linear alignment regulating structure. In FIG. 2, the downward black arrow indicates the alignment direction of the alignment film, and depends on the photo-alignment film obtained by light exposure obliquely with respect to the main surface of the substrate. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment is divided into four liquid crystal alignment regions in one pixel. In FIG. 3, four black arrows indicate the liquid crystal alignment direction near the center of the liquid crystal layer thickness direction. The same applies to the drawings described later, and the black arrow in the oblique direction indicates the liquid crystal alignment direction near the center of the liquid crystal layer thickness direction. Moreover, the light non-transmission part 45 which divides a rectangular pixel into a cross shows the location which is opaque by structures and wirings, such as an orientation control structure. In the first embodiment, the dark line position of the substrate (a cross shape including a long vertical bisector and a short vertical bisector intersecting each other) overlaps with the position of the alignment control structure. . In the first embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the pixel is divided into a plurality (two) of alignment regions along both the short side direction of the pixel and the long side direction of the pixel.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a cross section of a pixel of the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 4, the first substrate 10 is provided with ribs 15 </ b> R as linear alignment regulating structures, and the second substrate 20 is also provided with ribs 25 </ b> R as linear alignment regulating structures. The first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 sandwich the liquid crystal layer 30. Illustrations of electrodes, alignment films, polarizing plates, and other members normally used in liquid crystal display devices provided on both substrates are omitted. For example, the second substrate may not be provided with an electrode.

For both the first substrate and the second substrate according to the present invention, a liquid crystal can be aligned by forming a rib as a linear alignment regulating structure at the center of the pixel. As will be described later, an orientation regulating structure such as a slit may be provided instead of the rib. Further, half of the pixels are covered with a mask, and the alignment film is optically aligned by exposure from an oblique direction.
The photo-alignment position (region) and photo-alignment direction of the first substrate and the photo-alignment position (region) and photo-alignment direction of the second substrate are line-symmetric with respect to the perpendicular bisector of the alignment-regulating structure. To be.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are schematic plan views illustrating an embodiment of the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment during the manufacturing process of the pixels of the first substrate. When the first substrate shown in FIG. 5 sandwiches the liquid crystal layer, the liquid crystal near the first substrate is aligned in the direction of the black arrow shown in FIG. 5 by the rib 15R that is a linear alignment regulating structure. . FIG. 6 shows a state in which the lower half of the pixel is covered with a mask (photomask) M, and the upper half of the pixel not covered with the mask M is exposed to ultraviolet light obliquely with respect to the main surface of the substrate. FIG. The black arrow pointing upward indicates the alignment direction of the photo-alignment film obtained by oblique light exposure. In other words, in the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment, for example, in the pixel shown in FIG. In this case, in the upper half of the pixel, the influence of the horizontal orientation by the rib 15R which is a linear alignment regulating structure is negligibly small. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the exposure direction of the ultraviolet rays on the substrate when the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment is manufactured. In FIG. 7, white arrows indicate the ultraviolet light exposure direction. In the following embodiments, the same oblique exposure (exposure in the direction perpendicular to the substrate normal direction) is performed.

FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are schematic plan views illustrating an embodiment of the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment during the manufacturing process of the pixels of the second substrate. When the second substrate shown in FIG. 8 sandwiches the liquid crystal layer, the liquid crystal near the second substrate is aligned in the direction of the black arrow shown in FIG. 8 by the rib 25R that is a linear alignment regulating structure. . FIG. 9 is a view after exposing the upper half of the pixel with the mask M and exposing the lower half of the pixel not covered with the mask M in an oblique direction with respect to the main surface of the substrate. The downward black arrow indicates the alignment direction of the photo-alignment film obtained by the oblique exposure. Also in this case, in the lower half of the pixel, the influence of the horizontal orientation by the rib 25R which is a linear alignment regulating structure is negligibly small. Similarly, in the following embodiments, the influence on the liquid crystal alignment by the linear alignment control structure in the region where the photo-alignment film is provided is ignored due to the photo-alignment film obtained by the oblique exposure. It becomes small as much as possible.

In the first embodiment and the modifications described later, the direction in which the linear alignment control structure extends is the pixel in FIGS. 1, 2, 10, 11, 13, 14, 17, and 18. Is parallel to the long side of the pixel, but may be parallel to the short side of the pixel. The same applies to the embodiments described later.
In the case of scan exposure, there is no need to make the scanning direction (whether the substrate is in the longitudinal direction) different between the first substrate and the second substrate.

In the present invention, the light alignment direction in a single pixel on one side substrate is only one direction, and exposure may be performed only once per one side substrate.
This is possible because there are two alignment means for a single pixel. That is, one of the alignment means is alignment by the alignment regulating structure, and the other is alignment by optical alignment. When the substrates are bonded together, the entire pixel is subjected to liquid crystal alignment regulation by both means of photoalignment and alignment regulation structure.

In the first embodiment, there is an effect that only one exposure of each pixel is required on one side substrate. The same applies to the embodiments described later.
First, in the conventional UV2A liquid crystal panel, the pixels on the first substrate and the pixels on the second substrate bonded together are shifted by 90 ° from each other to regulate the liquid crystal alignment (FIGS. 78 and 81). By giving a plurality of combinations (for example, four) on one pixel, the region in the liquid crystal alignment direction is divided into a plurality of regions (FIG. 82). Thereby, the viewing angle is high.
Also in the first embodiment and the embodiments described later, the alignment direction of the alignment region of the pixel on the first substrate and the alignment direction of the alignment region of the pixel on the second substrate are shifted from each other by 90 ° to regulate the liquid crystal alignment. As described above, the orientation regulating means is different from the conventional one. In addition, although it is preferable that both orientation directions shift | deviate 90 degrees, as long as the effect of this invention is exhibited, what is necessary is just to be substantially orthogonal.

That is, in each alignment region, one of the two substrates is subjected to alignment restriction by photo-alignment, and the other is subjected to alignment restriction by an alignment restriction structure. A structure such as a linear alignment control structure can have one alignment direction on each side. With this alone, the orientation regions of the pixels become two types shifted by 180 °. Furthermore, there are two types of substrates having an alignment regulation direction perpendicular to both of the two alignment regions.
By bonding these two types together, four types of alignment regions can be provided.
At this time, two orientations perpendicular to the orientation direction derived from a structure such as a linear orientation-regulating structure are performed by photo-alignment. At that time, when the first substrate and the second substrate are bonded together, they are oriented in opposite directions (shifted by 180 °). Then, the alignment by the photo-alignment is in one direction, and the pixels of the liquid crystal display device after the two substrates are bonded can be made into four alignment regions.

Substantially, the pixels of each substrate have alignment regulating directions in three directions (one photo-alignment direction + two orientation-regulating structure bodies), and they are bonded to realize four alignment regions. In other words, in one substrate, there are two alignment regions by the alignment control structure and one alignment region by photo-alignment, and in the other substrate, two alignment regions by the alignment control structure and one alignment region by photo-alignment There is. Here, two alignment regions by the alignment regulating structure in one substrate overlap with one alignment region by photo-alignment in the other substrate, and one alignment region by photo-alignment in one substrate is in the other substrate By combining these so as to overlap two alignment regions formed by the alignment regulating structure, four types of liquid crystal alignment division suitable for display are realized.

It is desirable that the orientation directions in the pixels are symmetrical to each other and their areas are almost equal. In other words, the pixel is preferably set so that the area of the opening and the visible light transmittance are equal between the alignment regions in the pixel. The area of each alignment region in one pixel is kept substantially constant, and display is possible without greatly affecting the display quality from any viewing angle.

As a method of giving a slight inclination in a fixed direction to vertically aligned liquid crystal molecules, a method using photo-alignment is the most practical and excellent display quality at present. By performing exposure while scanning polarized UV light (ultraviolet light) using a mask in this method, the tilt direction of the liquid crystal molecules in each region can be suitably controlled. The alignment division by the optical alignment method can be similarly performed on the alignment film on the TFT array substrate and the alignment film on the color filter substrate.

As a method for obtaining the alignment-divided liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment, one pixel substrate (for example, a TFT array substrate) of a pair of substrates and a counter substrate (for example, a CF substrate) facing the pixel substrate ), A liquid crystal layer provided between the pair of substrates, a first alignment film provided on the surface of the pixel substrate on the liquid crystal layer side, and a second alignment layer provided on the surface of the counter substrate on the liquid crystal layer side. A manufacturing method of a liquid crystal display device including an alignment film, the manufacturing method performing oblique exposure on a substrate main surface across a plurality of pixels with respect to a first alignment film and / or a second alignment film. A preferable embodiment is a mode in which the exposure includes a step in which a region in which liquid crystal molecules are aligned in one direction with respect to the alignment film surface is formed in each pixel of both substrates. Here, the liquid crystal display device manufacturing method includes exposure, first substrate, and second substrate so that the alignment direction of the photo-alignment film of one substrate and the alignment direction of the photo-alignment film of the other substrate are reversed by 180 °. It is preferable to perform bonding.

The liquid crystal display panel of Embodiment 1 relates to a liquid crystal display device in which liquid crystal is sandwiched between two substrates in which an active matrix element array is formed on at least one substrate. The liquid crystal material has, for example, negative dielectric anisotropy and exhibits a nematic layer in a certain temperature range. In addition, the liquid crystal display device of Embodiment 1 includes a backlight on the back surface of the circuit board of the liquid crystal display panel. The light of the backlight passes through, for example, a polarizing plate, a circuit board, a liquid crystal, a CF side substrate, and a polarizing plate in this order, and the passage / non-transmission of light is controlled by controlling the orientation of the liquid crystal.

(First Modification of Embodiment 1)
FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of the first substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of the second substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of a liquid crystal display device according to a first modification of the first embodiment. The configuration of the first modification of the first embodiment is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment except that the photo-alignment direction of the photo-alignment film on the first substrate and the second substrate is changed in the reverse direction. A combination of such orientation regions (orientation directions) may be used, and the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be exhibited. The cross-sectional view is the same as that shown in FIG.

(Second Modification of Embodiment 1)
FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of the first substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of the second substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of a liquid crystal display device according to a second modification of the first embodiment. The configuration of the second modification of the first embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment except that transparent electrode slits 15S and 25S are provided instead of the ribs 15R and 25R as linear alignment control structures on the first substrate and the second substrate. The configuration is the same as that of FIG. A combination of such orientation regions (orientation directions) may be used, and the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be exhibited. In the second modification of the first embodiment, since both the substrates have the transparent electrode slits, both the substrates each have a transparent electrode.
FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a cross section of a pixel of a liquid crystal display device according to a second modification of the first embodiment. In FIG. 16, an opening 15 </ b> S of the transparent electrode 13 is provided as a linear alignment regulating structure on the liquid crystal layer 30 side of the glass substrate 11 of the first substrate 10, and the liquid crystal layer side of the glass substrate 21 is also provided on the second substrate 20. A slit 25S, which is an opening of the transparent electrode 23, is provided as a linear alignment regulating structure. The first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 sandwich the liquid crystal layer 30. Illustrations of alignment films, polarizing plates, and other members that are normally used for liquid crystal display devices provided on both substrates are omitted.

(Third Modification of Embodiment 1)
FIG. 17 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of the first substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the third modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 18 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of the second substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the third modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 19 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of a liquid crystal display device according to a third modification of the first embodiment. The configuration of the third modification of the first embodiment is the same as the configuration of the second modification of the first embodiment, except that the photo-alignment direction of the photo-alignment film on the first substrate and the second substrate is changed in the reverse direction. . A combination of such orientation regions (orientation directions) may be used, and the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment and the above-described modifications can be exhibited. In the third modification of the first embodiment, since both the substrates have the transparent electrode slits, both the substrates each have a transparent electrode. The cross-sectional view of the pixel of the liquid crystal display device according to the third modification of the first embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 20 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels on the first substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 21 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels on the second substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 22 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of the liquid crystal display device according to the second embodiment.
The difference from the first embodiment is that the range in which ribs (ribs 215R, ribs 225R) as linear alignment control structures are provided is different. That is, as shown in FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, since the alignment regulating structure is not required in the photo-alignment portion for aligning the liquid crystal by photo-alignment, the alignment regulating structure is not provided in the region, and the alignment by the alignment regulating structure is used. In this configuration, an alignment regulating structure for orienting the portion (the lower half of the pixel in FIG. 20 and the upper half of the pixel in FIG. 21) is provided in the alignment portion. Although Embodiment 2 shows a configuration in which the alignment regulating structure is not provided in the region, the optical alignment portion may have an arbitrary partial alignment regulating structure having an arbitrary length.
The difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that the linear alignment regulating structure is not formed on the entire optical alignment section. Since there is no alignment regulation structure, the stability of alignment regulation by photo-alignment increases, which is preferable. Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment. The cross-sectional view of the pixel of the liquid crystal display device according to the second embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.

(First Modification of Embodiment 2)
FIG. 23 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of the first substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the first modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 24 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of the second substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the first modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 25 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of a liquid crystal display device according to a first modification of the second embodiment. The configuration of the first modification of the second embodiment is the same as the configuration of the second embodiment except that the photo-alignment direction of the photo-alignment film on the first substrate and the second substrate is changed in the reverse direction. A combination of such orientation regions (orientation directions) may be used, and the same effects as those of the second embodiment can be exhibited. The cross-sectional view of the pixel of the liquid crystal display device according to the first modification of the second embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.

(Second Modification of Embodiment 2)
FIG. 26 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of the first substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the second modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 27 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of the second substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the second modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 28 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of a liquid crystal display device according to a second modification of the second embodiment. The configuration of the second modification of the second embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment except that transparent electrode slits 215S and 225S are provided instead of the ribs 215R and 225R as linear alignment control structures on the first substrate and the second substrate. This is the same as the configuration of 2. A combination of such orientation regions (orientation directions) may be used, and the same effects as those of the second embodiment can be exhibited. In the second modification of the second embodiment, since both the substrates have the transparent electrode slits, both the substrates each have a transparent electrode. The cross-sectional view of the pixel of the liquid crystal display device according to the second modification of the second embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.

(Third Modification of Embodiment 2)
FIG. 29 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of a first substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to a third modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 30 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of the second substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the third modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 31 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of a liquid crystal display device according to a third modification of the second embodiment. The configuration of the third modified example of the second embodiment is the same as the configuration of the second modified example of the second embodiment, except that the photo-alignment direction of the photo-alignment film on the first substrate and the second substrate is changed in the reverse direction. . A combination of such orientation regions (orientation directions) may be used, and the same operational effects as those of the second embodiment and the above-described modifications thereof can be exhibited. In the third modification of the second embodiment, since both the substrates have the transparent electrode slits, both the substrates each have a transparent electrode. The cross-sectional view of the pixel of the liquid crystal display device according to the third modification of the second embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.

The method for obtaining the liquid crystal display device according to the second embodiment and its modification is the same as the method for obtaining the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment described above, except that the region where the alignment regulating structure is provided is changed. is there.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 32 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels on the first substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 33 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a cross section of a pixel of the first substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 34 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of the second substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 35 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of the liquid crystal display device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 36 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a cross section of a pixel of the liquid crystal display device according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 33 and 35, in the third embodiment, columnar ribs (orientation regulating structures) 415C are provided as linear orientation regulating structures. The columnar ribs used in the third embodiment and its modifications are in contact with the counter substrate when the substrates are bonded together. Note that the ribs used in the embodiments and modifications other than Embodiment 3 and the modifications thereof have a shape that does not contact the counter substrate when the substrates are bonded together.

The difference from Embodiments 1 and 2 is that the alignment regulating structure is not provided on one substrate (second substrate). On the other hand, the alignment control structure provided on the other substrate (first substrate) is columnar.
In Embodiment 3, the ribs provided on the first substrate are bonded to the liquid crystal layer on the substrate side where the alignment regulating structure is not provided by bonding the first substrate and the second substrate. Give regulation. In FIG. 34, an arrow indicated by a dotted line indicates an orientation direction expressed by columnar ribs provided on the first substrate when the two substrates are bonded together. Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.
Even if the columnar alignment control structure is provided on one of the pair of substrates as in the third embodiment, the region indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 34 is the alignment control structure on the other of the pair of substrates. This corresponds to the liquid crystal molecules aligned by the body.

(Modification of Embodiment 3)
FIG. 37 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of the first substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the modification of the third embodiment. FIG. 38 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of the second substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the modification of the third embodiment. FIG. 39 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of a liquid crystal display device according to a modification of the third embodiment. The configuration of the modification of the third embodiment is the same as the configuration of the third embodiment except that the photo-alignment direction of the photo-alignment film on the first substrate and the second substrate is changed in the reverse direction. A combination of such orientation regions (orientation directions) may be used, and the same effects as those of the third embodiment can be exhibited. The cross-sectional view of the pixel of the first substrate and the cross-sectional view of the pixel of the liquid crystal display device according to the modification of the third embodiment are the same as those shown in FIGS. 33 and 36, respectively.

The method for obtaining the liquid crystal display device according to the third embodiment and the modification thereof is the same as the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment described above except that the rib is formed in a columnar shape and formed only on the first substrate. Similar to the method for obtaining.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 40 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of the first substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 41 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels on the second substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 42 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of the liquid crystal display device according to the fourth embodiment.
The difference of the fourth embodiment from the first embodiment is the masking direction. In the first embodiment, when photo-alignment is performed by scan exposure, masking is performed so as to divide the alignment region perpendicular to the scan direction (the liquid crystal alignment regulation direction of the photo-alignment film). On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, masking is performed so as to divide the alignment region in parallel with the scanning direction. In other words, the masking is performed so as to divide the alignment region in parallel with the linear alignment regulating structure. Accordingly, the positions of the linear alignment control structures (ribs 615R and 625R) are also different. One half of the pixel center line (vertical bisector of the short side of the pixel) (left half in FIG. 40, right half in FIG. 41) is the photo-alignment region, and the other half (right half in FIG. 40). In FIG. 41, the left half is defined as an alignment control region derived from the alignment control structure. The alignment regulation structure is provided on the center line of the pixel center line and the pixel end (the long side of the pixel). In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 42, the alignment region is divided in a plurality of directions (four directions) along the long side direction of the pixel, and the alignment region is divided along the short side direction of the pixel. It has not been. Note that the alignment region may be divided in a plurality of directions (four directions) along the short side direction of the pixel, and the alignment region may not be divided along the long side direction of the pixel.

Also in the fourth embodiment, the alignment film is photo-aligned by masking and exposing each substrate once from an oblique direction. The direction of the orientation regulating structure may be parallel to either the long side or the short side.
In the case of scan exposure, there is no need to separate the scan direction (whether the substrate is in the longitudinal direction) between the first substrate and the second substrate.
Since it is not necessary to perform masking in such a manner that it is divided perpendicularly to the alignment direction by photo-alignment, it becomes a form that can be executed by many commonly used scanning exposure apparatuses.
The difference from the first embodiment is the masking direction and the position of the linear alignment regulating structure associated therewith. Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

FIG. 43 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a cross section of a pixel of the liquid crystal display device according to the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 43, a rib 615R is provided as a linear alignment regulating structure on the first substrate 610, and a rib 625R is provided as a linear alignment regulating structure on the second substrate 620. The first substrate 610 and the second substrate 620 sandwich the liquid crystal layer 630. Illustrations of electrodes, alignment films, polarizing plates, and other members normally used in liquid crystal display devices provided on both substrates are omitted.

(First Modification of Embodiment 4)
FIG. 44 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of the first substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the first modification example of Embodiment 4. FIG. 45 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of the second substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the first modification example of Embodiment 4. FIG. 46 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of a liquid crystal display device according to a first modification of Embodiment 4. The configuration of the first modification of the fourth embodiment is the same as the configuration of the fourth embodiment except that the photo-alignment direction of the photo-alignment film on the first substrate and the second substrate is changed in the reverse direction. A combination of such orientation regions (orientation directions) may be used, and the same effects as those of the fourth embodiment can be exhibited. Note that the cross-sectional view of the pixel of the liquid crystal display device according to the first modification of the fourth embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.

(Second Modification of Embodiment 4)
FIG. 47 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of the first substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the second modification of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 48 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of the second substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the second modification example of Embodiment 4. FIG. 49 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of a liquid crystal display device according to a second modification of the fourth embodiment. The configuration of the second modification of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment except that transparent electrode slits 615S and 625S are provided instead of the ribs 615R and 625R as linear alignment control structures on the first substrate and the second substrate. This is the same as the configuration of FIG. A combination of such orientation regions (orientation directions) may be used, and the same effects as those of the fourth embodiment can be exhibited. In addition, in the 2nd modification of Embodiment 4, since both board | substrates have the slit of a transparent electrode, both board | substrates each have a transparent electrode.
FIG. 50 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a pixel of a liquid crystal display device according to a second modification of the fourth embodiment. 50, a slit 615S of a transparent electrode 613 is provided as a linear alignment regulating structure on the liquid crystal layer 630 side of the glass substrate 611 of the first substrate 610, and the second substrate 620 is also on the liquid crystal layer side of the glass substrate 621. A slit 625S of the transparent electrode 623 is provided as a linear alignment regulating structure. The first substrate 610 and the second substrate 620 sandwich the liquid crystal layer 630. Illustrations of alignment films, polarizing plates, and other members that are normally used for liquid crystal display devices provided on both substrates are omitted.

(Third Modification of Embodiment 4)
FIG. 51 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of a first substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to a third modification of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 52 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of the second substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the third modification of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 53 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of a liquid crystal display device according to a third modification of the fourth embodiment. The configuration of the third modification of the fourth embodiment is the same as the configuration of the second modification of the fourth embodiment, except that the photo-alignment direction of the photo-alignment film on the first substrate and the second substrate is changed in the reverse direction. . A combination of such orientation regions (orientation directions) may be used, and the same operational effects as those of the fourth embodiment and the above-described modifications can be exhibited. In addition, in the 3rd modification of Embodiment 4, since both board | substrates have the slit of a transparent electrode, both board | substrates each have a transparent electrode. Note that the cross-sectional view of the pixel of the liquid crystal display device according to the third modification of the fourth embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.

The method for obtaining the liquid crystal display device according to the fourth embodiment and the modification thereof is the first embodiment described above except that the masking direction (arrangement) and the position of the linear alignment regulating structure associated therewith are changed. This is the same as the method for obtaining the liquid crystal display device according to the above.

(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 54 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of the first substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 55 is a schematic plan view showing pixels on the second substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 56 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of the liquid crystal display device according to the fifth embodiment.
The difference from the fourth embodiment is that the alignment portion is divided by the photo-alignment portion and the alignment restriction structure. Accordingly, the position of the orientation regulating structure is also different.
In addition to the pixel center portion (center line), the alignment regulating structure is formed in a quarter portion of the pixel (between the pixel center line and the pixel end). The photo-alignment part is divided into two in the pixel, but the alignment direction is one.
Also in the fifth embodiment, the alignment film is photo-aligned by masking and exposing each substrate once from an oblique direction. The direction of the orientation regulating structure may be parallel to either the long side or the short side.
In the case of scan exposure, there is no need to separate the scan direction (whether the substrate is in the longitudinal direction) between the first substrate and the second substrate.
Since it is not necessary to perform masking in such a manner that it is divided perpendicularly to the alignment direction by photo-alignment, it becomes a form that can be executed by many commonly used scanning exposure apparatuses.

As in the fourth embodiment, the fifth embodiment has an effect that only one exposure of each pixel is required.

By using two alignment regulation structures, the alignment regulation directions remain two, and four regions can be formed. Here, a region between the ribs 815R, which are two alignment regulating structures, and a region from the pixel end to a quarter pixel (in FIG. 54, a position at which the pixel is divided into two equal parts [vertical two on the short side of the pixel When the main surface of the substrate is viewed in plan view, the region from the bisector] to the end of the pixel, and the region without the rib 815R that is the orientation restricting structure other than the position at which the pixel is divided into two equal parts) Then, exposure is performed so as to have an alignment direction perpendicular to the alignment control direction by the alignment control structure (an alignment direction parallel to the linear alignment control structure). Then, the orientation direction of the area has an orientation regulation direction different from the orientation direction by the orientation regulation structure. At this time, when the first substrate and the second substrate are bonded together, they are oriented in opposite directions (shifted by 180 °).
Each of the substrates has one alignment direction by photo-alignment and two regions, two alignment directions by only the alignment control structure, and two regions. By sticking them together, it is possible to have an alignment region in four directions.

FIG. 57 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a pixel of the liquid crystal display device according to the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 57, the first substrate 810 is provided with a rib 815R as a linear alignment regulating structure, and the second substrate 820 is also provided with a rib 825R as a linear alignment regulating structure. The first substrate 810 and the second substrate 820 sandwich the liquid crystal layer 830. Illustrations of electrodes, alignment films, polarizing plates, and other members normally used in liquid crystal display devices provided on both substrates are omitted.

(First Modification of Embodiment 5)
FIG. 58 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of the first substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the first modification example of Embodiment 5. FIG. 59 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of the second substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the first modification example of Embodiment 5. FIG. FIG. 60 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a liquid crystal display device according to a first modification example of Embodiment 5. The configuration of the first modification of the fifth embodiment is the same as the configuration of the fifth embodiment except that the photo-alignment direction of the photo-alignment film on the first substrate and the second substrate is changed in the reverse direction. A combination of such orientation regions (orientation directions) may be used, and the same effects as those of the fifth embodiment can be exhibited. The cross-sectional view of the pixel of the liquid crystal display device according to the first modification of the fifth embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.

(Second Modification of Embodiment 5)
FIG. 61 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of a first substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to a second modification of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 62 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of the second substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the second modification example of Embodiment 5. FIG. 63 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of a liquid crystal display device according to a second modification of the fifth embodiment. The configuration of the second modification of the fifth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment except that transparent electrode slits 815S and 825S are provided instead of the ribs 815R and 825R as linear alignment control structures on the first substrate and the second substrate. The configuration is the same as that of FIG. A combination of such orientation regions (orientation directions) may be used, and the same effects as those of the fifth embodiment can be exhibited. In addition, in the 2nd modification of Embodiment 5, since both board | substrates have the slit of a transparent electrode, both board | substrates each have a transparent electrode.

FIG. 64 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a pixel of a liquid crystal display device according to a second modification example of Embodiment 5. In FIG. 64, a slit 815S of a transparent electrode 813 is provided as a linear alignment regulating structure on the liquid crystal layer 830 side of the glass substrate 811 of the first substrate 810, and the second substrate 820 is also provided on the liquid crystal layer side of the glass substrate 821. A slit 825S of the transparent electrode 823 is provided as a linear alignment regulating structure. The first substrate 810 and the second substrate 820 sandwich the liquid crystal layer 830. Illustrations of alignment films, polarizing plates, and other members that are normally used for liquid crystal display devices provided on both substrates are omitted.

(Third Modification of Embodiment 5)
FIG. 65 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of the first substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the third modification of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 66 is a schematic plan view showing pixels on the second substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the third modification of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 67 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels of a liquid crystal display device according to a third modification of the fifth embodiment. The configuration of the third modification of the fifth embodiment is the same as the configuration of the second modification of the fifth embodiment, except that the photo-alignment direction of the photo-alignment film on the first substrate and the second substrate is changed in the reverse direction. . A combination of such orientation regions (orientation directions) may be used, and the same operational effects as those of the fifth embodiment and the above-described modifications can be exhibited. In addition, in the 3rd modification of Embodiment 5, since both board | substrates have the slit of a transparent electrode, both board | substrates have a transparent electrode, respectively. The cross-sectional view of the pixel of the liquid crystal display device according to the third modification of the fifth embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.

The method for obtaining the liquid crystal display device according to the fifth embodiment and its modification is the liquid crystal according to the first embodiment described above except that the arrangement of the masking and the position of the linear alignment regulating structure associated therewith are changed. This is the same as the method for obtaining the display device.

(Embodiment 6)
FIG. 68 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of the first substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 69 is a schematic plan view illustrating pixels on the second substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 70 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of the liquid crystal display device according to the sixth embodiment.
The difference from the fourth embodiment is that the positions of the alignment regulating structures are different between the substrates.
On one substrate, there are two alignment regulating structures, each being formed at a distance of 1/4 pixel from the both ends of the pixel (between the pixel center line and the pixel end). On the other substrate, an alignment regulating structure is provided at the center of the pixel.
The photo-alignment part is divided into only one or two in the pixel, but the alignment direction is one.
The substrate with two alignment control structures is the optical alignment region of the pixel between the alignment control structure and the alignment control structure, and the substrate with one alignment control structure is 1 from both ends of the pixel. / 4 pixel position (between the pixel center line and the pixel edge) (when the exposure area is reversed, the alignment control structure is located from both ends of one pixel to the 1/4 pixel position. (Orientation cannot be regulated).
Also in the sixth embodiment, the alignment film is photo-aligned by masking and exposing each substrate once from an oblique direction. The direction of the orientation regulating structure may be parallel to either the long side or the short side. In the case of scan exposure, it is not necessary to make the scan direction (whether the substrate is in the longitudinal direction) different between the first substrate and the second substrate.

Since it is not necessary to perform masking in such a manner that it is divided perpendicularly to the alignment direction by photo-alignment, it becomes a form that can be executed by many commonly used scanning exposure apparatuses.
The difference from the fourth embodiment is that the positions of the alignment regulating structures are different between the substrates.
By using two alignment regulation structures on the first substrate on one side, the orientation regulation directions remain two and four regions can be formed. Here, a region including only one side of the rib 1015R which is the alignment control structure (in FIG. 68, a region near the center of the pixel) is aligned in an alignment direction (linear alignment control) perpendicular to the alignment control direction by the alignment control structure. It exposes so that it may have an orientation direction parallel to a structure. Then, the orientation direction of the area has an orientation regulation direction perpendicular to the direction different from the orientation direction by the orientation regulation structure.

In the other second substrate, by using one alignment regulation structure, two orientation regulation directions can be provided, and two regions can be formed.
Here, the region from the both ends of the pixel to 1/4 in the horizontal direction in FIG. 69 has an alignment direction perpendicular to the alignment control direction by the alignment control structure (alignment direction parallel to the linear alignment control structure). Exposure to hold. Then, the orientation direction of the area has an orientation regulation direction perpendicular to the direction different from the orientation direction by the orientation regulation structure.

When the first substrate and the second substrate are bonded together, the photo-aligned directions are opposite to each other (shifted by 180 °). One of the second substrates has one alignment direction by photo-alignment and two regions, and two alignment directions and two regions by only the alignment control structure. The other first substrate has one alignment direction by photo-alignment and one region, and two alignment directions and two regions by only the alignment control structure. By sticking them together, it is possible to have an alignment region in four directions.

FIG. 71 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a pixel of the liquid crystal display device according to the sixth embodiment. In FIG. 71, the first substrate 1010 is provided with a rib 1015R as a linear alignment regulating structure, and the second substrate 1020 is also provided with a rib 1025R as a linear alignment regulating structure. The first substrate 1010 and the second substrate 1020 sandwich the liquid crystal layer 1030. Illustrations of electrodes, alignment films, polarizing plates, and other members normally used in liquid crystal display devices provided on both substrates are omitted.

(Modification of Embodiment 6)
FIG. 72 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of the first substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the modification of the sixth embodiment. FIG. 73 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of the second substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the modification of the sixth embodiment. FIG. 74 is a schematic plan view showing pixels of a liquid crystal display device according to a modification of the sixth embodiment. The configuration of the modification of the sixth embodiment is the same as that of the sixth embodiment except that slits 1015S and 1025S of transparent electrodes are provided instead of the ribs 1015R and 1025R as linear alignment control structures on the first substrate and the second substrate. The configuration is the same. A combination of such orientation regions (orientation directions) may be used, and the same effects as those of the sixth embodiment can be exhibited. In addition, in the modification of Embodiment 6, since both board | substrates have the slit of a transparent electrode, both board | substrates each have a transparent electrode.

FIG. 75 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a pixel of a liquid crystal display device according to a modification of the sixth embodiment. 75, a slit 1015S of a transparent electrode 1013 is provided as a linear alignment regulating structure on the liquid crystal layer 1030 side of the glass substrate 1011 of the first substrate 1010, and the second substrate 1020 is also provided on the liquid crystal layer side of the glass substrate 1021. A slit 1025S of the transparent electrode 1023 is provided as a linear alignment regulating structure. The first substrate 1010 and the second substrate 1020 sandwich the liquid crystal layer 1030. Illustrations of alignment films, polarizing plates, and other members that are normally used for liquid crystal display devices provided on both substrates are omitted.

The method for obtaining the liquid crystal display device according to the sixth embodiment and its modification is the liquid crystal according to the first embodiment described above except that the arrangement of the masking and the position of the linear alignment regulating structure associated therewith are changed. This is the same as the method for obtaining the display device.

(Other embodiments)
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the resin-made rib and the slit opened in the transparent electrode are used as the linear alignment regulating structure, but the liquid crystal is aligned in two directions perpendicular to the direction in which the alignment regulating structure extends. Other linear alignment control structures can be appropriately used as long as the effects of the present invention can be exhibited by orientation. In addition to the linear alignment regulating structure, an alignment regulating structure other than the linear alignment regulating structure may be appropriately used as long as the effects of the present invention can be exhibited.

In each of the embodiments described above, the liquid crystal layer is sandwiched between the TFT substrate and the CF substrate, but it is not specified which substrate is the first substrate or the second substrate. That is, the first substrate may be a TFT substrate, the second substrate may be a CF substrate, the first substrate may be a CF substrate, and the second substrate may be a TFT substrate. Further, a color filter may be provided on the TFT substrate, and a color filter may not be provided on the counter substrate.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the pixels of each substrate have three alignment regulating directions (one photo-alignment direction and two alignment directions by the alignment-regulating structure), and the liquid crystal display device pixels are divided into four alignment directions. However, as long as the effect of the present invention is exhibited, the number of these orientation regulating directions may be larger.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the alignment regulating structure is disposed across the pixels so as to divide the alignment region of the pixels. However, as long as the effect of the present invention is exhibited, the substrate main surface is changed. It may be arranged so as to overlap with the long side or the short side of the pixel when seen in a plan view.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the number of linear alignment control structures is either one of two substrates, one combination of two and two, each of which is the present invention. Although it is one preferable form, the number of the alignment control structures may be arbitrary as the alignment control force is adjusted.

Further, the liquid crystal display device of the present embodiment may be a transmissive type, a reflective type, or a transflective type.

In each of the embodiments described above, the liquid crystal display device is basically one in which the liquid crystal is vertically aligned below the threshold voltage, but other display modes can be appropriately selected as long as the effects of the present invention can be exhibited. .

10, 410, 610, 810, 1010, 1110: first substrate 20, 420, 620, 820, 1020: second substrate 30, 430, 630, 830, 1030: liquid crystal layer 11, 21, 611, 621, 811, 821, 1011, 1021: Glass substrates 13, 23, 613, 623, 813, 823, 1013, 1023: Transparent electrodes 15S, 25S, 115S, 125S, 215S, 225S, 315S, 325S, 615S, 625S, 715S, 725S, 815S, 825S, 915S, 925S, 1015S, 1025S: Slits 15R, 25R, 115R, 125R, 215R, 225R, 315R, 325R, 615R, 625R, 715R, 725R, 815R, 825R, 915R, 925R, 1015R, 1025R: 45, 145, 245, 345, 445, 545, 645, 745, 845, 945, 1045, 1145: light-impermeable portion 415C, 515C: columnar rib LA: direction in which liquid crystal is aligned by alignment film LC: liquid crystal Molecule M: Mask RA: Orientation direction of liquid crystal near substrate

Claims (6)

A liquid crystal display device having a pair of substrates and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the substrates,
The liquid crystal display device includes a photo-alignment film and a linear alignment control structure, and includes a photo-alignment film provided on one of the pair of substrates and a linear alignment control structure on the other of the pair of substrates. A liquid crystal display device characterized in that the alignment is divided into four or more liquid crystal alignment regions in one pixel at a voltage lower than the threshold voltage. The direction in which liquid crystal molecules are aligned by the photo-alignment film and the direction in which the linear alignment control structure extends are perpendicular to each other when the substrate main surface is viewed in plan. Liquid crystal display device. At least one of the pair of substrates is different from a region in which liquid crystal molecules are aligned by the photo-alignment film and a region in which liquid crystal molecules are aligned by the photo-alignment film, and the liquid crystal molecules are aligned by the linear alignment control structure. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, further comprising a region to be aligned. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein a direction in which liquid crystal molecules are aligned by the photo-alignment film is one direction per pixel of one substrate. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein the linear alignment control structure is a protrusion. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein the linear alignment control structure is an opening of an electrode provided on a substrate.

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