JP4396197B2 - Electro-optical device and electrical equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electro-optical device and an electric apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to an electro-optical device and an electrical apparatus that are excellent in contrast, viewing angle characteristics, and the like.

With the spread of mobile phones and the like, a liquid crystal display device capable of displaying high-definition images is desired.
For example, a normally black mode liquid crystal display device has been proposed that has sufficient contrast and can provide a good black display. That is, the normally black mode liquid crystal display device is different from the normally white mode liquid crystal display device in that the light transmittance is the smallest when no voltage is applied, and the pixel is recognized as black. Yes.
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 18, the directions of the absorption axes 319a and 320a are set so that the light transmittance is minimized when the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal element 310 are in the initial twist alignment state. Between the disposed polarizing plates 319 and 320 and the front polarizing plate 319, the retardation value of the liquid crystal element 310 is approximately equal to the retardation value, and the retardation of the liquid crystal element 310 is opposite to the wavelength dependence. A twisted phase plate 321 having a retardation having a wavelength dependency of the phase difference plate 321 is disposed, and a retardation plate 327 is provided between the twisted phase plate 321 and the front polarizing plate 319 adjacent to the twisted phase plate 321, and its retardation phase A liquid crystal display device in which the shaft 327a is arranged obliquely with respect to the absorption shaft 319a of the front polarizing plate 319 is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

In addition, in order to improve the viewing angle characteristics of the recognized image display, a liquid crystal display device in which a predetermined opening is formed in any transparent electrode on the opposing substrate has been proposed. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 19, the picture element region serving as a display unit has a plurality of sub picture element regions in which liquid crystal molecules are axially symmetrically aligned, and the first electrode and the second electrode sandwiching the liquid crystal layer. At least one of the electrodes has a plurality of openings 424a regularly arranged in the pixel region, and the sub-pixel region has a sub-electrode region having an opening 424a at at least one of a polygon corner and a side. A liquid crystal display device is disclosed in which at least one of the end sides of the sub-electrode region 450 is matched with at least one of the end sides of the pixel electrode 424 (see, for example, Patent Document 2). .
JP 2001-188232 A (Claims) Japanese Patent No. 3386374 (Claims)

However, in the case of the disclosed normally black mode liquid crystal display device, the line width (W) of the electrical wiring and the distance (S) between the electrical wiring and the transparent electrode are not considered at all. There has been a problem that alignment defects such that liquid crystal molecules are not aligned in a predetermined direction are likely to occur.
In particular, in the case of a liquid crystal display device in a vertical alignment mode such as the liquid crystal display device disclosed in Patent Document 2, if a sufficient distance is not secured between the wiring (data line) and the pixel electrode, the data line There was a problem that the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules could not be controlled due to the influence of the voltage.

  Accordingly, the present invention solves the above-described problems, and in an electro-optical device or the like in which an electro-optical material oriented substantially perpendicular to the first substrate and the second substrate is enclosed. By properly limiting the line width (W) of the wiring on the second substrate and the distance (S) between the wiring and the second electrode, the orientation can be controlled accurately. Therefore, it is an object to provide an electro-optical device and an electrical apparatus that are excellent in contrast and viewing angle characteristics.

According to the present invention, there is provided an electro-optical device in which an electro-optical material is sealed between a pair of first substrates and a second substrate, wherein the electro-optical material includes the first substrate and the second substrate. Oriented substantially perpendicular to the second substrate, wherein the first substrate comprises a first electrode, the second substrate comprises a second electrode, and the second substrate A switching element provided corresponding to the electrode, and a wiring for supplying a signal to the second electrode through the switching element, wherein the wiring has a line width of W (μm), and the wiring When the distance between the second electrode and the second electrode is S (μm), the line width (W) of the wiring is set to a value within the range of 0.1 to 0.7 μm, and S / W> 1 An electro-optical device characterized by satisfying the above relationship is provided, and the above-described problems can be solved.
Note that the distance (S) between the wiring of the second substrate and the second electrode means the shortest distance of the straight line when it is assumed that a straight line is drawn from the wiring to the second electrode.

  In configuring the electro-optical device of the present invention, it is preferable to set the distance (S) between the wiring on the second substrate and the second electrode to a value in the range of 2.5 to 7 μm.

  In configuring the electro-optical device of the present invention, it is preferable to set the line width (W) of the wiring of the second substrate to a value within the range of 0.1 to 0.7 μm.

  In configuring the electro-optical device of the present invention, the switching element is preferably a two-terminal nonlinear element.

  In configuring the electro-optical device according to the present invention, it is preferable that at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate includes an alignment regulating unit for regulating the orientation of the electro-optic material in the pixel region. .

  In configuring the electro-optical device of the present invention, it is preferable that the orientation regulating means includes a slit provided in at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode.

  In configuring the electro-optical device of the present invention, the first substrate has the first alignment film, the second substrate has the second alignment film, and the alignment regulating means has the first alignment film. It is preferable to include a convex portion provided on at least one surface of the film and the second alignment film.

  In configuring the electro-optical device of the present invention, the first substrate has the first alignment film, the second substrate has the second alignment film, and the alignment regulating means has the first alignment film. It is preferable to include a recess provided on the surface of at least one of the film and the second alignment film.

  Another embodiment of the present invention is an electric apparatus including any one of the above-described electro-optical devices.

  According to the electro-optical device of the present invention, the alignment defect is reduced by limiting the relationship between the line width (W) of the wiring (electric wiring) of the second substrate and the distance (S) to the second electrode. It is possible to provide an electro-optical device that is effectively prevented and has excellent contrast and viewing angle characteristics.

  In addition, according to the electro-optical device of the present invention, the distance (S) between the wiring (electric wiring) on the second substrate and the second electrode is set to a value within a predetermined range, thereby causing poor alignment. Can be surely prevented, and the wiring of the electro-optical device substrate and the manufacturing itself can be easily performed.

  In addition, according to the electro-optical device of the present invention, by setting the line width (W) of the wiring (electric wiring) to a value within a predetermined range, it is possible to reliably prevent orientation failure and to wire the substrate for the electro-optical device. It is also possible to easily carry out the routing and manufacture itself.

  In addition, according to the electro-optical device of the present invention, it is possible to recognize an image display with further excellent contrast by using a two-terminal nonlinear element as the switching element.

  In addition, according to the electro-optical device of the present invention, it is possible to recognize an image display excellent in viewing angle characteristics by providing a predetermined alignment regulating means in the pixel region.

  In addition, according to the electro-optical device of the present invention, the orientation regulating means includes a slit provided in at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode, thereby generating an oblique electric field, for example, Orientation can be easily controlled, and an image display showing excellent viewing angle characteristics can be obtained.

  In addition, according to the electro-optical device of the present invention, the alignment regulating means includes a convex portion provided on the surface of the predetermined alignment film, so that the alignment can be easily controlled and exhibits excellent viewing angle characteristics. An image display can be obtained.

  In addition, according to the electro-optical device of the present invention, the alignment regulating means includes the concave portion provided on the surface of the predetermined alignment film, so that the alignment can be easily controlled and an image having excellent viewing angle characteristics. An indication can be obtained.

  In addition, according to the electric apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to efficiently provide an electric apparatus using the electro-optical device that is thin and excellent in contrast and viewing angle characteristics by including any of the electro-optical devices described above. it can.

Embodiments relating to an electro-optical device and an electric apparatus according to the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.
However, this embodiment shows one aspect of the present invention and does not limit the present invention, and can be arbitrarily changed within the scope of the present invention.

[First Embodiment]
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the first embodiment is an electro-optical device 10 in which an electro-optical material 232 is sealed between a pair of first substrates 12 and a second substrate 14. ,
The electro-optic material 232 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14;
The first substrate 12 includes a first electrode 19,
The second substrate 14 includes the second electrode 20, a switching element 31 provided corresponding to the second electrode 20, and a signal to the second electrode 20 via the switching element 31. Wiring 26 for supplying,
When the line width of the wiring 26 is W (μm) and the distance between the wiring and the second electrode 20 is S (μm), the relationship of S / W> 1 is satisfied. The electro-optical device 10.
1A is a plan view of the electro-optical device according to the first embodiment seen through in the vertical direction, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. Sectional views are shown, and those not particularly needing explanation are omitted as appropriate.
Hereinafter, a color filter substrate (first substrate) 12, a counter substrate (second substrate) 14 provided with a TFD element 31 as a two-terminal nonlinear element, and a liquid crystal display device using them will be described as an example. To do.

1. Basic Structure of Liquid Crystal Display First, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, the basic structure of a liquid crystal display as an electro-optical device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, that is, a cell structure and wiring, or a retardation plate and The polarizing plate will be specifically described. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a liquid crystal panel 200 used in the liquid crystal display device as the electro-optical device according to the first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal panel 200. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a wiring example of an active matrix (TFD).
A liquid crystal panel 200 shown in FIG. 2 is a liquid crystal panel 200 having an active matrix type structure using a TFD element (Thin Film Diode) 31 as a two-terminal type non-linear element. A liquid crystal display device is obtained by appropriately attaching an illumination device such as a light or a case body as necessary.

(1) Cell Structure As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid crystal panel 200 includes a first substrate (color filter substrate) 12 having a transparent first glass substrate 13 made of a glass plate, a synthetic resin plate, or the like as a base, It is preferable that a second substrate (counter substrate) 14 having a second glass substrate 27 disposed opposite thereto as a base is bonded through a sealing material 230 such as an adhesive. Then, liquid crystal molecules are injected into the space formed by the color filter substrate 12 and the counter substrate 14 into the inner portion of the sealing material 230 through the opening 230a, and then sealed with the sealing material 231. It is preferable to have a cell structure that is stopped.
That is, as shown in the schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal panel 200 in FIG. 3, it is preferable that the liquid crystal molecules 232 are filled between the color filter substrate 12 and the counter substrate 14.

(2) Wiring As shown in FIG. 2, the second electrode 20 in the form of a matrix is formed on the inner surface of the second glass substrate 27 (the surface facing the first glass substrate 13), and the first glass A plurality of striped first electrodes 19 are preferably formed on the inner surface of the substrate 13 (the surface facing the second glass substrate 27).
In addition, the second electrode 20 is conductively connected to the wiring (electrical wiring) 26 via the TFD element 31, and the other first electrode 19 is conductively connected to the electric wiring 26 '. Is preferred.
Then, a large number of pixels in which the intersecting regions of the second electrode 20 and the first electrode 19 are arranged in a matrix form, and the arrangement of the large number of pixels constitutes the liquid crystal display region A as a whole. become.
FIG. 4 shows a specific wiring example of an active matrix using a driver IC and a TFD element. That is, it is composed of a plurality of wirings (data lines) 26 extending in the Y direction and a plurality of first electrodes (scanning lines) 19 extending in the X direction. Has been. In each pixel 50, a liquid crystal display element 51 and a TFD element 31 are connected in series.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the second glass substrate 27 has a substrate overhanging portion 14T that projects outward from the outer shape of the first glass substrate 13, and on the substrate overhanging portion 14T, The wiring (data line) 26, the electrical wiring 26 ', and the input terminal portion 219 composed of a plurality of wiring patterns formed independently are preferably formed.
Also, a semiconductor element (IC) 261 with a built-in drive circuit and the like is mounted on the substrate overhanging portion 14T so as to be conductively connected to the wirings 26, 26 'and the input terminal portion 219. Is preferred.
Furthermore, it is preferable that the flexible wiring board 110 is mounted on the end portion of the board extension part 14T so as to be conductively connected to the input terminal part 219.

(3) Phase difference plate and polarizing plate In the liquid crystal panel 200 shown in FIG. 2, as shown in FIG. 3, the phase difference plate is used so that a clear image display can be recognized at a predetermined position of the first glass substrate 13. (Quarter wave plate) 250 and polarizing plate 251 are preferably disposed.
Also on the outer surface of the second glass substrate 27, it is preferable that a retardation plate (¼ wavelength plate) 240 and a polarizing plate 241 are disposed.

2. Color filter substrate (first substrate)
(1) Basic Configuration As shown in FIG. 3, the color filter substrate 12 is preferably basically composed of a glass substrate 13, a colored layer 16, and a first electrode 19.
Further, when the color filter substrate 12 needs a reflection function, for example, in a transflective liquid crystal display device used for a mobile phone or the like, a gap between the glass substrate 13 and the colored layer 16 is shown in FIG. As shown, it is preferable to provide a reflective layer (semi-transmissive reflective plate) 212.
Further, in the color filter substrate 12, as shown in FIG. 3, a colored layer 16 is formed for each pixel, and a flattening layer (surface protective layer, overcoat layer) made of a transparent resin such as an acrylic resin or an epoxy resin is formed thereon. ) 215. Therefore, a color filter is formed by the colored layer 16 and the planarizing layer (surface protective layer) 215. It is also preferable to provide an insulating layer (not shown) for improving electrical insulation.

(2) Colored layer In addition, the colored layer 16 shown in FIG. 3 is usually made to exhibit a predetermined color tone by dispersing colorants such as pigments and dyes in a transparent resin. An example of the color tone of the colored layer is a primary color filter composed of a combination of three colors R (red), G (green), and B (blue), but is not limited to this. ), M (magenta), C (cyan), and other various color tones.
Such a colored layer usually has a predetermined color by applying a colored resist made of a photosensitive resin containing a coloring material such as a pigment or a dye on the surface of the substrate, and removing unnecessary portions by a photolithography technique (etching method). A colored layer having a pattern can be formed. And when forming the colored layer of a some color tone, the said process is repeated.
In addition, a stripe arrangement is often used as the arrangement pattern of the colored layers, but various pattern shapes such as an oblique mosaic arrangement and a delta arrangement can be adopted in addition to the stripe arrangement.

(3) First Electrode As shown in FIG. 3, the first electrode 19 made of a transparent conductor such as ITO (indium tin oxide) is preferably formed on the planarization layer 215. It is preferable that the first electrode 19 has a stripe shape and a plurality of the first electrodes 19 are arranged in parallel. Further, in the active matrix wiring, the first electrode 19 constitutes a scanning line.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, when the TFD element 31 on the second substrate 14 and the first electrode 19 on the first substrate are seen through in the vertical direction, they do not overlap each other. It is preferable that they are arranged as described above.
This is because the distance between the first electrode 19 on the first substrate and the TFD element 31 on the second substrate can be set to a value greater than or equal to a predetermined value by configuring in this way. It is. Therefore, even when the first substrate and the second substrate are arranged close to each other and opposed to each other, or when pressed and brought close to each other, the first electrode 19 on the first substrate and the second substrate This is because a leak current is generated between the TFD element 31 and a voltage applied state, and image defects can be effectively prevented.
In addition, it is also preferable to arrange the first electrode 19 on the first substrate so as not to overlap with the position of the TFD element 31 on the second substrate. Furthermore, it is also preferable that the TFD element 31 on the second substrate is arranged so as not to overlap with the position of the first electrode (scanning line) 19 on the first substrate.

Moreover, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6C, the first electrode 19 in the first substrate has a first slit 41 as an electro-optical substance (liquid crystal molecule) alignment regulating unit. In addition, the planar shape of the first slit 41 is preferably substantially circular.
The reason for this is that by forming such a first slit, it is possible to easily control the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules and obtain an image display excellent in viewing angle characteristics. In addition, by making the planar shape of the first slit substantially circular, it is possible to obtain an image display excellent in viewing angle characteristics with respect to all directions.
Here, the alignment control of the liquid crystal molecules when the first slit is formed is performed as follows. That is, when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer, the liquid crystal molecules are aligned in the vertical direction by, for example, a vertical alignment film. On the other hand, when a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer, the liquid crystal molecules having negative dielectric anisotropy are aligned so that the major axis is perpendicular to the electric lines of force E, as shown in FIG. Since the electric lines of force E around the first slit 41 are inclined with respect to the vertical direction, the liquid crystal molecules around the first slit 41 are oriented so as to fall radially around the first slit 41. Will be. Therefore, it is possible to recognize an excellent image display even when the image display is viewed from all directions.

Further, the number of the first slits 41 provided in the first electrode 19 in the first substrate 12 is not particularly limited, and one is provided for each pixel region as shown in FIG. It is also preferable, and as shown in FIGS. 6B to 6C, it is also preferable to provide a plurality of pixel regions.
However, in combination with the shape of the second electrode (pixel electrode), it is possible to improve the viewing angle characteristics with respect to all directions by controlling the orientation in a balanced manner in one pixel region. As shown in FIG. 4, it is more preferable to provide three for each pixel region.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 8A to 8B, the periphery of the first electrode (scanning line) 19 on the first substrate 12 is made corresponding to the position of the wiring 26 on the second substrate 14. Insulating treatment is preferable.
The reason for this is that, even when the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14 are arranged close to each other and arranged in opposition to each other, the opposing wiring 26 and the first electrode 19 This is because it is possible to prevent the occurrence of leakage current between the two and exhibit excellent electrical insulation. Therefore, even when the electro-optical device is configured to be thin, image defects can be effectively prevented.

In addition, when a part of the first electrode 19 in the first substrate 12 is insulated to provide the insulation processing part 33, the insulation resistance (volume resistance) is 1 × 10 ⁵ to 1 × 10 ¹² Ω · cm. A value within the range is preferable.
This is because, when the insulation resistance in the insulation processing unit 33 is less than 1 × 10 ⁵ Ω · cm, when the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14 are arranged close to each other, the wiring 26 This is because a leak current may easily occur between the first electrode 19 and the first electrode 19. On the other hand, if the insulation resistance exceeds 1 × 10 ¹² Ω · cm, the type of insulation treatment material that can be used for the insulation treatment portion 33 may be excessively limited.
In addition, the insulating process method is not particularly limited when insulating a part of the first electrode 19 in the first substrate 12. For example, as shown in FIG. It is preferable to apply a resin or to laminate an insulating treatment material such as an insulating film on the end of the electric wiring.
In addition, when using insulating resin, it is preferable to use thermosetting resins, such as an epoxy resin, a urethane resin, a silicone resin, a polyester resin, a phenol resin.
Also, when using insulation treatment materials, insulation made of highly insulating resin such as epoxy resin, polysulfone resin, polycarbonate resin, polyether ether ketone resin, polyimide resin, fluorine resin, silicone resin, polyester resin, phenol resin, etc. It is more preferable to use a film.

(4) Reflective Layer As shown in FIG. 3, it is preferable that a reflective layer 212 is formed on the surface of the first glass substrate 13. The reflective layer 212 is preferably composed of a metal thin film made of aluminum, aluminum alloy, chromium, chromium alloy, silver, silver alloy, or the like. The reflective layer 212 is preferably provided with a reflective portion 212r having a reflective surface and an opening 212a for each pixel.
For example, in a transflective liquid crystal display device used for a mobile phone or the like, as shown in FIG. 3, a reflective film (semitransmissive reflector) is provided between the glass substrate 13 and the colored layer 16. 212 is preferably provided.

(5) Alignment film (first alignment film)
Further, as shown in FIG. 3, an alignment film 217 made of polyimide resin or the like is preferably formed on the first electrode 19.
The reason for this is that by providing the alignment film 217 as described above, when the color filter substrate 12 is used in a liquid crystal display device or the like, the alignment drive of the electro-optical material (liquid crystal molecules) can be easily performed by applying a voltage. This is because it can.
In addition, when performing alignment control such as generating an oblique electric field region with respect to the electro-optical material, not only a specific electro-optical material (liquid crystal molecules) is used, but also a vertical alignment film 217 as shown in FIG. Since a specific alignment film material such as 224 is normally used, rubbing treatment in the alignment film can be eliminated. Therefore, it is possible to easily prevent the alignment film from being deteriorated during the rubbing process.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9A, the first alignment film 217 is preferably provided with a convex portion 217a as an alignment regulating means. The reason for this is that by forming such a convex portion, it is possible to control the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules and obtain an image display excellent in viewing angle characteristics.
Here, the alignment control of the liquid crystal molecules when a convex portion is formed on a part of the alignment film is as follows. That is, for example, when a convex portion is formed in the alignment film of the first substrate and a second slit described later is formed in the pixel electrode of the second substrate, as shown in FIG. In a state where no voltage is applied, the liquid crystal molecules 232 are aligned perpendicular to the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14. Here, when an intermediate voltage is applied, an oblique electric field is generated with respect to the second substrate 14 at the second slit 45 in the pixel electrode 20 as shown in FIG. In addition, the liquid crystal molecules 232 in the alignment film 217 near the protrusions 217a are slightly inclined from the state where no voltage is applied. The inclination direction of the liquid crystal molecules 232 is determined by the influence of the inclined surface of the convex portion 217a and the oblique electric field, and the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 232 is divided in the middle between the convex portion 217a and the second slit 45. . At this time, for example, the light A that is transmitted from directly below to above is slightly affected by the birefringence because the liquid crystal molecules 232 are slightly tilted, so that the transmission is suppressed and a gray halftone display is obtained. Further, the light B transmitted from the lower right to the upper left is difficult to transmit in the region where the liquid crystal molecules 232 are inclined in the left direction, and is easily transmitted in the region inclined in the right direction. On average, a gray halftone display is obtained. On the other hand, the light C transmitted from the lower left to the upper right is also displayed in gray on the same principle, and a uniform display can be obtained in all directions. Further, as shown in FIG. 10C, when a predetermined voltage is applied, the liquid crystal molecules 232 become substantially horizontal, and a white display is obtained. Therefore, a display with excellent viewing angle characteristics can be obtained in all of the black, halftone, and white display states.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9B, the alignment film 217 has a concave portion as an alignment regulating means because the viewing angle characteristic can be improved by controlling the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 232 in the same manner as the convex portion. It is also preferable that 217b is formed.
Note that the mechanism for controlling the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in this case is the same as that in the case where the above-described convex portions are formed, and thus description thereof is omitted.

3. Counter substrate (second substrate)
(1) Basic Structure As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the other counter substrate (second substrate) 14 facing the color filter substrate 12 is placed on a second glass substrate 27 made of glass or the like. The wiring 26, the TFD element 31, and the second electrode 20 are sequentially stacked.
In the example of the electro-optical device according to the first embodiment, the colored layer 16 is provided on the first glass substrate 13. However, the colored layer 16 is provided on the second glass substrate 27 of the counter substrate 14. Is also preferable.

(2) Wiring (electrical wiring)
Moreover, it is preferable to provide the wiring 26 on the second substrate as shown in FIGS. Such a wiring 26 is preferably striped as shown in FIG. 2 and a plurality of wirings 26 are arranged in parallel. In the active matrix structure, the wiring 26 functions as a data line.
Here, the line width of the wiring 26 of the second substrate 14 is W (μm), and the distance between the wiring 26 and the second electrode 20 in which the second slit 45 is formed is S (μm). ) Satisfies the relationship of S / W> 1. That is, if the line width (W) of the wiring of the second substrate is excessively large, or if the distance (S) between the wiring and the second electrode is excessively short, the influence of the voltage of the wiring occurs. is there. That is, when a predetermined voltage is applied to the wiring, it is applied between the first electrode and affects the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules, resulting in a white display and a decrease in viewing angle characteristics. is there.
Therefore, the value represented by S / W is more preferably 1.1 or more, and further preferably 1.3 or more.

The line width (W) of the wiring in the second substrate is preferably set to a value in the range of 0.1 to 0.7 μm.
This is because when the line width (W) of the wiring is less than 0.1 μm, it may be easy to break or it may be difficult to form with high accuracy. On the other hand, when the line width (W) of the wiring exceeds 0.7 μm, the electrical insulation with the second electrode 20 as the pixel electrode is remarkably deteriorated, or alignment failure of liquid crystal molecules occurs. Because there is.
Therefore, it is more preferable to set the line width (W) of the wiring in the second substrate to a value within the range of 0.2 to 0.6 μm.

(3) Switching element The switching element is preferably a two-terminal nonlinear element. As this two-terminal nonlinear element, TFD elements 31a and 31b are typical as illustrated in FIGS. 11 (a) to 11 (b).
The TFD elements 31a and 31b preferably have a sandwich configuration including the element first electrode (first metal film) 24, the insulating film 23, and the element second electrodes (second metal film) 22 and 25. Here, examples of the first metal film 24 and the second metal films 22 and 25 include tantalum (Ta), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), and chromium (Cr). The insulating film 23 is preferably configured by anodizing such a metal material. Specific examples include tantalum oxide (Ta ₂ O ₅ ) and aluminum oxide (Al ₂ O ₃ ).
The active element exhibits diode switching characteristics in positive and negative directions and becomes conductive when a voltage equal to or higher than a threshold is applied between both terminals of the first metal film 24 and the second metal film 25.
In addition to the TFD element, a nonlinear element such as a TFT (thin film transistor) element can also be used as shown in the wiring example in FIG.

Further, regarding the configuration of the two-terminal nonlinear element, as shown in FIG. 11A, when two TFD elements 31a and 31b are used, the first electrode (scanning line) 19 or the wiring (data line) 26 is used. Are formed on the second glass substrate 27 so as to be interposed between the pixel electrode 20 and the first TFD element 31b and the second TFD element 31a having opposite diode characteristics. It is preferable.
This is because, with this configuration, alternating current can be used as a voltage waveform to be applied, and deterioration of liquid crystal molecules in a liquid crystal display device or the like can be prevented. That is, in order to prevent the deterioration of the liquid crystal molecules, it is desired that the diode switching characteristics be symmetric in the positive and negative directions. As illustrated in FIG. 11A, the two TFD elements 31a and 31b are reversed. This is because alternating current can be used by connecting in series in the direction.
Further, as shown in FIG. 11B, the first TFD element 31b includes a second metal film 25 corresponding to a portion branched from the wiring, an insulating film 23, and a first metal film 24 in this order. It is preferable that they are stacked. On the other hand, the second TFD element 31a is similarly configured by laminating a second metal film 22 electrically connected to the pixel electrode 20, an insulating film 23, and a first metal film 24 in this order. It is preferable.
Furthermore, the first TFD element 31b and the second TFD element 31a have separate second metal films 22 and 25, respectively, but the insulating film 23 and the first metal film 24 are common to each other. Is preferred.

Further, regarding the arrangement of the TFD element, when the line width of the wiring of the second substrate is W (μm) and the distance between the TFD element and the second electrode is L (μm), L / It is preferable to satisfy the relationship of W> 1.
This is because, if the distance (W) between the TFD element and the second electrode is excessively short with reference to the line width (W) of the wiring of the second substrate, the voltage of the TFD element is affected. is there. That is, it is applied to the first electrode to affect the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules, resulting in white display or a reduction in viewing angle characteristics.
Therefore, the value represented by L / W is more preferably 1.1 or more, and further preferably 1.3 or more.
Note that the distance (L) between the TFD element of the second substrate and the second electrode means the shortest distance of the straight line when it is assumed that a straight line is drawn from the TFD element to the second electrode. ing. In addition, the TFD element in this case means an intersection region between the first metal film and the second metal film.

(4) Second Electrode As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, a second electrode 20 made of a transparent conductor such as ITO (indium tin oxide) is provided on the second substrate 14 as a pixel electrode. It is preferable to form.
In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6C, it is preferable to provide the second slit 45 inside or at the end of the second electrode 20.
The reason for this is that by providing the second slit 45 in this way, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules is controlled in combination with the first slit 41 formed in the first electrode 19 in the first substrate. This is because an image display excellent in viewing angle characteristics can be obtained.
Note that providing the second slit 45 at the end of the second electrode 20 makes it possible to easily and accurately control the alignment of the electro-optic material, which is a more preferable mode.

In forming the second electrode (pixel electrode) 20, it is preferable that a plurality of circles partially overlap each other as shown in FIG. 6C in relation to the second slit 45. . That is, when the electro-optical device is seen through in the vertical direction, a plurality of circles centered on the first slit 41 provided in the first electrode 19 in the first substrate are partially overlapped. Is preferred.
This is because the second electrode having such a shape can obtain an image display excellent in viewing angle characteristics with respect to all directions. Therefore, it is possible to recognize an excellent image display with respect to visual recognition from all directions.

Regarding the second electrode (pixel electrode), the relationship between the distance (S) from the wiring (data line) of the second substrate to the second electrode and the line width (W) of the wiring of the second substrate By limiting the range to a predetermined range, it is possible to effectively prevent alignment failure caused by the potential of the wiring of the second substrate when the alignment control is performed on the electro-optic material.
That is, when the line width of the wiring of the second substrate is W (μm) and the distance between the wiring and the second electrode is S (μm), the relationship of S / W> 1 is established. The wiring and the second electrode are formed so as to be satisfied.
The reason for this is that, by satisfying such a relationship, even if a predetermined voltage is applied to the wiring of the second substrate, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules on the second electrode as the pixel electrode is This is because adverse effects are reduced. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an electro-optical device that effectively prevents alignment failure and has excellent contrast.

The distance (S) between the wiring (data line) and the second electrode (pixel electrode) in the second substrate is preferably set to a value in the range of 2.5 to 7 μm.
This is because, if the value is within such a range, orientation failure can be reliably prevented and wiring can be routed and manufacturing itself can be easily performed. That is, when the distance (S) is less than 2.5 μm, the voltage applied to the wiring adversely affects the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules on the second electrode, which is a pixel electrode, and causes alignment failure. This is because there are cases. On the other hand, when the distance (S) exceeds 7 μm, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules is less adversely affected, but the area of the pixel electrode is relatively reduced, making it difficult to recognize image information. This is because there are cases.
Therefore, the distance (S) between the wiring (data line) on the second substrate and the second electrode (pixel electrode) is more preferably set to a value in the range of 3 to 6 μm. More preferably, the value is in the range of ˜5 μm.

(5) Alignment film (second alignment film)
Further, as shown in FIG. 3, it is preferable that a second alignment film 224 made of the same polyimide resin or the like as the first alignment film on the first substrate 12 is formed on the pixel electrode 20.
And also in the 2nd alignment film, it is preferable to provide the convex part or recessed part as an orientation control means similarly to the 1st alignment film.

4). Normally Black Mode The electro-optical device of the first embodiment is preferably a so-called normally black mode electro-optical device (liquid crystal display device) that displays black when no voltage is applied. That is, with such an electro-optical device, it is possible to easily make a region other than the pixel region non-transparent. Further, even when the area of each pixel is enlarged, color mixing between adjacent pixels can be easily prevented. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a bright and excellent contrast image display without forming a light-shielding layer at a location other than a portion where leakage current may occur, such as a position along the wiring on the second substrate. is there.

5). Manufacturing Method An example of a method for manufacturing the electro-optical device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 16 as appropriate.

(1) Production of First Substrate (1) -1 Formation of Color Filter As shown in FIG. 13A, on the first substrate, a reflective layer 212 and a black color are provided at locations corresponding to image display areas. It is preferable to sequentially form the light shielding layer (black matrix) 18.
Here, the reflective layer 212 provided with the opening 212a is formed by depositing a metal material or the like on the substrate by a vapor deposition method or a sputtering method, and then patterning using a photolithography technique. Further, the black light shielding layer (black matrix) 18 is formed by applying a photosensitive resin made of a transparent resin or the like in which a coloring material such as a pigment or a dye is dispersed, and sequentially performing pattern exposure and development processing thereon.
For the colored layer 16, a photosensitive resin made of a transparent resin or the like in which a coloring material such as a pigment or a dye is dispersed is applied on the reflective layer 212 or the like, and pattern exposure and development processing are sequentially performed thereon. Can also be formed.
In addition, when forming the colored layer 16 of several colors in an array, the said process is repeated for every color.

(1) -2 Formation of Translucent Protection Layer Next, as illustrated in FIG. 13B, a translucent protection layer 215 </ b> X is formed on the entire surface of the first substrate 12. This translucent protective layer 215X can be made of, for example, an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, an imide resin, a fluororesin, or the like. These resins are applied onto a substrate in an uncured state having fluidity, and are cured by appropriate means such as drying, photocuring, and thermosetting. As a coating method, a spin coating method, a printing method, or the like can be used.
Next, the light transmitting protective layer 215X is patterned by using a photolithography technique to form a planarization layer 215 limited to the image display region as shown in FIG. By this step, the translucent material is omitted from the translucent protective layer 215X from the area other than the image display area, that is, from the almost same area as the area disposed outside the sealant 230 shown in FIG.

(1) -3 Formation of First Electrode Next, as shown in FIG. 13 (d), a transparent conductor made entirely of a transparent conductor material such as ITO (indium tin oxide) is formed on the planarizing layer 215. It is preferable to form the layer 19X. The transparent conductive layer 19X can be formed by sputtering, for example.
Then, it is preferable to pattern the transparent conductive layer 19X using a photolithography technique to form the first electrode 19 as shown in FIG. At this time, it is preferable to form one or a plurality of first slits in the first electrode 19 so as to correspond to the respective pixel regions.
Hereinafter, the formation of the transparent conductive layer 19 </ b> X will be described separately for the disposing process and the insulating process.

(1) -4 Arrangement Step of First Electrode In forming the first electrode on the first substrate, a colored layer, a black matrix as a light shielding layer, a first electrode, and the first electrode are formed on the first substrate. Are sequentially formed, and the position of the element first electrode on the second substrate is taken into consideration, and the first electrode is preferably shifted or translated so as not to overlap.
That is, when the first substrate and the second substrate are arranged to face each other, the distance between the first electrode and the end of the element first electrode on the second substrate is relatively large. Thus, an electro-optical device that can be easily reduced in thickness can be efficiently manufactured.
However, as described later, the first electrode on the first substrate is formed as usual, and the first substrate and the second electrode are formed in consideration of the formation position of the element first electrode on the second substrate. In the case where the substrate is disposed to face the substrate, it is more preferable that the first current electrode and the first substrate electrode on the second substrate are disposed so as not to overlap each other.

(1) -5 Insulating treatment process of first electrode Provided with an insulating treatment process of the first electrode in the first substrate, the end of the element first electrode in the second substrate facing each other, and the first substrate It is preferable to set the insulation resistance between the first electrode and the first electrode to a value equal to or greater than a predetermined value.
That is, it is preferable that after forming the first electrode on the first substrate, an insulating treatment is performed in correspondence with the position of any one end of the element first electrode on the second substrate.
By carrying out in this way, when the first substrate and the second substrate are arranged to face each other, an excellent optical characteristic can be obtained and an electro-optical device that can be easily thinned is efficiently manufactured. can do.

(2) Production of Second Substrate (2) -1 Formation of Element First Electrode As shown in FIGS. 14A to 15B, a metal film 24 is formed on a glass substrate 27 of the second substrate. Is a step of forming. The metal film 24 is made of, for example, tantalum and can be formed using a sputtering method or an electron beam evaporation method. Further, the thickness of the metal film 24 can be changed as appropriate in accordance with the application of the TFD element and the like, but it is usually preferable to set the thickness within a range of 100 to 500 nm.
Although not shown, it is also preferable to form an insulating film made of tantalum oxide (Ta ₂ O ₅ ) or the like on the glass substrate 27 of the second substrate 14 before forming the metal film 24. This is because the adhesion of the metal film 24 to the glass substrate 27 is remarkably improved by forming the insulating film between the glass substrate 27 of the second substrate 14 and the metal film 24 in this way. This is because the diffusion of impurities from the glass substrate 27 to the metal film 24 can be efficiently suppressed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 15C, the oxide film 23 is preferably formed by oxidizing the surface of the first metal film 24 by an anodic oxidation method. More specifically, after immersing the glass substrate 27 on which the first metal film 24 is formed in an electrolyte such as a citric acid solution, a predetermined gap is provided between the electrolyte and the first metal film 24. It is preferable to oxidize the surface of the first metal film 24 by applying a voltage.
The thickness of the oxide film 23 can be appropriately changed according to the use of the TFD element and the like, but it is usually preferable to set the thickness within a range of 10 to 50 nm.

Next, as shown in FIG. 16A, the first metal film 24 on which the oxide film 23 is formed is patterned by using a photolithography technique, and a part thereof is used as the element first electrode 24. preferable.
In forming the element first electrode 24, when one end of the element first electrode on the second substrate and the first electrode on the first substrate are seen through in the vertical direction, It is preferable to arrange so that they do not overlap. That is, it is preferable to form the first electrode on the first substrate as usual and consider the formation position of the element first electrode on the second substrate.
As described above, the reason is that the distance between the first electrode 19 in the first substrate 12 illustrated in FIG. 1 and the end of the element first electrode 24 in the second substrate 14 is relatively long. This is because they can be separated. Therefore, even when the electrodes are arranged close to each other, leakage current is prevented from being generated between the opposing electrodes formed on the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14, and excellent electrical insulation is achieved. Can be shown.

(2) -2 Formation of Element Second Electrode Next, although not shown, a metal film is again formed on the entire surface of the first metal film 24 as the element first electrode by a sputtering method or the like, and this is formed into a photo film. As shown in FIG. 16B, it is preferable to form second metal films 22 and 25 as element second electrodes by patterning using a lithography technique.

(2) -3 Formation of Second Electrode Although not shown, after forming a transparent conductive layer made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO (indium tin oxide or the like) by sputtering or the like, photolithography technology is used. It is preferable to form the second electrode (pixel electrode) 20 as shown in FIG. At the same time, it is preferable that a second slit for controlling the orientation of the electro-optic material is formed at the end of the second electrode as shown in FIG. By forming such a second slit, it is possible to efficiently manufacture an electro-optical device that can display an image with excellent viewing angle characteristics.

[Second Embodiment]
As a second embodiment according to the present invention, an electric apparatus including the electro-optical device according to the first embodiment will be specifically described.

FIG. 17 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the electrical apparatus according to the present embodiment. This electrical apparatus has a liquid crystal panel 200 and a control means 1200 for controlling the liquid crystal panel 200. In FIG. 17, the liquid crystal panel 200 is conceptually divided into a panel structure 200 </ b> A and a drive circuit 200 </ b> B composed of a semiconductor element (IC) or the like. The control unit 1200 preferably includes a display information output source 1210, a display processing circuit 1220, a power supply circuit 1230, and a timing generator 1240.
The display information output source 1210 includes a memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory), a storage unit such as a magnetic recording disk or an optical recording disk, and a tuning unit that tunes and outputs digital image signals. It is preferable that the display information is supplied to the display information processing circuit 1220 in the form of an image signal of a predetermined format based on various clock signals generated by the timing generator 1240.

The display information processing circuit 1220 includes various known circuits such as a serial-parallel conversion circuit, an amplification / inversion circuit, a rotation circuit, a gamma correction circuit, and a clamp circuit, and executes processing of input display information. It is preferable to supply the image information to the driving circuit 200B together with the clock signal CLK. Further, the driving circuit 200B preferably includes a scanning line driving circuit, a data line driving circuit, and an inspection circuit. The power supply circuit 1230 has a function of supplying a predetermined voltage to each of the above-described components.
And if it is the electric equipment of this embodiment, since the distance of the wiring in the 2nd board | substrate and the 2nd electrode is restrict | limited to the predetermined range, orientation control can be performed appropriately and contrast And a screen display excellent in viewing angle characteristics.

  According to the present invention, an orientation control can be performed accurately, and an image display with high contrast and excellent viewing angle characteristics can be realized. Therefore, an electro-optical device or an electronic apparatus using liquid crystal molecules as an electro-optical material, For example, mobile phones and personal computers, liquid crystal televisions, viewfinder type / monitor direct view type video tape recorders, car navigation devices, pagers, electrophoresis devices, electronic notebooks, calculators, word processors, workstations, video phones, Examples include POS terminals, electronic devices equipped with touch panels, and electron-emitting devices (FED: Field Emission Display and SCEED: Surface-Conduction Electron-Emitter Display).

Furthermore, the electro-optical device and the electronic apparatus of the present invention are not limited to the above-described illustrated examples, and it is needless to say that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the liquid crystal panel shown in each of the above embodiments has a simple matrix type structure, but an active matrix type electro-optical device using an active element (active element) such as a TFT (thin film transistor) or a TFD (thin film diode). It can also be applied to.
Further, the liquid crystal panel of the above embodiment has a so-called COG type structure, but a flexible wiring board or a TAB board is connected to a liquid crystal panel that is not a structure in which a semiconductor element (IC chip) is directly mounted, for example, a liquid crystal panel. It may be configured as described above.

FIG. 4A is a plan view of a counter substrate according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the electro-optical device according to the first embodiment. It is a perspective view of the liquid crystal panel used for 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the liquid crystal panel used for 1st Embodiment. It is a circuit diagram of an active matrix (TFD). It is a figure provided in order to demonstrate the arrangement | positioning method of the 1st electrode in a 1st board | substrate. (A)-(c) is a figure provided in order to demonstrate the 1st slit of the 1st electrode in a 1st board | substrate, and the 2nd slit of the 2nd electrode in a 2nd board | substrate, respectively. It is a figure provided in order to demonstrate the control method of an orientation direction. It is a figure provided in order to demonstrate the insulation processing method of the 1st electrode in a 1st board | substrate. (A) is sectional drawing for demonstrating the convex part of alignment film, (b) is sectional drawing for demonstrating the recessed part of alignment film. (A)-(c) is a figure provided in order to demonstrate the mechanism of orientation control. It is a figure provided in order to demonstrate the arrangement | positioning method of a two-terminal type non-linear element. It is a circuit diagram of an active matrix (TFT). It is a figure provided in order to demonstrate the manufacturing method of the 1st board | substrate. It is a figure provided in order to demonstrate the manufacturing method of the 2nd board | substrate (the 1). It is a figure provided in order to demonstrate the manufacturing method of the 2nd board | substrate (the 2). It is a figure provided in order to demonstrate the manufacturing method of the 2nd board | substrate (the 3). It is a schematic block diagram which shows the structural block in embodiment of the electric equipment which concerns on this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the liquid crystal panel used for the conventional liquid crystal display device. It is a top view which shows the board | substrate for conventional liquid crystal display devices.

Explanation of symbols

10: electro-optical device, 12: first substrate, 13: first glass substrate, 14: second substrate, 16: colored layer, 18: black matrix, 19: first electrode (scanning line), 20 : Second electrode (pixel electrode), 22/25: element second electrode (second metal film), 23: insulating film, 24: element first electrode (first metal film), 26: wiring (data) Line), 27: second glass substrate, 31a: first TFD element, 31b: second TFD element, 33: insulation processing section, 41: first slit, 45: second slit, 200: liquid crystal Panel 212: Reflective layer 212a: Opening part 212r: Reflecting part 215: Protective film (flattening layer) 217: First alignment film 217a: Convex part 217b: Concave part 224: Second orientation film

Claims (8)

An electro-optical device in which an electro-optical material is sealed between a pair of first substrates and a second substrate, wherein the electro-optical material is in relation to the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate includes a first electrode, and the second substrate includes a second electrode and is provided corresponding to the second electrode. And a wiring for supplying a signal to the second electrode through the switching element, the line width of the wiring being W (μm), the wiring, and the second When the distance between the electrodes is S (μm), the line width (W) of the wiring is set to a value within the range of 0.1 to 0.7 μm, and the relationship of S / W> 1 is satisfied. An electro-optical device. The electro-optical device according to claim 1, wherein the distance (S) is set to a value in a range of 2.5 to 7 μm. The electro-optical device according to claim 1, wherein the switching element is a two-terminal nonlinear element. 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate includes an alignment regulating unit that regulates an alignment of the electro-optical material in a pixel region. The electro-optical device according to Item. The electro-optical device according to claim 4, wherein the orientation regulating unit includes a slit provided in at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode. The first substrate has a first alignment film, the second substrate has a second alignment film, and the alignment regulating means includes at least one of the first alignment film and the second alignment film. The electro-optical device according to claim 4, further comprising a convex portion provided on one surface. The first substrate has a first alignment film, the second substrate has a second alignment film, and the alignment regulating means includes at least one of the first alignment film and the second alignment film. The electro-optical device according to claim 4, further comprising a recess provided on a surface of the one alignment film. An electric apparatus comprising the electro-optical device according to claim 1.