JP5255798B2 - Liquid crystal display - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device, and more particularly to a transflective liquid crystal display device in which a display operation is performed in a horizontal electric field mode and a reflective display region and a transmissive display region are provided in one pixel.

Conventionally, a transflective liquid crystal display device including a plurality of pixels provided with two display areas of a reflective display area and a transmissive display area is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Further, conventionally, a liquid crystal display device adopting a horizontal electric field method in which a liquid crystal molecule is driven by a horizontal electric field generated in a liquid crystal layer to perform a display operation is also known.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the structure of a transflective liquid crystal display device employing a conventional lateral electric field method. First, the structure of a transflective liquid crystal display device employing a conventional lateral electric field method will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 10, a conventional transflective liquid crystal display device employing a horizontal electric field system includes a plurality of pixels provided with two display areas, a reflective display area 100a and a transmissive display area 100b. FIG. 10 shows a structure for one pixel.

As a specific structure, the conventional liquid crystal display device includes at least a liquid crystal layer 101, and a TFT substrate 102 and a CF substrate 103 arranged to face each other with the liquid crystal layer 101 interposed therebetween. Although not shown, the TFT substrate 102 includes a thin film transistor (T
FT) and the like.

A liquid crystal driving electrode 104 for generating a lateral electric field for driving the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 101 is formed on the front surface side (the liquid crystal layer 101 side) of the TFT substrate 102. Although not shown, the liquid crystal drive electrode 104 includes a common electrode and a pixel electrode formed on the front surface of the common electrode via an interlayer insulating film. In the display operation, the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 101 are driven by an electric field E generated between the common electrode included in the liquid crystal driving electrode 104 and the pixel electrode. A reflective film 10 for reflecting the light incident on the liquid crystal layer 101 is formed in a region corresponding to the reflective display region 100 a on the front surface of the TFT substrate 102.
5 is formed.

The CF substrate 103 includes a predetermined substrate 106 and the back side of the substrate 106 (the liquid crystal layer 10
Color filter (CF) 10 for displaying a color image formed on the surface of the first side
7 or the like. The color filter 107 includes a color filter layer 107a suitable for reflective display, and a color filter layer 107b suitable for transmissive display colored so as to be darker than the color filter layer 107a.

In the conventional configuration using the color filter 107 as described above, the display light L101 includes a reflective display in which the color filter 107 (color filter layer 107a) passes twice, and the display light L10.
It is possible to align the appearance with the transmissive display 2 that passes through the color filter 107 (color filter layer 107b) only once.

JP 2007-47833 A

In the conventional liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 10, the end portions of the color filter layer 107a for reflective display and the color filter layer 107b for transmissive display are overlapped with each other, and the overlapped portions are for reflective display. This is a boundary 107c between the color filter layer 107a and the color filter layer 107b for transmissive display. That is, in the conventional liquid crystal display device, the color filter 107 is formed with a convex portion (stepped boundary portion 107 c) protruding toward the liquid crystal layer 101 side.

Here, when a convex portion (stepped boundary portion 107 c) protruding toward the liquid crystal layer 101 side is formed in the color filter 107, the convex portion (stepped boundary portion 10 of the color filter 107 is formed.
7c) causes the disorder of alignment of liquid crystal molecules. Therefore, when the liquid crystal molecules located in the region corresponding to the boundary portion 107c of the color filter 107 (the region surrounded by the broken line in FIG. 10) are driven, there arises a disadvantage that the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules is disturbed. Color filter 1
When liquid crystal molecules located in a region corresponding to the boundary portion 107c of 07 (region surrounded by a broken line in FIG. 10) are driven, mixed display light is emitted from the boundary portion 107c of the color filter 107. The inconvenience arises. As a result, the conventional liquid crystal display device has a problem that its display quality is lowered.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display device capable of suppressing a reduction in display quality.

In order to achieve the above object, a liquid crystal display device according to one aspect of the present invention is a transflective type in which a display operation is performed in a horizontal electric field mode, and a reflective display region and a transmissive display region are provided in one pixel. A first substrate and a second substrate arranged to face each other across a liquid crystal layer, a first electrode formed on a surface of the first substrate on the liquid crystal layer side, and insulating It is formed on the surface of the first electrode on the liquid crystal layer side through the film, has a slit for controlling the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer, and generates an electric field with the first electrode. A second electrode for driving liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer; and a first color filter layer for reflection display and a second color filter layer for transmission display formed on the surface of the second substrate on the liquid crystal layer side. And the first color filter layer and the second color filter. Boundary of the overlaps with the first color filter layer and the second color filter layer, and a color filter which has a stepped shape protruding to the liquid crystal layer side. When viewed in plan, stepped boundary of color filter, within the region where the second electrode is formed on the opposite insulating film, does not overlap with the slit edge of the second electrode Provided in position .

In the liquid crystal display device according to this one aspect , the electric field for driving the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer can be applied to the second electrode by configuring the slit edge of the second electrode and the boundary portion of the color filter so as not to overlap each other. Since it occurs between the first electrode and the second electrode so as to straddle the edge of the slit, it is possible to suppress the generation of an electric field that drives liquid crystal molecules in a region corresponding to the boundary portion of the color filter. . As a result, even if the boundary portion of the color filter has a step shape that disturbs the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules, the liquid crystal molecules located in the region corresponding to the boundary portion of the color filter are not substantially driven. It is possible to suppress the inconvenience that the molecular orientation is disturbed. In addition, since the liquid crystal molecules located in the region corresponding to the boundary portion of the color filter are not substantially driven, it is possible to suppress the inconvenience that the mixed display light is emitted from the boundary portion of the color filter. it can. As a result, it is possible to prevent the display quality of the liquid crystal display device from deteriorating.

In the liquid crystal display device according to the above aspect, when viewed in plan, the stepped boundary portion of the color filter is placed in a portion where the slit between adjacent slits of the second electrode is not formed. May be. With this configuration, when viewed in a plan view, the edge of the slit of the second electrode and the stepped boundary portion of the color filter are at least in the region inside the end region of the second electrode. It can suppress easily that it overlaps.

In this case, preferably, the center between adjacent slits corresponding to the long-side direction of the slit of the second electrode and the center of the stepped boundary portion of the color filter coincide with each other and are orthogonal to the long-side direction of the slit. The interval between adjacent slits corresponding to the direction is larger than the width of the stepped boundary portion of the color filter. According to this configuration, when viewed in a plan view, the portion where the slit of the second electrode is not easily formed (the first electrode within the region where the second electrode is formed on the opposing insulating film) A stepped boundary portion of the color filter can be accommodated in a portion between slits adjacent to each other in a predetermined direction of the two electrodes.

In the liquid crystal display device according to the above aspect, the stepped boundary portion of the color filter may be accommodated in the opening of the slit of the second electrode when viewed in plan. With this configuration, when viewed in a plan view, the edge of the slit of the second electrode and the stepped boundary of the color filter are within the region where the second electrode is formed on the opposing insulating film. It can suppress easily that a part overlaps mutually.

In this case, preferably, the center of the opening of the slit corresponding to the long side direction of the slit of the second electrode and the center of the stepped boundary portion of the color filter coincide with each other, and are orthogonal to the long side direction of the slit. The opening width of the corresponding slit is larger than the width of the stepped boundary portion of the color filter. With this configuration, when viewed in a plan view, the color filter can be easily placed in the slit opening of the second electrode within the region where the second electrode is formed on the opposing insulating film . A stepped boundary can be accommodated.

In the liquid crystal display device according to the above aspect, preferably, a plurality of slits of the second electrode are arranged in each of the region corresponding to the reflective display region and the region corresponding to the transmissive display region, and corresponds to the reflective display region. The plurality of slits of the second electrode arranged in each of the region and the region corresponding to the transmissive display region are classified into two or more slit groups each including a predetermined number of slits, and correspond to the reflective display region. In each of the region and the region corresponding to the transmissive display region, the inclination direction when viewed in plan of the slit of the second electrode is different between the slit groups. With such a configuration, each of the reflective display region and the transmissive display region has a multi-domain structure, so that it is possible to suppress deterioration in display quality while improving the viewing angle.

In the liquid crystal display device according to the above aspect, the slit of the second electrode includes a first slit that is inclined with respect to a direction in which the stepped boundary portion of the color filter extends, and the color filter when viewed in plan. And a second slit extending along a direction in which the step-shaped boundary portion extends, and when viewed in plan, the step-shaped boundary portion of the color filter in the opening of the second slit of the second electrode May be included.

In the liquid crystal display device according to the above aspect, it is preferable that the step-shaped boundary portion of the color filter is disposed closer to the reflective display region than the boundary between the reflective display region and the transmissive display region.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily obtain a liquid crystal display device capable of suppressing deterioration in display quality.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of a liquid crystal display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of a pixel electrode (second electrode) provided in the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1. First, the structure of the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment is used for, for example, a mobile phone or a car navigation system.

As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid crystal display device of the first embodiment includes a plurality of pixels provided with two display areas, a reflective display area 10a and a transmissive display area 10b. That is, the liquid crystal display device of the first embodiment is a transflective liquid crystal display device. FIG. 1 shows a structure for one pixel.

By the way, the reflection display mode is a mode in which display is performed by reflecting external light (for example, sunlight) L1 incident on a liquid crystal layer 1 described later from the front side of the liquid crystal display device.
On the other hand, the transmissive display mode is a mode in which display is performed by transmitting external light (for example, backlight light) L2 incident on the liquid crystal layer 1 from the back side of the liquid crystal display device.

As a specific structure, the liquid crystal display device of the first embodiment includes at least a liquid crystal layer 1 and a pair of transparent substrates 2 and 3 disposed so as to face each other with the liquid crystal layer 1 interposed therebetween. . The transparent substrates 2 and 3 are examples of the “first substrate” and the “second substrate” in the present invention, respectively.

A thin film transistor (not shown) or the like for controlling switching of a pixel electrode 8 to be described later is formed on the front surface side (liquid crystal layer 1 side) of one transparent substrate 2. The thin film transistor is covered with, for example, an interlayer insulating film (not shown), and is connected to the pixel electrode 8 through a contact hole (not shown) formed in the interlayer insulating film.

A liquid crystal driving electrode for driving the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 1 is formed on the front surface of the transparent substrate 2. This liquid crystal drive electrode is made of a common electrode 6 made of a transparent conductive film such as an ITO film, and a transparent conductive film such as an ITO film formed on the front surface of the common electrode 6 via an interlayer insulating film 7. And a pixel electrode 8. The common electrode 6 and the pixel electrode 8 are examples of the “first electrode” and the “second electrode” in the present invention, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pixel electrode 8 has a plurality of slits 8 a for controlling the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 1. A plurality of slits 8a of the pixel electrode 8
Are formed in an elongated shape (rectangular shape) each extending along the A direction when viewed in a plan view, and are arranged at a predetermined interval W1 in the B direction (direction perpendicular to the A direction). Has been. When performing the display operation, the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 1 are driven by an electric field generated between the common electrode 6 and the pixel electrode 8 so as to straddle the edge 8b of the slit 8a of the pixel electrode 8. That is, the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment is a liquid crystal display device that employs a horizontal electric field method in which a liquid crystal molecule is driven by a horizontal electric field generated in the liquid crystal layer 1 to perform a display operation.

As shown in FIG. 1, a reflective film 5 for reflecting light incident on the liquid crystal layer 1 is formed in a region corresponding to the reflective display region 10 a on the front surface of the common electrode 6. . By providing such a reflective film 5 in the reflective display area 10a, when external light L1 from the front side of the liquid crystal display device enters the reflective display area 10a, the external light L1 is reflected by the reflective film 5. Become. On the other hand, since the reflective film 5 as described above is not provided in the transmissive display region 10b, when the external light L2 from the back side of the liquid crystal display device enters the transmissive display region 10b, the external light L2 is transmitted. It will be.

A color filter 9 for displaying a color image is formed on the surface of the other transparent substrate 3 on the back side (liquid crystal layer 1 side). The color filter 9 includes a color filter layer 9a for reflective display and a color filter layer 9b for transmissive display. The color filter layers 9a and 9b are examples of the “first color filter layer” and the “second color filter layer” in the present invention, respectively.

The colors of the color filter layer 9a for reflective display and the color filter layer 9b for transmissive display have different densities. Specifically, in the color filter layer 9a for reflective display and the color filter layer 9b for transmissive display, the color of the color filter layer 9b for transmissive display is darker than the color of the color filter layer 9a for reflective display, respectively. It is colored to become. Note that the color of the color filter layer 9b for transmissive display is changed to the color filter layer 9 for reflective display.
The darker color than a is that the external light L1 as display light passes through the color filter 9 (color filter layer 9a) twice, and the external light L2 as display light is the color filter 9 (color filter). This is to make the appearance uniform with the transmissive display that passes through the layer 9b) only once.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a boundary portion 9c between the color filter layer 9a for reflective display and the color filter layer 9b for transmissive display extends along the A direction, and is on the liquid crystal layer 1 side. It has a stepped shape that protrudes toward. That is, the end portion 9d on the transmissive display region 10b side of the color filter layer 9a for reflective display and the end portion 9e on the reflective display region 10a side of the color filter layer 9b for transmissive display overlap each other. In the first embodiment, the step-like boundary portion 9c of the color filter 9 is disposed closer to the reflective display region 10a than the boundary between the reflective display region 10a and the transmissive display region 10b.

Here, in the first embodiment, the slit 8a of the pixel electrode 8 in a region inside the end region of the pixel electrode 8 (region surrounded by a broken line in FIG. 2) when viewed in plan. The edge 8b of the color filter 9 and the stepped boundary portion 9c of the color filter 9 are configured not to overlap each other.

Specifically, in the first embodiment, the interval W1 between the adjacent slits 8a of the pixel electrode 8 in the B direction is larger than the width W2 in the B direction of the stepped boundary portion 9c of the color filter 9. . Then, when viewed in a plan view, in a region inside the end region of the pixel electrode 8 (region surrounded by a broken line in FIG. 2), a portion (pixel) between the adjacent slits 8a of the pixel electrode 8 A stepped boundary portion 9c of the color filter 9 is accommodated in a portion 8c where the slit 8a of the electrode 8 is not formed. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the pixel electrode 8 when viewed in a plan view.
A portion between adjacent slits 8a (a portion where the slit 8a of the pixel electrode 8 is not formed)
The center in the B direction of 8c and the center in the B direction of the stepped boundary portion 9c of the color filter 9 coincide with each other.

Although not shown, the alignment films are provided on the front side and the back side of the liquid crystal layer 1, respectively.

3 and 4 are schematic views for explaining the display operation of the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Next, the display operation of the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, when a drive voltage is applied to the liquid crystal drive electrodes (the common electrode 6 and the pixel electrode 8) from the state of FIG. 3, an electric field E is generated between the common electrode 6 and the pixel electrode 8 as shown in FIG. To do.
As a result, the liquid crystal molecules 1 a of the liquid crystal layer 1 are driven by the electric field E generated between the common electrode 6 and the pixel electrode 8.

At this time, an electric field E that drives the liquid crystal molecules 1 a of the liquid crystal layer 1 is generated between the common electrode 6 and the pixel electrode 8 so as to straddle the edge 8 b of the slit 8 a of the pixel electrode 8. Accordingly, the region corresponding to the central portion of the portion 8c where the slit 8a of the pixel electrode 8 is not formed (the region surrounded by the broken line in FIG. 4) or the region corresponding to the central portion of the slit 8a of the pixel electrode 8 Liquid crystal molecule 1a
Is substantially not generated. That is, the liquid crystal molecules 1a are not substantially driven in the region corresponding to the stepped boundary portion 9c of the color filter 9 (the region surrounded by the broken line in FIG. 4).

In the first embodiment, as described above, the edge 8b of the slit 8a of the pixel electrode 8 and the boundary between the color filter 9 at least in a region inside the end region of the pixel electrode 8 when viewed in plan. By configuring so that the portion 9 c does not overlap each other, the electric field E that drives the liquid crystal molecules 1 a of the liquid crystal layer 1 is between the common electrode 6 and the pixel electrode 8 so as to straddle the edge 8 b of the slit 8 a of the pixel electrode 8. Therefore, the generation of the electric field E that drives the liquid crystal molecules 1a in the region corresponding to the boundary portion 9c of the color filter 9 can be suppressed. Thereby, even if the boundary portion 9c of the color filter 9 has a stepped shape that disturbs the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules 1a, the liquid crystal molecules 1a located in the region corresponding to the boundary portion 9c of the color filter 9
Is not substantially driven, so that it is possible to suppress the inconvenience that the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules 1a is disturbed. Further, since the liquid crystal molecules 1a located in the region corresponding to the boundary portion 9c of the color filter 9 are not substantially driven, there is a disadvantage that display light mixed in color is emitted from the boundary portion 9c of the color filter 9. Can also be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the display quality of the liquid crystal display device from deteriorating.

In the first embodiment, as described above, when viewed in a plan view, in a region inside the end region of the pixel electrode 8, a portion between the adjacent slits 8a of the pixel electrode 8 (the pixel electrode 8). Of the color filter 9 in the portion 8c where no slit 8a is formed).
When c is accommodated, the edge 8b of the slit 8a of the pixel electrode 8 and the color filter 9 are formed in a region inside the end region of the pixel electrode 8 when viewed in plan.
It is possible to easily prevent the stepped boundary portion 9c from overlapping each other.

Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the interval W1 in the B direction between the adjacent slits 8a of the pixel electrode 8 is made larger than the width W2 in the B direction of the stepped boundary portion 9c of the color filter 9. Accordingly, when viewed in a plan view, at least in a region inside the end region of the pixel electrode 8, a portion between the slits 8a adjacent to the pixel electrode 8 in the B direction (the slit 8a of the pixel electrode 8) can be easily obtained. The stepped boundary portion 9c of the color filter 9 can be accommodated in the portion 8c where no is formed.

FIG. 5 shows a pixel electrode (second electrode) provided in a liquid crystal display device according to a modification of the first embodiment.
FIG. Next, the structure of a liquid crystal display device according to a modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In the modification of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the opening width W <b> 3 in the B direction of the slit 8 a of the pixel electrode 8 is larger than the width W <b> 2 in the B direction of the stepped boundary portion 9 c of the color filter 9. It has become. Then, when viewed in a plan view, the region inside the end region of the pixel electrode 8 (FIG. 5).
In a region surrounded by a broken line in the middle), a step-shaped boundary portion 9c of the color filter 9 is accommodated in the opening of the slit 8a of the pixel electrode 8. Furthermore, in the modification of the first embodiment,
When viewed in a plan view, the center in the B direction of the slit 8 a of the pixel electrode 8 and the center in the B direction of the step-like boundary portion 9 c of the color filter 9 coincide with each other.

The remaining configuration of the modification of the first embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

In the modification of the first embodiment, by configuring as described above, an electric field for driving liquid crystal molecules is generated in a region corresponding to the boundary portion 9c of the color filter 9 as in the first embodiment. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the display quality of the liquid crystal display device from deteriorating.

Further, in the modification of the first embodiment, as described above, when viewed in a plan view, in a region inside the end region of the pixel electrode 8, a color is formed in the opening of the slit 8 a of the pixel electrode 8. By configuring so that the stepped boundary portion 9c of the filter 9 is accommodated, the edge 8b of the slit 8a of the pixel electrode 8 and the edge 8b in the region inside the end region of the pixel electrode 8 when viewed in a plan view. It is possible to easily suppress the stepped boundary portion 9c of the color filter 9 from overlapping each other.

In the modification of the first embodiment, as described above, the opening width W3 in the B direction of the slit 8a of the pixel electrode 8 is larger than the width W2 in the B direction of the stepped boundary portion 9c of the color filter 9. Thus, when viewed in plan, at least in the region inside the end region of the pixel electrode 8, the step-like boundary portion of the color filter 9 is easily provided in the opening of the slit 8 a of the pixel electrode 8. 9c can be stored.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 6 shows a pixel electrode (second electrode) provided in the liquid crystal display device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. Next, the structure of the liquid crystal display device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In the liquid crystal display device according to the second embodiment, a pixel electrode (second electrode) 18 as shown in FIG. 6 is used. The structure of the portion other than the pixel electrode 18 of the liquid crystal display device according to the second embodiment is the same as the structure of the liquid crystal display device of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

The pixel electrode 18 of the second embodiment has a slit 18 a for controlling the alignment of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 1. The slits 18a of the pixel electrode 18 are formed in an elongated shape when seen in a plan view, and a plurality of slits 18a are arranged in each of a region corresponding to the reflective display region 10a and a region corresponding to the transmissive display region 10b. . Further, the plurality of slits 18a of the pixel electrode 18 disposed in each of the region corresponding to the reflective display region 10a and the region corresponding to the transmissive display region 10b are classified into two slit groups each including a predetermined number of slits 18a. Has been. Then, in each of the region corresponding to the reflective display region 10a and the region corresponding to the transmissive display region 10b, the inclination directions when viewed in plan of the slit 18a of the pixel electrode 18 are different between the slit groups. That is, each of the reflective display area 10a and the transmissive display area 10b has a multi-domain structure.

Further, in the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, when viewed in a plan view, the pixel electrode 1
8, the edge 18 b of the slit 18 a of the pixel electrode 18 and the step-like boundary portion 9 c of the color filter 9 overlap each other in a region inside the end region 8 (region surrounded by a broken line in FIG. 6). It is configured not to be. That is, in the second embodiment, when viewed in a plan view, the slit 18a of the pixel electrode 18 is formed in a region inside the end region of the pixel electrode 18 (region surrounded by a broken line in FIG. 6). A stepped boundary portion 9c of the color filter 9 is accommodated in the portion 18c that is not formed.

In the second embodiment, as described above, the edge 18b of the slit 18a of the pixel electrode 18 and the boundary between the color filter 9 at least in a region inside the end region of the pixel electrode 18 when viewed in plan. By configuring so that the portion 9c does not overlap with each other, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the disadvantage that the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 1 is disturbed, as in the first embodiment, and thus the display of the liquid crystal display device It is possible to suppress the deterioration of the quality.

In the second embodiment, as described above, the reflective display area 10a and the transmissive display area 10 are also used.
By making each of b have a multi-domain structure, the viewing angle can be improved as compared with the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a pixel electrode (second electrode) provided in a liquid crystal display device according to a modification of the second embodiment.
FIG. Referring to FIG. 7, the liquid crystal display device according to the modification of the second embodiment is the same as the second embodiment except that the tilt direction of the slit 18a of the pixel electrode 18 is different from that of the second embodiment. It is configured.

Thus, even if the inclination direction of the slit 18a of the pixel electrode 18 is different from that of the second embodiment, the same effect as that of the second embodiment can be obtained.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 8 shows a pixel electrode (second electrode) provided in the liquid crystal display device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. Next, the structure of the liquid crystal display device according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In the liquid crystal display device according to the third embodiment, a pixel electrode (second electrode) 28 as shown in FIG. 8 is used. The structure of the portion other than the pixel electrode 28 of the liquid crystal display device according to the third embodiment is the same as the structure of the liquid crystal display device of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

The pixel electrode 28 of the third embodiment has a plurality of slits 28 a for controlling the alignment of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 1. Each of the plurality of slits 28a of the pixel electrode 28 is formed in an elongated shape when seen in a plan view, and is slanted with respect to the A direction (the direction in which the stepped boundary portion 9c of the color filter 9 extends). It is inclined.

In the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when viewed in a plan view, in a region inside the end region of the pixel electrode 28 (region surrounded by a broken line in FIG. 8). The edge 28b of the slit 28a of the pixel electrode 28 and the stepped boundary portion 9c of the color filter 9 are configured not to overlap each other. That is, in the third embodiment, when viewed in a plan view, the slit 28a of the pixel electrode 28 is formed in a region inside the end region of the pixel electrode 28 (region surrounded by a broken line in FIG. 8). A stepped boundary portion 9c of the color filter 9 is accommodated in the portion 28c that is not formed.

In the third embodiment, with the above-described configuration, even when the slit 28a formed in the pixel electrode 28 is inclined with respect to the A direction (the direction in which the stepped boundary portion 9c of the color filter 9 extends). The same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 9 shows a pixel electrode (second electrode) provided in the liquid crystal display device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. Next, the structure of the liquid crystal display device according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In the liquid crystal display device according to the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, a pixel electrode 38 having two types of slits 38a and 38b is used. Note that the pixel electrode 38 corresponds to the “
The “second electrode” is an example, and the slits 38 a and 38 b are examples of the “first slit” and the “second slit” of the present invention, respectively. The structure of the portion other than the pixel electrode 38 of the liquid crystal display device according to the fourth embodiment is the same as the structure of the liquid crystal display device of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

The slits 38 a of the pixel electrode 38 have a function of controlling the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 1, and a plurality of slits 38 a are formed in the pixel electrode 38. Further, the slit 3 of the pixel electrode 38
8a is formed in an elongated shape when seen in a plan view, and is formed in the A direction (color filter 9
In the direction in which the step-like boundary portion 9c extends).

In addition, only one slit 38b of the pixel electrode 38 is formed in the pixel electrode 38, and the elongated shape extends along the A direction (the direction in which the stepped boundary portion 9c of the color filter 9 extends) when viewed in a plan view. It is formed in a shape (rectangular shape). Further, the slit 3 of the pixel electrode 38
An opening width W4 in the B direction (a direction orthogonal to the A direction) of 8b is larger than a width W2 in the B direction of the stepped boundary portion 9c of the color filter 9.

In the fourth embodiment, the slit 38b of the pixel electrode 38 is formed in a region inside the end region of the pixel electrode 38 (region surrounded by a broken line in FIG. 9) when viewed in plan. A stepped boundary portion 9c of the color filter 9 is accommodated in the opening. Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, when viewed in plan, the center in the B direction of the slit 38b of the pixel electrode 38 and the center in the B direction of the stepped boundary portion 9c of the color filter 9 coincide with each other. Yes.

In the fourth embodiment, the configuration as described above allows the slits 38a and 38 of the pixel electrode 38 in the region inside the end region of the pixel electrode 38 when viewed in plan.
It becomes possible to prevent the edge of b and the boundary part 9c of the color filter 9 from overlapping each other. As a result, as in the first embodiment, there are inconveniences such as the disorder of the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 1 and the inconvenience that the mixed display light is emitted from the boundary portion 9c of the color filter 9. Since it can suppress, it becomes possible to suppress that the display quality of a liquid crystal display device falls.

The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the embodiments but by the scope of claims for patent, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims for patent.

1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of a liquid crystal display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of a pixel electrode (second electrode) provided in the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the display operation of the liquid crystal display device by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the display operation of the liquid crystal display device by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the pixel electrode (2nd electrode) provided in the liquid crystal display device by the modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a top view of the pixel electrode (2nd electrode) provided in the liquid crystal display device by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the pixel electrode (2nd electrode) provided in the liquid crystal display device by the modification of 2nd Embodiment. It is a top view of the pixel electrode (2nd electrode) provided in the liquid crystal display device by 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the pixel electrode (2nd electrode) provided in the liquid crystal display device by 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which showed simply an example of the structure of the transflective liquid crystal display device which employ | adopted the conventional horizontal electric field system.

Explanation of symbols

1 Liquid crystal layer 1a Liquid crystal molecule 2 Transparent substrate (first substrate)
3 Transparent substrate (second substrate)
6 Common electrode (first electrode)
8, 18, 28, 38 Pixel electrode (second electrode)
8a, 18a, 28a Slit 8b, 18b, 28b Edge 9 Color filter 9a Color filter layer (first color filter layer)
9b Color filter layer (second color filter layer)
9c Boundary portion 10a Reflective display area 10b Transmission display area 38a Slit (first slit)
38b Slit (second slit)

Claims (8)

A transflective liquid crystal display device in which a display operation is performed in a horizontal electric field mode and a reflective display region and a transmissive display region are provided in one pixel,
A first substrate and a second substrate arranged to face each other with a liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween;
A first electrode formed on the liquid crystal layer side surface of the first substrate;
The slit is formed on the surface of the first electrode on the liquid crystal layer side through an insulating film, and has a slit for controlling the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer. A second electrode for generating an electric field to drive the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer;
The second substrate is formed on the liquid crystal layer side surface of the second substrate and includes a first color filter layer for reflective display and a second color filter layer for transmissive display, and the first color filter layer and the The boundary with the second color filter layer is a stepped color filter in which the first color filter layer and the second color filter layer overlap and protrudes toward the liquid crystal layer,
With
When viewed in plan, stepped boundary portion of the color filter, within a region where the second electrode on the insulating film which faces are formed, the heavy and the slit edges of the second electrode It is provided at a position that does not become
Liquid crystal display device.
When viewed in a plan view, before Symbol within the slits are not formed portion between adjacent slits of the second electrode, the step-shaped boundary portions of the color filter is accommodated, according to claim 1 Liquid crystal display device. The center between the adjacent slits corresponding to the long side direction of the slit of the second electrode and the center of the stepped boundary portion of the color filter coincide with each other, and in the direction orthogonal to the long side direction of the slit The liquid crystal display device according to claim 2, wherein a distance between the corresponding adjacent slits is larger than a width of a stepped boundary portion of the color filter. When viewed in a plan view, before Symbol the opening of the slit of the second electrode, the step-shaped boundary portions of the color filter is accommodated, the liquid crystal display device according to claim 1. The center of the opening of the slit corresponding to the long side direction of the slit of the second electrode and the center of the stepped boundary portion of the color filter coincide with each other and correspond to the orthogonal direction of the long side direction of the slit. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 4, wherein an opening width of the slit is larger than a width of a stepped boundary portion of the color filter. A plurality of slits of the second electrode are disposed in each of a region corresponding to the reflective display region and a region corresponding to the transmissive display region,
The plurality of slits of the second electrode disposed in each of the region corresponding to the reflective display region and the region corresponding to the transmissive display region are classified into two or more slit groups each including a predetermined number of slits. And
In each of the regions corresponding to the region and the transmissive display region corresponding to the reflective display region, the inclination direction when viewed in plan the slit of the second electrode are different from each other between said slit group, wherein Item 6. A liquid crystal display device according to any one of Items 1 to 5. The slit of the second electrode includes a first slit that is inclined with respect to a direction in which the step-like boundary portion of the color filter extends in plan view, and a step-like boundary portion of the color filter in plan view. A second slit extending along a direction in which
When viewed in a plan view, before Symbol the opening of the second slit of the second electrode, the step-shaped boundary portions of the color filter is accommodated, the liquid crystal display device according to claim 1. Stepped boundary portion of the color filter, the are arranged in the reflective display region side than the boundary between the reflective display region and the transmissive display region, the liquid crystal display device according to claim 1 .

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