JP4600076B2 - Liquid crystal device and electronic device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid crystal device and an electronic apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to a liquid crystal device using a liquid crystal material having negative dielectric anisotropy to improve image display characteristics, and an electronic device including such a liquid crystal device.

Conventionally, as an image display device, a pair of substrates each having an electrode pattern formed thereon are arranged opposite to each other, and by selectively turning on and off a voltage applied to a plurality of pixels that are intersecting regions of the respective electrode patterns, A liquid crystal device that modulates light passing through a liquid crystal material in the pixel region and displays an image such as an image or a character is widely used.
For example, as a liquid crystal device capable of defining the alignment state of a liquid crystal material when no voltage is applied, a liquid crystal material having a negative dielectric anisotropy is used, and in a single pixel region which is a minimum unit constituting an image display It has been proposed to further divide the electrode pattern into a plurality of island portions (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The plurality of island-shaped portions constituting these electrode patterns are arranged in a matrix-like square lattice or a rectangular lattice shape of m rows × n columns.
JP 2003-43525 A (Claims, FIG. 1)

  However, in the liquid crystal device described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to provide specific alignment control means separately from the color filter in order to control the alignment of the liquid crystal material having negative dielectric anisotropy. For this reason, problems such as an increase in the number of manufacturing steps and difficulty in adopting a thin structure have been observed. Further, when the application to a high-definition liquid crystal device is attempted and the number of island-shaped portions in one pixel region is reduced, there is a problem that the image display becomes extremely dark and the response speed becomes slow.

Thus, the inventors of the present invention have made diligent efforts to consider the shape of the electrode pattern in the liquid crystal device provided with the color filter, and to provide such a hole and an orientation control means at a predetermined position of the color filter. The present invention has been completed by finding that it is possible to solve various problems.
That is, the present invention uses a liquid crystal material having negative dielectric anisotropy, and by taking into consideration the form of the electrode pattern and the color filter, the number of manufacturing steps is reduced, and the thinning is easy. An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal device capable of obtaining a color image display with a wide viewing angle and high brightness. Another object of the present invention is to efficiently provide an electronic apparatus including such a liquid crystal device.

According to the present invention, in the liquid crystal device, the first substrate on which the first electrode pattern is formed above the color filter, and the second substrate on which the second electrode pattern is formed so as to face the first substrate. A substrate and a liquid crystal layer made of a liquid crystal material having negative dielectric anisotropy sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate, the first electrode pattern or the second electrode pattern, The color filter has a plurality of island-shaped portions in one pixel region and a connecting portion that electrically connects them, and the color filter has holes and / or protrusions as orientation control means in the island-shaped portion. In addition, a liquid crystal device having projections as alignment control means in a region corresponding to the edge of the island-like portion is provided, and the above-described problems can be solved.
That is, by providing a protrusion as an alignment control means on a part of the color filter, even when a liquid crystal material having negative dielectric anisotropy is used, the adjustment of the pretilt of the liquid crystal material is facilitated, Color image display characteristics can be improved. Further, by providing a hole at a predetermined position of the color filter, a liquid crystal domain exhibiting a substantially radial alignment state centering on the alignment control means can be accurately formed in the planar region of the island-shaped portion. Furthermore, by using a liquid crystal material having negative dielectric anisotropy, and having an electrode pattern of a predetermined shape, a liquid crystal domain exhibiting a substantially radial alignment state can be formed in the planar region of the island-shaped portion, A wide viewing angle and high brightness color image display can be obtained.

In configuring the liquid crystal device of the present invention, it is preferable to have a hole as an alignment control means in a region corresponding to the center of the island-shaped portion.
By comprising in this way, the liquid crystal domain which exhibits the substantially radial orientation state centering on the orientation control means can be formed in the plane area | region of an island-shaped part with sufficient precision. Furthermore, by using a liquid crystal material having negative dielectric anisotropy, and having an electrode pattern of a predetermined shape, a liquid crystal domain exhibiting a substantially radial alignment state can be formed in the planar region of the island-shaped portion, A wide viewing angle and high brightness color image display can be obtained.

Further, when configuring the liquid crystal device of the present invention, it is preferable to have a protrusion as an alignment control means in a region corresponding to the edge of the island-shaped portion.
With this configuration, even when a liquid crystal material having negative dielectric anisotropy is used, it is possible to easily adjust the pretilt of the liquid crystal material and improve color image display characteristics.

In configuring the liquid crystal device of the present invention, it is preferable that the hole is disposed at the center of the island-shaped portion and the protrusions are concentrically disposed with respect to the hole.
By configuring in this way, the liquid crystal domains exhibiting a substantially radial alignment state can be reliably formed in the planar region of the island-shaped portion by the interaction between the holes in the color filter and the protrusions as the alignment control means. In addition, an image display with a wide viewing angle and high brightness can be obtained.

Further, in configuring the liquid crystal device of the present invention, the color filter formed on the first substrate is made to correspond to the first electrode pattern or the second electrode pattern, and a plurality of island-shaped portions, connecting portions, It is preferable to comprise from.
With this configuration, the alignment control of the vertically aligned liquid crystal material can be more easily performed even in a high-definition pixel region. In other words, the color filter is also formed into a pattern having a predetermined shape, thereby effectively preventing color mixing in adjacent pixel regions and obtaining high contrast.

Further, in configuring the liquid crystal device of the present invention, it is preferable that the plurality of island-shaped portions are arranged in a honeycomb shape when viewed in plan.
That is, the first electrode pattern, the second electrode pattern, or both electrode patterns are configured by a plurality of island-shaped portions and connecting portions, and the plurality of island-shaped portions are arranged in a honeycomb shape, thereby forming an island shape. The planar filling degree of the part can be improved, and the size of the island-like part can be changed with a high degree of freedom. Accordingly, in the image display region, the liquid crystal material having negative dielectric anisotropy, that is, the vertical alignment liquid crystal material can be easily controlled in the high-definition pixel region. A bright image with a wide viewing angle can be displayed even for a pixel region of a size.
In the present invention, arranging a plurality of island-like portions in a “honeycomb shape” means that a plurality of island-like portions are arranged in a zigzag shape within one pixel region to form a honeycomb shape as a whole. Within one pixel region, a plurality of island-like portions are arranged in a straight line, and the island-like portions of adjacent one-pixel regions are arranged with their positions shifted relative to the straight island-like portions, This includes cases where the shape of a honeycomb is used.

In configuring the liquid crystal device of the present invention, the island-shaped portions constituting the first electrode pattern or the second electrode pattern are arranged linearly within one pixel region, and the linear arrangement direction of the island-shaped portions It is preferable to dispose one pixel region adjacent in a direction intersecting with a predetermined distance from the arrangement direction of the islands.
By configuring in this way, in the one pixel area, island portions are arranged in a straight line to form a substantially rectangular one pixel area, and the positions of adjacent one pixel areas are shifted from each other. Can do. Therefore, the alignment control of the vertical alignment liquid crystal material can be more easily performed even in a high-definition pixel region. Note that such a configuration is suitable for a relatively high-definition liquid crystal device in which a display defect due to a positional shift of one pixel region is difficult to be visually recognized.

In configuring the liquid crystal device of the present invention, the island-shaped portions constituting the first electrode pattern or the second electrode pattern are arranged in a non-linear manner within one pixel region, and straddle a plurality of pixel regions. It is preferable to arrange them linearly.
With this configuration, it is possible to increase the filling degree of the island-shaped portions in the pixel region and obtain a brighter image display. Further, since the island portions are arranged in a straight line across the plurality of pixel regions, for example, even when the one pixel region itself has a bent planar shape, the one pixel region Can be arranged in a straight line, and as a result, a high-definition pixel region can be secured.

In constructing the liquid crystal device of the present invention, the liquid crystal material exhibits a substantially radial alignment state when a voltage is applied in the planar region of the island-shaped portion constituting the first electrode pattern or the second electrode pattern. It is preferable to form a domain.
With this configuration, a display providing uniform viewing angle characteristics in all directions can be obtained, and a bright image display can be obtained in a very wide viewing angle range.

In configuring the liquid crystal device of the present invention, it is preferable that the orientation control means formed on the color filter formed on the first substrate also serves as a color adjusting unit that adjusts the color density of the color filter.
With this configuration, the color density can be adjusted easily and stably, and the visual characteristics and brightness of the image can be further improved as the entire display area.

Further, in constituting the liquid crystal device of the present invention, the liquid crystal material constituting the liquid crystal layer contains a chiral agent, and when the voltage is applied, the planar region of the island-like portion constituting the first electrode pattern or the second electrode pattern Thus, it is preferable to exhibit a spiral radial alignment state.
By comprising in this way, the spiral liquid crystal domain with which the spiral direction was fixed can be formed in the planar area of an island-shaped part. Therefore, the alignment state of the liquid crystal material is more stable, disclination hardly occurs, and a high-quality image display can be obtained.

Further, when configuring the liquid crystal device of the present invention, it is preferable that the island-shaped portions constituting the first electrode pattern or the second electrode pattern have a substantially hexagonal planar shape.
With this configuration, it is possible to further increase the filling degree of the island-shaped portion in one pixel region. Therefore, a brighter and wider viewing angle image display can be obtained.

Further, in configuring the liquid crystal device of the present invention, it is preferable that the island-shaped portion constituting the first electrode pattern or the second electrode pattern has a curved portion at the corner.
By configuring in this way, disclination is likely to occur at the corners of the island-shaped portions constituting the first electrode pattern or the second electrode pattern, but if the corners of the island-shaped portions are curved. The formation of the liquid crystal domain boundary can be effectively suppressed, and a good image display can be obtained.

In configuring the liquid crystal device of the present invention, a reflective film is partially formed in one pixel area, a reflective display area is provided corresponding to the reflective film formation area, and a non-reflective film formation area is provided. It is preferable to provide a transmissive display region correspondingly.
With this configuration, it is possible to provide a transflective liquid crystal device that is brighter, has a higher response speed, and can display a wide viewing angle.

In configuring the liquid crystal device of the present invention, it is preferable that the thickness of the liquid crystal layer is different between the reflective display region and the transmissive display region.
With this configuration, a so-called multi-gap structure can be employed. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a transflective liquid crystal device that can provide high brightness, high contrast, a wide viewing angle display, and excellent response speed in both reflective display and transmissive display.

In configuring the liquid crystal device of the present invention, it is preferable to arrange the boundary step region between the reflective display region and the transmissive display region and the connecting portion so as to overlap in a plane.
By arranging the boundary step region and the connecting portion so as to overlap in this way, the first electrode pattern or the second electrode pattern is eliminated from the boundary step region as much as possible, and the deterioration of display quality is effectively prevented. can do.

Another embodiment of the present invention is an electronic apparatus including any of the liquid crystal devices described above.
That is, by configuring in this way, even in a high-definition pixel region, it is possible to efficiently provide an electronic apparatus including a liquid crystal device with improved image display characteristics while appropriately adjusting color density. Can do.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, embodiments of the liquid crystal device of the present invention and an electronic apparatus including the liquid crystal device will be described in detail. 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]
In the liquid crystal device, the first embodiment includes a first substrate on which a first electrode pattern is formed above a color filter, and a second substrate on which a second electrode pattern is formed so as to face the first substrate. A substrate and a liquid crystal layer made of a liquid crystal material having negative dielectric anisotropy sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate, the first electrode pattern or the second electrode pattern, The color filter includes a plurality of island-shaped portions in one pixel region and a connecting portion that electrically connects them, and the color filter has holes and / or protrusions as orientation control means in the island-shaped portions. This is a liquid crystal device.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9 as appropriate, for the liquid crystal device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a color filter substrate having a colored layer including a predetermined alignment control means and a color adjusting unit, and a switching element A liquid crystal device including an element substrate including a TFD element (Thin Film Diode) will be described as an example. However, the liquid crystal device of the present invention is not limited to an active matrix liquid crystal device including a TFD element, and is a liquid crystal device including a TFT element (Thin Film Transistor) or a passive matrix liquid crystal device. It doesn't matter.
In addition, in each figure, what attached | subjected the same code | symbol has shown the same member, and abbreviate | omits description suitably.

1. Basic Structure of Liquid Crystal Device First, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the basic structure of the liquid crystal device 10 as the liquid crystal device of the first embodiment according to the present invention, that is, the cell structure, wiring, and the like will be specifically described. . Here, FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the liquid crystal device 10 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the EE cross section in FIG.
The liquid crystal device 10 is a liquid crystal device 10 including an element substrate 60 having an active matrix structure using a TFD element 69 which is a two-terminal nonlinear element as a switching element, and is not shown, but is not shown in the figure. A lighting device such as a light or a case body is appropriately attached and used as necessary.

In the liquid crystal device 10, an element substrate 60 having a glass substrate or the like as a base 61 and a color filter substrate 30 having a glass substrate or the like as a base 31 are disposed opposite to each other and a sealing material 23 such as an adhesive is provided. Are pasted together. Then, after the liquid crystal material 21 is injected into the space formed by the element substrate 60 and the color filter substrate 30 through the opening 23 a into the inner portion of the sealing material 23, the sealing material 25 A sealed cell structure is provided. That is, the liquid crystal material 21 is filled between the element substrate 60 and the color filter substrate 30.
Note that it is preferable to use a liquid crystal material having negative dielectric anisotropy as the liquid crystal material 21 and to define the alignment state of the liquid crystal material in a state where no voltage is applied, as a normally black mode.

A plurality of pixel electrode patterns 63 arranged in a matrix are formed on the inner surface of the base 61 of the element substrate 60, that is, on the surface facing the color filter substrate 30. On the other hand, a plurality of scanning electrodes 33 arranged in a stripe shape are formed on the inner surface of the base 31 in the color filter substrate 30, that is, on the surface facing the element substrate 60. The pixel electrode pattern 63 is electrically connected to the data line 65 via a TFD element 69 as a switching element, and the other scanning electrode 33 is interposed via a sealing material 23 containing conductive particles. The lead wiring 66 on the element substrate 60 is electrically connected.
The pixel electrode pattern 63 thus configured and the scanning electrode 33 constitute a large number of pixels in which the intersecting regions are arranged in a matrix (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a pixel region). The array constitutes the display area as a whole. Therefore, by applying a voltage to a desired pixel, an electric field is generated in the liquid crystal material 21 of the pixel, and an image such as a character or a figure can be displayed on the entire display area.

The element substrate 60 has a substrate overhanging portion 60T that projects outward from the outer shape of the color filter substrate 30, and a part of the data line 65 and the routing wiring 66 are formed on the substrate overhanging portion 60T. And an external connection terminal 67 made up of a plurality of wirings formed independently.
A driving semiconductor element (driving IC) 91 incorporating a liquid crystal driving circuit or the like is mounted at the end of the data line 65 or the routing wiring 66. Furthermore, a driving semiconductor element (driving IC) 91 is mounted on the end of the external connection terminal 67 on the display area side, and a flexible circuit board 93 is mounted on the other end. ing.

The liquid crystal device having such a configuration includes a reflection type, a transmission type, and a semi-transmission reflection type liquid crystal device. The arrangement of the reflection region R and the transmission region T is, for example, on the color filter substrate and the transmission region. By providing the light reflecting film in which the opening corresponding to T is formed, it can be arranged in a desired region.
Note that the liquid crystal device described in this embodiment is a liquid crystal device in which a light reflection film is formed on a color filter substrate, but the present invention can be applied to any liquid crystal device.

2. Color Filter Substrate (1) Basic Configuration Next, the color filter substrate 30 used in the liquid crystal device 10 of this embodiment will be described as a color filter substrate used in a transflective liquid crystal device.
As shown in FIG. 2, the color filter substrate 30 basically has a light reflecting film 35, a light shielding film 39, a colored layer 37, a resin layer 40, and a scan on a base 31 made of a glass substrate or the like. The electrodes 33 are sequentially stacked. Further, an alignment film 45 for controlling the orientation of the liquid crystal material is provided on the scan electrode 33, and a clear image display is recognized on the surface opposite to the surface on which the scan electrode 33 and the like are formed. A retardation plate (¼ wavelength plate) 47 and a polarizing plate 49 are arranged so as to be able to do so.

(2) Light Reflecting Film Further, the light reflecting film 35 formed on the color filter substrate 30 is made of, for example, a metal material such as aluminum, and has an opening 35a corresponding to the transmission region T. In the region R, it is a member for reflecting external light such as sunlight to enable reflective display.
Note that when the liquid crystal device is a reflection type, the above-described light reflection film having no opening is provided, and when the liquid crystal device is a transmission type, no light reflection film is provided on the substrate.

(3) Light-shielding film The light-shielding film 39 is a film for preventing color material from being mixed between adjacent pixel regions G and obtaining an image display with excellent contrast. As such a light shielding film 39, for example, a metal film such as chromium (Cr) or molybdenum (Mo) is used as the light shielding film 39, or R (red), G (green), and B (blue). A material in which three colorants are dispersed in a resin or other base material, or a material in which a colorant such as a black pigment or dye is dispersed in a resin or other base material can be used. Further, the light shielding film can be formed by superposing three colorants of R (red), G (green), and B (blue).

(4) Colored layer (4) -1 Colored material In addition, the colored layer 37 usually exhibits a predetermined color tone by adjusting the concentration by dispersing a colorant such as a pigment or dye in a transparent resin. Has been. An example of the color tone of the colored layer 37 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. It can be formed in a complementary color system such as yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and other various color tones.
As the arrangement pattern of the colored layer 37, a stripe arrangement is often adopted. In addition to the stripe arrangement, various pattern shapes such as an oblique mosaic arrangement and a delta arrangement can be adopted.

Moreover, it is preferable that the coloring material used for the coloring layer of the color filter substrate used for the liquid crystal device of the present invention has the same colorant concentration for each color such as RGB.
The reason for this is that the color density can be adjusted by changing the area and layer thickness of the color adjusting portion. Is not necessary, and the number of steps is not increased, and a liquid crystal device in which the color density is adjusted efficiently can be provided.
More specifically, in order to adjust the color density in the pixel area, for example, when the density of the colorant in the reflection area and the transmission area is different in each of RGB, a total of six color materials are used. It is necessary to repeat the colored layer forming step 6 times. However, according to the present invention, it is possible to form a colored layer by using three kinds of coloring materials for each RGB, and in total, it is possible to save the labor of density adjustment, and for each color. Three steps of forming the colored layer can be omitted.

(4) -2 Orientation control means Further, as shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the colored layer 37 of the color filter substrate is formed in a region corresponding to the edge of the island-shaped portion of each pixel electrode pattern. The liquid crystal material includes an alignment control means 51a for controlling the alignment state of the liquid crystal material.
This is because the alignment control means 51a provided in the colored layer 37 tilts the liquid crystal material 21 in a voltage non-applied state by a predetermined angle to widen the viewing angle of the displayed image and improve the contrast and the like. It is because it can be done. In addition, by inclining the liquid crystal material in a voltage non-applied state by a predetermined angle, the reaction of the liquid crystal material can be accelerated when a voltage is applied, and the alignment direction of the liquid crystal material in the voltage applied state can also be defined. Because.

Further, the orientation control means 51a is characterized in that it is arranged in a region corresponding to the end edge of the island-shaped portion constituting the electrode pattern.
This is because the liquid crystal domains exhibiting a substantially radial alignment state can be formed with high precision in correspondence with the planar regions of the island-like portions by being arranged at such predetermined positions.
Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the orientation control means 51a of the color filter 37 is preferably arranged concentrically with respect to the hole 55a. That is, by arranging in this way, the liquid crystal domains that exhibit a substantially radial alignment state are caused to correspond to the planar region of the island-like portion by the interaction between the holes in the color filter 37 and the protrusions as the alignment control means 51a. Therefore, it is possible to reliably form the image and to obtain an image display with a wide viewing angle and high brightness.

Further, the shape of the orientation control means 51 is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, the orientation control means 51 may have a weight shape such as a cone, a triangular pyramid, or a square weight. it can. This is because, by using such a weight-shaped orientation control means, it is possible to improve visual characteristics from various directions, regardless of 360 °.
As another example of the shape of the orientation control means, the cross-sectional shape may be a linear orientation control means having any one of a mountain shape, a rectangular shape, a trapezoidal shape, and a semicircular shape. it can. By using the orientation control means having such a shape, it is possible to improve visual characteristics when visually recognizing from a predetermined direction and to make a bright image display visible.

Further, the diameter of the bottom surface (equivalent to a circle) of the orientation control means can be determined in consideration of the orientation control effect, but is preferably set to a value in the range of 1 to 10 μm, for example. This is because the area where the liquid crystal material is in contact with the alignment film is increased, and the effect of alignment control by the alignment control means becomes remarkable.
Further, the height from the bottom surface of the alignment control means can be determined in consideration of the alignment control effect and the thickness of the liquid crystal layer. For example, a value in the range of 0.5 to 3 μm is preferable. . This is because the orientation may not be sufficiently controlled when the height of the orientation control means is less than 0.5 μm. In addition, when the height of the alignment control means exceeds 3 μm, the cell gap of the liquid crystal panel is generally about 3 to 5 μm, which may affect the cell gap.
Further, the pitch interval (Center to Center) between the adjacent alignment control means can be determined in consideration of the alignment control effect and the thickness of the liquid crystal layer, and is set to a value in the range of 3 to 70 μm, for example. It is preferable. This is because if the distance between the orientation control means is less than 3 μm, the orientation of the liquid crystal material may not be sufficiently controlled. On the other hand, if the distance between the alignment control means exceeds 70 μm, the liquid crystal material in the flat portion may not be aligned.

(4) -3 Hole Also, as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5B, the color filter 37 has a hole 55a in a region corresponding to the center of the island-shaped portion constituting the electrode pattern. And
The reason for this is that the hole 55a is provided at a predetermined position of the color filter 37, so that the liquid crystal domain exhibiting a substantially radial alignment state is accurately formed in correspondence with the planar region of the island-shaped portion constituting the electrode pattern. It is because it can do.
The shape of the hole 55a can be determined in consideration of the synergistic effect on the alignment control effect when combined with the alignment control means 51a, the formation state of the liquid crystal domain, and the like. It is preferable to use a square or a polygon.
Further, as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, the color filter 37 has a hole 55a in a region corresponding to the center of the island-shaped portion constituting the electrode pattern.
The reason for this is that by having a hole 55a at a predetermined position of the color filter 37, the liquid crystal domain exhibiting a substantially radial alignment state centering on the alignment control means 51a corresponds to the planar region of the island-shaped portion constituting the electrode pattern. This is because it can be formed with high accuracy.
The shape of the hole 55a can be determined in consideration of the synergistic effect on the alignment control effect with the alignment control means 51a, the formation state of the liquid crystal domain, and the like. It is preferable that

Further, the diameter (equivalent circle diameter) of the hole 55a can be determined in consideration of the synergistic effect on the alignment control effect with the alignment control means 51a, the formation state of the liquid crystal domain, and the like. A value within the range is preferable. The reason for this is that by setting the diameter (equivalent circle diameter) of the hole 55a to a value within such a range, a liquid crystal domain exhibiting a substantially radial alignment state centered on the alignment control means 51a can be more accurately obtained. It is.
Further, the number of the holes 55a is preferably not only one but also two or more.

  As shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, when the orientation control means 51 is formed on the colored layer 37, the layer thickness of the colored layer 37 is partially increased and the light transmittance is lowered. There is a case. That is, the visual characteristics and contrast are improved as compared with the case where the orientation control means 51 is not formed, but there is a case where the color density is dark and the image display is dark. Therefore, it is also preferable to provide a hole in the colored layer 37 of the color filter substrate in this way so as to be a part or the whole of the color adjusting portion described later.

(4) -4 Color Adjusting Section Further, as described above, the thickness of the colored layer may be partially increased to reduce the light transmittance. For this reason, it is preferable to provide a color adjusting portion including an opening, a thin portion, or a thick portion in the colored layer of the color filter substrate so as to correspond to each pixel region.
More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, in each pixel region, in addition to the orientation control means 51 and the hole (not shown), an opening 55a, a thin portion 55b, or It is preferable to include a color adjustment unit 55 made of at least one of the thick portions 55c.
Note that the cross-sectional views shown on the right side of FIGS. 6A to 6C are cross-sectional views taken along line AA and viewed from the direction of the arrows, corresponding to the plan view shown on the left side. Therefore, the opening 55a is a hole having a predetermined size formed by removing a part of the surrounding colored layer. The thin portion 55b is a portion that is intentionally thinner than the thickness of the surrounding colored layer. Furthermore, the thick portion 55c is a kind of protrusion that is intentionally thicker than the thickness of the surrounding colored layer.
That is, even in the case of a reflection type liquid crystal device or a transmission type liquid crystal device, the color density of the coloring material to be used is different because the color density of the displayed image differs depending on the type of liquid crystal device to be manufactured. May be different. However, by providing such a color adjustment unit, a liquid crystal that easily exhibits a desired color density by adjusting the area and layer thickness of the color adjustment unit without adjusting the colorant concentration for each model. An apparatus can be provided.

Moreover, it is preferable to provide the color adjustment part in a colored layer in a reflective area | region (R).
The reason for this is that light passing through the transmissive region passes through the colored layer only once, whereas light passing through the reflective region passes through the colored layer twice, so that the thickness of the colored layer changes. This is because it is easily affected by the optical path length and the light transmittance is likely to be lowered.
Therefore, for example, while forming a colored layer using a coloring material whose colorant concentration is adjusted based on the color density of light passing through the transmission region, the area and layer thickness of the color adjustment portion formed in the reflection region can be changed. As a result, the color density of the entire pixel region can be adjusted.
In order to easily understand the positional relationship between the reflective region (R) and the transmissive region (T) in the color adjustment portion in the colored layer, FIG. 7A shows a pixel electrode pattern in the element substrate, and FIG. FIG. 7B is a schematic cross-sectional view when the liquid crystal device shown in FIG. However, in FIG. 7B, the holes in the colored layer and the orientation control means are omitted.

(4) -5 Shape Pattern Further, the colored layer shape pattern is preferably composed of a plurality of island-shaped portions and connecting portions corresponding to the pattern of the pixel electrode.
That is, as shown in FIG. 8A, although the orientation control means is omitted, the colored layer 22B having the holes 22b is composed of a plurality of island-like portions 22c and connecting portions 22a, and the electrode pattern is formed. It is preferable to make it a corresponding shape.
The reason for this is that with this configuration, the alignment control of the vertically aligned liquid crystal material can be more easily performed even in a high-definition pixel region. That is, by setting the color filter to a predetermined pattern, it is possible to effectively prevent color mixing in adjacent pixel regions and obtain high contrast.
FIG. 8B is a schematic plan view of the pixel electrode pattern 63 in the element substrate so that the correspondence between the shape pattern of the colored layer in the color filter substrate and the pixel electrode pattern in the element substrate can be easily understood. Show.

(5) Overcoat layer Moreover, the overcoat layer which consists of photosensitive resin materials, such as an acrylic resin and an epoxy resin, is formed on the colored layer in a color filter substrate. Such an overcoat layer is formed with a uniform thickness on the substrate, and is formed so as not to bury the unevenness by the orientation control means on the surface of the colored layer.

(6) Scan electrode (first electrode pattern)
A scan electrode made of a transparent conductor such as ITO (indium tin oxide) is formed on the overcoat layer. In such a scanning electrode, a plurality of transparent electrodes are arranged in parallel for each pixel column composed of pixels arranged in one direction.
In the case of the present embodiment, the scan electrode (first electrode pattern) also includes a plurality of island-like portions in one pixel region, as in the pixel electrode pattern (second electrode pattern) described later, And a plurality of island-shaped portions can be arranged in a honeycomb shape when seen in a plan view.

(7) Alignment film It is also preferable to form an alignment film made of polyimide resin or the like on the scan electrode. Such an alignment film is a member for controlling the alignment of the liquid crystal material.
However, since a liquid crystal material having negative dielectric anisotropy is used as the liquid crystal material, the alignment film itself may be omitted as long as the alignment state of the liquid crystal material in a state where no voltage is applied can be easily specified. In addition, the rubbing treatment for the alignment film can be omitted.

3. Element Substrate (1) Basic Configuration In addition, as shown in FIGS. 9A to 9B, the element substrate 60 basically includes a base 61 made of a glass substrate, a data line 65, and a switching element. TFD elements 69a and 69b and a pixel electrode pattern 63 are included. An alignment film 75 made of polyimide resin or the like is formed on the pixel electrode pattern 63. Further, a retardation plate (¼ wavelength plate) 77 and a polarizing plate 79 are disposed on the outer surface of the base 61.
9A is a schematic plan view of the element substrate 60, and FIG. 9B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the element substrate 60. Further, the alignment film, the polarizing plate and the like are omitted as appropriate.

(2) Data Line and Lead Wiring As shown in FIGS. 9A to 9B, the data line 65 on the element substrate 60 is configured in a stripe shape in which a plurality of wirings are arranged in parallel. Although not shown, the scanning electrode 33 on the color filter substrate 30 and the electrical connection are also provided on the side extending in the direction perpendicular to the side on the mounting region side such as a driver through a sealing material containing conductive particles. Routed wiring is provided.
Such data lines and routing wirings can be formed simultaneously with the formation of a two-terminal non-linear element, which will be described later, from the viewpoint of simplifying the manufacturing process and lowering the electrical resistance. For example, a tantalum layer, a tantalum oxide layer, etc. , And a chromium layer are sequentially formed.

(3) Pixel electrode pattern (second electrode pattern)
Further, as shown in FIGS. 9A to 9B, the data line 65 has a transparent conductive material such as ITO (indium tin oxide) or IZO (indium zinc oxide) via switching elements 69a and 69b. A pixel electrode pattern 63 made of a material is electrically connected.
7A to 7B described above, the pixel electrode pattern (second electrode pattern) 131 includes a plurality of island portions 131a, 131b, and 131c within one pixel region. And a plurality of island-like portions 131a, 131b, 131c are arranged in a honeycomb shape when viewed in plan.
Therefore, the planar filling degree of the island-shaped part can be improved, and the size of the island-shaped part can be changed with a high degree of freedom. That is, in the image display region, the orientation control of the liquid crystal material having negative dielectric anisotropy can be easily performed in the high-definition pixel region, and as a result, for any size pixel region, Bright, wide viewing angle images can be displayed.

  Here, as described above, FIG. 7A is a plan configuration diagram showing one pixel region of the liquid crystal display device 100, and FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA ′ in FIG. FIG. The liquid crystal display device 100 according to the present embodiment has a pixel region including a pixel electrode pattern 131 inside a region surrounded by the data lines 113 and the like. In this pixel region, as shown in FIG. 7A, a colored layer of one of the three primary colors is formed corresponding to one pixel region, and a total of three subpixels (D1, D2, D3) are formed. ) To form one pixel.

  More specifically, when viewed in a plan view, island portions 131a to 131c having an octagonal shape and having substantially the same plane area are arranged in the pixel region extending direction (left-right direction). In addition, connecting portions 131d and 131e are provided between the island-shaped portions 131a and 131b and between the island-shaped portions 131b and 131c, respectively, extending substantially parallel to the arrangement direction of the island-shaped portions 131a to 131c. In addition, data lines 113 that meander and extend along the side edges of the island-shaped portions are provided in the boundary regions of the sub-pixel regions, and are connected to the island-shaped portions 131 a via the TFD elements 140. In addition, members denoted by reference numerals 109a to 109c arranged at the central portions of the planar regions of the island-shaped portions 131a to 131c are dielectric protrusions made of an insulating material provided on the electrode pattern facing the pixel electrode pattern 131 ( Orientation control means).

In the case of the present embodiment, the pixel region D <b> 2 disposed in the center is displaced by a half pitch of the island portions 131 a to 131 c in the extending direction of the data line 113. That is, in one pixel composed of the sub-pixels D1 to D3, nine island portions are arranged as a staggered honeycomb when viewed in plan.
The island-shaped portions 131a are disposed in the formation region of the reflective film 120 partially provided in each sub-pixel region, and the remaining island-shaped portions 131b and 131c are formed in the reflective film 120 in each pixel region. Is disposed in a region where no is formed (non-formed region). Accordingly, the planar region of the island-shaped portion 131a (and a part of the connecting portion 131d) arranged in the region where the reflective film 120 is formed becomes the reflective display region R in the liquid crystal display device 100, and the island-shaped portions 131b and 131c. A part of the connecting portion 131d and a planar area of the connecting portion 131e are a transmissive display region T.

(4) Switching Element As shown in FIGS. 2 and 9, on the element substrate 60, a TFD element 69 (69a, 69a) serving as a switching element for electrically connecting the data line 65 and the pixel electrode pattern 63 is provided. 69b) is formed. The TFD element 69 (69a, 69b) includes an element first electrode pattern 71 made of a tantalum (Ta) alloy, an insulating film 72 made of tantalum oxide (Ta ₂ O ₅ ), and an element second electrode made of chromium (Cr). It has a sandwich structure in which patterns 73 and 74 are sequentially laminated. It is an active element that exhibits diode switching characteristics in the positive and negative directions and becomes conductive when a voltage equal to or higher than the threshold is applied between both terminals of the element first electrode pattern 71 and the element second electrode patterns 73 and 74. is there.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the two TFD elements 69a and 69b are formed so as to be interposed between the data line 65 and the pixel electrode pattern 63, and have the first diode characteristics opposite to each other. 69a and the second TFD element 69b are preferable.
The reason for this is that with this configuration, a positive / negative symmetrical pulse waveform can be used as the voltage waveform to be applied, and deterioration of the liquid crystal material in the liquid crystal device or the like can be prevented. That is, in order to prevent the deterioration of the liquid crystal material, it is desired that the diode switching characteristics be symmetric in the positive and negative directions. By connecting two TFD elements 69a and 69b in series in opposite directions, the positive and negative symmetric characteristics are obtained. This is because a pulse waveform can be used.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a liquid crystal device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a planar structure of a pixel region in the liquid crystal device of the present embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 7A of the first embodiment. The liquid crystal device 200 according to the second embodiment is a transmissive vertical alignment in which a predetermined pixel electrode pattern 231 having a different planar shape is formed in a honeycomb shape so as to be a higher definition liquid crystal device than the liquid crystal device 100 shown in FIG. It is a mode liquid crystal device.
In the liquid crystal device according to the second embodiment, as in the liquid crystal device according to the first embodiment, an island-shaped portion that constitutes a part of the pixel electrode pattern is formed on a part of the color filter formed on the first substrate. A hole is formed in a region corresponding to the center of the region, and a protrusion serving as an orientation control means is formed in a region corresponding to the edge of the island-shaped portion.

  That is, the pixel region shown in FIG. 10 is provided with three pixel regions D1 to D3. When viewed in plan, each pixel region has octagonal island portions 231a and 231b, and In order to connect the island portions 231a and 231b, a pixel electrode pattern 231 including a connecting portion 231c extending in the vertical direction is provided. Further, a color filter including three colored layers 222B, 222G, and 222R is provided corresponding to the formation region of these pixel electrode patterns 231. Further, in the illustrated pixel region, the pixel region D2 is arranged to be shifted downward by a predetermined distance with respect to the pixel regions D1 and D3 located on the left and right, and the island-shaped portion 231a of the pixel region D2 The pixel regions D1 and D3 are arranged so as to be adjacent to the connecting portions 231c and 231c, and are formed in a honeycomb shape as a whole. Further, data lines 213 meandering along the side edges of the island-like portions 231a and 231b are formed to extend in the vertical direction, and each pixel region has a switching element (not shown) such as a TFD element. It is connected to the island portion 231a (or 231b).

  Corresponding to the island-like portions 231a and 231b, dielectric protrusions 209a and 209b are provided at substantially central portions of the respective planar regions. Therefore, when a voltage is applied, an oblique electric field generated at the side edges of the island-shaped portions 231a and 231b and an orientation control action by the dielectric protrusions 209a and 209b cause the dielectrics in the plane regions of the island-shaped portions 231a and 231b A liquid crystal domain exhibiting a radial alignment state centering on the protrusions 209a and 209b can be formed.

Here, in the liquid crystal device 200 of the second embodiment, in order to realize a high-definition liquid crystal device, when the pixel pitch is 30 μmφ or less, the optimum range (40 μmφ in the graph shown in FIG. 11B) is obtained. ˜50 μmφ), the transmittance may be lowered. Therefore, for example, when the size of the pixel region is 28 μm × 84 μm (corresponding to 300 ppi), the configuration of this embodiment is applied to make two island-shaped portions in one pixel region and In addition, it is preferable to displace the island-shaped portion by one pitch in the vertical direction.
This is because the size of the island portions 231a and 231b can be as large as 32 μm × 22 μm and the pixel area with a high aperture ratio can be arranged at a high density. Because it becomes. This is because an ultra-high definition and high transmittance liquid crystal device can be realized.

Therefore, in the liquid crystal device 200 of the second embodiment, the pitch of the pixel region (dot region), which is difficult to configure with the conventional liquid crystal device, for example, less than 40 μm or 50 to 80 μm. Even if it exists, a high transmittance can be obtained.
In the present embodiment, the transmission type liquid crystal device has been described. However, if a reflective film is formed corresponding to the formation region of the island portions 231a and 231b, it can function as a reflection type liquid crystal device. If a reflective film is formed only in the formation region of the portion 231a, it can function as a transflective liquid crystal device.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a liquid crystal device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. That is, FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a planar structure of a pixel region in the liquid crystal device 300 of the present embodiment. The liquid crystal device 300 of the present embodiment is a transmissive vertical alignment mode liquid crystal device in which pixel electrode patterns 331 having a different planar shape from the liquid crystal device 100 shown in FIG. 6 are arranged in another honeycomb shape.
In the liquid crystal device according to the third embodiment, as in the liquid crystal device according to the first embodiment, an island-shaped portion that constitutes a part of the pixel electrode pattern is formed on a part of the color filter formed on the first substrate. A hole is formed in a region corresponding to the center of the region, and a protrusion serving as an orientation control means is formed in a region corresponding to the edge of the island-shaped portion.

  That is, the liquid crystal device 300 illustrated in FIG. 12 includes three pixel regions D1 to D3, and each pixel region has octagonal island portions 331a to 331c and the islands when viewed in a plan view. A pixel electrode pattern 331 including strip-shaped connecting portions 331d and 331e that connect the shape portions is provided. In addition, colored layers 322B, 322G, and 322R constituting color filters are provided corresponding to the formation regions of the pixel electrode patterns 331. Further, when viewed in plan, a strip-shaped common electrode pattern 309 extending in the left-right direction is provided so as to cover the pixel electrode pattern 331.

Further, the central island portion 331b of each pixel region D1 to D3 is arranged to be shifted to the left by a half pitch with respect to the other island portions 331a and 331c. Accordingly, each of the pixel regions D1 to D3 is formed in a generally “C” shape when viewed in plan (or a “<” shape when viewed in plan). In addition, scanning lines 313 meandering along the side edges of each of the island-shaped portions 331a to 331c are formed to extend in the vertical direction, and each pixel region has a switching element (not shown) such as a TFD element. It is connected to the island portion 331a (or 331b, 331c).
Corresponding to the island-shaped portions 331a to 331c, dielectric protrusions 309a to 309c are provided at substantially central portions of the respective planar regions, and are generated at the edges of the island-shaped portions 331a to 331c when a voltage is applied. Due to the oblique electric field and the alignment control action by the dielectric protrusions 309a to 309c, radial alignment states centering on the corresponding dielectric protrusions 309a, 309b, and 309c in the planar regions of the respective island-shaped portions 331a, 331b, and 331c. It is comprised so that the liquid crystal domain which exhibits can be formed.

Therefore, in the liquid crystal device 300 according to the present embodiment, the length L of the island portions 331a to 331c in the long side direction of the pixel region is shifted by shifting the central island portion 331b in the short side direction of the pixel regions D1 to D3. _s can be taken large. Specifically, the length _{L s} of the island-shaped portions 331a~331c shown in FIG. 12, it is possible to about 15% larger than the island portion of the regular octagonal shape. Thereby, when the island-shaped portions are arranged in a square lattice shape, the size of the island-shaped portions deviates from the optimum range shown in FIG. 11B described above, and the transmittance or response speed is reduced. In addition, by increasing the width L _s of the island-shaped portions 331a to 331c, the optimum diameter range (a range of about 40 to 50 μm) shown in FIG. 11B can be obtained, and the response speed is lowered. And a bright display can be obtained.

Further, according to the liquid crystal device 300 of the present embodiment, the common electrode pattern 309 on the counter substrate side can be formed as a linear strip extending in the left-right direction. Therefore, the alignment accuracy in the arrangement direction (left-right direction) of the pixel regions D1 to D3 is higher than that of the configuration having the common electrode pattern having the side edges bent in a rectangular wave shape like the liquid crystal device of the first embodiment. Is alleviated. That is, according to the liquid crystal device 300 of the present embodiment, it is not necessary to form a large non-display area in consideration of positional deviation, and as a result, a high aperture ratio can be realized.
In this embodiment, the transmissive liquid crystal device has been described as an example. However, if a reflective film is formed corresponding to the formation region of the island portions 331a to 331c, the transmissive liquid crystal device can function as a reflective liquid crystal device. If a reflective film is formed only in the formation region of the island-shaped portion 331a, it can function as a transflective liquid crystal device.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a liquid crystal device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 13 and 14 are diagrams showing the planar structure of the pixel region for the liquid crystal devices 410 and 420 of the present embodiment, respectively, and correspond to FIG. 7A of the first embodiment. A liquid crystal device 410 according to this embodiment shown in FIG. 13 is a transmissive vertical alignment mode liquid crystal having pixel electrode patterns 431 having island-like portions having different planar shapes from the liquid crystal device 100 according to the first embodiment. Device. In addition, the liquid crystal device 420 shown in FIG. 14 is a transmission type vertical alignment mode liquid crystal device provided with a pixel electrode pattern 432 having an island-like portion having a different planar shape in a honeycomb shape compared to the liquid crystal device 300 of the third embodiment. It is.
Note that the liquid crystal device of the fourth embodiment also has a hole in a region corresponding to the center of the island-shaped portion that constitutes a part of the pixel electrode pattern, as in the liquid crystal device of the first embodiment. It has a feature that a projection as an orientation control means is provided in a region corresponding to the edge of the.

That is, the liquid crystal device 410 illustrated in FIG. 13 includes three sub-pixel regions D1 to D3. Each of the sub-pixel regions has a hexagonal island-shaped portion 431a to 431c when viewed in a plan view. A pixel electrode pattern 431 including strip-shaped connecting portions 431d and 431e for connecting the island-shaped portions is provided. Colored layers 422B, 422G, and 422R constituting color filters are provided corresponding to these pixel electrode patterns 431.
Further, in the illustrated pixel region, the central sub-pixel region D2 is arranged so as to be shifted downward (in the direction of the long side of the pixel region) by the half pitch of the island-shaped portion 431a with respect to the other sub-pixel regions D1 and D3. ing. Therefore, when viewed in plan along the boundaries of the sub-pixel regions D1 to D3 (boundaries of the color filters 422R, 422G, and 422B), the triangular data line 413 is formed to extend in the vertical direction. It is connected to the island-shaped portion 431a (or 431b, 431c) of each pixel region via a switching element (not shown). Corresponding to each of the island-shaped portions 431a to 431c, dielectric protrusions 409a to 409c are provided at substantially central portions of the respective planar regions, and are generated at the side edges of the island-shaped portions 431a to 431c when a voltage is applied. A liquid crystal domain that exhibits a radial alignment state centering on the corresponding dielectric protrusions 409a to 409c in the plane region of each of the island-shaped portions 431a to 431c by the oblique electric field and the alignment control action by the dielectric protrusions 409a to 409c. It is comprised so that can be formed.

  Next, the liquid crystal device 420 shown in FIG. 14 includes a pixel electrode pattern 432 including island-shaped portions 432a to 432c that are hexagonal when viewed in plan, and connecting portions 432d and 432e that connect them. Three sub-pixel regions D1 to D3 are provided. In each pixel region, colored layers 423R, 423G, and 423B that form color filters are provided corresponding to the pixel electrode patterns 432 described above. Then, the central island portion 432b of each of the sub-pixel regions D1 to D3 is shifted from the other island portions 432a and 432c to the left side (pixel region short side direction) by a half pitch of the island portion. ing.

Further, when viewed in plan along the boundary between the sub-pixel regions D1 to D3, a data line 413 having a step shape is formed to extend in the vertical direction, and a switching element (not shown) such as a TFD element is provided. And is connected to the island-shaped portion 432a (or 432b, 432c) of each sub-pixel region.
Corresponding to the island-like portions 432a to 432c, dielectric protrusions 409a to 409c are provided at substantially central portions of the respective planar regions, and correspond to the planar regions of the island-like portions 432a to 432c. The liquid crystal domains exhibiting a radial alignment state centering on the dielectric protrusions 409a to 409c can be formed.

Therefore, the liquid crystal devices 410 and 420 shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are configured in this manner, so that the liquid crystal devices 410 and 420 shown in FIG. The planar filling degree of the shape part can be improved. More specifically, the aperture ratio can be improved by about 5% compared to the case where octagonal islands are arranged at the same pixel pitch.
In addition, considering the liquid crystal orientation control in the liquid crystal devices 410 and 420 of the present embodiment, the planar shape of the island-shaped portions is a hexagonal shape, and the corner portions are relatively small angles. It is conceivable that alignment defects are likely to occur at the corners. Therefore, in order to prevent such orientation failure, the planar shape of the island-shaped portions 431a to 431c and 432a to 432c is made to be a dodecagon shape with chamfered corner portions or a shape in which the corner portions are rounded into a curved shape. preferable.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a liquid crystal device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. That is, FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a planar structure of the pixel region in the liquid crystal device of this embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 7A of the first embodiment. In the previous first to fourth embodiments, the high-definition liquid crystal device in which two to three islands are arranged in one sub-pixel has been described. However, in the liquid crystal device 500 of this embodiment, one sub-pixel is described. This is an example of a transmissive vertical alignment mode liquid crystal device having a relatively large pixel region in which a large number of islands are arranged in one pixel region composed of pixels or three sub-pixels.
Note that, in the liquid crystal device of the fifth embodiment, as in the liquid crystal device of the first embodiment, a hole is formed in a region corresponding to the center of the island portion that constitutes a part of the pixel electrode pattern, and the island portion It has a feature that a projection as an orientation control means is provided in a region corresponding to the edge of the.

First, in the pixel region shown in FIG. 15, three sub-pixel regions D1 to D3 are provided, and each of the sub-pixel regions has nine island-shaped portions 531a having a hexagonal shape when viewed in a plan view. When viewed in a plan view, a pixel electrode pattern 531 comprising two trapezoidal island-like portions 531b and a plurality of strip-like connecting portions 531c that connect these island-like portions is provided. In addition, colored layers 522B, 522G, and 522R constituting color filters are provided corresponding to the formation regions of the pixel electrode patterns 531.
In the illustrated sub-pixel region D1, when viewed in plan, the hexagonal island-shaped portions 531a are arranged in two rows of honeycombs, and trapezoidal island-shaped islands are formed at the upper and lower ends of the sub-pixel region D1. The parts 531b and 531b are arranged, and the connecting part 531c connects between the adjacent island-like parts, so that the pixel electrode pattern 531 has a substantially rectangular shape.
Further, when viewed in plan along the boundaries of the subpixel regions D1 to D3 (boundaries of the color filters 522R, 522G, and 522B), the triangular data line 513 is formed to extend in the vertical direction, and the TFD element or the like. Are connected to the island-like portion 531a (or 531b) of each pixel region via a switching element (not shown).

  Corresponding to each of the island-like portions 531a, a dielectric protrusion 509a is provided at a substantially central portion of the planar region, and a dielectric protrusion 509b is provided at a substantially central portion of the planar region of the island-like portion 531b. ing. Then, an oblique electric field generated at the side edges of the island-shaped portions 531a to 531b when a voltage is applied, and the orientation control action of the dielectric protrusions 509a and 509b, corresponding dielectric regions corresponding to the planar regions of the island-shaped portions 531a and 531b. When viewed in plan with the body protrusions 509a and 509b as the center, liquid crystal domains exhibiting a substantially radial alignment state can be formed.

In a liquid crystal device having a pixel electrode pattern in which island-shaped portions are arranged, if the island-shaped portions are arranged in one row, one island-shaped portion is too large, and if arranged in two rows, the island-shaped portions are small. It may be too much. For example, when the conventional technique is applied to a liquid crystal device having a pixel size of 70 μm × 200 μm (corresponding to 120 ppi) and islands are arranged in a square lattice, one island is obtained when arranged in 3 rows and 1 column. The shape portion becomes about 62 μmφ, and the response speed is lowered by the amount deviating from the optimum range shown in FIG. Further, if the island-shaped portions are made smaller and arranged in 6 rows and 2 columns, one island-shaped portion becomes about 29 μmφ and is out of the optimum range, and the transmittance is lowered.
Therefore, as in the liquid crystal device 500 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 15, when the shape of the island-shaped portion 531a is viewed in plan, it is a hexagonal shape and arranged in a honeycomb shape so that the pixel size is 1 The size of the two island-like portions 531a can be maximized to 37 μm × 29 μm. Accordingly, the island-shaped portions 531a and 531b can be arranged with higher density, and a liquid crystal device with a bright display and a short response time can be provided. That is, in the liquid crystal device 500 of the present embodiment, when viewed in a plan view, the hexagonal island-shaped portions 531a are arranged, so that a high aperture ratio is obtained even when the octagonal island-shaped portions are arranged. As a result, a brighter image display can be obtained.

[Sixth Embodiment]
Finally, as a sixth embodiment according to the present invention, an electronic apparatus including the liquid crystal device according to the first to fifth embodiments will be specifically described.
First, FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of the electronic apparatus of the present embodiment. This electronic apparatus includes a liquid crystal panel 720 provided in the liquid crystal device, and a control means 700 for controlling the liquid crystal panel 720. In FIG. 16, the liquid crystal panel 720 is conceptually divided into a panel structure 720a and a drive circuit 720b composed of a semiconductor element (IC) or the like. The control unit 700 preferably includes a display information output source 701, a display processing circuit 702, a power supply circuit 703, and a timing generator 704.
The display information output source 201 includes a memory composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., a storage unit composed of a magnetic recording disk, an optical recording disk, etc., and a tuning that outputs a digital image signal in a synchronized manner. It is preferable that the display information is supplied to the display processing circuit 702 in the form of an image signal having a predetermined format based on various clock signals generated by the timing generator 704.

The display processing circuit 702 includes various well-known circuits such as a serial-parallel conversion circuit, an amplification / inversion circuit, a rotation circuit, a gamma correction circuit, and a clamp circuit, executes processing of input display information, and displays the image. Information is preferably supplied to the driving circuit 720b together with the clock signal CLK. Furthermore, the drive circuit 720b preferably includes a first electrode pattern drive circuit, a second electrode pattern drive circuit, and an inspection circuit. The power supply circuit 703 has a function of supplying a predetermined voltage to each of the above-described components.
And if it is the electronic device of this embodiment, it will be provided with the liquid crystal device by which the color density was adjusted, controlling the orientation of a liquid crystal material by providing a predetermined orientation control means and a color adjustment part in a colored layer. Therefore, an electronic device that has excellent visual characteristics and can display a bright image can be obtained.

  According to the present invention, the electrode pattern is composed of a plurality of island-shaped portions and connecting portions, and not only the manufacturing process is reduced by the holes and the orientation control means provided at predetermined positions of the color filter, but also the thinning is easy. In addition, a liquid crystal device capable of obtaining a color image display with a wide viewing angle and high brightness can be obtained. Therefore, for example, mobile phones and personal computers, liquid crystal televisions, viewfinder type / monitor direct-view type video tape recorders, car navigation devices, pagers, electronic notebooks, calculators, word processors, workstations, videophones, POS terminals It can be applied to electronic devices equipped with a touch panel.

1 is a schematic perspective view of a liquid crystal device according to a first embodiment. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the liquid crystal device of 1st Embodiment. (A)-(c) is the top view and sectional drawing which are provided in order to demonstrate the hole and orientation control means in a colored layer. (A)-(c) is a perspective view provided in order to demonstrate the hole and orientation control means in a colored layer. (A)-(b) is sectional drawing and perspective view with which it uses in order to demonstrate the hole in a colored layer. (A) is a figure which shows the opening part as a color adjustment part, (b) is a figure which shows the thin layer part as a color adjustment part, (c) is a thick part as a color adjustment part FIG. (A)-(b) is a figure provided in order to demonstrate the reflective area | region and transmissive area | region of a liquid crystal device, respectively. (A)-(b) is a figure provided in order to demonstrate the pattern of the colored layer of a color filter substrate, and the pixel electrode pattern of an element substrate. (A)-(b) is the top view and sectional drawing which are provided in order to demonstrate an element substrate, respectively. It is a figure provided in order to demonstrate the relationship between the electrode pattern in 2nd Embodiment, and a color filter. (A) is a figure provided in order to demonstrate the electrode pattern comprised from several island-like parts and a connection part, (b) explains the relationship between the diameter of an island-like part, response time, and the transmittance | permeability. FIG. It is a figure provided in order to demonstrate the relationship between the electrode pattern in 3rd Embodiment, and a color filter. It is a figure provided in order to demonstrate the relationship between the electrode pattern in 4th Embodiment, and a color filter. It is a figure provided in order to demonstrate the relationship between another electrode pattern in 4th Embodiment, and a color filter. It is a figure provided in order to demonstrate the relationship between the electrode pattern in 5th Embodiment, and a color filter. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the electronic device in 6th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

10, 100: liquid crystal device, 23: sealing material, 30: color filter substrate, 31: glass substrate, 33, 109: scanning electrode (first electrode pattern), 35: light reflecting film, 35a: opening, 37: Colored layer, 37 ': Resin layer, 41: Overcoat layer, 45: Alignment film, 51: Orientation control means, 55: Hole, 60: Element substrate, 61: Glass substrate, 63, 131: Pixel electrode pattern (second Electrode pattern), 65: data line, 69: TFD element, 75: alignment film, 109a-c: dielectric protrusion (alignment control means), 131a-c: island-shaped portion, 131d-e: connecting portion, 122: Colored layer, 200, 300, 410, 420: liquid crystal device, 231a-b, 331a-c, 431a-c, 531a-b: island-shaped portion, 231c, 331d-e, 431d-e, 431c: connecting portion, 63 , 31,331,431,531: Data line

Claims (16)

In the liquid crystal device, a first substrate on which a first electrode pattern is formed above a color filter, a second substrate on which a second electrode pattern is formed so as to face the first substrate, and the first substrate A liquid crystal layer made of a liquid crystal material having negative dielectric anisotropy sandwiched between one substrate and a second substrate, and the first electrode pattern or the second electrode pattern is formed in one pixel region a plurality of island-shaped portions in inner constitute them from a connecting portion for electrically connecting, and wherein the color filter is to have a one hole and protrusion, or any as the alignment control means in the island-shaped portions A liquid crystal device having protrusions as orientation control means in a region corresponding to an edge of the island-shaped portion . The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein a hole serving as an alignment control unit is provided in a region corresponding to the center of the island-shaped portion. 3. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the hole is disposed at a center of the island-shaped portion, and the protrusion is disposed concentrically with respect to the hole. The color filter formed on the first substrate includes a plurality of island-shaped portions and connecting portions corresponding to the first electrode pattern or the second electrode pattern. The liquid crystal device according to any one of 1 to 3. The liquid crystal device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of island-shaped portions are arranged in a honeycomb shape when viewed in plan. The island portions constituting the first electrode pattern or the second electrode pattern are linearly arranged in one pixel region, and the adjacent one pixel region is oriented in a direction crossing the linear arrangement direction of the island portions. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal device is arranged so as to be shifted by a predetermined distance with respect to the arrangement direction of the island-shaped portions. The island-shaped portions constituting the first electrode pattern or the second electrode pattern are arranged in a non-linear manner within one pixel region, and are arranged in a linear manner across a plurality of pixel regions. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1. The liquid crystal material forms a liquid crystal domain exhibiting a substantially radial alignment state when a voltage is applied, in a planar region of an island-shaped portion constituting the first electrode pattern or the second electrode pattern. Item 8. The liquid crystal device according to any one of Items 1 to 7. 9. The orientation control means formed on the color filter formed on the first substrate also serves as a color adjusting unit that adjusts the color density of the color filter. The liquid crystal device according to 1. The liquid crystal material constituting the liquid crystal layer contains a chiral agent, and exhibits a spiral radial alignment state in a planar region of the island-like portion constituting the first electrode pattern or the second electrode pattern when a voltage is applied. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal device is a liquid crystal device. The liquid crystal according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the island-shaped portion constituting the first electrode pattern or the second electrode pattern has a substantially hexagonal planar shape. apparatus. 12. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the island-shaped portion constituting the first electrode pattern or the second electrode pattern has a curved portion at a corner portion. . A reflective film is partially formed in the one pixel area, a reflective display area is provided corresponding to the reflective film formation area, and a transmissive display area is provided corresponding to the non-reflective film formation area. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal device is a liquid crystal device. The liquid crystal device according to claim 13, wherein a thickness of the liquid crystal layer is different between the reflective display region and the transmissive display region. The liquid crystal device according to claim 14, wherein a boundary step region between the reflective display region and the transmissive display region and the connecting portion are arranged so as to overlap in a plane. An electronic apparatus comprising the liquid crystal device according to claim 1.

Images