KR101957668B1 - Liquid crystal display device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention drives a liquid crystal molecule with a low voltage and performs display with higher transmittance.
A substrate 13A on which a weak anchoring orientation film 17 is formed, a substrate 13B on which a strong anchoring orientation film 16 is formed, a substrate 13B on which a strong anchoring orientation film 17 is formed, and a hard anchoring orientation film 16 And a liquid crystal layer 18 which is provided in either one of the substrate 13A and the substrate 13B for transmitting or interrupting light when the liquid crystal molecules L are driven, And the weak anchoring alignment film 17 has a binding force for restricting the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules L is smaller than that of the strong anchoring alignment film 16 when the electric field E is applied, And a chiral agent for restoring the molecule (L) to an initial alignment state in an unenergized state of the electric field (E) is added to the liquid crystal layer (18).

Description

[0001] LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY DEVICE [0002]

The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display element.

TN (Twisted Nematic), IPS (In-Plane Switching), FLC (Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal), and the like are available as driving methods of liquid crystal display elements.

Among them, the IPS system changes the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules and performs display by applying an electric field in a direction (lateral direction) parallel to the substrate surface with respect to the liquid crystal molecules filled between the two substrates. Such IPS liquid crystal display devices are excellent in visual characteristics and are applied to a wide range of devices including cellular phones, televisions, and the like.

In the conventional liquid crystal display device, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules is regulated so that the liquid crystal molecules are aligned along a predetermined direction in a state in which no electric field is applied.

As a method of regulating the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules, a method of forming an alignment film of polyimide or the like on a substrate and rubbing the surface of the alignment film in a predetermined direction by rayon or cotton cloth (rubbing method) A method of generating anisotropy on the surface of the polyimide film (photo alignment method), and the like are employed. By these treatments, the liquid crystal molecules are strongly bound to the substrate surface and are oriented in a certain direction.

On the other hand, a method has been proposed in which the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules is oriented in an arbitrary direction by an external field (electric field, magnetic field, etc.) and the state is maintained (memory). In order to realize such an operation, it is necessary to eliminate the anchoring force (anchoring) of the substrate surface. As a related art of the configuration for weakening the anchoring, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2014-215421) is proposed. The configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a liquid crystal cell in which a polymer brush is formed on a substrate subjected to a planarizing treatment and in a liquid crystal cell in which a liquid crystal is sandwiched between the substrates, the Tg (glass transition temperature) of the coexistence portion of the polymer brush and the liquid crystal is higher than the Tg By heating to a temperature at which the shape can freely change, zero plane anchoring is realized.

In the conventional liquid crystal display element, when the application of the electric field is stopped, the liquid crystal molecules displaced by the electric field are restored to the original alignment state, that is, the alignment state when no voltage is applied.

At this time, in the structure in which the liquid crystal molecules are oriented in a certain direction by imparting a strong binding force to the liquid crystal molecules with the alignment film formed by the rubbing method or the photo alignment method, when the application of the electric field is stopped, the liquid crystal molecules are separated from the liquid crystal molecules The orientation of the molecules quickly returns to the original orientation state.

On the other hand, in the structure described in Patent Document 1, since the binding force by the alignment film is weak, it takes time to restore the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules to the original alignment state. In such a background, high display responsiveness is required.

A second substrate having a first substrate on which a first alignment film is formed and a second alignment film disposed opposite to the first alignment film with a gap between the first substrate and the first substrate; A liquid crystal layer disposed between the second alignment film and driven by the liquid crystal molecules to transmit or block the light; and a liquid crystal layer provided on either one of the first substrate and the second substrate, And a driving electrode layer for applying an electric field in a direction along the substrate, wherein the liquid crystal layer maintains a state in which the liquid crystal molecules are oriented in a predetermined initial alignment direction on the side of the second alignment film while the electric field is applied, On the side of the first orientation film, the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules is in a plane parallel to the surface of the second substrate, And a chiral agent is added to the liquid crystal layer to restore the liquid crystal molecules to an initial alignment direction in a state in which the electric field is not exposed.

The liquid crystal molecules may be arranged in a spiral manner from the second alignment film side toward the first alignment film side in the absence of the electric field.

The chiral agent may be added so that the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the side of the first alignment film is warped by 90 ° with respect to the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the side of the second alignment film in the absence of the electric field.

The alignment treatment direction for restricting the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the initial alignment direction in the first alignment layer and the alignment treatment direction for restricting the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the second alignment layer may be orthogonal to each other .

The first alignment film may have a binding force for restricting the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the initial alignment direction when the electric field is applied is smaller than the second alignment film.

The alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the first alignment film in the electric field unenergized state may be determined by the twisting force of the chiral agent.

A first polarizer provided on the first substrate side and a second polarizer provided on the second substrate side, wherein the transmission axis direction of the first polarizer and the transmission axis direction of the second polarizer are parallel to each other, The transmission axis direction of the first polarizing plate may be parallel or orthogonal to the initial alignment direction of the second alignment film.

A first polarizing plate provided on the first substrate side and a second polarizing plate provided on the second substrate side, wherein the transmission axis direction of the first polarizing plate and the transmission axis direction of the second polarizing plate are orthogonal to each other, The transmission axis direction of the first polarizing plate may be parallel or orthogonal to the initial alignment direction of the second alignment film.

Even if the displacement angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the alignment direction with respect to the state of being oriented in the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal layer gradually increases from the second alignment film side toward the first alignment film side in the state of applying the electric field do.

The liquid crystal molecules located on the first alignment film side and the liquid crystal molecules positioned on the second alignment film side are aligned in the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules by the electric field generated by applying a predetermined voltage The displacement angle difference in the direction of alignment may be 0 DEG or more and 90 DEG or less.

As the first alignment film, a polymer brush may be formed on the first substrate.

Wherein the driving electrode layer comprises a plurality of electrode lines disposed on the first substrate or the second substrate surface, and in the absence of the electric field ratio, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate side is continuous with the electrode lines Or may be parallel or orthogonal to the direction.

Wherein the driving electrode layer comprises a plurality of electrode lines disposed on the first substrate or the second substrate surface, and in the absence of the electric field ratio, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate side is continuous with the electrode lines Direction.

The dielectric anisotropy of the liquid crystal molecules may be negative.

The dielectric anisotropy of the liquid crystal molecules may be positive.

According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

In other words, it is possible to realize higher transmissivity and higher display responsiveness while driving the liquid crystal molecules at a low voltage.

1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic structure of a liquid crystal display shown as a first embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the orientation direction distribution of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal panel of the liquid crystal display shown as the first embodiment, in which liquid crystal having a positive dielectric anisotropy is used and an electric field is applied. Fig.
Fig. 3 shows the relationship between the direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the first alignment film and the electrode line in the liquid crystal panel of the liquid crystal display shown in the first embodiment, in which liquid crystal having a positive dielectric constant anisotropy is used and no electric field is applied FIG.
4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the direction of the liquid crystal molecules and the direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal panel of the liquid crystal display shown as the first embodiment in a state in which a liquid crystal having a positive dielectric anisotropy is used and an electric field is applied.
5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a polymer brush formed on a substrate as a weak anchoring alignment film.
6 is a view showing the relationship between the direction of alignment of liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the first alignment film and the electrode line in the liquid crystal panel of the liquid crystal display shown in the second embodiment in a state in which a liquid crystal having a positive dielectric anisotropy is used and no electric field is applied to be.
7 shows another example of the relationship between the direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the first alignment film and the electrode line in the liquid crystal panel of the liquid crystal display shown in the second embodiment, in which liquid crystal having a positive dielectric anisotropy is used and an electric field is applied Fig.
8 is a graph showing the relationship between the direction of the liquid crystal molecule alignment in the vicinity of the first alignment film and the electrode line in the liquid crystal panel of the liquid crystal display shown in the third embodiment in a state in which liquid crystal having a positive dielectric anisotropy is used and no electric field is applied to be.
9 shows another example of the relationship between the direction of the liquid crystal molecules and the direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the first alignment film in the liquid crystal panel of the liquid crystal display shown in the third embodiment using a liquid crystal having a positive dielectric anisotropy and applying an electric field Fig.
10 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a liquid crystal display shown as a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the distribution of orientation directions of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal panel of the liquid crystal display shown as the fourth embodiment in a state where a liquid crystal having a negative dielectric anisotropy is used and an electric field is applied. Fig.
12 is a graph showing the relationship between the direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the first alignment film and the direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the first alignment film in the liquid crystal panel of the liquid crystal display shown in the fourth embodiment using a liquid crystal having a negative dielectric constant anisotropy, Fig.
13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the direction of the liquid crystal molecules and the direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal panel of the liquid crystal display shown in the fourth embodiment, in which liquid crystal having a negative dielectric anisotropy is used and an electric field is applied.
14 shows the relationship between the direction of alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the first alignment film and the electrode line in the liquid crystal panel of the liquid crystal display shown in the fifth embodiment in a state in which liquid crystal having negative dielectric anisotropy is used and no electric field is applied FIG.
Fig. 15 is a view showing another example of the relationship between the direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the first alignment film and the direction of the first alignment film in the liquid crystal panel of the liquid crystal display shown in the fifth embodiment using a liquid crystal having a negative dielectric anisotropy and applying an electric field Fig.
16 shows the relationship between the direction of alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the first alignment film and the electrode line in the liquid crystal panel of the liquid crystal display shown in the sixth embodiment in a state in which a liquid crystal having a negative dielectric constant anisotropy is used and no electric field is applied FIG.
Fig. 17 is a view showing another example of the relationship between the direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the first alignment film and the direction of the first alignment film in a state in which liquid crystal having a negative dielectric constant anisotropy is used and an electric field is applied in the liquid crystal display of the liquid crystal display shown as the sixth embodiment Fig.

≪ First Embodiment >

Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

The liquid crystal has a positive type in which the dielectric anisotropy is positive and a negative type in which the dielectric anisotropy is negative. The positive type liquid crystal has a large genetic property in the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecule and a small direction in the direction perpendicular to the long axis direction. In the negative type, the dielectric property is small in the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecule and large in the direction orthogonal to the long axis direction. In the present embodiment, a case of using a positive type liquid crystal will be described.

As an alignment film for suppressing the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules, there is a strong anchoring alignment film having a strong force for restricting the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules and a weak anchoring alignment film having a weak force for restricting the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules. The present invention is directed to a one-sided weak anchoring type employing a steel anchoring orientation film on one side of the orientation films facing each other and employing a weak anchoring orientation film on the other side.

1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic structure of a liquid crystal display shown as a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the orientation direction distribution of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal panel of the liquid crystal display shown as the first embodiment, in which liquid crystal having an anisotropy of dielectric constant is used and an electric field is applied. Fig. 3 shows the relationship between the direction of the liquid crystal molecules and the direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the first alignment film in the liquid crystal panel of the liquid crystal display shown in the first embodiment using liquid crystals whose dielectric constant anisotropy is an integer and no electric field is applied FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the direction of the liquid crystal molecules and the direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal panel of the liquid crystal display shown as the first embodiment in a state in which a liquid crystal having a positive dielectric anisotropy is used and an electric field is applied.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the liquid crystal display 10 includes a liquid crystal panel (liquid crystal display element) 11 and a backlight unit 12 for providing light to the liquid crystal panel 11.

The backlight unit 12 uniformly irradiates light input from a light source (not shown) provided on the back surface of the liquid crystal panel 11 from the back surface 11r side of the liquid crystal panel 11 toward the surface 11f side. The backlight unit 12 transmits light input from a light source (not shown) provided at one end of the backlight unit 12 in a direction parallel to the surface 11f of the liquid crystal panel 11, Called edge light type that irradiates the light from the back surface 11r side of the light guide plate 11 toward the surface 11f side can be used. The backlight unit 12 is a so-called direct-type liquid crystal display panel in which light input from a light source provided on the rear face 11r side of the liquid crystal panel 11 is irradiated from the rear face 11r side to the front face 11f side of the liquid crystal panel 11 May be used.

The liquid crystal panel 11 includes a substrate (second substrate) 13A, a substrate (first substrate) 13B, a polarizing plate (first polarizing plate) 14A, a polarizing plate (second polarizing plate) 14B, a driving electrode layer 15, (Second alignment film) 16, a weak anchoring alignment film (first alignment film) 17, and a liquid crystal layer 18. [

Each of the substrates 13A and 13B is made of a glass or resin substrate, and is arranged parallel to each other at a predetermined interval.

The polarizing plate 14A is provided on the side of the substrate 13A disposed on the side of the backlight unit 12 opposite to the backlight unit 12 or on the side opposite to the backlight unit 12.

The polarizing plate 14B is provided on the side opposite to the backlight unit 12 or on the side opposite to the backlight unit 12 in the substrate 13B disposed on the side separated from the backlight unit 12. [

The polarizers 14A and 14B are arranged so that their transmission axis directions are parallel to each other. For example, the transmission axis direction of the one-side polarizing plate 14A and the transmission axis direction of the other polarizing plate 14B are set in the direction X along the substrate 13B.

The driving electrode layer 15 is provided on one of the substrates 13A and 13B. In this embodiment, the driving electrode layer 15 is provided on the side of the substrate 13A on the side of the backlight unit 12 away from the backlight unit 12.

The driving electrode layer 15 is formed by juxtaposing a plurality of electrode lines 20A along the surface of the substrate 13A. Here, as shown in Fig. 3, each of the electrode lines 20A is formed in a straight line so that its major axis direction extends along the direction Y in a plane parallel to the surface of the substrate 13A, for example. The driving electrode layer 15 is juxtaposed at regular intervals along the direction X orthogonal to the direction Y within a plane parallel to the surface of the substrate 13A.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, in the driving electrode layer 15, when a predetermined voltage is applied to each electrode line 20A of the driving electrode layer 15, In this embodiment, an electric field E in a direction X parallel to the substrate 13B is generated in the direction in which the electrode lines 20A are connected to each other.

The steel anchoring orientation film 16 is provided on one of the substrates 13A and 13B. In this embodiment, the steel anchoring orientation film 16 is formed on the side of the substrate 13A on the side of the backlight unit 12 away from the backlight unit 12. The steel anchoring orientation film 16 is formed so that the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules Lp of the liquid crystal layer 18 substantially coincides with a predetermined alignment direction in the plane parallel to the surfaces of the substrates 13A and 13B The initial alignment direction is set.

The weak anchoring alignment film 17 is provided on either of the substrates 13A and 13B. In this embodiment, the weak anchoring alignment film 17 is formed on the side of the substrate 13B separated from the backlight unit 12 on the side opposite to the backlight unit 12.

The weak anchoring alignment film 17 is formed so that the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules Lp of the liquid crystal layer 18 is parallel to the initial alignment direction of the steel anchoring orientation film 16 in a plane parallel to the surfaces of the substrates 13A and 13B Direction (direction Y in Fig. 1) orthogonal to the direction X (i.e., the direction X).

The liquid crystal layer 18 is formed by filling a plurality of liquid crystal molecules Lp between the strong anchoring orientation film 16 and the weak anchoring orientation film 17. The alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules Lp is changed and driven by the electric field E generated by applying a voltage to each of the electrode lines 20A constituting the driving electrode layer 15 in the liquid crystal layer 18. [ By changing the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules Lp in this way, the liquid crystal layer 18 partially transmits or blocks the light supplied from the backlight unit 12 to generate a display image.

The direction of the liquid crystal molecules Lp whose alignment direction has been changed by the electric field E applied by the driving electrode layer 15 when the application of the electric field E is canceled is set in the liquid crystal layer 18 in the electric field E, A chiral agent (optically active substance) is added in order to give a restoring force for returning to an unused initial state.

By the addition of the chiral agent, in the liquid crystal layer 18, the liquid crystal molecules 18 on the side of the strong anchoring alignment film 16 are exposed from the side of the strong anchoring orientation film 16 toward the side of the weak anchoring orientation film 17, The amount of displacement of the liquid crystal molecules Lp in the alignment direction with respect to the alignment direction of the long axis Lp of the liquid crystal molecules Lp gradually increases and the alignment state is spirally twisted. Concretely, in order to make the liquid crystal molecules (Lp) of the liquid crystal layer (18) in an electric field (E) non-exposed state to be in an aligned state of 90 degrees twisted from the side of the strong anchoring orientation film (16) Is preferably added.

Here, the strong anchoring alignment film 16 and the weak anchoring alignment film 17 are different in orientation binding force for restricting the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules Lp.

2, even if an electric field E is generated by the application of a voltage, the liquid crystal molecules Lp on the side of the strong anchoring alignment film 16 in the liquid crystal layer 18 are oriented in the major axis direction (Direction X) of the steel anchoring alignment film 16 in a plane along the surface of the substrates 13A and 13B.

On the other hand, in the weak anchoring alignment layer 17, when the voltage is applied to generate the electric field E, when the applied voltage is equal to or higher than the threshold voltage, the liquid crystal molecules Lp) is released from the restraint of the weakly anchoring alignment film (17). The alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules Lp is changed from the initial alignment direction (direction Y in Fig. 2) in a plane parallel to the surfaces of the substrates 13A and 13B according to the magnitude of the applied voltage.

When the electric field E is applied to the liquid crystal molecules Lp of the liquid crystal layer 18 as described above, the liquid crystal molecules Lp on the side of the strong anchoring alignment film 16 of the liquid crystal layer 18 are separated by the strong anchoring alignment film 16 The aligning direction of the liquid crystal molecules Lp is shifted away from the orientation forcing (restraining force) by the weak anchoring alignment film 17 on the weak anchor alignment film 17 side, while maintaining the alignment direction with the orientation forcing force (constraint force).

As a result, in the liquid crystal layer 18, when an electric field E of a threshold value or more is applied on the side of the strong anchoring orientation film 16 side and the weak anchoring orientation film 17 side, The amount of displacement in the orientation direction is different. Specifically, as the magnitude of the applied electric field E increases, the amount of displacement of the liquid crystal molecules Lp in the vicinity of the weak anchoring alignment film 17 in the alignment direction with respect to the initial alignment direction gradually increases. As a result, in the initial alignment state, the liquid crystal molecules Lp on the side of the weakened anchoring alignment film 17 are aligned with the alignment state in which the liquid crystal molecules Lp are spirally twisted from the side of the strong anchoring alignment film 16 toward the side of the weakened alignment film 17, The angle of twist in the alignment direction with respect to the initial alignment state of the substrate is reduced. When the electric field intensity reaches a certain value, the liquid crystal molecules Lp in the vicinity of the weak anchoring alignment film 17 are oriented in a direction parallel to the electric field (E) direction. That is, the alignment direction is the same along the direction parallel to the electric field E direction (direction X in FIG. 2) from the side of the strong anchoring alignment film 16 toward the direction of the weakening anchor alignment film 17.

The liquid crystal layer 18 alignment state at the time of no voltage ratio is the same as the liquid crystal alignment state at the time of no voltage ratio in the TN system. Therefore, the optical design of the liquid crystal panel 11 is performed so as to satisfy ΔnP »λ (Δn is refractive index anisotropy of liquid crystal, P is helical pitch of liquid crystal, λ is wavelength of light), and MAUGUIN CONDITION It becomes possible to generate a rotation (luminous flux) effect on the liquid crystal layer 18.

Further, the following Gooch-Tarry equation (1) is known as a formula for imparting light transmittance (T) in a TN type liquid crystal panel.

Equation 1

Here, u = d? N /? ·? / ?, where d is the cell gap (thickness of the liquid crystal layer 18) and? Is the twist angle of the liquid crystal molecules Lp. In this embodiment, Corresponds to the angle difference between the liquid crystal molecules on the side of the weak anchoring alignment film 17 and the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the weak anchor alignment film 17 side. In the present embodiment, since? =? / 2, u = 2d? N / ?.

In the liquid crystal panel 11, the positive liquid crystal molecules Lp are used and the polarizing plates 14A and 14B are arranged parallel to each other in the direction parallel to the transmission axis. (Direction X in Fig. 1) with respect to the steel anchoring alignment film 16 for regulating the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules Lp in the non-exposed state.

1, the liquid crystal molecules Lp are arranged in such a manner that the liquid crystal molecules Lp are aligned in the direction of major axes of the liquid crystal molecules Lp on the side of the strong anchoring alignment film 16 16 (direction X in Fig. 1). On the other hand, on the weak anchoring alignment film 17 side, the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules Lp follows the orientation treatment direction (direction Y in Fig. 1) of the anchoring orientation film 17. If the weakening force of the weakly anchoring alignment film 17 is close to zero, the initial alignment direction can not be memorized even if the weakly anchoring orientation film 17 is subjected to orientation treatment. Since the amount of the chiral agent is adjusted so that the liquid crystal molecules Lp of the liquid crystal layer 18 are twisted by 90 占 from the side of the strong anchoring alignment film 16 toward the side of the weak anchoring alignment film 17, the weak anchoring alignment film 17 ), The major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules Lp follows a direction (direction Y in Fig. 1) orthogonal to the alignment treatment direction of the strong anchoring alignment film 16. At this time, by designing the optical condition of the liquid crystal panel 11 so as to satisfy the maturity condition and the formula (1) to have the minimum value, the linearly polarized light incident on the liquid crystal layer 18 is polarized 90 And is output from the liquid crystal panel 11. At this time, since the polarization direction of the outgoing light from the liquid crystal panel 11 and the transmission axis direction of the polarizing plate 14B are orthogonal to each other, most of the outgoing light from the liquid crystal panel 11 is absorbed by the polarizing plate 14B, Can be minimized. As a result, the contrast ratio in the present embodiment can be maximized. Generally, when the cell gap d is large, the response speed is lowered. Therefore, the optical design of the liquid crystal panel desirably selects the so-called first minimum condition among a plurality of conditions in which the formula (1) has the minimum value.

On the other hand, in the state where the electric field E is applied as shown in Fig. 2, the liquid crystal molecules Lp are aligned in the longitudinal direction of the strong anchoring alignment film 16 in the alignment treatment direction of the strong anchoring alignment film 16 (Direction X in Fig. 2). On the other hand, on the weak anchor alignment film 17 side, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules Lp starts to change in a plane parallel to the substrate 13B by application of an electric field E of a threshold value or more, The major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules Lp follows a direction parallel to the electric field E, that is, a direction X parallel to the substrate 13B. Thus, since the liquid crystal molecules Lp are aligned in the alignment treatment direction (direction X in FIG. 2) with respect to the steel anchoring alignment film 16, the linearly polarized light incident on the liquid crystal layer 18 maintains the polarization state and the polarization plane And then emitted from the liquid crystal panel 11. [ At this time, since the polarizing direction (direction X in Fig. 2) of the linearly polarized light incident on the liquid crystal layer 18 coincides with the transmission axis direction (direction X in Fig. 2) of the polarizing plate 14B, Most of the light can transmit the polarizing plate 14B.

When the application of the electric field E is stopped from the state in which the electric field E is applied, the liquid crystal molecules Lp of the liquid crystal layer 18 are aligned in the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules Lp by the restoring force (elastic force) Is returned to the spiral initial alignment state as shown in Fig. Here, on the side of the strong anchoring alignment film 16, the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecule Lp is maintained along the alignment treatment direction (direction X in FIG. 1) of the strong anchoring orientation film 16. On the other hand, on the weak anchoring alignment film 17 side of the liquid crystal layer 18, the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules Lp is aligned in the alignment processing direction of the weak anchoring alignment film 17 (Fig. 2B) by the restoring force (elastic force) The direction of orientation is displaced to follow the direction Y). As a result, the amount of displacement of the liquid crystal molecules Lp in the major axis direction gradually increases from the side of the strong anchoring orientation film 16 toward the side of the weakened anchoring orientation film 17, and the state returns to the spirally twisted state.

As described above, in the liquid crystal panel 11 of the present embodiment, the polarizing plates 14A and 14B are arranged in parallel Nicols using the positive type liquid crystal molecules Lp and the transmission axis direction of the polarizing plate 14A is not in the electric field E (In the direction X in Fig. 1) with respect to the orientation treatment direction of the steel anchoring alignment film 16 for regulating the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules Lp in the state of the liquid crystal molecules Lp. The liquid crystal molecules Lp of the liquid crystal layer 18 are in an initial alignment state in which they are helically twisted from the side of the strong anchoring alignment film 16 toward the side of the weak anchoring alignment film 17 by the addition of the chiral agent.

1, the light that has passed through the polarizing plate 14A from the backlight unit 12 side is incident on the liquid crystal layer 18 in the direction of the liquid crystal molecules Lp in the direction of alignment of the liquid crystal molecules Lp, The polarization plane changes along the helical distribution and is absorbed by the opposite polarizing plate 14B.

2, when a predetermined electric field E of a threshold value or more is applied to the liquid crystal panel 11, the liquid crystal molecules Lp in the vicinity of the weak anchoring alignment film 17 increase as the magnitude of the applied voltage E increases. The amount of displacement in the alignment direction with respect to the initial alignment direction of the substrate becomes gradually larger. When the intensity of the applied electric field E reaches a certain value, the liquid crystal molecules Lp of the liquid crystal layer 18 are aligned in the same direction (direction X in Fig. 2) in the strong anchoring alignment film 16 Transition to an oriented state. As a result, light passing through the polarizing plate 14A from the backlight unit 12 side passes through the opposite polarizing plate 14B.

That is, in the liquid crystal panel 11, an IPS driving method for displacing the liquid crystal molecules Lp in the plane along the surfaces of the substrates 13A and 13B is employed as a liquid crystal driving method, Off control.

However, the above-described steel anchoring alignment film 16 is formed, for example, as follows. First, an alignment film made of polyimide or the like is formed on the substrate 13A. Thereafter, the roller with the rayon and cotton cloths wound is rotated in a state in which the distance between the roller and the substrate 13A is kept constant, thereby rubbing the surface of the alignment film in a predetermined direction (rubbing method). Or polarized ultraviolet rays are irradiated to generate anisotropy on the surface of the alignment film made of polyimide (photo alignment method). The strong anchoring alignment film 16 whose alignment direction is set by these rubbing method, photo alignment method, or the like gives an alignment forcing stronger to the liquid crystal molecule Lp than the weak anchoring alignment film 17. [

As the weak anchoring alignment film 17, for example, a film formed of a polymer brush can be used. The polymer brush is formed by a graft polymer chain having one end fixed to the surface of the substrate 13B and the other end extending in a direction away from the surface of the substrate 13B. Such a graft polymer chain may be stretched from the substrate 13B side, or a polymer chain having a predetermined length may be attached to the substrate 13B in advance. The initial orientation direction of the weakly anchoring alignment film 17 may be determined by a known technique such as a rubbing method.

Hereinafter, a specific example of the polymer brush is shown.

The polymer brush is represented, for example, by the following general formula (1).

1

In the general formula (1), X is H or CH ₃ , m is a positive integer, and the Tg (glass transition temperature) of the polymer brush is -5 ° C or lower.

5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a polymer brush formed on a substrate as a weak anchoring alignment film.

5, the liquid crystal molecules Lp penetrate the surface layer portion of the polymer brush 2 formed on the substrate 13B and the surface layer portion of the polymer brush 2 contacting the liquid crystal molecules Lp is swollen (The swollen state is not shown in the drawing).

In this specification, the portion of the polymer brush 2 in which the liquid crystal molecules Lp penetrate is referred to as a coexisting portion 4 and the portion of the polymer brush 2 in which the liquid crystal molecules Lp does not penetrate is referred to as a polymer brush layer 3 . 5, the coexistence portion 4 and the polymer brush layer 3 are clearly distinguished from each other in view of facilitating the understanding of the present invention. In actuality, however, the boundary between the coexistence portion 4 and the polymer brush layer 3 is distinguished It is difficult to do.

By using the polymer brush 2 as described above, the Tg (glass transition temperature) of the coexistence section 4 becomes a temperature considerably lower than the normal temperature, so that the shape of the coexistence section 4 can be freely changed at room temperature. The state of the coexisting portion 4 is changed at the interface between the coexisting portion 4 and the liquid crystal molecule Lp and the liquid crystal molecules Lp are aligned in the horizontal direction with respect to the substrate 13B, A state in which no orientation forcible force is applied (zero plane anchoring state) can be realized.

The Tg of the coexisting portion 4 is generally lower than the Tg of the polymer brush 2 alone although it can not be defined uniquely because it depends on the kind of the polymer brush 2 and the liquid crystal molecule Lp to be used . The Tg of the coexisting portion 4 is also changed by the degree of penetration of the liquid crystal molecules Lp into the polymer brush 2 (i.e., the ratio between the polymer brush 2 and the liquid crystal molecules Lp). Concretely, in the coexisting portion 4, the coexisting portion 4 on the side of the liquid crystal molecule Lp having a large proportion of the liquid crystal molecules Lp has the polymer brush layer 3 having a low Tg and a small proportion of the liquid crystal molecules Lp (Tg) of the coexisting portion (4) on the side of the coexisting portion (4).

However, when the polymer brush (2) is represented by the general formula (1), X in the general formula (1) is H or CH ₃ , m is a positive integer and the Tg of the polymer brush is -5 ° C or lower, The liquid crystal molecules Lp are aligned in the plane horizontal to the surface of the substrate 13B at room temperature while the Tg of the liquid crystal molecules 4 is sufficiently lower than the room temperature, (Zero plane anchoring state) can be realized.

The surface of the substrate 13B may be subjected to a planarizing process as required. The planarization treatment is not particularly limited and can be carried out by using methods known in the art. An example of the planarizing treatment is a method of forming a planarizing film on the surface of the substrate 13B. For example, a UV curable transparent resin or the like may be coated on the surface of the substrate 13B and UV-cured.

Examples of the substrate 13B include an array substrate and an opposing substrate.

An example of the array substrate is an active matrix array substrate. In an active matrix array substrate, generally, gate wirings and source wirings are arranged in a matrix on a glass substrate, active elements such as thin film transistors (TFTs) are formed at the intersections thereof, .

An example of the counter substrate is a color filter substrate. In general, a color filter substrate is formed by forming a black matrix on a glass substrate to prevent unwanted light spots and then patterning R (red), G (green), and B (blue) colored layers to form a protective film . When these substrates 13B are used, the surface of the substrate 13B may be coated with a transparent resin and cured to form a planarized film.

The polymer brush 2 formed on the substrate 13B is represented by the general formula (1). In the general formula (1), X is H or CH ₃ , m is a positive integer, and the polymer brush has a Tg of -5 Lt; 0 > C or less. Here, the polymer brush 2 preferably has a structure in which a plurality of graft polymer chains are dense and elongated in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the substrate 13B.

Generally, a graft polymer chain having one end fixed to the surface of the substrate 13B has a contracted structure on a random coil when the graft density is low, but since the polymer brush 2 has a high graft density, the interaction of adjacent graft polymer chains (Three-dimensional repulsion) in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the substrate 13B.

Refers to the density of a graft polymer chain that is dense enough to cause steric repulsion between adjacent graft polymer chains, and generally refers to a density of 0.1 or more strands / nm ² , preferably 0.1 to 1.2 strands / nm ² to be. In the present specification, "density of graft polymer chain" means the number of strands of the graft polymer chain formed on the surface of the substrate 13B per unit area (nm ² ).

Also, the polymer brush 2 may be formed such that a plurality of graft polymer chains are formed at a density lower than the density shown above.

The polymer brush 2 forms a polymer brush 2 layer on the surface of the substrate 13B. The thickness of the polymer brush 2 layer is not particularly limited, but is generally several tens nm, specifically, 1 nm or more and less than 100 nm, preferably 10 nm to 80 nm. Also, the size of the polymer brush (2) has a size exclusion effect, so that a certain size of material can not pass through the polymer brush (2) layer. Therefore, even if the thickness of the polymer brush 2 layer is reduced, it is possible to prevent the impurities from entering the liquid crystal molecule (Lp) from the base (base).

The method of forming the polymer brush 2 is not particularly limited and can be carried out by using a method known in the art. Specifically, the polymer brush 2 can be formed by living radical polymerization of a radically polymerizable monomer. In the present specification, 'living radical polymerization' means a polymerization reaction in which a chain transfer reaction and a termination reaction do not substantially occur in a radical polymerization reaction, and a chain growth terminal remains active even after radical polymerizable monomers are reacted do.

In this polymerization reaction, the polymerization activity is maintained at the end of the produced polymer even after completion of the polymerization reaction, and the polymerization reaction can be started again when a radical polymerizable monomer is added. The living radical polymerization is also characterized in that a polymer having an arbitrary average molecular weight can be synthesized by controlling the concentration ratio of the radical polymerizable monomer and the polymerization initiator, and the molecular weight distribution of the resulting polymer is very narrow.

A typical example of living radical polymerization is Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP). For example, the atom transferring living radical polymerization of a radically polymerizable monomer is carried out using a halogenated copper / ligand complex in the presence of a polymerization initiator. Radical polymerizable monomers are added to a growth radical in which a halogenated copper / ligand complex reversibly grows by grafting a polymer terminal halogen, and the molecular weight distribution is regulated by reversible activation / deactivation of a sufficient frequency.

Radical polymerizable monomers used in living radical polymerization are those having unsaturated bonds capable of performing radical polymerization in the presence of organic radicals and include, for example, t-butyl methacrylate, hexyl methacrylate, 2- ethyl Methacrylate monomers such as hexyl methacrylate, nonyl methacrylate, lauryl methacrylate and n-octyl methacrylate, and monomers such as t-butyl acrylate, hexyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, (E.g., o-, m-, p-methoxystyrene, o-, m-, or p-toluenesulfonic acid) with an acrylate-based monomer such as benzyl acrylate, benzyl acrylate, lauryl acrylate, (e.g., vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, vinyl benzoate, etc.), vinyl ketones (e.g., vinyl methyl ketone, vinyl hexyl Ketones, (N-vinylpyrrolidone, N-vinylcarbazole, N-vinylindole, etc.), (meth) acrylic acid derivatives (for example, Vinyl chloride (e.g., vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, tetrachlorethylene, hexachloroprene, vinyl fluoride, etc.)) such as acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, acrylamide, isopropylacrylamide, methacrylamide and the like Monomers. These various radical polymerizable monomers may be used singly or in combination of two or more kinds.

The polymerization initiator is not particularly limited, and those generally known in living radical polymerization can be used. Examples of the polymerization initiator include p-chloromethylstyrene, alpha -dichloroxylene, alpha, alpha -dichloroxylene, alpha, alpha -dibromoxylene, hexakis (alpha -bromomethyl) benzene, benzyl chloride, benzyl bromide, 1- Bromo-1-phenylethane, 1-chloro-1-phenylethane and the like, and a benzyl halide such as propyl-2-bromopropionate, methyl-2-chloropropionate, ethyl-2-chloropropionate , Tosyl halides such as p-toluenesulfonyl chloride (TsCl), and tetraaryl halides such as methyl-2-bromopropionate and ethyl-2-bromoisobutyrate (EBIB) Alkyl halides such as chloromethane, tribromomethane, 1-vinylethyl chloride and 1-vinylethyl bromide, and halogen derivatives of phosphoric acid esters such as dimethyl phosphate. These various polymerization initiators may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

The halogenated copper that provides the copper halide / ligand complex is not particularly limited and those generally known in living radical polymerization can be used. Examples of the halogenated copper include CuBr, CuCl, CuI and the like. These various halogenated copper may be used singly or in combination of two or more kinds.

The ligand compound which provides the copper halide / ligand complex is not particularly limited and those generally known in living radical polymerization can be used. Examples of the ligand compound include triphenylphosphine, 4,4'-dinonyl-2,2'-dipyridine (dNbipy), N, N, N ', N'N "-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine, 1,4,7,10,10-hexamethyltriethylenetetraamine, and the like. These ligand compounds may be used singly or in combination of two or more.

The amount of the radical polymerizable monomer, the polymerization initiator, the halogenated copper and the ligand compound may be appropriately adjusted according to the kind of raw material to be used, but generally 5 to 10000 mol, preferably 50 to 5000 mol, of the radical polymerizable monomer per 1 mol of the polymerization initiator 0.1 to 100 mol, preferably 0.5 to 100 mol, and 0.2 to 200 mol, preferably 1.0 to 200 mol, of the ligand compound.

The living radical polymerization is usually carried out in the absence of solvent, but a solvent generally used in living radical polymerization may be used. Examples of usable solvents include benzene, toluene, N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), acetone, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, tetrahydrofuran (THF) And an aqueous solvent such as water, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, ethyl cellosolve, butyl cellosolve and 1-methoxy-2-propanol. These solvents may be used singly or in combination of two or more kinds. The amount of the solvent may be appropriately adjusted according to the kind of the raw material to be used, but the solvent is generally 0.01 to 100 ml, preferably 0.05 to 10 ml per gram of the radical polymerizable monomer.

The living radical polymerization can be carried out by immersing the substrate 13B in a solution for forming a polymer brush containing the raw material or applying and heating a solution for forming a polymer brush containing the raw material to the substrate 13B. The heating conditions are not particularly limited and can be suitably adjusted according to the raw materials to be used. In general, the heating temperature is 60 to 150 占 폚 and the heating time is 0.1 to 10 hours. This polymerization reaction is generally carried out at atmospheric pressure, but may be pressurized or reduced. Further, the substrate 13B may be cleaned before forming the polymer brush 2, if necessary.

The molecular weight of the polymer brush 2 formed by the living radical polymerization can be adjusted depending on the reaction temperature, the reaction time, the kind and amount of raw materials to be used, but generally the number average molecular weight is 500 to 1,000,000, preferably 1,000 to 500,000 The polymer brush 2 can be formed. Further, the molecular weight distribution (M _w / M _n ) of the polymer brush 2 can be controlled to be between 1.05 and 1.60.

The polymer brush 2 may be formed on the surface of the substrate 13B through the immobilizing film if necessary from the viewpoint of enhancing the fixation between the substrate 13B and the polymer brush 2. [ The immobilizing film is not particularly limited as long as the substrate 13B and the polymer brush 2 are excellent in fixability, and those generally known in living radical polymerization can be used. An example of the immobilized film is a film formed from an alkoxysilane compound represented by the following general formula (2).

Formula 2

R ² is each independently a methyl group or an ethyl group, X is a halogen atom, preferably Br, and n is an integer of from ¹ to 3. In the general formula (2), R ¹ is each independently a C1 to C3 alkyl group, preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group, Is an integer of 3 to 10, more preferably an integer of 4 to 8.

It is preferable that the polymer brush 2 is covalently bonded to the immobilization film. If the immobilizing film and the polymer brush 2 are connected by a covalent bond having strong bonding force, peeling of the polymer brush 2 can be sufficiently prevented. As a result, the possibility of degradation of the characteristics of the liquid crystal panel 11 is reduced and the reliability of the liquid crystal panel 11 is improved.

The method of forming the immobilized film is not particularly limited and may be suitably set according to the material to be used. The immobilization film can be formed, for example, by immersing the substrate 13B in a solution for immobilizing a film, or applying the solution for immobilizing the film to the substrate 13B and then drying. Here, in order to form a fixed film on a predetermined portion, masking may be performed on a portion where a fixed film is not formed. Further, the substrate 13B may be cleaned before forming the immobilization film, if necessary.

A method of injecting the liquid crystal material including the liquid crystal molecules Lp and the chiral agent between the substrate 13A and the substrate 13B on which the polymer brush 2 is formed is not particularly limited and a vacuum injection method using capillary phenomenon, And a liquid drop injection method (ODF: One Drop Filling). For example, in the case of using the vacuum injection method using the capillary phenomenon, the following procedure is performed.

First, an electrode layer 15 is formed on a one-sided substrate 13A by a known method. On the other substrate 13B, after a spacer is formed by a known method such as photolithography, a fixing film (if necessary) and a polymer brush 2 are formed. Here, if necessary, a planarization film or the like may be formed on the substrate 13B (other than the spacer portion), and the immobilized film (if necessary) and the polymer brush 2 may be formed thereon.

Next, the one-side substrate 13A is cleaned and dried, and then the sealing material is applied to the other substrate 13B, and the sealing material is cured by heating or UV irradiation or the like. Here, it is necessary to open an injection port for injecting the liquid crystal material including the liquid crystal molecules (Lp) and the chiral agent into a part of the sealing material. Next, the liquid crystal material including the liquid crystal molecules Lp and the chiral agent is injected between the substrates 13A and 13B by the vacuum injection method, and then the injection port is sealed.

The liquid crystal molecule (Lp) used in the present invention is not particularly limited, and those known in the art can be used. It is preferable that the NI point (phase transition temperature from the N phase to the I phase) of the liquid crystal molecule Lp is higher than the Tg of the coexisting portion 4 as the liquid crystal molecule Lp.

The chiral agent is not particularly limited, and those known in the art can be used.

As described above, according to the liquid crystal panel 11, the substrate 13B on which the backlight unit 12, the weak anchoring alignment film 17, and the weak anchoring alignment film 17 are disposed are disposed opposite to each other with a gap therebetween A liquid crystal layer 18 disposed between the weak anchoring orientation film 17 and the strong anchoring orientation film 16 and driven by the liquid crystal molecules Lp to transmit or block the light, And a driving electrode layer 15 provided on one of the liquid crystal molecules Lp and 13B for applying an electric field E to the liquid crystal molecules Lp and the liquid crystal molecules 18 in the initial alignment state in the non- Lp).

The liquid crystal molecules Lp in which the alignment direction is displaced by the electric field E generated in the driving electrode layer 15 are returned to the initial alignment state by the restoring force imparted by the chiral agent, It is possible to speed up the driving of the motor. This makes it possible to improve the display responsiveness of the liquid crystal panel 11. Further, there is no need to provide a separate electrode or the like in order to return the liquid crystal molecules Lp to the initial state, and a simple configuration can be achieved while suppressing power consumption.

Further, when the electric field E is applied, the weak anchoring alignment film 17 has a binding force for restricting the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules Lp, which is smaller than that of the strong anchoring alignment film 16.

As the magnitude of the applied electric field E increases in the state of applying the electric field E, the amount of displacement of the liquid crystal molecules Lp in the vicinity of the weakly anchoring alignment film 17 in the alignment direction increases gradually.

Thus, when a predetermined voltage sufficient to change the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules Lp on the side of the weak anchoring alignment film 17 is applied, the liquid crystal layer 18 of the liquid crystal panel 11 can be driven to perform display. Therefore, the liquid crystal molecules Lp can be driven at a low voltage.

Further, according to the above configuration, light is changed according to the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules Lp in the non-exposed state of the electric field E, and almost all light is absorbed in the polarizing plate 14B, and the transmittance becomes almost zero. On the other hand, in a state in which the electric field E above a certain value is applied, the liquid crystal layer 18 is aligned in the same direction parallel to the electric field direction and almost all the light incident on the liquid crystal panel 11 is polarized by the polarizer 14B It becomes possible to perform display with high transmittance and high contrast ratio.

≪ Second Embodiment >

Next, a second embodiment of the liquid crystal display element according to the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment to be described below, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted. In the second embodiment, the arrangement of the electrode lines 20B of the driving electrode layer 15 is different from that of the first embodiment.

6 shows the relationship between the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the first alignment film and the electrode line in the liquid crystal panel of the liquid crystal display shown in the second embodiment, in which liquid crystal having the dielectric constant anisotropy is used and no electric field is applied FIG. 7 is a graph showing the relationship between the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the first alignment film and the direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the first alignment film in the state in which the liquid crystal having the dielectric constant anisotropy is used in the liquid crystal panel shown in the second embodiment, Fig.

As shown in Fig. 6, in the second embodiment, the driving electrode layer 15 is formed by juxtaposing a plurality of electrode lines 20B along the surface of the substrate 13A. Here, each of the electrode lines 20B is formed so as to be inclined with respect to the direction Y along the major axis direction, for example, along the substrate 13A. The driving electrode layer 15 is formed by juxtaposing the electrode lines 20B at regular intervals along a direction X orthogonal to the direction Y along the substrate 13A.

1, in the liquid crystal layer 18, the positive liquid crystal molecules (Lp) in the non-exposed state of the electric field (E) are shifted from the strong anchoring orientation film 16 side to the weak anchoring orientation film 17 side by the addition of the chiral agent To an initial alignment state that is twisted in a helical direction. In this state, on the side of the strong anchoring alignment film 16, the liquid crystal molecules Lp are aligned along the alignment treatment direction (direction X) in the strong anchoring alignment film 16. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, positive liquid crystal molecules Lp are formed between the adjacent electrode lines 20B and 20B in the driving electrode layer 15 in the state of no electric field (E) at the weakened anchoring alignment film 17 side (Direction Y) on the weak anchoring alignment film 17 side.

The positive liquid crystal molecules Lp in the liquid crystal layer 18 are aligned such that the major axis direction is the initial orientation along the alignment processing direction (direction X) of the steel anchoring orientation film 16 on the side of the steel anchoring orientation film 16 even when the electric field E is applied, State. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 7, the liquid crystal molecules Lp are displaced in the plane parallel to the substrate 13B by the applied electric field E on the side of the weak anchoring alignment film 17, When the constant value is reached, the major axis direction thereof follows a direction parallel to the electric field E, that is, a direction orthogonal to the electrode line 20B.

In the liquid crystal panel 11 of the present embodiment having such a driving electrode layer 15 as well, the liquid crystal molecules Lp whose alignment direction is displaced by the electric field E generated in the driving electrode layer 15 are disposed in the electric field E ), The liquid crystal molecules Lp can be driven at high speed by returning to the spirally initial alignment state by the restoring force given by the chiral agent. This makes it possible to improve the display responsiveness of the liquid crystal panel 11. In this embodiment, when the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules Lp on the weak anchoring alignment film 17 side is parallel to the electric field E, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules Lp and the transmission axis direction of the polarizer 14B are completely The maximum transmittance is slightly lower than that of the configuration of the first embodiment, but it is possible to realize a maximum transmittance higher than that of the conventional liquid crystal panel of the IPS system.

≪ Third Embodiment >

Next, a liquid crystal display element according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment to be described below, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as in the first and second embodiments, and the description thereof is omitted. In the third embodiment, the arrangement of the electrode lines 20C of the driving electrode layer 15 is different from that of the first and second embodiments.

8 is a view showing the relationship between the direction of the liquid crystal molecule alignment in the vicinity of the first alignment film and the electrode line in the liquid crystal panel of the liquid crystal display shown in the third embodiment using a liquid crystal having an anisotropy of dielectric constant and not applying an electric field to be. 9 shows another example of the relationship between the direction of the liquid crystal molecules and the direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the first alignment film in the state where the liquid crystal having the positive dielectric anisotropy is used in the liquid crystal panel of the liquid crystal display shown in the third embodiment and the electric field is applied Fig.

As shown in Fig. 8, in the third embodiment, the driving electrode layer 15 is formed by juxtaposing a plurality of electrode lines 20C along the surface of the substrate 13A. Each of the electrode lines 20C has a first inclined portion 20a inclined at a predetermined angle alpha with respect to the direction Y along the substrate 13A and a second inclined portion 20b inclined at a predetermined angle- Section 20b is continuous in the direction Y which is the major axis direction. The driving electrode layer 15 is formed by juxtaposing the electrode lines 20C at regular intervals along the direction X perpendicular to the direction Y along the substrate 13A.

In the driving electrode layer 15 as described above, the orientation direction X (direction X) of the strong anchoring alignment film 16 is formed between the adjacent electrode lines 20C and 20C of the positive type liquid crystal molecules Lp in the non- As shown in Fig.

1, in the liquid crystal layer 18, the positive liquid crystal molecules (Lp) in the non-exposed state of the electric field (E) are shifted from the strong anchoring orientation film 16 side to the weak anchoring orientation film 17 side by the addition of the chiral agent To an initial alignment state that is twisted in a helical direction. In this state, on the side of the steel anchoring orientation film 16, the liquid crystal molecules Lp are oriented along the orientation treatment direction (direction X) in the steel anchoring orientation film 16. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 8, the positive liquid crystal molecules Lp are formed between the adjacent electrode lines 20B and 20B in the driving electrode layer 15 in the state of no electric field (E) in the weak anchoring alignment film 17 side (Direction Y) on the weak anchoring alignment film 17 side.

The positive liquid crystal molecules Lp in the liquid crystal layer 18 are aligned in the initial orientation state (direction X) along the orientation treatment direction (direction X) of the strong anchoring orientation film 16 in the direction of the strong anchoring orientation film 16, Lt; / RTI > On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, the liquid crystal molecules Lp are displaced in the plane parallel to the substrate 13B by the applied electric field E on the side of the weak anchoring alignment film 17, The direction of the long axis is oriented so as to be orthogonal to the first inclined portion 20a and the second inclined portion 20b. More specifically, when the electric field E is applied, the liquid crystal molecules Lp are orthogonal to the first inclined portions 20a between the first inclined portions 20a and 20a and between the second inclined portions 20b and 20b The liquid crystal molecules Lp are orthogonal to the second inclined portion 20b.

Here, in the driving electrode layer 15, the electrode line 20C is bent in a <shape in each pixel. Therefore, when the electric field E is applied, the liquid crystal molecules Lp inclined at an angle? With respect to the direction X and the liquid crystal molecules Lp inclined at an angle-alpha are mixed to form an image. As a result, image deterioration when the liquid crystal panel 11 is viewed from a diagonal direction inclined with respect to the panel surface can be suppressed.

In the liquid crystal panel 11 of the present embodiment having such a driving electrode layer 15 as well, the liquid crystal molecules Lp whose alignment direction is displaced by the electric field E generated in the driving electrode layer 15 are disposed in the electric field E ), The liquid crystal molecules Lp can be driven at a higher speed by returning to the spirally initial alignment state by the restoring force given by the chiral agent. This makes it possible to improve the display responsiveness of the liquid crystal panel 11. In this embodiment, when the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules Lp on the weak anchoring alignment film 17 side is parallel to the electric field E, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules Lp and the transmission axis direction of the polarizer 14B are completely The maximum transmittance is slightly lower than that of the configuration of the first embodiment, but it is possible to realize a maximum transmittance higher than that of the conventional liquid crystal panel of the IPS system.

&Lt; Fourth Embodiment &

Next, a fourth embodiment of the liquid crystal display element according to the present invention will be described. In the fourth embodiment to be described below, the same reference numerals are given to the components common to the first to third embodiments, and the description thereof is omitted. In the fourth embodiment, the same driving electrode layer 15 as in the first embodiment is provided, and the negative type liquid crystal molecules Ln are driven.

10 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a liquid crystal display shown as a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the distribution of orientation directions of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal panel of the liquid crystal display shown as the fourth embodiment in a state where a liquid crystal having a negative dielectric anisotropy is used and an electric field is applied. Fig. 12 is a graph showing the relationship between the direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the first alignment film and the direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the first alignment film in the liquid crystal panel of the liquid crystal display shown in the fourth embodiment using a liquid crystal having a negative dielectric constant anisotropy, Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the direction of the liquid crystal molecules and the direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal panel of the liquid crystal display shown in the fourth embodiment, in which liquid crystal having a negative dielectric anisotropy is used and an electric field is applied.

10 and 11, in the embodiment, the polarizing plate 14A and the polarizing plate 14B are arranged in parallel Nicols, and the transmission axis directions of the polarizing plate 14A and the polarizing plate 14B are set so as to follow the direction Y have.

The driving electrode layer 15 is formed by juxtaposing a plurality of electrode lines 20A along the surface of the substrate 13A. As shown in Figs. 12 and 13, each of the electrode lines 20A is formed in a straight line so that the major axis direction thereof extends along the direction Y in a plane parallel to the surface of the substrate 13A, for example. The driving electrode layer 15 is juxtaposed at regular intervals along the direction X orthogonal to the direction Y within the plane parallel to the surface of the substrate 13A.

The liquid crystal molecules Ln of the liquid crystal layer 18 have a negative dielectric anisotropy and a small negative dielectric constant in the major axis direction and a large negative major axis in the major axis direction.

10, the alignment treatment direction of the steel anchoring alignment film 16 for regulating the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules Ln in the non-exposed electric field (E) (Direction Y in Fig. 10) parallel to the major axis direction of each electrode line 20A. The orientation direction of the weak anchoring orientation film 17 is set to be perpendicular to the orientation orientation direction of the strong anchoring orientation film 16 (direction X in Fig. 10).

The liquid crystal molecules 18 are aligned in a spiral (initial alignment state) from the side of the strong anchoring alignment film 16 to the side of the weak anchoring alignment film 17 while the liquid crystal molecules 18 are not exposed to the electric field E E), a chiral agent is added to give a restoring force for restoring the spirally initial alignment state.

10, the negative-direction liquid crystal molecules Ln of the liquid crystal layer 18 are aligned such that the long axis direction of the negative-direction liquid crystal molecules Ln on the side of the strong anchoring alignment film 16 is aligned in the alignment processing direction of the strong anchoring alignment film 16 ). On the other hand, on the weak anchoring alignment film 17 side, the long axis direction is aligned with the alignment processing direction (direction X in Fig. 10) of the weakening anchor alignment film 17.

In the liquid crystal display 10 of the present embodiment, the light having passed through the polarizing plate 14A from the backlight unit 12 side in the electric field E unoccupied changes in the polarization plane along the alignment direction distribution of the liquid crystal molecules Ln And almost all the light is absorbed by the opposite polarizing plate 14B.

As shown in Fig. 11, in the negative-type liquid-crystal molecules Ln, on the side of the strong anchoring alignment film 16, the direction of the alignment of the strong anchoring alignment film 16 in the long axis direction is Maintaining the following initial alignment state (direction Y). On the other hand, as shown in Figs. 11 and 13, on the weak anchoring alignment film 17 side, the liquid crystal molecules Ln are displaced in the plane parallel to the substrate 13B by the applied electric field E, When the intensity reaches a certain value, the major axis direction thereof follows a direction orthogonal to the electric field E, that is, a direction Y parallel to the substrate 13B. In the state of applying the electric field E as described above, the amount of displacement of the liquid crystal molecules Ln in the alignment direction in the initial alignment state in the vicinity of the weak anchoring alignment film 17 gradually increases as the magnitude of the applied electric field E increases. (Direction Y) of the liquid crystal molecules Ln on the side of the weak anchoring alignment film 17 becomes orthogonal to the electric field E, and when the electric field is applied from the side of the strong anchoring alignment film 16 The alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules Ln of the liquid crystal layer 18 becomes equal toward the weakened anchoring alignment film 17 side. As a result, light from the backlight unit 12 side is transmitted through the liquid crystal panel 11.

When the application of the electric field E is stopped from the state in which the electric field E is applied, the liquid crystal molecules Ln of the liquid crystal layer 18 are aligned in the direction of the liquid crystal molecules Ln by the restoring force imparted by the chiral agent 10 to the spiral initial alignment state as shown in Fig. That is, on the side of the strong anchoring alignment film 16, the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules Ln is maintained along the alignment treatment direction (the direction Y in FIG. 10) of the strong anchoring orientation film 16. On the other hand, on the side of the weak anchoring alignment film 17 of the liquid crystal layer 18, the alignment direction is displaced such that the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules Ln follows the alignment treatment direction of the weakly anchoring alignment film 17 (direction X in FIG. 10) . As a result, the liquid crystal molecules Ln return to the initial orientation state in which the displacement angle of the alignment angle in the major axis direction gradually increases from the side of the strong anchoring orientation film 16 toward the side of the weak anchoring orientation film 17 and twisted.

In the liquid crystal panel 11 of the present embodiment having such a driving electrode layer 15 as well, the liquid crystal molecules Ln whose alignment direction is displaced by the electric field E generated by the driving electrode layer 15, It is possible to speed up the driving of the liquid crystal molecules Ln by restoring the liquid crystal molecules to the initial alignment state by the restoring force imparted by the liquid crystal molecules Ln. This makes it possible to improve the display responsiveness of the liquid crystal panel 11. In addition, there is no need to provide separate electrodes or the like in order to return the liquid crystal molecules Ln to the initial state, and a simple configuration can be achieved while suppressing power consumption.

&Lt; Embodiment 5 >

Next, a fifth embodiment of the liquid crystal display element according to the present invention will be described. In the fifth embodiment described below, the same reference numerals are given to the components common to the first to fourth embodiments, and the description thereof is omitted. In the fifth embodiment, the same driving electrode layer 15 as the second embodiment is provided and the negative type liquid crystal molecules Ln are driven.

14 is a graph showing the relationship between the direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the first alignment film and the direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the first alignment film in a state in which liquid crystal having negative dielectric anisotropy is used in the liquid crystal panel shown in the fifth embodiment, Fig. Fig. 15 is a graph showing the relationship between the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the first dye-attracting film and the direction of alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the first dye-sensitized film in a state in which liquid crystal having negative dielectric anisotropy is used in the liquid crystal panel of the liquid crystal display shown in the fifth embodiment, Fig.

In the present embodiment, the transmission axis directions of the one-side polarizing plate 14A and the polarizing plate 14B are set so as to follow the direction Y in the same manner as in the fourth embodiment.

As shown in Fig. 14, the driving electrode layer 15 is formed by juxtaposing a plurality of electrode lines 20B along the surface of the substrate 13A. Each of the electrode lines 20B is formed so as to be inclined with respect to the direction Y along the major axis direction, for example, along the substrate 13A. The driving electrode layer 15 is formed by juxtaposing the electrode lines 20B at regular intervals along a direction X orthogonal to the direction Y along the substrate 13A.

10, in the liquid crystal layer 18, in the absence of the electric field E, the liquid crystal molecules Ln are spirally directed from the side of the strong anchoring alignment film 16 to the side of the weak anchoring alignment film 17 by the addition of the chiral agent To the initial alignment state. In this state, on the side of the steel anchoring alignment film 16, the liquid crystal molecules Ln are aligned along the alignment treatment direction (direction Y) in the steel anchoring alignment film 16. [ On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 14, in the absence of the electric field (E), the negative type liquid crystal molecules Ln are formed between the adjacent electrode lines 20B and 20B in the driving electrode layer 15 on the weak anchor alignment film 17 side (Direction X) on the weak anchoring alignment film 17 side.

In the liquid crystal layer 18, even if the electric field E is applied, the negative-direction liquid crystal molecules Ln are aligned such that the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules Ln on the side of the strong anchoring alignment film 16 is oriented in the alignment processing direction of the strong anchoring alignment film 16 Direction &lt; / RTI &gt; Y). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15, the liquid crystal molecules Ln are displaced in the plane parallel to the substrate 13B by the applied electric field E on the side of the weak anchoring alignment film 17, When the constant value is reached, the major axis direction thereof follows a direction orthogonal to the electric field E, that is, a direction parallel to the electrode line 20B.

In the liquid crystal panel 11 of the present embodiment having such a driving electrode layer 15 as well, the liquid crystal molecules Ln whose alignment direction is displaced by the electric field E generated in the driving electrode layer 15, The driving of the liquid crystal molecules Ln can be speeded up by restoring the liquid crystal molecules to the initial alignment state by the restoring force imparted by the liquid crystal molecules Ln. This makes it possible to improve the display responsiveness of the liquid crystal panel 11. Further, there is no need to provide a separate electrode or the like in order to return the liquid crystal molecules Ln to the initial state, and a simple configuration can be achieved while suppressing power consumption. In the present embodiment, when the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules Ln on the weak anchoring alignment film 17 side is perpendicular to the electric field E, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules Ln and the direction of the transmission axis of the polarizer 14B The maximum transmittance is slightly lower than that of the structure shown in the fourth embodiment. However, it is possible to realize a maximum transmittance higher than that of the conventional IPS liquid crystal panel.

&Lt; Sixth Embodiment &

Next, a sixth embodiment of the liquid crystal display element according to the present invention will be described. In the sixth embodiment described below, the same reference numerals are given to the components common to the first to fifth embodiments, and the description thereof is omitted. In the sixth embodiment, the same driving electrode layer 15 as in the third embodiment is provided, and the negative type liquid crystal molecules Ln are driven.

16 is a graph showing the relationship between the direction of the liquid crystal molecule alignment in the vicinity of the first alignment film and the direction of the first alignment film in a state in which liquid crystal having a negative dielectric constant anisotropy is used in the liquid crystal panel of the liquid crystal display shown as the sixth embodiment, Fig. 17 is a graph showing the relationship between the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the first alignment film and the direction of alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the first alignment film in the state where a liquid crystal having a negative dielectric constant anisotropy is used in the liquid crystal panel of the liquid crystal display shown in the sixth embodiment, Fig.

In the present embodiment, the transmission axis directions of the one-side polarizing plate 14A and the polarizing plate 14B are set so as to follow the direction Y, respectively, as in the fourth embodiment.

As shown in Fig. 16, the driving electrode layer 15 is formed by juxtaposing a plurality of electrode lines 20C along the surface of the substrate 13A. Each of the electrode lines 20C includes a first inclined portion 20a inclined at a predetermined angle alpha with respect to the direction Y along the substrate 13A in each pixel and a second inclined portion 20b inclined at a predetermined angle- 20b are continuous in the direction Y which is the major axis direction. The driving electrode layer 15 is formed by juxtaposing the electrode lines 20C at regular intervals along the direction X perpendicular to the direction Y along the substrate 13A.

10, in the liquid crystal layer 18, in the absence of the electric field E, the liquid crystal molecules Ln are spirally directed from the side of the strong anchoring alignment film 16 to the side of the weak anchoring alignment film 17 by the addition of the chiral agent To the initial alignment state. In this state, on the side of the steel anchoring alignment film 16, the liquid crystal molecules Ln are aligned along the alignment treatment direction (direction Y) in the steel anchoring alignment film 16. [ On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 16, the negative type liquid crystal molecules (Ln) are formed between the adjacent electrode lines 20B and 20B in the driving electrode layer 15 on the weak anchoring alignment film 17 side in the absence of the electric field (E) (Direction X) on the weak anchoring alignment film 17 side.

In the liquid crystal layer 18, even if the electric field E is applied, the negative-direction liquid crystal molecules Ln are aligned such that the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules Ln on the side of the strong anchoring alignment film 16 is oriented in the alignment processing direction of the strong anchoring alignment film 16 Direction &lt; / RTI &gt; Y). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 17, on the side of the weak anchoring alignment film 17, the liquid crystal molecules Ln are displaced in the plane parallel to the substrate 13B by the applied electric field E, When the constant value is reached, the long axis direction is oriented so as to be parallel to the first inclined portion 20a and the second inclined portion 20b. More specifically, when the electric field E is applied, the liquid crystal molecules Ln are parallel to the first inclined portions 20a between the first inclined portions 20a and 20a and between the second inclined portions 20b and 20b The liquid crystal molecules Ln are parallel to the second inclined portions 20b.

Here, in the driving electrode layer 15, the electrode line 20C is bent in a <shape in each pixel. Therefore, when the electric field E is applied, the liquid crystal molecules Ln inclined at two different angles are mixed to form an image. As a result, it is possible to suppress image deterioration when the liquid crystal panel 11 is viewed from a diagonal direction inclined with respect to the panel surface.

In the liquid crystal panel 11 of the present embodiment having such a driving electrode layer 15 as well, the liquid crystal molecules Ln whose alignment direction is displaced by the electric field E generated in the driving electrode layer 15, The driving of the liquid crystal molecules Ln can be speeded up by restoring the liquid crystal molecules to the initial alignment state by the restoring force imparted by the liquid crystal molecules Ln. This makes it possible to improve the display responsiveness of the liquid crystal panel 11. In addition, there is no need to provide separate electrodes or the like in order to return the liquid crystal molecules Ln to the initial state, and a simple configuration can be achieved while suppressing power consumption.

In the present embodiment, when the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules Ln on the weak anchoring alignment film 17 side is perpendicular to the electric field E, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules Ln and the direction of the transmission axis of the polarizer 14B The maximum transmittance is slightly lower than that of the structure shown in the fourth embodiment. However, it is possible to realize a maximum transmittance higher than that of the conventional IPS liquid crystal panel.

While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will appreciate various modifications and equivalent arrangements.

Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements of those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention, which is defined in the claims, are also included in the present invention.

For example, in the above embodiment, specific methods of forming the steel anchoring orientation film 16 and the weak anchoring orientation film 17 are exemplified, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, if the orientation forcorrecting the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules (Lp, Ln) is different when the electric field E is applied in the strong anchoring orientation film 16 and weak anchor orientation film 17, ) And the weak anchoring alignment film 17 may be formed by any other method or material.

There are also chiral agents that cause left-handed and right-handed spirals, either of which may be used.

In the above embodiment, the strong anchoring orientation film 16 is disposed on the side of the backlight unit 12, and the weak anchoring orientation film 17 is disposed on the side away from the backlight unit 12. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The strong anchoring orientation film 16 may be disposed on the side away from the backlight unit 12 and the weak anchoring orientation film 17 may be disposed on the backlight unit 12 side.

The driving electrode layer 15 is not limited to the backlight unit 12, and may be disposed on the opposite side.

In the first to sixth embodiments, the polarizing plate 14A and the polarizing plate 14B are arranged parallel to each other so that the direction of the transmission axis of the polarizing plate 14A is regulated in the direction in which the liquid crystal molecules L are oriented in the non- The direction of the transmission axis of the polarizing plate 14A may be regulated by regulating the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules L in the non-exposed state of the electric field E, Or may be made orthogonal to the orientation treatment direction of the steel anchoring orientation film 16 for the purpose.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the so-called normaly black type liquid crystal panel 11 in which the display is dark when the voltage is not applied and becomes bright when the voltage is applied has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The liquid crystal panel 11 may have a so-called normaly white configuration in which the display is bright when the voltage is not applied and becomes dark when the voltage is applied.

2: polymer brush 3: polymer brush layer
4: Coexistence part 7: Geometrical concave and convex structure
10: liquid crystal display 11: liquid crystal panel (liquid crystal display element)
11f: surface 11r: rear surface
12: backlight unit 13A: substrate (second substrate)
13B: substrate (first substrate) 14A: polarizing plate (first polarizing plate)
14B: polarizing plate (second polarizing plate) 15: driving electrode layer
16: steel anchoring orientation film (second orientation film) 17: weak anchoring orientation film (first orientation film)
18: liquid crystal layer 20: electrode line
20a: first inclined portion 20b: second inclined portion
21: Electrode line E: Electric field
L: liquid crystal molecule.

Claims (15)

A light source generating light,
A first substrate on which a first alignment film is formed,
A second substrate having a second alignment film disposed opposite to the first alignment film with a gap therebetween,
A liquid crystal layer disposed between the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer and configured to transmit or block the light by driving liquid crystal molecules;
And a driving electrode layer provided on either one of the first substrate and the second substrate and applying an electric field along the first substrate and the second substrate to the liquid crystal molecules,
Wherein the first alignment film has a binding force for restricting the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the initial alignment direction when the electric field is applied is smaller than that of the second alignment film so that on the side of the second alignment film, Wherein the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules is changed from an initial alignment direction to a direction along the electric field within a plane parallel to the surface of the second substrate on the side of the first alignment film, ,
Wherein a chiral agent is added to the liquid crystal layer to restore the liquid crystal molecules in an initial alignment direction in a state in which the electric field is not exposed.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the liquid crystal molecules are spirally arranged from the side of the second alignment film toward the side of the first alignment film in the absence of the electric field.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the chiral agent is added so that the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first alignment film side is warped by 90 ° with respect to the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second alignment film side in the electric field unenabled state.
The method according to claim 1,
A liquid crystal display in which an alignment treatment direction for restricting the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the initial alignment direction in the first alignment film and an alignment treatment direction for restricting the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the second alignment film are mutually orthogonal device.
delete 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Wherein an alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the first alignment film in an electric field unenergized state is determined by a warping force of the chiral agent.
The method according to claim 1,
A first polarizing plate provided on the first substrate side,
And a second polarizing plate provided on the second substrate side,
Wherein a transmission axis direction of the first polarizer and a transmission axis direction of the second polarizer are parallel to each other and a transmission axis direction of the first polarizer is parallel or orthogonal to the initial alignment direction of the second alignment film device.
The method according to claim 1,
A first polarizing plate provided on the first substrate side,
And a second polarizing plate provided on the second substrate side,
Wherein a transmission axis direction of the first polarizing plate and a transmission axis direction of the second polarizing plate are orthogonal to each other and a transmission axis direction of the first polarizing plate is parallel or orthogonal to the initial alignment direction of the second alignment film device.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein a liquid crystal display in which a displacement angle in the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules with respect to a state in which the liquid crystal molecules are aligned in the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal layer gradually increases from the second alignment film side toward the first alignment film side, device.
10. The method of claim 9,
The liquid crystal molecules located on the first alignment film side and the liquid crystal molecules positioned on the second alignment film side are aligned in the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules by the electric field generated by applying a predetermined voltage And the displacement angle difference of the alignment direction is not less than 0 DEG and not more than 90 DEG.
The method according to claim 1,
And a polymer brush is formed on the first substrate as the first alignment film.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the driving electrode layer comprises a plurality of electrode lines disposed on the first substrate or the second substrate surface,
Wherein the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate side is parallel or orthogonal to a direction in which the electrode lines are continuous when the electric field ratio is not set.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the driving electrode layer comprises a plurality of electrode lines disposed on the first substrate or the second substrate surface,
Wherein an alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate side is inclined with respect to a direction in which the electrode lines are continuous when the electric field ratio is not set.
The method according to claim 1,
And the dielectric anisotropy of the liquid crystal molecules is negative. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein a liquid crystal molecule has a positive dielectric anisotropy.

Images