TW201312208A - Liquid crystal element and liquid crystal display device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a novel liquid crystal element and liquid crystal display device. The liquid crystal element comprises: a first substrate, a second substrate, a first electrode disposed on the first substrate, a second electrode disposed on one side of the first substrate in a manner of separating from the first substrate, a switch element connected with the first and the second electrodes, a common electrode disposed on the second substrate and overlapped with the first and the second electrodes, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first and the second substrates. The alignment direction of the first and the second substrates is configured as a first alignment status for allowing the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer to be twisted toward the first direction, wherein the liquid crystal layer contains characteristic material for generating a second alignment status. The second alignment status represents that the liquid crystal molecules are twisted reversibly toward the first direction, so that the liquid crystal layer is changed toward the first alignment status via the application of voltage thereon between the second electrode and the common electrode, and the liquid crystal layer is changed toward the second alignment status via the application of voltage thereon between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Description

Liquid crystal element, liquid crystal display device

The present invention relates to novel liquid crystal elements and liquid crystal display devices that utilize transitions between two alignment states.

Japanese Patent No. 2510150 (Patent Document 1) discloses a liquid crystal display device in which alignment treatment of liquid crystal molecules is performed by twisting the alignment of liquid crystal molecules in a rotation direction opposite to the rotation direction to improve electro-optical characteristics (Conventional Example 1) The direction of rotation is limited by a combination of directions in which alignment treatment is performed on a pair of substrates disposed opposite each other. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2007-293278 (Patent Document 2) discloses a liquid crystal element in which a twist is applied in a rotation direction (second rotation direction) opposite to a rotation direction (first rotation direction). In the chiral agent, the direction of rotation is restricted by a combination of directions in which the pair of substrates disposed oppositely are aligned, and the liquid crystal molecules are twisted in the first rotation direction to perform alignment processing, thereby increasing the liquid crystal layer. The deformation makes it possible to further lower the threshold voltage and perform low voltage driving (Conventional Example 2).

However, in the liquid crystal display device of the above-described conventional example 1, the alignment state of the reverse twist is unstable, and a relatively high voltage can be applied to the liquid crystal layer to obtain a reverse twist alignment state, but there is a positive twist with time. The problem of the transition of the alignment state. Further, the liquid crystal element of Conventional Example 2 has an advantage of lowering the threshold voltage as described above, but has a problem that when the voltage is turned off, it immediately changes to a positively twisted alignment state (for example, a few seconds or so), and vice versa. Threshold voltage. Further, in any of the conventional examples 1 and 2, it is not assumed that the two types of alignment states, positive torsion and reverse torsion, are actively used for display or the like. That is, there is no disclosure or suggestion of a technical idea such as a structure, a driving method, and the like which are required to actively utilize the bi-stability.

In this regard, a technique relating to a reverse TN (Reverse Twisted Nematic) type liquid crystal element is disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2010-186045 (Patent Document 3): For the reverse twist orientation, when a vertical electric field is applied, the reverse twist alignment is stabilized (conventional example 3). However, the liquid crystal element of Conventional Example 3 has room for improvement in that the range in which good contrast is obtained is narrow.

Therefore, the inventors of the present application have a novel anti-cancellation against the problems in the above conventional examples 1 to 3. The TN type liquid crystal element was studied. Moreover, as one aspect of the liquid crystal display device using the above-described novel reverse TN type liquid crystal element, the inventors of the present application also drive liquid crystal display of each liquid crystal element by arranging a plurality of liquid crystal elements and using switching elements such as thin film transistors. The device was studied. Here, for example, Japanese Patent No. 4,238, 877 (Patent Document 4) discloses a configuration example of a switching element and an electrode for driving a horizontal electric field (Conventional Example 4). However, the configuration of the switching element and the electrode disclosed in the conventional example 4 is not suitable for driving the novel reverse TN type liquid crystal element developed by the inventors of the present application.

Patent literature

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 2510150

[Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2007-293278

[Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2010-186045

[Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent No. 4238877

It is an object of a specific aspect of the present invention to provide a novel liquid crystal element having a configuration of a switching element and an electrode suitable for generating a transition between two alignment states.

Further, another object of a specific aspect of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display device which can be driven with low power consumption using a novel liquid crystal element.

A liquid crystal element according to an aspect of the present invention includes: (a) a first substrate and a second substrate which are disposed to face each other, wherein one surface of each of the first substrate and the second substrate is subjected to alignment processing; and (b) a first electrode is provided in the first electrode One side of the first substrate; (c) a second electrode provided on one surface side of the first substrate so as to be apart from the first electrode; and (d) a switching element provided on one surface side of the first substrate And (e) the common electrode is provided on one surface side of the second substrate so that at least a portion thereof overlaps the first electrode and the second electrode; and (f) The liquid crystal layer is disposed between one surface of the first substrate and one surface of the second substrate, wherein (g) the direction of the alignment processing of the first substrate and the second substrate is set to generate a first alignment state. In the first alignment state, the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer are twisted in the first direction, and (h) the liquid crystal layer contains a chiral material having a property of a second alignment state, and the second alignment state causes the liquid crystal molecules to face the first 1 is twisted in the second direction opposite to the direction, (i) by the second electrode and the common electrode Applying a voltage between the liquid crystal layer and the first alignment state to the first alignment state, by A voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode to cause the liquid crystal layer to transition from the first alignment state to the second alignment state.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to obtain a novel liquid crystal element having a configuration of a switching element and an electrode suitable for generating a transition between two alignment states.

In the above liquid crystal element, preferably, at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode has a plurality of straight portions which are arranged in parallel to each other. Further, preferably, the first electrode and the second electrode are laminated via an insulating film.

Thereby, an electric field (transverse electric field) in a direction parallel to the substrate surface required for the transition between the two alignment states can be more effectively applied to the liquid crystal layer.

In the above liquid crystal element, it is preferable that the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer have a pretilt angle of 20 or more in the interface between the first substrate and the second substrate. Further, it is preferable to add the chiral material so that the ratio d/p of the layer thickness d of the liquid crystal layer to the chiral pitch is 0.04 or more and 0.6 or less.

Thereby, the bistable stability of the two alignment states can be further improved.

A liquid crystal display device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of pixel portions, and each of the pixel portions of the plurality of pixel portions is configured by the liquid crystal element of the present invention described above.

According to the above configuration, by utilizing the bistable (storability) of the two alignment states of the liquid crystal element, it is possible to obtain a liquid crystal display device which consumes substantially no power except for display rewriting.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1 is a schematic view schematically showing the principle of a reverse TN type liquid crystal element. In the reverse TN type liquid crystal element, as the basic structure, the upper substrate 1 and the lower substrate 2 which are opposed to each other and the liquid crystal layer 3 provided therebetween are provided. The surfaces of the upper substrate 1 and the lower substrate 2 are subjected to alignment processing such as rubbing treatment. The upper substrate 1 and the lower substrate 2 are opposed to each other in such a manner that their alignment processing (indicated by arrows in the drawing) intersects each other at an angle of about 90 degrees. The liquid crystal layer 3 is formed by injecting a nematic liquid crystal material between the upper substrate 1 and the lower substrate 2. The liquid crystal layer 3 employs a liquid crystal material to which a chiral material is added, which causes the liquid crystal molecules to face in a specific direction in the azimuthal direction (the right direction of rotation in the example of Fig. 1) The role of twisting. When the distance between the upper substrate 1 and the lower substrate 2 (unit thickness) is d and the chiral distance of the chiral material is p, the ratio of the ratio d/p is set to, for example, about 0.04 to 0.6. In the reverse TN type liquid crystal element, the liquid crystal layer 3 is twisted and stretched in the initial state (in the second alignment state) while being in the extended state by the action of the chiral material. When a voltage exceeding the saturation voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 3 in the twisted state in the layer thickness direction, the liquid crystal molecules are converted into a reverse twist state which is twisted in the left rotation direction (Uniform Twist state: first alignment state) ). In the liquid crystal layer 3 in this reverse twist state, since the liquid crystal molecules in the main body are inclined, the effect of lowering the driving voltage of the liquid crystal element is exhibited.

Fig. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the relationship between the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer and the direction of the electric field when transitioning from the reverse twist state to the extended twist state. As shown in FIG. 2(A), the electric field applied in the horizontal direction with respect to the substrate surface is set so as to be a liquid crystal molecule substantially in the center of the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer in the reverse twist state (Fig. The direction of the long axis of the liquid crystal molecule with the pattern attached is as parallel as possible, but becomes a vertical or nearly vertical state. Thereby, the liquid crystal molecules in the substantially center of the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer are realigned in the direction of the electric field. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2(B), the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer changes from the reverse twist state to the extended twist state. In addition, when an electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer in the reverse twist state so as to be parallel or nearly parallel to the long-axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules substantially in the center of the layer thickness direction, it is difficult to generate the twisted state from the reverse twist state to the extended twist state. change. This is because, in the substantially center of the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer, realignment of liquid crystal molecules is hardly caused by an electric field. According to the above, in order to freely transition between the two alignment states in the reverse TN type liquid crystal element, it is necessary to generate an electric field (longitudinal electric field) corresponding to the layer thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer and an electric field in the direction perpendicular thereto (transverse electric field) Further, the transverse electric field needs to be substantially perpendicular to or perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the liquid crystal molecules substantially at the center of the layer thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer in the reverse twist state. Regarding the element structure for freely applying these longitudinal electric field and transverse electric field, a specific example will be described below.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a reverse TN liquid crystal element of the first embodiment. In addition, Fig. 4 is a plan view of the reverse TN type liquid crystal element shown in Fig. 3. Further, Fig. 3 shows a cross section taken along line II-II shown in Fig. 4. The reverse TN liquid crystal element of the present embodiment shown in the drawings includes a first substrate (lower substrate) 11, a second substrate (upper substrate) 12, a first electrode 13, a common line 14, and a scanning line 15, The insulating film 16, the semiconductor film 17, the source electrode 18, the germanium electrode 19, the second electrode (pixel electrode) 20, the first alignment film 21, the second alignment film 22, the common electrode 23, and the liquid The crystal layer 24, the signal line 25, the first polarizing plate (lower polarizing plate) 31, and the second polarizing plate (upper polarizing plate) 32.

The first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 are arranged to face each other, and are, for example, transparent substrates such as a glass substrate and a plastic substrate. A plurality of spacers (granular bodies) (not shown) are disposed, for example, in a dispersed manner between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12, and the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 are held by the spacers. Interval between each other.

The first electrode 13 is provided on one surface side of the first substrate 11. As shown in FIG. 4, the first electrode 13 is formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular shape, and a part thereof is connected to the common line 14. The first electrode 13 is obtained, for example, by patterning a transparent conductive film such as indium tin oxide (ITO).

A common line 14 is provided on one surface side of the first substrate 11, and the common line 14 extends in one direction (Y direction shown in Fig. 4). A predetermined potential is supplied to the first electrode 13 via a common line 14 from a voltage supply unit (not shown). As the common line 14, for example, a metal film such as a laminated film of aluminum and molybdenum can be used.

A scanning line 15 is provided on one surface side of the first substrate 11, and the scanning line 15 extends in one direction (Y direction shown in Fig. 4). As shown in FIG. 4, the scanning line 15 of this example and the common line 14 are arranged with the first electrode 13 interposed therebetween. As the scanning line 15, for example, a metal film such as a laminated film of aluminum and molybdenum can be used.

The insulating film 16 is provided on one surface side of the first substrate 11 so as to cover the first electrode 13, the common line 14, and the scanning line 15. As the insulating film 16, for example, a tantalum nitride film, a hafnium oxide film, or a laminated film thereof can be used.

On the insulating film 16, a semiconductor film 17 is provided at a predetermined position overlapping the scanning line 15. The semiconductor film 17 is patterned into an island shape as shown in Fig. 4 . As the semiconductor film 17, for example, an amorphous germanium film can be used. A portion of the scanning line 15 that overlaps with the semiconductor film 17 functions as a gate electrode of the thin film transistor. Further, a portion of the insulating film 16 that overlaps with the semiconductor 17 functions as a gate insulating film of the thin film transistor.

A source electrode 18 is provided at a predetermined position on the insulating film 16, and a part thereof is connected to the semiconductor film 17. The source electrode 18 of this example is formed integrally with the signal line 25 as shown in FIG. As the source electrode 18 and the signal line 25, for example, a metal film such as a laminated film of aluminum and molybdenum can be used.

A germanium electrode 19 is provided at a predetermined position on the insulating film 16, and a part thereof is connected to the semiconductor film 17. As the ruthenium electrode 19, for example, a metal film such as a laminated film of aluminum and molybdenum can be used.

The second electrode 20 is provided on the insulating film 16 at a predetermined position at least a part of which overlaps the first electrode 13. The second electrode 20 has a plurality of openings (slits) 20a as shown in Fig. 4 . The second electrode 20 is obtained, for example, by patterning a transparent conductive film such as indium tin oxide (ITO). For the size of the second electrode 20, for example, the width of the straight portion between the openings 20a (the length in the direction of the third drawing X) is about 20 μm, and the width of each opening 20a (the third drawing) The length in the X direction is about 20 μm. A transverse electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer 24 by applying a voltage between the second electrode 20 and the first electrode 13.

The first alignment film 21 is provided on the insulating film 16 on one surface side of the first substrate 11 so as to cover the semiconductor film 17, the source electrode 18, the drain electrode 19, and the second electrode 20. Similarly, the second alignment film 22 is provided on one surface side of the second substrate 12 so as to cover the common electrode 23 . The first alignment film 21 and the second alignment film 22 are subjected to a uniaxial alignment treatment (for example, a rubbing treatment or a photo alignment treatment). As the first alignment film 21 and the second alignment film 22 of the present embodiment, an alignment film capable of generating a relatively high pretilt angle (20° or more, more preferably 35°±10°) is used. The direction RL of the alignment treatment RL of the first alignment film 21 and the alignment treatment of the second alignment film 22 is set such that the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer 24 is the alignment of liquid crystal molecules in the substantially center of the layer thickness direction in the reverse twist state. The direction D is substantially perpendicular to the electric field direction E generated by the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 20 (see FIG. 4).

The common electrode 23 is provided on one surface side of the second substrate 12. The common electrode 23 is formed such that at least a part thereof overlaps with the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 20. The common electrode 23 is obtained, for example, by patterning a transparent conductive film such as indium tin oxide (ITO). A vertical electric field can be applied to the liquid crystal layer 24 by applying a voltage between the common electrode 23 and the first electrode 13 (or the second electrode 20).

A liquid crystal layer 24 is provided between one surface of the first substrate 11 and one surface of the second substrate 12. In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal layer 24 is constituted by a nematic liquid crystal material having a dielectric anisotropy Δ ε of positive (Δε>0). The thick line shown in the liquid crystal layer 24 schematically represents liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 24. The liquid crystal molecules when no voltage is applied are aligned with respect to the substrate surface of each of the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 at a predetermined pretilt angle. In addition, the angle formed by the directions RU and RL (see FIG. 4) in which the first alignment film 21 and the second alignment film 22 are aligned, for example, is set to about 90°, thereby making the liquid crystal layer 24 when no voltage is applied. The liquid crystal molecules are twisted in the azimuthal direction between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 to be aligned.

A signal line 25 is provided on one side of the insulating film 16, and the signal line 25 is on the common line 14 And the scanning line 15 extends in one direction (the X direction shown in FIG. 4) which is substantially perpendicular. As shown in FIG. 4, the signal line 25 of this example is formed integrally with the source electrode 18. As the signal line 25, for example, a metal film such as a laminated film of aluminum and molybdenum can be used.

The first polarizing plate 31 is disposed outside the first substrate 11. The second polarizing plate 32 is disposed outside the second substrate 12. In the present embodiment, the user visually observes from the side of the second polarizing plate 32. The first polarizing plate 31 and the second polarizing plate 32 are disposed, for example, such that their transmission axes are substantially perpendicular to each other (cross-Nicol arrangement).

Next, an example of a method of manufacturing the reverse TN liquid crystal element of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 .

First, a glass substrate to be used as the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 is prepared. For example, a glass substrate composed of an alkali-free glass having a thickness of 0.7 mm is used.

Next, the common line 14 and the scanning line 15 are formed on one surface of the first substrate 11 (Fig. 5(A)). Specifically, for example, an aluminum film is formed on the entire surface of the first substrate 11 by a film formation method such as a sputtering method, and a molybdenum film is formed thereon. Then, a laminated film of an aluminum film and a molybdenum film is patterned by dry etching or the like.

Next, the first electrode 13 is formed at a predetermined position on one surface side of the first substrate 11 (Fig. 5(B)). Specifically, for example, an indium tin oxide film (ITO film) is formed on the entire surface of the first substrate 11 by a film formation method such as sputtering. Then, the ITO film is patterned by wet etching or the like.

Next, the insulating film 16 is formed on one surface side of the first substrate 11 so as to cover the first electrode 13, the common line 14, and the scanning line 15 (Fig. 5(C)). Specifically, for example, a tantalum nitride film is formed by a film formation method such as a sputtering method or a plasma CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) method.

Next, a semiconductor film 17 is formed at a predetermined position on the insulating film 16 of the first substrate 11 (Fig. 5(D)). Specifically, an amorphous germanium film is formed on the entire surface of the first substrate 11 by a film formation method such as a plasma CVD method. Then, the amorphous germanium film is patterned into an island shape by dry etching or the like.

Next, the source electrode 18, the ytterbium electrode 19, and the signal line 25 are formed at predetermined positions on the insulating film 16 of the first substrate 11 (Fig. 5(E)). Specifically, for example, a laminated film of a molybdenum film/aluminum film/molybdenum film is formed on the entire surface of the first substrate 11 by a film formation method such as a sputtering method. Then, the laminated film is patterned by dry etching or the like.

Next, a second electrode 20 is formed at a predetermined position on the insulating film 16 of the first substrate 11 (No. 5 (F)). Specifically, an ITO film is formed on the entire surface of the first substrate 11 by a film formation method such as sputtering. Then, the ITO film is patterned by wet etching or the like. Further, a passivation film (not shown) may be provided on the insulating film 16.

On the other hand, a common electrode 23 is formed on one surface of the second substrate 12 (Fig. 5(G)). Specifically, an ITO film is formed on the entire surface of the second substrate 12 by a film formation method such as sputtering. Further, in the actual manufacturing step, when the common electrode 23 is present on the entire surface of the substrate, there is a possibility of occurrence of a short circuit of the main sealing portion, a film peeling at the time of the delamination due to the scribe line, and the like, and therefore it is preferable to use the metal during sputtering. A shield or the like is used to shield (restrict) the outer circumference.

Then, the first alignment film 21 is entirely formed on the insulating film 16 of the first substrate 11 (Fig. 6(A)), and the second alignment film 22 is entirely formed on the common electrode 23 of the second substrate 12 (Fig. 6 (Fig. 6) B)). Here, for example, each of the alignment films is formed using a polyimide film having a side chain density lower than that of a material generally used as a vertical alignment film. An appropriate film is applied to each of the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 by an appropriate method such as a flexible printing method, an inkjet method, a spin coating method, a slit coating method, a slit method, and a spin coating method. The alignment film material is applied to a thickness (for example, about 500 to 800 Å) and heat-treated (for example, at 160 to 180 ° C for 1 hour). Then, the first alignment film 21 and the second alignment film 22 are subjected to alignment treatment. Here, for example, a rubbing treatment (a surface rubbing treatment) is performed, and the amount of pushing as a condition thereof is set to 0.8 mm (strong friction condition). Here, the rubbing direction is set such that the twist angle of the liquid crystal molecules on each of the substrates when the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 are superposed is substantially 90°.

Next, a main sealant containing an appropriate amount (for example, 2 to 5 wt%) of a gap control agent is formed on one substrate (for example, the first substrate 11). The formation of the primary sealant is for example based on screen printing or a dispenser. Further, regarding the diameter of the gap control agent, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 24 is set to about 4 μm. Further, a gap control agent is spread on the other substrate (for example, the second substrate 12). For example, in the present embodiment, a plastic bead having a particle diameter of 4 μm is dispersed by a dry gap spreader. Then, the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 are placed one on top of the other, and the main sealant is cured by heat treatment in a state where a predetermined pressure is applied by a press or the like. Here, for example, heat treatment is performed at 150 ° C for 3 hours (Fig. 6 (C)).

Next, the liquid crystal layer 24 is formed by filling a gap between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 to form a liquid crystal layer (Fig. 6(D)). The filling of the liquid crystal material is performed, for example, by a vacuum injection method. In the present embodiment, a liquid crystal material in which a dielectric anisotropy Δ ε is positive and a chiral material is added is used. The amount of the chiral material to be added is preferably set to d/p of 0.04 or more and 0.6 or less, for example, d/p is set to 0.16. After injecting such a liquid crystal material, an end sealant is applied to the injection port. seal. Then, an appropriate heat treatment (for example, at 120 ° C for 1 hour) is performed at a temperature equal to or higher than the phase shift temperature of the liquid crystal material, whereby the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 24 is adjusted.

Next, the first polarizing plate 31 is bonded to the outside of the first substrate 11, and the second polarizing plate 32 is bonded to the outside of the second substrate 12. The first polarizing plate 31 and the second polarizing plate 32 are disposed such that their transmission axes are substantially perpendicular to each other (crossing Nicol arrangement). The reverse TN type liquid crystal element of the first embodiment has been completed as described above (see Fig. 3).

With respect to the reverse TN type liquid crystal element which was completed by the above-described steps, a voltage was applied to the liquid crystal layer by the respective electrodes, and the state at the time of transition between the extended twist state and the reverse twist state was confirmed, and the results were as follows.

In the reverse TN type liquid crystal element of the present embodiment, the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 24 are aligned in an extended twist state in an initial state. In the extended twist state, a white display (bright display) of a relatively bright state is obtained in appearance. On the other hand, a vertical electric field is generated by applying a voltage to each of the first electrode 13 and the common electrode 23 by a voltage applying means (not shown). For example, an alternating voltage (rectangular wave) of 10 V and 100 Hz is applied for about 0.01 to 0.5 seconds, and then the application of the voltage is stopped immediately. Thereby, the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer 24 is changed to the reverse twist state. In this reverse twist state, a black display (dark display) in a relatively dark state is obtained in appearance. For reference, FIG. 7 shows an example of display characteristics of a reverse TN type liquid crystal display element. For example, when the reverse TN type liquid crystal elements are arranged in a matrix to form a liquid crystal display device, it is difficult to control each individual pixel (each element) at the transition from the extended twist state to the reverse twist state. Therefore, the state transition is controlled simultaneously for all the pixels, or the state transition is controlled for each of the plurality of first electrodes 13 sharing the common line 14.

Then, a predetermined voltage is applied from the voltage application unit to the scanning line 15 to turn on the thin film transistor, and a voltage is applied from the voltage applying unit to the signal line 25 to apply a voltage to the second electrode 20 via the thin film transistor. Thereby, a potential difference is generated between the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 20, so that a transverse electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer 24, and the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer 24 is changed from the reverse twist state to the extended twist state. The voltage (gate voltage) applied to the scanning line 15 is, for example, a pulse wave of 10 V, and the voltage applied to the signal line 25 is, for example, a voltage obtained by inverting ±10 V for each frame. The time during which the transverse electric field is applied is, for example, about 0.01 to 0.5 seconds.

Whether it is the above-mentioned extended twisting state or reverse twisting state, after releasing the voltage application Since the alignment state is maintained, it is basically unnecessary to apply a voltage after the rewriting display, and the power consumption can be suppressed extremely low. For example, when the reverse TN type liquid crystal elements are arranged in a matrix to form a liquid crystal display device, when it is desired to repeat the rewrite display, all pixels are simultaneously controlled, or a plurality of first electrodes for the common line 14 are shared. Each line of 13 is controlled to apply a longitudinal electric field, and then a thin film transistor is used to control voltage application/non-application to the second electrode 20, whereby desired can be made by selectively applying a transverse electric field for each pixel. The image is displayed. Regarding the method of rewriting the display for each line, in the case of reading an article such as a novel, the read line can be rewritten in order, so that it takes a little time to switch, but the pressure on the reader can be alleviated.

Next, another configuration example of the reverse TN type liquid crystal element will be described.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a reverse TN liquid crystal element of a second embodiment. Further, Fig. 9 is a plan view of the reverse TN type liquid crystal element shown in Fig. 8. Further, Fig. 8 shows a cross section taken along the line VIII-VIII shown in Fig. 9. The reverse TN type liquid crystal element 5 of the present embodiment shown in each figure includes a first substrate (lower substrate) 11, a second substrate (upper substrate) 12, a first electrode 13, a common line 14a, a scanning line 15, and insulation. The film 16, the semiconductor film 17, the source electrode 18, the ytterbium electrode 19a, the second electrode 20, the first alignment film 21, the second alignment film 22, the common electrode 23, the liquid crystal layer 24, the signal line 25, the insulating film 26, and the first A polarizing plate (lower polarizing plate) 31 and a second polarizing plate (upper polarizing plate) 32. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

A common line 14a is provided on the insulating film 26 on one surface side of the first substrate 11, and the common line 14a extends in one direction (Y direction shown in Fig. 8). The common line 14a is connected to the second electrode 20 as shown in FIG. 9, and a predetermined potential is applied to the second electrode 20 via a common line 14a from a voltage supply unit (not shown).

A tantalum electrode 19a is provided at a predetermined position on the insulating film 16, and a part thereof passes through the insulating film 16 and is connected to the first electrode 13. As the tantalum electrode 19a, for example, a metal film such as a laminated film of aluminum and molybdenum can be used.

An insulating film 26 is provided on the insulating film 16 on one surface side of the first substrate 11 so as to cover the semiconductor film 17, the source electrode 18, and the drain electrode 19a. As the insulating film 26, for example, a tantalum nitride film, a hafnium oxide film, or a laminated film thereof can be used.

In the insulating film 26, the second electrode 20 is provided at a predetermined position at least a part of which overlaps the first electrode 13. The second electrode 20 is connected to the common line 14a as shown in Fig. 9. in In this example, the second electrode 20 and the common line 14 are formed integrally. The second electrode 20 is obtained, for example, by patterning a transparent conductive film such as indium tin oxide (ITO). A transverse electric field can be applied to the liquid crystal layer 24 by applying a voltage between the second electrode 20 and the first electrode 13.

The first alignment film 21 is provided on the insulating film 26 on one surface side of the first substrate 11 so as to cover the common line 14a and the second electrode 20.

Next, an example of a method of manufacturing the reverse TN liquid crystal element of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. In addition, the description of the same content as that of the first embodiment will be appropriately omitted.

A scanning line 15 made of a predetermined metal film is formed on one surface of the first substrate 11 (Fig. 10(A)). Next, a first electrode 13 made of an ITO film or the like is formed at a predetermined position on one surface side of the first substrate 11 (Fig. 10(B)). Next, the insulating film 16 is formed on one surface side of the first substrate 11 so as to cover the first electrode 13 and the scanning line 15 (Fig. 10(C)).

Next, the semiconductor film 17 is formed at a predetermined position on the insulating film 16 of the first substrate 11 (Fig. 10(D)), and the source electrode 18, the germanium electrode 19a, and the signal line 25 are formed (Fig. 10(E)). . In the ytterbium electrode 19a, an opening for exposing a part of the first electrode 13 is provided at a predetermined position of the insulating film 16, and then a metal film is formed and patterned by a sputtering method or the like, whereby a ruthenium electrode can be formed. 19a.

Next, an insulating film 26 covering the semiconductor film 17, the source electrode 18, the germanium electrode 19a, and the signal line 25 is formed on the insulating film 16 of the first substrate 11 (Fig. 10(F)). Next, the common line 14a and the second electrode 20 are formed at predetermined positions on the insulating film 26 of the first substrate 11 (Fig. 10(G)). Further, a passivation film (not shown) may be provided on the insulating film 26. On the other hand, a common electrode 23 is formed on one surface of the second substrate 12 (Fig. 11(A)).

Then, the first alignment film 21 is formed on the insulating film 16 of the first substrate 11 (Fig. 11(B)), and the second alignment film 22 is formed on the common electrode 23 of the second substrate 12 (Fig. 11 (Fig. 11 ( C)).

Then, a main sealant is formed on one substrate, a gap control agent is spread on the other substrate, and the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 are superposed on each other, and heat treatment is performed in a state where a constant pressure is applied by a press or the like. The main sealant is hardened (Fig. 11(D)). Next, the liquid crystal layer 24 is formed by filling a gap between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 to form a liquid crystal layer (Fig. 11(E)).

Then, the first polarizing plate 31 is bonded to the outside of the first substrate 11, and the second polarizing plate 32 is bonded to the outside of the second substrate 12. The first polarizing plate 31 and the second polarizing plate 32 are disposed such that their transmission axes are substantially perpendicular to each other (crossing Nicol arrangement). The above reverses the second embodiment. TN type liquid crystal element (refer to Fig. 8).

With respect to the reverse TN type liquid crystal element which was completed by the above-described steps, a voltage was applied to the liquid crystal layer by the respective electrodes, and the state at the time of transition between the extended twist state and the reverse twist state was confirmed, and the results were as follows.

In the reverse TN type liquid crystal element of the present embodiment, the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 24 are aligned in an extended twist state in an initial state. In the extended twist state, a white display (bright display) in which a relatively bright state is obtained in appearance is obtained. On the other hand, the longitudinal electric field is generated using the first electrode 13 and the common electrode 23 as described above. For example, an alternating voltage (rectangular wave) of 10 V and 100 Hz is applied for about 0.01 to 0.5 seconds, and then the application of the voltage is stopped immediately. Thereby, the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer 24 is changed to the reverse twist state. In this reverse twist state, a black display (dark display) in a relatively dark state is obtained in appearance. For example, when the reverse TN type liquid crystal elements are arranged in a matrix to form a liquid crystal display device, for each transition from the extended twist state to the reverse twist state, for each individual pixel (each element) Take control. At this time, the first electrode 13 is required to be in an electrically free state.

Then, a predetermined voltage is applied from the voltage application unit to the scanning line 15 to turn on the thin film transistor, and a predetermined voltage is applied from the voltage applying unit to the signal line 25 to apply a voltage to the second electrode 20. Thereby, a potential difference is generated between the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 20. Therefore, a transverse electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer 24, and the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer 24 is changed from the reverse twist state to the extended twist state. The voltage (gate voltage) applied to the scanning line 15 is, for example, a pulse wave of 10 V, and the voltage applied to the signal line 25 is, for example, a voltage obtained by inverting ±10 V for each frame. The time for applying the transverse electric field is, for example, about 0.01 to 0.5 seconds.

In the above-described extended twisting state or reverse twisting state, the alignment state can be maintained after the voltage application is released. Therefore, it is not necessary to apply a voltage after the rewriting display, and the power consumption can be suppressed extremely low. For example, when the reverse TN type liquid crystal elements are arranged in a matrix to form a liquid crystal display device, in the present embodiment, the transition from the extended twist state to the reverse twist state and the transition from the reverse twist state to the extended twist state Both can be controlled for each pixel. Therefore, compared with the first embodiment, the degree of freedom in display rewriting is higher. For example, in the currently proposed electrophoretic electronic paper display, it is necessary to temporarily reset the entire screen to a white display or a black display. If not, sometimes it is impossible to move all the electrophoretic particles to a desired position, and when When the display switching is repeated, the electrophoretic particles are turned, but according to the present embodiment, such a problem does not occur.

Next, another configuration example of the reverse TN type liquid crystal element will be described.

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration example of a reverse TN liquid crystal element of a third embodiment. The reverse TN liquid crystal element of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 12A is a reflection type liquid crystal element that displays light from the outside, and includes a liquid crystal panel 50 and a reflection disposed on the lower surface side of the liquid crystal panel 50. The plate 51, the scattering plate 52 disposed on the upper surface side of the liquid crystal panel 50, the λ/4 wavelength plate 53 disposed to overlap the scattering plate 52, and the polarizing plate 54 disposed to overlap the λ/4 wavelength plate 53. As the reflecting plate 51, for example, a silver film can be used. Further, as the scattering plate 52, for example, a scattering plate in which a plurality of sheets having a haze value of 43% to 45% is laminated may be employed. Further, as the λ/4 wavelength plate 53, for example, a plate having a phase difference of about 137 nm can be used. Further, the diffusion plate 52 may be disposed on the lower surface side of the liquid crystal panel 50. In this case, the scattering plate 52 is disposed between the reflecting plate 51 and the liquid crystal panel 50.

As shown in FIG. 12(B), the angle formed by the rubbing direction RL of the lower substrate and the rubbing direction RU of the upper substrate in the liquid crystal panel 50 can be set, for example, to 70° (an example of an ideal value of a reflective type). A chiral material is added to the liquid crystal material of the liquid crystal layer in a manner such as d/p = 0.143. The value of Δn of the liquid crystal material of the liquid crystal layer is, for example, about 0.065 to 0.15. The transmission axis P of the polarizing plate 54 is set to be parallel to the rubbing direction RU of the upper substrate, and the phase difference axis P' of the λ/4 wavelength plate 53 is set to an angle of substantially 45 with the transmission axis of the polarizing plate 54. The internal structure of the liquid crystal panel 50 is the same as that of the liquid crystal element of the first embodiment or the second embodiment described above (both polarizing plates are removed).

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a reverse TN liquid crystal element of a third embodiment. Here, as an example, the liquid crystal element of the first embodiment is used as the liquid crystal panel 50. However, the same applies to the case of the liquid crystal element of the second embodiment. The first electrode 13b of the liquid crystal panel 50 is made of a metal film, and has irregularities on its surface. Thereby, the first electrode 13b can also function as the reflection plate 51 and the diffusion plate 52. The manufacturing method of the reverse TN liquid crystal element of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment or the second embodiment. For example, when the step of forming the first electrode 13b is a step common to the step of forming the scanning line 15, Steps other than this may also take the same steps. Further, the first electrode 13b functions only as the reflector 51, and the scattering plate 52 can be attached to the outside as described above.

Fig. 14 is a view showing an example of reflectance characteristics of the reverse TN liquid crystal element of the third embodiment. In the figure, the twist angle of the liquid crystal layer is set to 70°, and light is incident from a direction of 30° with respect to the normal to the substrate surface of the liquid crystal element, and Δn dependency when the reflectance is measured from the normal direction is shown. Reflectivity characteristics. In this case, it is understood that when the Δn of the liquid crystal material is 0.08, the reflectance and the contrast ratio are particularly good. Further, the phase difference axis of the λ/4 wavelength plate 53 is set to be perpendicular to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules substantially at the center of the layer thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer, and the transmission axis of the polarizing plate 54 is set to be the upper substrate. The rubbing directions are parallel, but the respective settings are not limited to this. By configuring the reflection type, a backlight is not required, and power consumption can be particularly suppressed.

Next, a configuration example of a liquid crystal display device capable of achieving low power consumption by the storage property of any one of the liquid crystal elements of the first to third embodiments described above will be described as a fourth embodiment.

Fig. 15 is a view schematically showing a configuration example of a liquid crystal display device of a fourth embodiment. The liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 15 is an active matrix liquid crystal display device in which a plurality of pixel portions 100 are arranged in a matrix, and as the respective pixel portions 100, the liquid crystal element according to any of the above embodiments can be used. Specifically, the liquid crystal display device includes a plurality of scanning lines 101 extending in the first direction, a driver 104 that supplies a voltage to each scanning line 101, and a plurality of scanning lines 101 that are perpendicular to the scanning line 101 and extend in the second direction. a signal line 102 and a common line 103, a driver 105 that supplies a voltage to each of the signal lines 102, a driver 106 that supplies a voltage to each common line 103, and a pixel portion 100 that is disposed at an intersection of each of the scanning lines 101 and each of the signal lines 102 . One of the first electrode and the second electrode of each pixel portion 100 is connected to the common line 103, and the other is connected to the thin film transistor. Further, a common electrode is commonly provided on each of the pixel portions 100.

According to each of the above embodiments, a novel liquid crystal element having a structure suitable for generating a switching element and an electrode between transitions of two alignment states can be obtained. Further, by utilizing the bistable (storability) of the two alignment states of the liquid crystal element, it is possible to obtain a low-power liquid crystal display device which does not require electric power except for display rewriting.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

For example, in each of the above embodiments, the twist angle of the liquid crystal layer is 70° (reflective type) or 90° (transmissive type), but the twist angle is not limited to this. In this case, in order to further ensure the brightness in the white display, the retardation value in the liquid crystal layer can be adjusted.

In the above, the liquid crystal element of the normally white state in which the angle formed by the transmission axis of each of the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate is about 90° is exemplified above, but it may be normally black. State of the liquid crystal element. In addition, the alignment processing method is not limited to the rubbing method.

Further, the structure of the thin film transistor as an example of the switching element is not limited to the illustrated bottom gate type, and may be a top gate type.

Further, the second electrode is not limited to the plurality of slits as described above, and may be, for example, a comb-shaped electrode having a plurality of electrode branches (straight portions). Further, the first electrode may be a comb-shaped electrode, and each electrode branch of the second electrode and each electrode branch of the first electrode may be disposed differently from each other. In this case, the first electrode and the second electrode may be disposed on the same surface.

1‧‧‧Upper substrate

2‧‧‧lower substrate

3‧‧‧Liquid layer

11‧‧‧1st substrate (lower substrate)

12‧‧‧2nd substrate (upper substrate)

13, 13b‧‧‧ first electrode

14, 14a‧‧‧ public line

15‧‧‧ scan line

16‧‧‧Insulation film

17‧‧‧Semiconductor film

18‧‧‧ source electrode

19, 19a‧‧‧汲 electrode

20‧‧‧2nd electrode

21‧‧‧1st alignment film

22‧‧‧2nd alignment film

23‧‧‧Common electrode

24‧‧‧Liquid layer

25‧‧‧ signal line

26‧‧‧Insulation film

31‧‧‧1st polarizing plate (lower polarizing plate)

32‧‧‧2nd polarizer (upper polarizer)

50‧‧‧LCD panel

51‧‧‧reflector

52‧‧‧scatter plate

53‧‧‧λ/4 wavelength plate

54‧‧‧Polar plate

100‧‧‧Pixel Department

101‧‧‧ scan line

102‧‧‧ signal line

103‧‧‧ public line

104, 105, 106‧‧‧ drive

Fig. 1 is a schematic view schematically showing the principle of a reverse TN type liquid crystal element; Fig. 2 is a view for explaining an alignment state of a liquid crystal layer when transitioning from a reverse twist state to a stretch twist (Spray Twist splay, twist) state; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a reverse TN type liquid crystal element according to the first embodiment; and FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a reverse TN type liquid crystal element shown in FIG. 3; Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a method of manufacturing the reverse TN liquid crystal element according to the first embodiment, and Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a method of manufacturing the reverse TN type liquid crystal element according to the first embodiment; FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a reverse TN liquid crystal element according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a reverse TN type liquid crystal element according to a second embodiment; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a method of manufacturing a reverse TN liquid crystal element according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a view showing a method of manufacturing a reverse TN type liquid crystal element according to a second embodiment; FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing a reverse TN type liquid of the third embodiment FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a reverse TN type liquid crystal element according to a third embodiment, and FIG. 14 is a view showing a reflectance of a reverse TN type liquid crystal element according to a third embodiment. FIG. 15 is a view schematically showing an example of the configuration of a liquid crystal display device of a fourth embodiment.

11‧‧‧1st substrate (lower substrate)

12‧‧‧2nd substrate (upper substrate)

13‧‧‧1st electrode

14‧‧‧ public line

15‧‧‧ scan line

16‧‧‧Insulation film

17‧‧‧Semiconductor film

18‧‧‧ source electrode

19‧‧‧汲 electrode

20‧‧‧2nd electrode

21‧‧‧1st alignment film

22‧‧‧2nd alignment film

23‧‧‧Common electrode

24‧‧‧Liquid layer

31‧‧‧1st polarizing plate (lower polarizing plate)

32‧‧‧2nd polarizer (upper polarizer)

Claims (6)

A liquid crystal element comprising: a first substrate and a second substrate disposed opposite to each other, wherein one surface of each of the first substrate and the second substrate is disposed; the first electrode is disposed on one surface side of the first substrate; and the second electrode is coupled to the first electrode Separatingly disposed on one surface side of the first substrate; the switching element is disposed on one surface side of the first substrate, and is connected to the first electrode or the second electrode; and the common electrode is at least partially and the first electrode The electrode and the second electrode are disposed on one surface side of the second substrate; and the liquid crystal layer is disposed between one surface of the first substrate and one surface of the second substrate, wherein the first substrate and the first substrate The direction of the alignment treatment of the substrate is set to a first alignment state in which the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer are twisted in the first direction, and the liquid crystal layer contains a chiral material having a property of generating a second alignment state. The second alignment state is that the liquid crystal molecules are twisted in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a voltage is applied between the second electrode and the common electrode to cause the liquid crystal layer to move from the second alignment state to the second alignment state. The first alignment Transformation, by applying a voltage to between the first electrode and the second electrode, such that the liquid crystal layer is converted from the first state to the second alignment alignment state. The liquid crystal element according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode has a plurality of straight portions that are disposed in parallel with each other. The liquid crystal element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are laminated via an insulating film. The liquid crystal element according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the first substrate and the second substrate are provided with a liquid crystal molecule of the liquid crystal layer in an interface between the first substrate and the second liquid crystal layer. Pretilt angle above ° °. The liquid crystal element according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, wherein the liquid crystal layer has a ratio d/p of a layer thickness d to a chiral pitch of 0.04 or more and 0.6 or less. The chiral material. A liquid crystal display device including a plurality of pixel portions Each of the pixel portions is configured by the liquid crystal element according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the invention.