JPH08136931A - Liquid crystal display element - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a liquid crystal display element capable of providing high contrast picture quality while realizing a wide view (enlargement of a visual angle) and realizing a liquid crystal display device without an after image, burning and a spot when viewing obliquely. CONSTITUTION: A light shielding film 1 of an active element substrate side exists in the vicinity of an orientation division boundary part of a center of a pixel electrode 4 and in the vicinity of a scan electrode line 2 and a signal electrode line 3, and it covers disclination deformed by electric field in the horizontal direction occurring between the scan electrode line 2 and the pixel electrode 4 and the electric field in the horizontal direction occurring between the signal electrode line 3 and the pixel electrode 4. The light shielding film 6 of a counter substrate side performs general light shielding for the periphery of an active element (TFT 5) and the pixel electrode 4.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display element (an element corresponding to one pixel on a liquid crystal display device), and particularly to an active element substrate (a substrate on which an active element exists) and a counter substrate (an active element substrate facing each other). A pair of supporting substrates (for example, a TFT (Thin Film)) including an active element-free substrate).
Transistor. Thin film transistor) a liquid crystal material is sandwiched between a pair of supporting substrates each including a TFT substrate and a color filter substrate in a liquid crystal display device, and a plurality of regions having different liquid crystal orientation directions are provided between the pair of supporting substrates. The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device that realizes wide-field display.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a liquid crystal display device has a CRT (Cathode Ray T
It is comparable to ube). However, the narrow viewing angle is a weak point of the liquid crystal display device. Therefore, increasing the viewing angle has become an important issue in the liquid crystal display device (that is, the liquid crystal display element forming the liquid crystal display device).

Here, as a technique aiming at such widening of the viewing angle, "using a liquid crystal display element provided with a plurality of regions having different alignment directions of liquid crystal for the purpose of wide viewing angle" is considered. . Regarding such a technique, Japanese Patent Publication No. Sho 58-43723 (liquid crystal element) and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Sho 59-59
-211019 (Liquid crystal display device) and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-106624 (liquid crystal display panel) and the like have been published.

Here, among the above publications, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-63
The prior art will be described with reference to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 106624.

FIG. 12 (a view corresponding to FIG. 3 in the publication) is a sectional view of one pixel (that is, a liquid crystal display element) in this liquid crystal display device. In addition, each pixel is
For example, the liquid crystal display device has a square shape of 200 μm in length and width and is arranged in a matrix on the liquid crystal display device (see FIG. 1 in the publication).

On one glass substrate (a glass substrate on the side of the active element substrate (here, the TFT substrate)), a transparent electrode and an alignment film for display in pixel units, and a TFT for driving this transparent electrode are formed. Has been done. A transparent electrode for display and an alignment film are formed on the other glass substrate (glass substrate on the counter substrate side). The alignment films on both glass substrates are made of polyimide, for example.

A strip-shaped spacer made of polyimide or the like is provided at the center of a transparent electrode for display which forms the pixel (liquid crystal display element). As a result, each pixel is divided into a region I and a region II by the strip-shaped spacer (note that the strip-shaped spacer is not essential for dividing the region).

In the divided regions I and II, rubbing treatment in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 13 is performed on the active element substrate side and the counter substrate side, respectively. In FIG. 13, a dashed straight line arrow indicates the rubbing direction on the active element substrate side, and a solid straight line arrow line indicates the rubbing direction on the counter substrate side. In addition, the arrow of the solid curve indicates the twist direction and the twist angle of the liquid crystal alignment between both substrates.

Further, the lines aa 'and b- in FIG.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line b ′, showing the rising direction of the alignment regulating force on the substrate surface and the rising direction of the liquid crystal alignment between both substrates due to the electric field. In FIG. 14, A indicates a liquid crystal substance, and B indicates the rising direction of liquid crystal alignment by an electric field.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14 below, a wide field of view can be realized by dividing a region in each pixel (liquid crystal display element) and changing the alignment direction of the liquid crystal in each region. Explain the reason why you can do it.

The liquid crystal alignment in each of the regions I and II has the same helical twist (also referred to as twist) direction (see FIG. 13), but at an angle (also referred to as pretilt angle) with respect to the substrate surface. The directions are different (see FIG. 14).

Due to the difference in the angle with respect to the substrate surface as described above, the rising direction (also referred to as the tilt direction) of the liquid crystal molecules when a voltage is applied is different as shown in FIG. 14, so that the light is inclined from the vertical direction with respect to the substrate. When the light is incident from the direction, the respective regions I and II compensate each other's optical characteristics.

As a result, the viewing angle dependency when an electric field is applied is canceled by the regions having different liquid crystal alignments (regions I and II in FIGS. 13 and 14) in each pixel between both substrates, and the viewing angle dependency is obtained. Optical characteristics with less property can be obtained. In particular, even if the viewing angle is changed during gradation display, the phenomenon of gradation inversion disappears.

[0014]

In the technology relating to the above-mentioned conventional liquid crystal display element (a liquid crystal display element having a plurality of regions in which liquid crystal alignment directions are different for the purpose of wide field of view), the above-mentioned "viewing angle" is used. While there is an effect of "expansion of",
There are the following problems.

That is, a discontinuous region (disclination) of liquid crystal alignment is generated at the boundary of the divided regions, and the disclination causes disturbance of light transmittance. As a result, the transmissivity is increased during black display, and the entire display becomes white. This allows
A decrease in contrast occurs.

In addition, when an image is actually displayed, the presence of such disclination causes an afterimage or burn-in in which the previous screen remains, and a bright spot (dependent on the viewing angle direction when observed from a position other than the front ( It causes a bright spot at the time of oblique observation, and significantly deteriorates the display quality (quality).

Here, as a conventional technique for solving (improving) such problems (disturbance of light transmittance, etc.), the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-173138 (liquid crystal display device) is known. Exists.

FIG. 15 is a view showing an example of a light shielding film in the liquid crystal display device according to the publication (FIG. 1 in the publication).
Equivalent to 3.)

In this prior art, in view of the occurrence of disclination in the central portion of the pixel where the liquid crystal orientation is divided, a light-shielding film is provided so as to cover such disclination-occurring portion (see FIG. 15).

By shielding the disclination with such a light-shielding film, it is possible to suppress an increase in transmittance during black display, and reduce afterimages, burn-in, and bright spots during oblique observation.

However, the liquid crystal display device provided with such a light-shielding film (such as the liquid crystal display device disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-173138) still has the above-mentioned problems (disturbance of light transmittance and afterimage). (Burn-in or the presence of bright spots when obliquely observing)
Was sometimes observed. This is due to the following causes.

The region where the liquid crystal alignment is discontinuous, that is, the disclination, is greatly affected not only by the shape obtained by dividing the alignment but also by the electric field. That is, the energy stability of the divided boundaries of the liquid crystal alignment is related to both the energy due to the liquid crystal alignment itself and the energy deformation due to the electric field.

Due to the influence of the item described in (1), the disclination at the pixel central portion, which is the division boundary, may be deformed, and the disclination may protrude to the outside of the light shielding portion such as the light shielding film shown in FIG. .

Further, the electric field in the lateral direction is closer to the pixel end portion (the peripheral portion of the pixel electrode) than to the central portion of the pixel (the electric field in the lateral direction between the pixel electrode and the scanning electrode line and the pixel electrode and the signal electrode line). The influence of the electric field in the horizontal direction) is large, and the disclination generated at the pixel end portion is easily deformed.

Due to the above-mentioned causes (1)-(5)
The light-shielding film in the liquid crystal display device according to Japanese Patent No. 73138, etc. is not sufficient, and in light-shielding for disclination, it is necessary to consider deformation of disclination at a boundary portion of alignment division or at a pixel end portion. There is.

In view of the above points, an object of the present invention is to realize a wide field of view (enlargement of viewing angle), obtain a high-contrast image quality, and to obtain a bright spot at the time of afterimage, image sticking and oblique observation. An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display element that can realize a liquid crystal display device that does not exist.

[0027]

A liquid crystal display device according to the present invention comprises a pair of support substrates consisting of an active device substrate and a counter substrate, and a liquid crystal material sandwiched between the pair of support substrates. In a liquid crystal display device having a plurality of regions with different alignment directions, a horizontal line which exists near the alignment division boundary part in the center of the pixel electrode and in the vicinity of the scanning electrode line and the signal electrode line and is generated between the scanning electrode line and the pixel electrode. Directional electric field and the light shielding film on the active element substrate side that covers the disclination that is deformed by the horizontal electric field generated between the signal electrode line and the pixel electrode, and general light shielding for the active element and the pixel electrode periphery. And a light-shielding film on the counter substrate side.

[0028]

In the liquid crystal display element of the present invention, the light-shielding film on the active element substrate side near the alignment division boundary portion in the center of the pixel electrode and near the scanning electrode line and the signal electrode line serves as the scanning electrode line and the pixel electrode. The horizontal direction electric field generated between the pixel electrodes and the horizontal direction electric field generated between the signal electrode line and the pixel electrode masks the disclination which is deformed, and the light shielding film on the counter substrate side protects the active element and the pixel electrode periphery. Use general shading.

[0029]

The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(1) First Example FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b) are views showing the configuration of the first example of the liquid crystal display device of the present invention. The liquid crystal display element of this embodiment is an active element substrate (here, a TFT substrate).
Side light-shielding film 1 (light-shielding film newly provided in the present invention);
Scan electrode line 2, signal electrode line 3, pixel electrode 4, TF
T5 and a light-shielding film 6 on the side of the counter substrate (a light-shielding film that has been conventionally existing and performs general light-shielding (light-shielding around the TFT 5 and the pixel electrode 4); a light-shielding film that forms a so-called black matrix). Needless to say, there are liquid crystals (liquid crystal substances sandwiched between the active element substrate and the counter substrate), color filters, and the like as constituent elements of the liquid crystal display element, but the present invention is concerned here. Only the components are shown). In the liquid crystal display element of this embodiment, the TFT 5 made of amorphous silicon is used as an active element.

FIG. 1A is a diagram showing the structure on the active element substrate in the liquid crystal display element of this embodiment. In the active element substrate, the boundary portion of the alignment division at the center of the pixel electrode 4 (the broken line in FIG. 1A shows the boundary portion of the alignment division), the vicinity of the scanning electrode line 2 and the signal electrode line 3 Is provided with a light shielding film 1. That is, the shape of the light-shielding film 1 is in the vicinity of the scan electrode lines 2 and the signal electrode lines 3 and the alignment division boundary portion (hereinafter, simply referred to as “alignment division boundary portion” means the boundary portion of the alignment division in the center of the pixel electrode 4. Occurs in the vicinity of
It has a shape that covers the disclination that is expected to deform.

FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a mode in which the light-shielding film 1 on the active element substrate side and the light-shielding film 6 on the counter substrate side are combined in the liquid crystal display element of this embodiment.

2A to 2D are views for explaining the shape of the disclination which is generated and deformed in the liquid crystal display element of this embodiment. Here, FIG.
The arrow in (d) indicates the alignment direction (rubbing direction) in each region where the pixel electrode 4 is divided.

FIG. 2A shows the shape of the disclination in a state in which the influence of the electric field in the lateral direction between the scanning electrode line 2 and the signal electrode line 3 and the pixel electrode 4 is small and the orientation is finely divided. It is a figure. In the case of such a state, light shielding is performed by a conventional example (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-173138, etc.).
As described above, the light-shielding film may be provided at the alignment division boundary portion, that is, the central portion of the pixel electrode 4, and the width thereof may be about 5 μm to 10 μm. Further, by combining the light-shielding film 6 provided on the counter substrate (color filter substrate) with the light-shielding film on the active element substrate side in the conventional example, disclination generated in the vicinity of the scanning electrode lines 2 and the signal electrode lines 3 Can be easily shielded from light.

However, in the actual display on the liquid crystal display element, it is rare that the state as shown in FIG. This is because the electric field in the horizontal direction becomes large when displaying a moving image or the like or when displaying black, and thus the disclination is deformed as shown in FIGS. 2B to 2D.

FIG. 2B shows the signal electrode line 3 and the pixel electrode 4.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the shape of the disclination in a state where the electric field in the horizontal direction between and becomes stronger and the disclination near the signal electrode line 3 moves (deforms) toward the pixel electrode 4 side. In such a state, the signal electrode wire 3
With the deformation of disclination in the vicinity of
The disclination at the alignment division boundary is also deformed so as to be largely bent at the pixel end (the peripheral part of the pixel electrode 4).

FIG. 2C shows the scanning electrode lines 2 and the pixel electrodes 4.
6A and 6B are diagrams showing the shape of the disclination in the state where the electric field in the horizontal direction between and becomes stronger and the disclination near the scanning electrode line 3 moves (deforms) toward the pixel electrode 4 side. In such a state, the scan electrode line 2
A disclination near the scan electrode line 2 exists at a position different from the boundary portion of the orientation division in the center of.

FIG. 2D shows the shape of the disclination in a state in which the electric field in the lateral direction between both the signal electrode lines 3 and the scanning electrode lines 2 and the pixel electrode 4 becomes strong and the disclination is largely deformed. FIG. In such a state, the deformation of the disclination shown in FIG. 2B and the deformation of the disclination shown in FIG. 2C both occur.

If the light-shielding portion (light-shielding portion formed by the light-shielding film 1 and the light-shielding film 6) does not cover these disclinations, the disclination protruding from the light-shielding portion may cause afterimages, burn-in, and bright spots. Display defects such as

FIG. 3 shows a TFT array (TFT5) used in a liquid crystal display device to which the liquid crystal display element of this embodiment is applied.
FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a glass substrate formed in an array form.

Next, a detailed structure of the liquid crystal display element (liquid crystal display device including the liquid crystal display element) of the present embodiment having the above-described structure and a specific example of a manufacturing method will be described. In addition, the following manufacturing method is realized by a conventional well-known technique.

In the TFT array shown in FIG. 3, the size of one unit pixel (pixel corresponding to the liquid crystal display element of this embodiment) may be, for example, 261 μm in length and 108 μm in width. In addition, the scanning electrode line 2 and the signal electrode line 3
Is made of chromium (Cr) formed by a sputtering method, and the line width of these elements may be 18 μm, for example.

As the light-shielding film 1, for example, a resist mixed with a black dye is used. The width of the light-shielding film 1 is, for example, 9 μm in the thin portion in the center of the pixel, 13.5 μm in the vicinity of the signal electrode line 3, and 9 μm in the thin portion in the vicinity of the scanning electrode line 2 on the side opposite to the TFT 5. And 18 μm at other diagonally connected portions. Note that, for the gate insulating film, for example, silicon nitride (SiNx) is used.

The pixel electrode 4 is made of indium tin oxide (ITO), which is a transparent electrode, and is formed by sputtering.

After the light-shielding film 6 made of chromium is formed on the counter substrate (color filter substrate), I
A transparent electrode using TO is formed, color filters are further formed in an array by a dyeing method, and a protective layer using silica is provided on the upper surface thereof.

After cleaning, the active element substrate (TFT substrate) is coated with an alignment film made of polyimide. A rubbing process is applied to the entire surface in the same direction. A positive resist is applied to the surface of the alignment film, and the width of the mask portion is 126
A stripe-shaped mask having a width of μm and an opening width of 135 μm is used, and one pixel is divided into a “masked region” and an “exposed region”. Here, by forming the opening on the TFT 5 side, the areas of the divided regions when combined with the counter substrate become substantially the same as shown in FIG. 1B.

After the resist in the exposed area is developed, rubbing treatment is performed in a direction different from the previous rubbing treatment direction by 180 degrees. After this, the resist is stripped.

The counter substrate is also subjected to the alignment treatment similarly to the active element substrate, but the rubbing direction is twisted by 90 degrees. These rubbing directions are shown in FIGS.
The direction is as shown in.

The two substrates (active element substrate and counter substrate) thus manufactured have a gap of 5.5 μm.
And the rubbing directions are at right angles to each other with an adhesive through a spacer made of spherical silica particles (this produces a liquid crystal panel).

A nematic liquid crystal having a normal positive dielectric anisotropy in which the left chiral material is dissolved is injected into the cell of this liquid crystal panel, and the injection port is sealed. This completes the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display device.

Next, the function of the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment having the above-mentioned structure will be described.

In this liquid crystal display element, only the disclination having the shape shown in FIG. 2A is formed by the combination of the light shielding film 1 on the active element substrate side and the light shielding film 6 on the counter substrate side (see FIG. 1B). Not only that, the disclinations having the shapes shown in FIGS. 2B to 2D are completely covered in the range of the light shielding portion (the light shielding film 1 and the light shielding film 6). Therefore, the afterimage, the burn-in, and the bright spots at the time of oblique observation, which are seen in the conventional alignment division type liquid crystal display device (the liquid crystal display element that constitutes the liquid crystal display device), are not seen (for example, in the experiment by the inventor, 2A to 2D, when the reflected light is incident on the liquid crystal display element of the present embodiment from the side of the active element substrate or the counter substrate and the disclination hidden by the light shielding film 1 and the light shielding film 6 is observed, FIGS. The disclination seen in) was completely within the shaded area).

By the way, in the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment,
The aperture ratio, which is the ratio of the actual displayable area to the pixel area, decreases. However, by providing the light shielding film 1,
Since effects such as burn-in and bright spots are eliminated, it is possible to sufficiently compensate for the decrease in aperture ratio, and in the experiment by the inventor of the present invention, the display quality is extremely high by adopting the liquid crystal display element of the present embodiment. became.

In this embodiment, the light-shielding film 1 whose width becomes wider toward the end of the pixel is used, but FIG.
If the shape is such as to cover the disclination as shown in (d), a wide linear light-shielding film 1 or a light-shielding film 1 having an edge surrounded by a curve is used. The present invention can also be realized (this also applies to the light shielding film 1 having other shapes and other embodiments described below).

In this embodiment, a resist mixed with a black dye is used as the material of the light-shielding film 1, but other materials may be used as long as the light-shielding film 1 is opaque by absorbing or reflecting light. It goes without saying that it can be formed.

It is to be noted that the light-shielding film 1 is formed by using the chromium formed for forming the scanning electrode lines 2 as it is, and the scanning electrode lines 2 and the light-shielding film 1 are exposed and developed using the same mask to shield the light. It is also possible to make the membrane 1. When manufactured in this manner, the light-shielding film 1 can be formed at the same time when the scan electrode lines 2 are formed, so that the number of manufacturing steps is greatly reduced. This is not limited to the case where the light-shielding film 1 is formed at the same time as the scanning electrode line 2, but also when the light-shielding film 1 is formed at the same time as the signal electrode line 3 or when the light-shielding film 1 is formed simultaneously with the amorphous silicon layer. The same applies.

By the way, the shape of the light shielding film 1 in the first embodiment can be modified as shown in the following (1) to (3).

As shown in FIG. 4A, the light shielding film 1 is provided in the active element substrate in the vicinity of the alignment division boundary and the scanning electrode line 2. That is, the shape of the light-shielding film 1 is a shape that covers the disclination that is expected to be generated and deformed in the vicinity of the scanning electrode line 2 and the vicinity of the alignment division boundary portion.

FIG. 4B shows a liquid crystal display device having the light-shielding film 1 having the shape shown in FIG. 4A, in which the light-shielding film 1 on the active element substrate side and the light-shielding film 6 on the counter substrate side are combined. It is a figure which shows the aspect at the time of being.

The width of the light-shielding film 1 is, for example, 9 μm at the thin portion in the center of the pixel and 13.5 μm at the pixel end in the light-shielding film 1 at the alignment division boundary. Also,
The light-shielding film 1 near the scanning electrode line 2 on the opposite side of the TFT 5 has a thickness of 13.5 μm at the pixel end portion on the right side in FIG. 4 and has a thickness of 9 μm at other portions.

By combining the light-shielding film 1 having such a shape and the light-shielding film 6 on the counter substrate side (see FIG. 4B),
Not only the disclination shown in FIG.
The disclination shown in FIG. 2C is completely within the range of the light shielding part (the light shielding film 1 and the light shielding film 6). In an experiment conducted by the inventor of the present invention, when the liquid crystal display element was observed with a disclination hidden by the light-shielding film 1 and the light-shielding film 6 when reflected light was incident from the active element substrate side or the counter substrate side, The disclination near the scanning electrode line 2 seen in FIG. 2C was completely within the range of the light shielding part. Therefore, in such a liquid crystal display device, afterimages, burn-in, and bright spots when obliquely observed, which are observed in the conventional alignment division type liquid crystal display device, are significantly reduced.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the light shielding film 1 is provided in the active element substrate in the vicinity of the alignment division boundary and the signal electrode line 3. That is, the shape of the light shielding film 1 is a shape that covers the disclination that is expected to be generated and deformed in the vicinity of the signal electrode line 3 and the vicinity of the alignment division boundary portion.

FIG. 5B shows a liquid crystal display device having the light shielding film 1 having the shape shown in FIG. 5A, in which the light shielding film 1 on the active element substrate side and the light shielding film 6 on the counter substrate side are combined. It is a figure which shows the aspect at the time of being.

The width of the light-shielding film 1 is, for example, 9 μm in the thin portion at the center of the pixel and 13.5 μm in the vicinity of the signal electrode line 3.
m and 1 in the vicinity of the scanning electrode line 2 on the side opposite to the TFT 5.
It is 8 μm.

By combining the light-shielding film 1 having such a shape and the light-shielding film 6 on the counter substrate side (see FIG. 5B),
Not only the disclination shown in FIG.
The disclination shown in FIG. 2B is completely within the range of the light shielding portion (the light shielding film 1 and the light shielding film 6). In an experiment conducted by the inventor of the present invention, when the liquid crystal display element was observed with a disclination hidden by the light-shielding film 1 and the light-shielding film 6 when reflected light was incident from the active element substrate side or the counter substrate side, The disclination near the signal electrode line 3 seen in FIG. 2B was completely within the range of the light shielding part. Therefore, in such a liquid crystal display device, afterimages, burn-in, and bright spots when obliquely observed, which are observed in the conventional alignment division type liquid crystal display device, are significantly reduced.

Further, in the light-shielding film 1 shown in FIGS. 1A, 4A and 5A, the light-shielding film 1 does not have a portion covering the alignment division boundary portion (the central portion of the pixel electrode 4). Even if there is, a certain function is generated and a certain effect can be obtained.

For example, in an experiment conducted by the inventor of the present invention,
The following results were obtained. The contrast obtained by the liquid crystal display device having a structure in which the disclination at the alignment division boundary portion is not shielded is about 100: 1, which is lower than the contrast of 200: 1 or more obtained by the liquid crystal display device having a structure in which light is shielded. However, except for the point that the contrast is low, display defects such as afterimages were not seen and relatively good display was obtained.

This is considered to be because once the disclination at the boundary of orientation division occurs, the disclination is fixed at a substantially constant position and does not change its position, and it is difficult to recognize it as a display defect such as an afterimage. In other words, if the disclination near the scanning electrode lines 2 or the signal electrode lines 3, which is a major cause of afterimages, is shielded from light, it is considered that the afterimages cannot be seen.

(2) Second Example FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b) are views showing the configuration of the second example of the liquid crystal display device of the present invention. The liquid crystal display element of this embodiment includes a light-shielding film 21 on the active element substrate side, a scanning electrode line 22, a signal electrode line 23, a pixel electrode 24, and a TF.
T25 and the light-shielding film 26 on the counter substrate side are included (the components indicated by the reference numerals 21 to 26 in the liquid crystal display element of the present embodiment are the reference numerals 1 to 6 in the first embodiment). Corresponds to the components shown in).

FIG. 6A is a diagram showing the structure on the active element substrate in the liquid crystal display element of this embodiment. On this active element substrate, a light shielding film 21 is provided in the vicinity of the alignment division boundary portion, the scanning electrode line 22 and the signal electrode line 23.
That is, the shape of the light-shielding film 21 is a shape that covers the disclination that is expected to be generated and deformed in the vicinity of the scanning electrode lines 22 and the signal electrode lines 23 and in the vicinity of the alignment division boundary portion.

FIG. 6B is a diagram showing a mode in which the light shielding film 21 on the active element substrate side and the light shielding film 26 on the counter substrate side are combined in the liquid crystal display element of this embodiment.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are views for explaining the shape of disclination that occurs in the liquid crystal display element of this embodiment. Here, FIG.
It is a figure corresponding to (a), and the arrow in FIG. 7 (a) has shown the orientation direction (rubbing direction) in each area | region where the pixel electrode 24 was divided. That is, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal in each region in the pixel electrode 24 in this case is as shown in FIG.
The alignment direction of the liquid crystal in each region shown in (d) to (d) is different. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7B, the shape of the disclination also has the direction of the unevenness shown in FIG.
The direction is opposite to that shown in.

In the liquid crystal display element of this embodiment, the TFT array is manufactured in the same manner as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 3),
The shape of the light-shielding film 21 is changed from the shape of the light-shielding film 1 in FIG. 1 to the shape of the light-shielding film 21 in FIG. 6 corresponding to the disclination shown in FIG. 7B.

The manufacturing method and functions of this embodiment are as follows.
This is the same as the embodiment.

The shape of the disclination is influenced by the orientation direction of the liquid crystal on the substrate surface, the rising angle of the liquid crystal orientation from the substrate surface, and the electric field in the liquid crystal display element. It is affected by the members in the liquid crystal display element that have the effect of attracting the nation and making it difficult to approach. Therefore, FIG.
It is possible that a disclination having a shape different from the shapes shown in (a) to (d) and FIG. 7 (b) occurs.
By providing a light-shielding film having a new shape other than that of the first and second embodiments, it is possible to form a light-shielding film that can cope with the shape of disclination generated by the combination of the above various factors. .

(3) Third Example FIGS. 8 (a) and 8 (b) are views showing the configuration of the third example of the liquid crystal display device of the present invention. The liquid crystal display element of this embodiment includes a light blocking film 31 on the active element substrate side, a scanning electrode line 32, a signal electrode line 33, a pixel electrode 34, and a TF.
T35 and the light-shielding film 36 on the counter substrate side are included (the components indicated by the reference numerals 31 to 36 of the liquid crystal display element of the present embodiment are the reference numerals 1 to 6 in the first embodiment). Corresponds to the components shown in).

FIG. 8A is a diagram showing the structure on the active element substrate in the liquid crystal display element of this embodiment. On this active element substrate, a light-shielding film 31 having a shape in which the light-shielding film 1 according to the first embodiment and the light-shielding film 21 according to the second embodiment are superposed is formed on the alignment division boundary portion, the scanning electrode line 32, and the pixel electrode 34. Are provided in the vicinity of the signal electrode lines 33 on both sides of. That is, the shape of the light-shielding film 31 is expected to be generated and deformed near the scanning electrode lines 32 and the signal electrode lines 33 (the signal electrode lines 33 on both sides of the pixel electrode 34) and near the alignment division boundary. It is shaped to cover the nation.

FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a mode in which the light shielding film 31 on the active element substrate side and the light shielding film 36 on the counter substrate side are combined in the liquid crystal display element of this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the TFT array is manufactured in the same manner as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 3), but the shape of the light shielding film 31 varies from the shape of the light shielding film 1 in FIG. 1 to the light shielding in FIG. The shape of the film 31 is changed.

The manufacturing method and functions of this embodiment are as follows.
However, there are specific functions and effects based on the functions as shown in the following and.

Even if a position shift occurs when the active element substrate and the counter substrate are bonded to each other, the light shielding film 31 provided in the entire vicinity of the signal electrode lines 33 on both sides of the pixel electrode 34 is the light shielding film 36 on the counter substrate side. It is possible to cover the disclination generation area that could not be covered by. That is, even if the alignment positions of the two substrates are deviated, the edges of the pixel electrodes 34 where the light transmittance is likely to be disturbed are always shielded from light, and a good display can be obtained.

As a result of the function and effect, the area of the light-shielding film 36 on the counter substrate side, which has been designed in consideration of the misalignment of the past, can be reduced, and the liquid crystal of the present invention can be provided without significantly reducing the aperture ratio. A display element can be manufactured. As a result, a bright display is obtained.

(4) Fourth Embodiment As a fourth embodiment of the liquid crystal display device of the present invention, an active element substrate (a TFT is used as the active element as in the first embodiment and the like). It is conceivable that a light-shielding film is provided in the vicinity of the alignment division boundary above, the scanning electrode line and the signal electrode line, and the light-shielding film also serves as the storage capacitor electrode.

Also in this embodiment, the TFT array is manufactured in the same manner as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 3), and the shape of the light shielding film is the same as the shape of the light shielding film 1 in FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b). The thing of is adopted.

However, the material of the light shielding film is chromium, and the storage capacitor electrode is formed between the light shielding film and the pixel electrode via the insulating film (an active element substrate having such a light shielding film is used. , And the liquid crystal panel is assembled by performing the division alignment treatment as in the first embodiment).

This liquid crystal display device achieves the same functions and effects as those of the first embodiment described above, but further has the following unique functions and effects. That is, since the storage capacitor electrode provided for improving the memory retention characteristic is also used as the light-shielding film on the active element substrate side, the number of manufacturing steps is significantly reduced.

Although chromium is used as the material of the light-shielding film in this embodiment, other materials may be used as long as they are electrically conductive and opaque, and the light-shielding film is formed of, for example, aluminum or titanium. It doesn't matter.

The shape of the light-shielding film can be modified in various ways as in the first embodiment. However, according to an experiment conducted by the inventor of the present invention, when a light-shielding film having a shape similar to that of the light-shielding film 1 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is also used as the storage capacitor electrode, the display quality becomes extremely high. It was

Furthermore, it is possible to use not only the entire light shielding film but also a part thereof as a storage capacitor electrode.

(5) Regarding the Fifth Embodiment FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams showing the configuration and the like of the fifth embodiment according to the liquid crystal display element of the present invention. In the liquid crystal display element of the present embodiment, the scanning electrode line 52 also serving as a light shielding film having the light shielding film portion 51 on the active element substrate side, the signal electrode line 53, the pixel electrode 54, the TFT 55, and the light shielding film 56 on the counter substrate side.
(The components indicated by the reference numerals 53 to 56 in the liquid crystal display element of the present embodiment correspond to the components indicated by the reference numerals 3 to 6 in the first embodiment. ).

FIG. 9A is a diagram showing the structure on the active element substrate in the liquid crystal display element of this embodiment. On this active element substrate, the alignment division boundary portion, the original scanning electrode line (the scanning electrode line corresponding to the scanning electrode line 2 in the first embodiment) and the signal electrode line 53 are provided in the vicinity of the scanning electrode line also serving as a light shielding film. A light shielding film portion 51 in 52 is provided. That is, the shape of the light-shielding film portion 51 is a shape that covers the disclination that is expected to be generated and deformed in the vicinity of the original scanning electrode line and the signal electrode line 53 and in the vicinity of the alignment division boundary portion.

FIG. 9B shows a case in which the light shielding film portion 51 in the scanning electrode line 52 also serving as the light shielding film on the active element substrate side and the light shielding film 56 on the counter substrate side are combined in the liquid crystal display element of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the aspect of.

In this embodiment, the TFT array is manufactured in the same manner as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 3), and by extending the original scanning electrode lines, the light shielding film corresponding to the light shielding film 1 in the first embodiment is formed. A portion 51 is formed. As the material of the scanning electrode line 52 also serving as the light shielding film, chromium is used as in the scanning electrode line 2 of the first embodiment. In addition, the divisional alignment treatment is performed by the same method as in the first embodiment.

The function and the like of this embodiment are almost the same as those of the first embodiment, but in this embodiment, the original scanning electrode line and the light-shielding film are used in common. The unique effect of "decrease" occurs.

The light-shielding film portion 51 in the light-shielding film / scanning electrode line 52 may have various shapes corresponding to the light-shielding film 1 described in (1) to (3) of the first embodiment. For example, it is possible to employ the light shielding film / scanning electrode line 52 having a shape as shown in FIGS.

Here, the scanning electrode line 52 also serving as the light-shielding film shown in FIG. 10A includes both scanning electrode lines which scan the TFT 55 and scanning electrode lines which do not scan (other vertical electrodes adjacent to the pixel electrode 54). The light-shielding film portion 51 is formed by extending both the scanning electrode lines related to the pixel electrodes).

In the scanning electrode line 52 also serving as the light shielding film shown in FIG. 10B, a scanning electrode line for scanning another pixel electrode vertically adjacent to the pixel electrode 54 is provided in the central portion of the pixel electrode 54. It is provided to shield the dividing boundary from light. Further, the scanning electrode line 52 also serving as the light shielding film is provided with the pixel electrode 54.
The scanning electrode lines are extended (deformed) so as to also shield the disclination generated in the peripheral portion (in the vicinity of the signal electrode lines 53 on both sides of the pixel electrode 54).

The light-shielding film portion 51 in the light-shielding film / scanning electrode line 52 shown in FIG. 10B has a structure in which only the disclination near the alignment division boundary and the signal electrode line 53 is shielded. (The light shielding film portion 51 does not exist near the scanning electrode line 2 in the first embodiment). However, since the original scanning electrode line in the scanning electrode line 52 also serving as the light shielding film is at the center of the pixel electrode 54, for example, in an experiment by the inventor of the present invention, the scanning electrode line of the conventional liquid crystal display element A good display was obtained without disclination in the vicinity.

(6) Sixth Embodiment As a sixth embodiment of the liquid crystal display device of the present invention, a light shielding film / scanning electrode line 52 such as the light shielding film / scanning electrode line 52 in the fifth embodiment is used. It is conceivable that the scanning electrode line also serving as the light-shielding film is provided with the above-mentioned structure, and the scanning electrode line serving also as the light-shielding film serves as the storage capacitor electrode like the light-shielding film in the fourth embodiment.

That is, a scanning electrode line (eg, FIG. 1) which does not scan the active element (TFT, etc.) of the target pixel electrode.
The upper scanning electrode line 2 (TF of the pixel electrode 4 in FIG.
The scanning electrode line 2) which does not scan T5) is extended (for example, as shown in FIG. 9A), and the scanning electrode line also serving as the light shielding film is formed. And with that,
The scanning electrode line also serving as the light shielding film is configured to overlap the pixel electrode through the insulating film to form the storage capacitor electrode.

In this embodiment, the TFT array is manufactured in the same manner as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 3), and by extending the original scanning electrode lines, the light shielding film corresponding to the light shielding film 1 in the first embodiment is formed. The part is formed. In addition, the divisional alignment treatment is performed by the same method as in the first embodiment.

The function and the like of this embodiment are almost the same as those of the first embodiment, but in this embodiment, both the light-shielding film portion and the storage capacitor electrode also serve as the original scanning electrode line. As a result, a peculiar effect of "significant reduction in the number of manufacturing steps" occurs ("reduction in the number of manufacturing steps" in the fifth embodiment).
Greater reduction effect is realized).

(7) Seventh Embodiment FIGS. 11A and 11B are views showing the configuration of the seventh embodiment according to the liquid crystal display device of the present invention. The liquid crystal display element of the present embodiment has the scanning electrode lines 7 on the active element substrate side.
2, signal electrode line 73, pixel electrode 74 and TFT 75
And a light-shielding film 76 on the counter substrate side (the components denoted by the reference numerals 72 to 75 of the liquid crystal display element of the present embodiment are denoted by the reference numerals 2 to 5 in the first embodiment. Corresponding to the components shown).

FIG. 11A is a diagram showing the structure on the active element substrate in the liquid crystal display element of this embodiment. This active element substrate does not have a light shielding film like the light shielding film 1 in the first embodiment.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11B, on the counter substrate (color filter substrate without the TFT 75), the disclination deformation for performing the function of the light-shielding film 1 in the first embodiment is supported. A light-shielding film 76 having a light-shielding film portion 71 is provided. That is, the shape of the disclination-deformation-compliant light-shielding film portion 71 is a shape that covers the disclination that is expected to occur and deform in the vicinity of the scanning electrode lines 72 and the signal electrode lines 73 and in the vicinity of the alignment division boundary. Has become.

The material of the light-shielding film 76 having the light-shielding film portion 71 corresponding to the disclination deformation is, for example, chromium. Also, active element substrate (TFT substrate)
The split orientation processing on the side is performed by the same method as in the first embodiment.

Also in this embodiment, the same functions and effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, a light-shielding film (TFT75) on the side of the counter substrate, which has been conventionally used for general light-shielding, is provided.
The function and effect of the present invention can be realized only by changing the shape of the light-shielding film on the color filter substrate side provided to prevent the incidence of light on the surface of the color filter substrate. A unique effect is generated.

[0108]

In the liquid crystal display element that has been subjected to the divisional alignment treatment for the purpose of wide field of view (that is, the liquid crystal display device to which such a liquid crystal display element is applied), the boundary portion of the divisional alignment and the electric field are affected. Disclination occurs and deforms in the easy part.

However, according to the liquid crystal display element of the present invention as described above, the disclination which is generated and deformed in the liquid crystal display element subjected to the division alignment treatment can be effectively shielded, and therefore the following features There is an effect that it is possible to obtain a liquid crystal display device that is equipped with all of the above and can realize excellent display.

A wide field of view (enlargement of viewing angle) can be realized.

High-contrast image quality can be obtained.

It is possible to prevent afterimages, image sticking, and bright spots during oblique observation from existing.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration and the like of a liquid crystal display element according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the shape of a disclination that is generated / deformed in the liquid crystal display element shown in FIG.

3 is a diagram schematically showing a TFT array used in a liquid crystal display device to which the liquid crystal display element shown in FIG. 1 is applied.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of modification of the shape of the light shielding film in FIG.

5A and 5B are views for explaining another example of modification of the shape of the light shielding film in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration and the like of a second embodiment according to the liquid crystal display element of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the shape of disclination that occurs in the liquid crystal display element shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration and the like of a third embodiment according to the liquid crystal display element of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration and the like of a fifth example according to the liquid crystal display element of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of modification of the scanning electrode line that also serves as a light shielding film in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration and the like of a seventh example according to the liquid crystal display element of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a conventional liquid crystal display element.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining “a reason why a wide field of view can be realized by dividing a region in a liquid crystal display element and changing an alignment direction of liquid crystal in each region”.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining “a reason why a wide field of view can be realized by dividing a region in a liquid crystal display element and changing an alignment direction of liquid crystal in each region”.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a light-shielding film on the active element substrate side in a conventional liquid crystal display element.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 21, 31 Light-shielding film 2, 22, 32, 72 Scan electrode line 3, 23, 33, 53, 73 Signal electrode line 4, 24, 34, 54, 74 Pixel electrode 5, 25, 35, 55, 75 TFT 6, 26, 36, 56, 76 Light-shielding film 51 Light-shielding film portion 52 Scanning electrode line also serving as light-shielding film 71 Disclination-deformable light-shielding film portion

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A liquid crystal display device comprising a pair of support substrates composed of an active element substrate and a counter substrate, and a liquid crystal material sandwiched between the pair of support substrates, and a plurality of regions having different liquid crystal alignment directions between the pair of support substrates. , The active element substrate side light-shielding film that covers the disclination existing near the signal electrode line and deformed by the horizontal electric field generated between the signal electrode line and the pixel electrode, and the active element and the pixel electrode. A liquid crystal display element, comprising: a light-shielding film on a counter substrate side that generally shields the periphery. 2. A liquid crystal display device comprising a pair of support substrates composed of an active element substrate and a counter substrate, and a liquid crystal material sandwiched between the pair of support substrates, and a plurality of regions having different liquid crystal alignment directions between the pair of support substrates. , The active element substrate side light-shielding film that covers the disclination existing near the scanning electrode line and deformed by the horizontal electric field generated between the scanning electrode line and the pixel electrode, and the active element or the pixel electrode. A liquid crystal display element, comprising: a light-shielding film on a counter substrate side that generally shields the periphery. 3. A liquid crystal display device comprising a pair of support substrates composed of an active device substrate and a counter substrate, and a liquid crystal material sandwiched between the pair of support substrates, and a plurality of regions having different liquid crystal alignment directions between the pair of support substrates. At, in the vicinity of the scan electrode lines and the signal electrode lines, and is deformed by the horizontal electric field generated between the scan electrode lines and the pixel electrodes and the horizontal electric field generated between the signal electrode lines and the pixel electrodes. The liquid crystal display element is characterized by having a light-shielding film on the active element substrate side that covers the disclination of the active element and a light-shielding film on the counter substrate side that generally shields the active element and the periphery of the pixel electrode. 4. A horizontal electric field existing near the alignment division boundary portion at the center of the pixel electrode and generated between the scanning electrode line and the pixel electrode and a horizontal electric field generated between the signal electrode line and the pixel electrode. 4. The liquid crystal display element according to claim 1, further comprising a light-shielding film on the active element side that covers a disclination deformed by an electric field in a direction. 5. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein a part or all of the light-shielding film on the active element substrate side also serves as a storage capacitor electrode. . 6. The light-shielding film on the side of the active element substrate is formed on a part of the scanning electrode line.
The liquid crystal display element according to claim 3 or 4. 7. A scan electrode line which does not scan a target pixel forms a light-shielding film on the active element substrate side, and part or all of the light-shielding film also serves as a storage capacitor electrode. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3 or claim 4. 8. The liquid crystal display element according to claim 1, wherein the light-shielding film on the side of the counter substrate functions as the light-shielding film on the side of the active element substrate. 9. The active element on the active element substrate side is a TFT, claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4, claim 5, claim 6, claim 7 or claim. Item 8
The liquid crystal display element described.