CN1758095A - Liquid crystal display device - Google Patents

Liquid crystal display device Download PDF

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Publication number
CN1758095A
CN1758095A CN 200510065646 CN200510065646A CN1758095A CN 1758095 A CN1758095 A CN 1758095A CN 200510065646 CN200510065646 CN 200510065646 CN 200510065646 A CN200510065646 A CN 200510065646A CN 1758095 A CN1758095 A CN 1758095A
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liquid crystal
district
solid
electrode
crystal indicator
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CN 200510065646
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CN100472282C (en
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久保真澄
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Sharp Corp
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Sharp Corp
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Abstract

The liquid crystal display device of the present invention includes picture element regions each include a transparent region for providing a transmission mode display and a reflection region for providing a reflection mode display. In each of the picture element regions, the first electrode includes a solid area formed of a conductive film and a non-solid area with no conductive film provided, the liquid crystal layer, in the presence of an applied voltage, forms liquid crystal domains each in a radially-inclined orientation by an inclined electric field generated in the vicinity of the solid area. The second substrate includes a stepped portion having an upper tier located in the reflection region, a lower tier located in the transmission region and a side surface connecting the upper tier and the lower tier to each other, and the side surface of the stepped portion is located in the reflection region and is covered with the second electrode.

Description

Liquid crystal indicator
Technology neck farmland
The present patent application relates to a kind of liquid crystal indicator, especially a kind of liquid crystal indicator that has wide viewing angle characteristics and can produce high-quality display.
Background technology
Recent years, thin and light liquid crystal indicator is as the display of personal computer and mobile information terminal device.But conventional twisted-nematic (TN) type and supertwist are to the narrow viewing angle of row (STN) type liquid crystal indicator.Taked the multiple technologies exploitation to solve this problem.
The typical technology that improves the viewing angle characteristic of TN or STN type liquid crystal indicator is to increase optical compensation plate to it.Another method is to adopt lateral electric field mode, wherein applies the electric field about the substrate level on liquid crystal layer.The lateral electric field mode liquid crystal indicator is causing the public's attention and batch process in recent years.Another technology is to adopt DAP (distortion of vertical orientation phase) pattern, wherein the nematic liquid crystal material with negative dielectric anisotropic is used as liquid crystal material, and the vertical orientation oriented film is used as oriented film.This is a type of ECB (electro-optic birefringent effect) pattern, wherein by using the birefringence effect control transmissivity of liquid crystal molecule.
Though lateral electric field mode is the method at a kind of effective improvement visual angle, its production method is lower than the production surplus of the production method of conventional TN type device, therefore is difficult to the steady production of implement device.This is because the gap between the substrate or the axis of homology (polarization axle) of polarization plates greatly influence display brightness or contrast with respect to the variation that the direction of the orientation axes of liquid crystal molecule moves.This needs further technical development to control these factors and the steady production of implement device thus exactly.
Do not have non-homogeneous demonstration in order to make the DAP mode LCD realize evenly showing, need directed control.For example, can carry out directional process to the surface of oriented film, a kind of directed control is provided by friction.But when handling when the vertical orientation oriented film is rubbed, the friction striped may appear on the image of demonstration, is not suitable for producing in batches.
Given this, the inventor does not have friction and handles the orientation method that carries out directed control for disclosing another kind of the use in the patented claim of 2003-43525 in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication number with other people, wherein on one of pair of electrodes that faces one another by liquid crystal layer therebetween, provide a plurality of openings, thereby the orientation direction of liquid crystal molecule is by the tilting electric field control of the marginal portion that is created in these openings.Use this method, can be in the acquisition stable orientations on the whole of each elementary area, wherein liquid crystal molecular orientation has enough continuitys, has improved the visual angle thus and has realized high-quality demonstration.
The liquid crystal indicator that can both produce high-quality display outdoor and indoor has been proposed in prior art (for example, referring to Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication 11-101992).Such liquid crystal indicator is called " transmission-reflection LCD device ", and every elementary area district comprises echo area and transmission area, and image shows with reflective-mode in the echo area, shows with transmission mode at the transmission area image.
But the allocation optimum that the orientation control of using tilting electric field is applied to transmission-reflection LCD device is not also found.
Summary of the invention
Therefore an object of the present invention is to provide a kind of transmission-reflection LCD device with wide viewing angle characteristics and high display quality.
According to one aspect of the present invention, liquid crystal indicator comprises first substrate; Second substrate; And be provided at liquid crystal layer between first substrate and second substrate.Each of a plurality of elementary areas district is by one that is provided at first substrate lip-deep first electrode and is provided at second electrode definition on second substrate, and first substrate is more near liquid crystal layer, and second electrode and liquid crystal layer relative with first electrode is clipped in therebetween.In each of a plurality of elementary areas district, first electrode comprises by the film formed solid-state district of conduction and the non-solid-state district of conducting film is not provided, when between first electrode and second electrode, not applying voltage, liquid crystal layer is the vertical orientation state, and when between first electrode and second electrode, applying voltage, by the tilting electric field that produces in contiguous solid-state district, at least in the solid-state district of first electrode, form a plurality of first liquid crystal farmlands, each is along radial vergence direction.Each of a plurality of elementary areas district comprises a clear area and an echo area, and the clear area is used to use the incident light from first substrate to provide transmission mode to show, and the echo area is used to use the light cremasteric reflex pattern from the second substrate incident to show.In each of a plurality of elementary areas district, at the thickness d r of the liquid crystal layer of echo area less than thickness d t at the liquid crystal layer of transmission area, second substrate comprises a step-portion, it has the upper strata that is positioned at the echo area, with the lower floor that is positioned at transmission area, with make interconnected side, the upper and lower, and the side of step-portion is to be positioned at the echo area and to be covered by second electrode.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the orientation of the liquid crystal layer in the orientation on a plurality of first liquid crystal farmlands and the non-solid-state district is continuous.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the solid-state district of first electrode comprises solid-state district, a plurality of unit, and each is surrounded by non-solid-state district basically, and each of a plurality of first liquid crystal farmlands is with each corresponding formation in solid-state district, a plurality of unit.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of solid-state district, a plurality of unit has rotational symmetric shape.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of solid-state district, a plurality of unit is circumferential shapes usually substantially.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of solid-state district, a plurality of unit is roughly rectangular shape.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of solid-state district, a plurality of unit is roughly rectangular shape, and rectangular shape has arc bight substantially.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of solid-state district, a plurality of unit is the shape with acute corners.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, in each of a plurality of elementary areas district, the thickness d e of liquid crystal layer is less than the thickness d c of liquid crystal layer on the middle body in this at least one solid-state district, unit on the marginal portion at least one solid-state district, unit in solid-state district, a plurality of unit.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the height on the surface, marginal portion in this at least one solid-state district, unit is higher than the height on the middle body surface in this at least one solid-state district, unit.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, first substrate comprise transparency carrier and be provided at this transparency carrier and first electrode between interlayer dielectric.This interlayer dielectric has the first area, and wherein the height on the more contiguous liquid crystal layer of interlayer dielectric surface changes continuously.The marginal portion in this at least one solid-state district, unit is positioned on the first area.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, interlayer dielectric has second area, and wherein interlayer dielectric is constant near the height on a surface of liquid crystal layer basically more.The middle body in this at least one solid-state district, unit is positioned on the second area.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the incident light on liquid crystal layer is a circularly polarized light, and liquid crystal layer is modulated this circularly polarized light to show.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, when voltage being applied between first electrode and second electrode since tilting electric field, in non-solid-state district, form second a liquid crystal farmland at least along radial vergence direction.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the orientation on the orientation on a plurality of first liquid crystal farmlands and this at least one second liquid crystal farmland is continuous.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the non-solid-state district of first electrode has at least one opening.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, this at least one opening is a plurality of openings, and in these a plurality of at least openings some have essentially identical shape and essentially identical size and are placed to and form at least one and have rotational symmetric unit grid.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least some each of this in these a plurality of openings has rotational symmetric shape.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the non-solid-state district of first electrode comprises at least one excision (cut-out) district.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, this at least one excision district is a plurality of excisions districts, and this a plurality of excisions district is regularly arranged.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, in each of a plurality of elementary areas district, the area in the non-solid-state district of first electrode is less than the solid-state district area of first electrode.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, in the zone at least one first liquid crystal farmland on a plurality of first liquid crystal farmlands of correspondence, second substrate comprises orientation adjustment structure, this orientation is adjusted structure and is applied orientation adjustment power, be used at least when existence applies voltage, the liquid crystal molecule with this at least one first liquid crystal farmland is placed to the radiation tilted alignment.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, this orientation adjust structure be provided at the corresponding zone of the middle body on this at least one liquid crystal farmland in.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, orientation is adjusted structure and is applied orientation adjustment power, is used for when not applying voltage liquid crystal molecule also being placed to the radiation tilted alignment.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, this orientation adjustment structure is to stretch at least one projection of liquid crystal layer.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, this at least one projection comprises the projection that is positioned at the echo area, and the thickness of liquid crystal layer is to be defined by the projection that is positioned at the echo area.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, this at least one projection is a plurality of projections that comprise the projection that is located at transmission area.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one in first substrate and second substrate comprises light shielding layer, is used for preventing that rayed is to the projection that is positioned at regional transmission.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, second substrate comprises each the single projection of transmission area that is arranged in a plurality of elementary areas district.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the side of first projection with respect to the base plan of second substrate with less than 90.Angle tilt.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, orientation is adjusted structure can comprise the horizontal alignment plane, and it is provided at the side of second substrate near liquid crystal layer.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, orientation is adjusted structure and is applied orientation adjustment power, only is used for liquid crystal molecule being oriented the radiation tilted alignment applying under the voltage condition.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, orientation adjustment structure can comprise the opening that is provided in second electrode.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, first substrate comprises that at least one has the projection of dip plane in non-solid-state district, the shape on the border between the section shape of this projection in the plane of first substrate and solid-state district and the non-solid-state district is consistent, and the dip plane of this projection has orientation adjustment power, be used for liquid crystal molecule in the liquid crystal layer, it is identical that vergence direction and the orientation that is provided by tilting electric field are adjusted direction.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, projection covers the marginal portion in the solid-state district of first electrode.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, first electrode comprises the reflecting electrode that is used for limiting the transparency electrode of transmission area and is used for limiting the echo area.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, second substrate also comprises the transparent dielectric layer in each the echo area that optionally is provided at a plurality of elementary areas district.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the transparent dielectric layer that is provided in each of a plurality of elementary areas district is continuous with the transparent dielectric layer that is provided at least one elementary area district adjacent with each elementary area district.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each the corresponding switching device shifter that provides with a plurality of elementary areas district also is provided first substrate.First electrode is each the elementary area electrode that provides for a plurality of elementary areas district, and is switched by switching device shifter, and second electrode is at least one counter electrode relative with these a plurality of elementary area electrodes.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, arrange with the matrix pattern that comprises multirow and multiple row in this a plurality of elementary areas district; In each frame, in the first elementary area district in this a plurality of elementary areas district, it is different to be applied to the polarity of voltage that is applied on the liquid crystal layer in the polarity of the voltage on the liquid crystal layer and the second elementary area district in this a plurality of elementary areas district, the described second elementary area district belong to identical with the first elementary area district go and belong to the first elementary area district under the adjacent row of row.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of this a plurality of elementary areas district has this shape, and its length direction is defined on the column direction, and its Width is defined on the line direction.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, in each frame, in this a plurality of elementary areas district, belong in a plurality of elementary areas district of row, be applied to the capable counter-rotating of the every n of polarity (wherein n is the integer more than or equal to 1) of the voltage on the liquid crystal layer.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, in each frame, the polarity that is applied to the voltage on the liquid crystal layer in the first elementary area district is different with the polarity of voltage that is applied on the liquid crystal layer in the 3rd elementary area district, described the 3rd elementary area district belong to the row identical with the first elementary area district and belong to the first elementary area district under the adjacent row of row.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, liquid crystal indicator comprises first substrate; Second substrate; And be provided at liquid crystal layer between first substrate and second substrate.A plurality of elementary areas district limits by being provided near lip-deep first electrode of first substrate of liquid crystal layer and second electrode that is provided on second substrate respectively, and second electrode is relative with first electrode and liquid crystal layer arranged therebetween; In each elementary area district, first electrode comprises by the film formed solid-state district of conduction and the non-solid-state district of conducting film is not provided, when between first electrode and second electrode, not applying voltage, liquid crystal layer is the vertical orientation state, and when between first electrode and second electrode, applying voltage, by near the tilting electric field that solid-state district, produces, in the solid-state district of first electrode, form a plurality of first liquid crystal farmlands that each all is radial tilted alignment at least; Each of this a plurality of elementary areas district comprises clear area and echo area, the clear area is used to use the incident light from first substrate, one side to provide transmission mode to show, and the echo area is used to use the incident light cremasteric reflex pattern from second substrate, one side to show, and the thickness d r of the liquid crystal layer in the echo area is less than the thickness d t of the liquid crystal layer in the transmission area; Second substrate comprises stepped part, this stepped part has the upper strata that is arranged in the echo area and is arranged in the lower floor of transmission area and makes interconnected side, the upper and lower, and the side of this stepped part is arranged in the echo area and is covered by second electrode.In each of this a plurality of elementary areas district, first substrate is included at least one projection with dip plane in the non-solid-state district, the shape on the border between the section shape of this projection in first base plan and solid-state district and the non-solid-state district is consistent, the dip plane of this projection has orientation adjustment power, be used for liquid crystal molecules tilt with liquid crystal layer, and vergence direction is identical with the orientation adjustment direction that is provided by tilting electric field, and this projection covers the marginal portion in the solid-state district of first electrode.
The present invention forms and takes to stablize radial tilted alignment and have highly successional liquid crystal farmland, realizes having the transmission-reflection LCD device of wide viewing angle characteristics and high display quality.
In a first aspect of the present invention, by being provided, stepped part realized the multigap structure on substrate, this substrate is different from the substrate that comprises the electrode that is used to produce the tilting electric field that forms radial tilted alignment.This is favourable for production technology.The side of stepped part is positioned at the echo area and is covered by electrode, and the deterioration of the display quality that is caused by the inclination of the side of stepped part can be inhibited thus.
In the second aspect of the present patent application, be used to produce the electrode of the tilting electric field that liquid crystal molecule is placed with radial tilted alignment and side and have the orientation of adjusting the power equidirectional with the orientation of tilting electric field and adjust the projection of power and carry out orientation adjustment jointly.This provides stable radial tilted alignment.In addition, because projection has covered the marginal portion in the solid-state district of electrode, no matter the driving voltage condition how, can realize stable radial tilted alignment.
As mentioned above, the invention provides transmission-reflection LCD device with wide viewing angle characteristics and high display quality.
Further feature of the present invention, element, technology, step, characteristic and advantage will become more obvious with reference to the accompanying drawings from following preferred embodiment is described in detail.
Description of drawings
Figure 1A and 1B schematically illustrate the structure of liquid crystal indicator 100 of the present invention, and wherein Figure 1A is a planimetric map, and Figure 1B is the sectional view along the line 1B-1B ' of Figure 1A.
Fig. 2 A and 2B explanation is at the liquid crystal layer 30 of liquid crystal indicator when it applies voltage 100, and wherein Fig. 2 A schematically illustrates orientation and just begun the state (initial ON state) that changes, and Fig. 2 B schematically illustrates a stable status.
Fig. 3 A to 3D schematically illustrates the relation between the orientation of line of electric force and liquid crystal molecule respectively.
Fig. 4 A to 4C schematically illustrates the orientation of the liquid crystal molecule from the liquid crystal indicator 100 that the normal direction of substrate is seen respectively.
Fig. 5 A to 5C schematically illustrates the exemplary radiation tilted alignment of liquid crystal molecule.
Fig. 6 A and 6B have schematically illustrated the planimetric map of another elementary area electrode that can be used for liquid crystal indicator of the present invention respectively.
Fig. 7 A and 7B have schematically illustrated another respectively and can be used for the planimetric map of the elementary area electrode of liquid crystal indicator of the present invention.
Fig. 8 A and 8B have schematically illustrated the planimetric map of another elementary area electrode that can be used for liquid crystal indicator of the present invention respectively.
Fig. 9 A and 9B have schematically illustrated the planimetric map of another elementary area electrode that can be used for liquid crystal indicator of the present invention respectively.
Figure 10 has schematically illustrated the planimetric map of another elementary area electrode that can be used for liquid crystal indicator of the present invention.
Figure 11 A and 11B have schematically illustrated the planimetric map of another elementary area electrode that can be used for liquid crystal indicator of the present invention respectively.
Figure 12 has schematically illustrated the sectional view of the liquid crystal indicator 1100 of comparative examples.
Figure 13 A and 13B have schematically illustrated the relation between the orientation of liquid crystal molecule on the side of stepped part of liquid crystal indicator 1100 of line of electric force and comparative examples respectively.
Figure 14 has schematically illustrated the relation between the liquid crystal molecular orientation on the side of stepped part of line of electric force and liquid crystal indicator of the present invention 100.
Figure 15 A to 15E schematically illustrates respectively and comprises the anti-substrate 200b that orientation is adjusted structure 28.
Figure 16 A and 16B schematically illustrate another liquid crystal indicator 200 of the present invention, and wherein Figure 16 A is a planimetric map, and Figure 16 B is the sectional view along the line 16B-16B ' of Figure 16 A.
Figure 17 A to 17C is the sectional view that schematically illustrates liquid crystal indicator 200, and the state when wherein Figure 17 A explanation does not apply voltage, Figure 17 B illustrate that orientation has just begun the state (initial ON state) that changes, and steady state (SS) of Figure 17 C explanation.
Figure 18 A and Figure 18 B schematically illustrate another liquid crystal indicator 200 ' of the present invention, and wherein Figure 18 A is a planimetric map, and Figure 18 B is the sectional view along the line 18B-18B ' of Figure 18 A.
Figure 19 A to 19C is the sectional view that schematically illustrates liquid crystal indicator 200 ', and the state when wherein Figure 19 A explanation does not apply voltage, Figure 19 B illustrate that orientation has just begun the state (initial ON state) that changes, and steady state (SS) of Figure 19 C explanation.
Figure 20 A to 20C is the sectional view that schematically illustrates the liquid crystal indicator that comprises projection (rib), projection (rib) also plays the effect of spacer, state when wherein Figure 20 A explanation does not apply voltage, Figure 20 B illustrates that orientation has just begun the state (initial ON state) that changes, and steady state (SS) of Figure 20 C explanation.
Figure 21 schematically illustrates the sectional view of a projection, and the side of this projection substantially exceeds 90 ° with respect to the inclination angle of base plan.
Figure 22 schematically illustrates the variant of projection, and it also plays the effect of spacer.
Figure 23 A also is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 200A of the present invention, and Figure 23 B is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 200B of the present invention.
Figure 24 schematically illustrates liquid crystal indicator 200A and the 200B sectional view along the line 24A-24A ' of Figure 23 A and 23B.
Figure 25 A also is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 200C of the present invention, and Figure 25 B is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 200D of the present invention.
Figure 26 A is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 200E of the present invention, and Figure 26 B is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 200F of the present invention.
Figure 27 A is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 200G of the present invention, and Figure 27 B is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 200H of the present patent application.
Figure 28 A is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 200I of the present invention, and Figure 28 B is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 200J of the present invention.
Figure 29 A is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 200K of the present invention, and Figure 29 B is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 200L of the present invention.
Figure 30 A is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 200M of the present invention, and Figure 30 B is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 200N of the present invention.
Figure 31 A is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 200O of the present invention, and Figure 31 B is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 200P of the present invention.
Figure 32 A is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 200Q of the present invention, and Figure 32 B is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 200R of the present invention.
Figure 33 A schematically illustrates the sectional view of the orientation of liquid crystal molecule when providing projection on anti-substrate, and Figure 33 B schematically illustrates the sectional view of the orientation of liquid crystal molecule when providing projection on the TFT substrate.
Figure 34 A and Figure 34 B illustrate the microphoto of the orientation under the situation that projection is provided on the anti-substrate respectively.
Figure 35 A and Figure 35 B illustrate the microphoto of the orientation under the situation that projection is provided on the TFT substrate respectively.
Figure 36 is the sectional view that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 300 of the present invention.
Figure 37 is the sectional view of amplification of marginal portion in the solid-state district, unit of explanation liquid crystal indicator 300.
Figure 38 A and 38B schematically illustrate the structure of another liquid crystal indicator 400 of the present invention, and wherein Figure 38 A is a planimetric map, and Figure 38 B is the sectional view along the line 38B-38B ' of Figure 38 A.
Figure 39 schematically illustrates on line direction adjacent and applied the elementary area district of opposed polarity voltage.
Figure 40 A and 40B explanation is at the liquid crystal layer 30 of liquid crystal indicator when it applies voltage 400, and wherein Figure 40 A schematically illustrates orientation and just begun the state (initial ON state) that changes, and steady state (SS) of Figure 40 B explanation.
Figure 41 schematically illustrates the equipotential line EQ that obtains when the voltage of identical polar being applied in two adjacent elementary area districts of line direction.
Figure 42 schematically illustrates the equipotential line EQ that obtains when the voltage of opposed polarity being applied in two adjacent elementary area districts of line direction.
Figure 43 A to 43C illustrates the exemplary driver method that is used for liquid crystal indicator of the present invention respectively.
Figure 44 key diagram is as the structure of cell electrode, and wherein solid-state district, unit is in line.
Figure 45 key diagram is as the structure of cell electrode, and wherein solid-state district, unit lines up two row.
Figure 46 A and Figure 46 B schematically illustrate the structure of another liquid crystal indicator 500 of the present invention, and wherein Figure 46 A is a planimetric map, and Figure 46 B is the sectional view along the line 46B-46B ' of Figure 46 A.
Figure 47 A to 47D schematically illustrates the orientation of liquid crystal molecule and relation between the shape on vertical orientated surface is provided.
The liquid crystal layer 30 of Figure 48 A and 48B explanation liquid crystal indicator 500 when on it, applying voltage, wherein Figure 48 A schematically illustrates orientation and has just begun the state (initial ON state) that changes, and steady state (SS) of Figure 48 B explanation.
Figure 49 A to 49C is respectively liquid crystal indicator 500A, the schematic cross sectional view of 500B and 500C, and the non-solid-state areas of liquid crystal indicator 500A, 500B and 500C and the position of the projection of elementary area electrode relation is different with liquid crystal indicator 500.
Figure 50 is the sectional view that schematically illustrates the structure of another liquid crystal indicator 600 of the present invention.
Figure 51 A is the sectional view that schematically illustrates the structure of another liquid crystal indicator 600A of the present invention, and Figure 51 B is the sectional view that schematically illustrates the structure of another liquid crystal indicator 600B of the present invention.
Figure 52 A is the sectional view that schematically illustrates the structure of another liquid crystal indicator 600C of the present invention, and Figure 52 B is the sectional view that schematically illustrates the structure of another liquid crystal indicator 600D of the present invention.
Figure 53 A is the sectional view that schematically illustrates the structure of another liquid crystal indicator 600E of the present invention, and Figure 53 B is the sectional view that schematically illustrates the structure of another liquid crystal indicator 600F of the present invention.
Figure 54 A and Figure 54 B schematically illustrate the structure of another liquid crystal indicator 700 of the present invention, and wherein Figure 54 A is a planimetric map, and Figure 54 B is the sectional view along the line 54B-54B ' of Figure 54 A.
Figure 55 A and 55B schematically illustrate the liquid crystal layer 30 of liquid crystal indicator 700 when applying voltage on it, and wherein Figure 55 A schematically illustrates the state (initial ON state) that orientation has just begun to change, and steady state (SS) of Figure 55 B explanation.
Figure 56 A is the projection 40 of liquid crystal indicator 500 and the enlarged drawing of close position thereof, and Figure 56 B is the projection 40 of liquid crystal indicator 700 and the enlarged drawing of close position thereof.
Figure 57 A and Figure 57 B schematically illustrate the structure of another liquid crystal indicator 800 of the present invention, and wherein Figure 57 A is a planimetric map, and Figure 57 B is the sectional view along the line 57B-57B ' of Figure 57 A.
Figure 58 A to 58C is the sectional view that schematically illustrates liquid crystal indicator 800, and the state when wherein Figure 58 A explanation does not apply voltage, Figure 58 B illustrate that orientation has just begun the state (initial ON state) that changes, and steady state (SS) of Figure 58 C explanation.
Figure 59 A and Figure 59 B schematically illustrate the structure of another liquid crystal indicator 800 ' of the present invention, and wherein Figure 59 A is a planimetric map, and Figure 59 B is the sectional view along the line 59B-59B ' of Figure 59 A.
Figure 60 A to 60C schematically illustrates the sectional view of liquid crystal indicator 800 ', and the state when wherein Figure 60 A explanation does not apply voltage, Figure 60 B illustrate that orientation has just begun the state (initial ON state) that changes, and steady state (SS) of Figure 60 C explanation.
Figure 61 A to 61C is the sectional view that schematically illustrates the liquid crystal indicator that comprises projection (rib), projection (rib) also plays the effect of spacer, state when wherein Figure 61 A explanation does not apply voltage, Figure 61 B illustrates that orientation has just begun the state (initial ON state) that changes, and steady state (SS) of Figure 61 C explanation.
Figure 62 schematically illustrates the sectional view of a projection, and the side of this projection is with respect to the inclination of base plan, and the pitch angle substantially exceeds 90 °.
Figure 63 schematically illustrates the sectional view of a variant of projection, and it also plays the effect of spacer.
Figure 64 A is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 800A of the present invention, and Figure 64 B is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 800B of the present invention.
Figure 65 is the sectional view that schematically illustrates liquid crystal indicator 800A and 800B, and its correspondence is along the sectional view of the line 65A-65A ' of Figure 64 A and 64B.
Figure 66 A is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 800C of the present invention, and Figure 66 B is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 800D of the present invention.
Figure 67 A is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 800E of the present invention, and Figure 67 B is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 800F of the present invention.
Figure 68 A is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 800G of the present invention, and Figure 68 B is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 800H of the present invention.
Figure 69 A is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 800I of the present invention, and Figure 69 B is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 800J of the present invention.
Figure 70 A is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 800K of the present invention, and Figure 70 B is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 800L of the present invention.
Figure 71 A is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 800M of the present invention, and Figure 71 B is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 800N of the present invention.
Figure 72 A is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 800O of the present invention, and Figure 72 B is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 800P of the present invention.
Figure 73 A is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 800Q of the present invention, and Figure 73 B is the planimetric map that schematically illustrates another liquid crystal indicator 800R of the present invention.
Embodiment
Below, with preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the annexed drawings.
Liquid crystal indicator of the present invention has desirable display characteristic and is suitable as active array type LCD thus.With reference to the active array type LCD that uses thin film transistor (TFT) (TFT) one embodiment of the present of invention are described below.The present invention is not limited thereto, but can optionally use with the active array type LCD that uses mim structure.
In the application's description, it should be noted that, will be called " elementary area district " with zone as " elementary area " of the minimum unit that shows corresponding liquid crystal indicator.In color liquid crystal display arrangement, comprise a plurality of " elementary area " corresponding one " pixel " of R, G and B " elementary area ".In active array type LCD, an elementary area district is by elementary area electrode and the counter electrode definition relative with the elementary area electrode.In passive (passive) array display device, be one of row electrode that is arranged to bar paten the elementary area district with being arranged to the zone definitions that one of column electrode perpendicular to the bar paten of row electrode intersects.In configuration with black matix, say that strictly elementary area district is the part on each farmland, district, on described each zone, apply voltage according to the intention show state corresponding with opening in this black matix.
Embodiment 1
Referring now to Figure 1A and 1B structure according to an elementary area district of the liquid crystal indicator 100 of the present patent application embodiment is described.In being described below, omit color filter and black matix for simplicity.In addition, in the figure of back, each element that has substantially the same function with counter element in the liquid crystal indicator 100 will be represented with identical Reference numeral, and not be further described below.Figure 1A is that explanation is schemed at the flat of the elementary area district of the liquid crystal indicator of seeing from the normal direction of substrate 100, and Figure 1B is the sectional view along the line 1B-1B ' of Figure 1A.Figure 1B is the state that does not apply voltage on the explanation liquid crystal layer.
Liquid crystal indicator 100 comprises an active-matrix substrate (hereinafter referred to as " TFT " substrate) 100a, an anti-substrate (being also referred to as " color filter substrate ") 100b, and be provided at liquid crystal layer 30 between TFT substrate 100a and the anti-substrate 100b.The liquid crystal molecule 30a of liquid crystal layer 30 has negative dielectric anisotropy, and shown in Figure 1B, when providing the vertical orientation layer on the surface at each TFT substrate 100a and anti-substrate 100b near liquid crystal layer 30, not when liquid crystal layer 30 applies voltage, because vertical orientation film, liquid crystal molecule 30a arranges perpendicular to the surface of vertical orientation film (not shown).This state description is liquid crystal layer 30 vertical orientations.But, meriting attention, the liquid crystal molecule 30a of the liquid crystal layer 30 of vertical orientation can be from the slight inclination in surface (surface of substrate) perpendicular to oriented film, and this depends on the type of the liquid crystal material of the type of vertical orientation film or use.Usually, vertical orientation is defined as a kind of state, and wherein the axle of liquid crystal molecule (be also referred to as " axle orientation ") is oriented surface with respect to the vertical orientation film and becomes about 85 ° or wide-angle more.
The TFT substrate 100a of liquid crystal indicator 100 comprises transparency carrier (for example, glass substrate) 11 and is provided at transparency carrier 11 lip-deep elementary area electrodes 14.Anti-substrate 100b comprises transparency carrier (for example, glass substrate) 21 and is provided at transparency carrier 21 lip-deep counter electrodes 22.According to the voltage that is applied between elementary area electrode 14 and the counter electrode 22, the orientation change of the liquid crystal layer 30 in each elementary area district, elementary area electrode 14 and counter electrode 22 are arranged in by liquid crystal layer 30 and face one another.By using polarization or the light quantity by liquid crystal layer 30 to produce demonstration with the phenomenon that the orientation change of liquid crystal layer 30 changes.
Each elementary area district comprises transmission area T and echo area R, at transmission area T, use is (typical from the light of TFT substrate 100a one side, from light backlight) with the transmission mode display image, at echo area R, the light (typical, light on every side) that uses reflexive substrate 100b one side is with the reflective-mode display image.In the present embodiment, elementary area electrode 14 comprises transparency electrode of being made by transparent conductive material and the reflecting electrode of being made by the light reflective conductive material.Transmission area T is limited by transparency electrode, and echo area R is limited by reflecting electrode.What note is, the surface of reflecting electrode is provided with small irregularity, and therefore the light electrode scattering that can be reflected may realize showing near the white of paper white.
The light that is used for display image in transmission mode passes liquid crystal layer 30 only once, and it passes liquid crystal layer 30 twice at reflective-mode.Shown in Figure 1B, thickness d r by liquid crystal layer 30 among the R of echo area is set to the thickness d t less than liquid crystal layer 30 among the transmission area T, can make the delay of the light that uses at reflective-mode that caused by liquid crystal layer 30 near the delay of the light that uses at transmission mode that is caused by liquid crystal layer 30.Thickness d r by liquid crystal layer 30 among the R of echo area is set to thickness d t about 1/2 of liquid crystal layer 30 among the transmission area T, and the delay of the light that is caused by liquid crystal layer 30 in these display modes equates mutually basically.
Anti-substrate 100b has a stepped part, comprise the upper strata 100b1 (going up horizontal surface) that is arranged in echo area R, with the 100b2 of the lower floor that is arranged in transmission area T (following horizontal surface), with with upper strata 100b1 and the interconnective side 100b3 of the 100b2 of lower floor, thus among the R of echo area the thickness d r of liquid crystal layer 30 less than the thickness d t of liquid crystal layer 30 among the transmission area T.Especially, the stepped part of anti-substrate 100b is to provide transparent dielectric layer 29 to form by selectivity in the R of the echo area of anti-substrate 100b.The side 100b3 of stepped part is arranged in echo area R and is covered by counter electrode 22.
The 26S Proteasome Structure and Function of the elementary area electrode 14 that provides in the liquid crystal indicator 100 of the present invention will be provided below.
Shown in Figure 1A and 1B, elementary area electrode 14 comprises solid-state district (solid-state part) 14a who is formed by conducting film (for example, ITO film or aluminium film) and non-solid-state district (the non-solid-state part) 14b that conducting film wherein is not provided.
Solid-state district 14a comprises a plurality of zones, and each surrounds (each of this zone will be called " solid-state district, unit 14a ' ") by non-solid-state district 14b basically.Solid-state district, unit 14a ' has substantially the same shape and substantially the same size each other, and solid-state district, each unit 14a ' is circular substantially.Usually, be electrically connected at each a plurality of unit, elementary area district solid-state district 14a '.In the embodiment shown in Figure 1A and the 1B, elementary area electrode 14 comprises nine unit solid-state district 14a '.Three (the middle row in Figure 1A) in these nine are the transparency electrode districts, and remaining six (top row in Figure 1A and bottom row) are reflective electrode region.
Non-solid-state district 14b comprises a plurality of opening 14b1, and they have essentially identical shape and essentially identical size mutually, and be arranged to they separately in be formed centrally foursquare lattice.Solid-state district, unit 14a ' at the center of elementary area electrode 14 is surrounded by four opening 14b1 substantially, and four opening 14b1 centers separately are to be positioned at four net points that form a unit grid.Each opening 14b1 is the cardinal principle star shape, has four 1/4th arc limits (edge), and at center, four limits four folding turning axles is arranged.
Non-solid-state district 14b also comprises a plurality of excisions district 14b2.These a plurality of excisions district 14b2 is positioned at the marginal portion in elementary area district.Be arranged in each excision district 14b2 with the corresponding zone of side, elementary area district and have only about half of corresponding shape with each opening 14b1 shape.Be positioned at the excision district 14b2 on the zone corresponding with the angle in elementary area district, each has about 1/4th shape with each opening 14b1 shape.Each of solid-state district, the unit of marginal portion 14a ' that is arranged in the elementary area district is basically by separately excision district 14b2 and the encirclement of opening 14b1 separately.In entire image cellular zone (to its end), excision district 14b2 is regularly arranged, and opening 14b1 forms unit grid with excision district 14b2.Opening 14b1 and excision district 14b2 are film formed by pattern conductive, and described conducting film is used for elementary area electrode 14.
When voltage being applied between elementary area electrode 14 with structure as mentioned above and the counter electrode 22, around solid-state district 14a (near its periphery), promptly, produce tilting electric field in the marginal portion of non-solid-state district 14b, produce a plurality of liquid crystal farmland thus, each takes radial tilted alignment.Produce the liquid crystal farmland in each zone corresponding with each and the corresponding zone of solid-state district, unit 14a ' with opening 14b1.
Elementary area electrode 14 in this embodiment is foursquare, but the shape of elementary area electrode 14 is not limited thereto.Because the general shape of elementary area electrode 14 is near rectangle (surrounding square and rectangle), thereby opening 14b1 and excision district 14b2 are regularly arranged with the square net pattern.Even when elementary area electrode 14 is not rectangle, also can provide the effect of the present patent application, as long as regularly arranged opening 14b1 and excision district 14b2 (for example, as mentioned above with the square net pattern) make the liquid crystal farmland be formed in the entire image cellular zone.
To the mechanism that form the liquid crystal farmland by aforesaid tilting electric field be described with reference to figure 2A and 2B.Fig. 2 A and 2B illustrate the liquid crystal layer 30 that has applied voltage on it respectively.Fig. 2 A schematically illustrates according to being applied to voltage on the liquid crystal layer 30, and the orientation of liquid crystal molecule 30a has just begun the state (initial ON state) that changes.Fig. 2 B schematically illustrates according to the voltage that applies, and the orientation of liquid crystal molecule 30a has changed and the stable status that becomes.Curve EQ among Fig. 2 A and the 2B represents equipotential line.Merit attention, though Fig. 2 A and 2B are the sectional views along the line 2-2 ' of Figure 1A, the stepped part of anti-for the sake of simplicity substrate 100b does not illustrate in these figure.
When elementary area electrode 14 and counter electrode 22 are (not having voltage to be applied to state on the liquid crystal layer 30) when being in same electromotive force, the liquid crystal molecule 30a in each elementary area district arranges perpendicular to the surface of substrate 11 and 21, shown in Figure 1B.
When liquid crystal layer 30 applies voltage, produce the potential gradient of representing by equipotential line (perpendicular to the line of electric force) EQ shown in Fig. 2 A.In solid-state district 14a and the liquid crystal layer 30 between the counter electrode 22 at elementary area electrode 14, equipotential line EQ is parallel to the surface of solid-state district 14a and counter electrode 22, and descends in the zone corresponding with the non-solid-state district 14b in elementary area district.The tilting electric field of being represented by the sloping portion of equipotential line EQ is generation in the liquid crystal layer 30 on the marginal portion EG of non-solid-state district 14b (around non-solid-state district 14b and with interior part, comprising the border between solid-state district 14a and the non-solid-state district 14b).
Torsional interaction is in the liquid crystal molecule 30a with negative dielectric anisotropic, so that the axially parallel equipotential line EQ (perpendicular to line of electric force) of guiding liquid crystal molecule 30a.Therefore, shown in the arrow of Fig. 3 A, the liquid crystal molecule 30a on the right hand edge part EG of each non-solid-state district 14b tilts (rotation) clockwise, and the liquid crystal molecule 30a inhour inclination (rotation) on the left hand edge part EG of each non-solid-state district 14b.The result is that the liquid crystal molecule 30a on the EG of marginal portion is parallel to the counterpart orientation of equipotential line EQ.
With reference to figure 3A to 3D, with the variation of the orientation of more detailed description liquid crystal molecule 30a.
When producing electric field in liquid crystal layer 30, torsional interaction has on the liquid crystal molecule 30a of negative dielectric anisotropy so that guide its axially parallel in equipotential line EQ.As shown in Fig. 3 A, when producing, impel moment of torsion that liquid crystal molecule 30a tilts clockwise or the moment of torsion that impels liquid crystal molecule 30a inhour to tilt to occur with identical probability by the electric field represented perpendicular to the axial equipotential line EQ of liquid crystal molecule 30a.Therefore, some liquid crystal molecule 30a of the liquid crystal layer 30 between a pair of parallel plate electrode shape electrode that faces one another are subjected to the effect of clockwise moment of torsion, and other liquid crystal molecules 30a is subjected to the effect of counter-clockwise moment of torsion.The result is according to the voltage that is applied on the liquid crystal layer 30, may not carry out reposefully to the transformation of ideal orientation.
Shown in Fig. 2 A, when the marginal portion EG at the non-solid-state district of liquid crystal indicator 100 of the present invention 14b produces by the electric field (tilting electric field) represented with respect to the part of the equipotential line EQ of the axioversion of liquid crystal molecule 30a, shown in Fig. 3 B, liquid crystal molecule 30a tilts to such direction, and liquid crystal molecule 30a needs small rotation to be parallel to equipotential line EQ when this direction (counter-clockwise direction in the embodiment shown) tilts.In the zone that produces the electric field of representing by axial equipotential line EQ perpendicular to liquid crystal molecule 30a, liquid crystal molecule 30a on liquid crystal molecule 30a and the sloping portion that is positioned at equipotential line EQ tilts with identical direction, so its orientation is continuous (consistent) with the orientation of liquid crystal molecule 30a on the sloping portion that is located at equipotential line EQ, shown in Fig. 3 C.Shown in Fig. 3 D, when electric field make equipotential line EQ form continuous recessed/during protruding figure, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecule 30a of the flat that is positioned at equipotential line EQ is made consistent with the direction of orientation that defines by the liquid crystal molecule 30a on the adjacent inclined part that is positioned at equipotential line EQ.Express " being positioned on the equipotential line EQ " as used herein and mean " being positioned at the electric field of representing by equipotential line EQ ".
The variation of the orientation of liquid crystal molecule 30a is located on the sloping portion of equipotential line EQ from those, carries out as mentioned above and reach a steady state (SS) that schematically illustrates in Fig. 2 B.The influence of each auto-orientation that is positioned at the suffered liquid crystal molecule 30a on the opposed edges part EG of opening 14b1 of liquid crystal molecule 30a around the core of opening 14b1 is equal substantially, and keeps their the vertical equipotential line EQ of orientation thus.Leave other liquid crystal molecule 30a that the liquid crystal molecule 30a at the center of opening 14b1 is subjected at nearer EG place, marginal portion orientation influence and tilt, form the tilted alignment of center SA (Fig. 2 B) symmetry thus about opening 14b1.In the orientation of being looked perpendicular to the direction (perpendicular to the direction on substrate 11 and 21 surfaces) of the display panel of liquid crystal indicator 100 is liquid crystal molecule 30a has radial axial orientation (not shown) about the center of opening 14b1 state.In this manual, this orientation is called " radial tilted alignment ".In addition, will be called " liquid crystal farmland " about the zone that single axle forms the liquid crystal layer 30 of radial tilted alignment.
Also form the liquid crystal farmland in the zone corresponding with solid-state district, the unit 14a ' that is surrounded by non-solid-state district 14b substantially, liquid crystal molecule 30a takes radial tilted alignment in described liquid crystal farmland.Liquid crystal molecule 30a in the zone of the solid-state district 14a ' corresponding to the unit is subjected to the influence in the orientation of the liquid crystal molecule 30a at each EG place, marginal portion of non-solid-state district 14b, thereby takes the radial tilted alignment of center SA (corresponding to the element mesh center of a lattice that is formed by the non-solid-state district 14b) symmetry about solid-state district, unit 14a '.
The radial tilted alignment that is formed on the radial tilted alignment in the liquid crystal farmland on the solid-state district in the unit 14a ' and is formed on the opening 14b1 is continuous mutually, and the both is consistent with orientation at the liquid crystal molecule 30a of the non-solid-state edge part office of distinguishing 14b.The liquid crystal molecule 30a that is formed in the liquid crystal farmland on the opening 14b1 is orientated with conical in shape, described taper stretches upwards (towards substrate 100b), and the liquid crystal molecule 30a that is formed in the liquid crystal farmland on the solid-state district in the unit 14a ' is orientated with conical in shape, and (towards substrate 100a) stretched in described taper downwards.The orientation that is formed in the liquid crystal farmland on the solid-state district in the unit 14a ' is also consistent with the orientation of the interior liquid crystal molecule 30a of liquid crystal layer 30 on the excision district 14b2.As mentioned above, the radial tilted alignment that is formed on the radial tilted alignment in the liquid crystal farmland on the solid-state district in the unit 14a and is formed on the liquid crystal layer (comprising the liquid crystal farmland that is formed on the opening 14b1) on the non-solid-state district 14b is mutual continuous.Therefore,, do not have disclination (disclination) line (orientation defective) to form, stoped thus because the decline of the display quality that the appearance of disclination line causes along the border between them.
For the dependence of the display quality that reduces liquid crystal indicator in all position angles,, be rotational symmetric at the probabilistic optimum seeking that exists of the liquid crystal molecule 30a of each azimuth direction orientation, and be more preferably axisymmetric in each elementary area district to the visual angle.In other words, the liquid crystal farmland preferred arrangement that is formed on the entire image cellular zone becomes to have rotational symmetry, and more preferably has axial symmetry.But sin qua non's liquid crystal farmland is not rotational symmetric in the entire image cellular zone.As long as liquid crystal layer in the elementary area district forms one group of liquid crystal farmland, and should organize the liquid crystal farmland be arranged as rotate symmetrical with regard to enough (or rotational symmetry) (for example, as one group of a plurality of liquid crystal farmland) with the square net arranged in patterns.Therefore, a plurality of opening 14b1 in the elementary area zone are arranged in that to have rotational symmetry at the entire image cellular zone be not the sin qua non.As long as the elementary area district comprises that one group is arranged in the have rotational symmetry opening 14b1 of (or rotational symmetry) with regard to enough (for example, as one group of a plurality of opening with the square net arranged in patterns).Principle can be applied to solid-state district, the unit 14a ' that is surrounded by opening 14b1 (and also can distinguish 14b2 by excision) substantially equally.The shape on each liquid crystal farmland preferably has rotational symmetry and more preferably has axial symmetry, and the shape of each opening 14b1 and each unit solid-state district 14a ' also preferably has rotational symmetry and or even axisymmetric.
Note, may not be applied to enough voltage the core liquid crystal layer 30 on every side of opening 14b1, center on the not contribution of 30 pairs of demonstrations of liquid crystal layer of the core of opening 14b1 thus.In other words, even (for example, even central shaft is from the off-centring of opening 14b1) interference is around the radial orientation of the liquid crystal layer 30 of the core of opening 14b1 to a certain extent, display quality can not descend yet.Therefore, as long as the liquid crystal farmland forms at least corresponding to solid-state district, unit 14a ', just might be in the continuity of each elementary area district acquisition liquid crystal molecule, and can realize wide viewing angle characteristics and high display quality.
As above described with reference to figure 2A and 2B, the elementary area electrode 14 of liquid crystal indicator 100 of the present invention comprises the non-solid-state district 14b that does not have conducting film, and in the liquid crystal layer 30 in elementary area district, producing the electric field of representing by equipotential line EQ, equipotential line EQ has sloping portion.The liquid crystal molecule 30a that liquid crystal layer 30 has negative dielectric anisotropy (applies under the voltage condition lacking, it is a homeotropic alignment), as trigger, change its direction of orientation with those changes of orientation that are positioned at the liquid crystal molecule 30a on the sloping portion of equipotential line EQ.Therefore, the liquid crystal farmland with stable radial orientation is formed on opening 14b1 and the unit solid-state district 14a '.According to being applied to voltage on the liquid crystal layer, producing by the variation of the liquid crystal molecular orientation on liquid crystal farmland and to show.
Shape (being seen from the normal direction of substrate) and the arrangement of unit solid-state district 14a ', the opening 14b1 and the excision district 14b2 of elementary area electrode 14 will be described below.
Because the orientation (optical anisotropy) of liquid crystal molecule, the display characteristic of liquid crystal indicator shows as relying party's parallactic angle.In order to reduce display characteristic to azimuthal dependence, preferably liquid crystal molecule has essentially identical probability along all azimuthal orientations.Preferred, the liquid crystal molecule in each elementary area district has essentially identical probability along all azimuthal orientations.Therefore, solid-state district, each unit 14a ' preferably has the shape that makes the liquid crystal farmland be formed on each elementary area district, so that the liquid crystal molecule 30a in each liquid crystal farmland corresponding with solid-state district, unit 14a ' has essentially identical probability along all azimuthal orientations.More specifically, the shape of solid-state district, unit 14a ' is preferably about extending through axis of symmetry (in normal direction) the rotation symmetry (preferred, as to be dual turning axle symmetry at least) at 14a ' center, solid-state district, each unit.The shape of opening 14b1 also is preferably rotational symmetric, and preferred arrangement opening 14b1 is to make it having rotational symmetry.
It is the rotational symmetric sin qua non's of not being that unit solid-state district 14a ' and opening 14b1 are arranged on the entire image cellular zone.As long as elementary area is combined to form by for example a plurality of square nets as minimum unit (having quadruple turning axle symmetry), shown in Figure 1A, then liquid crystal molecule 30a has identical probability substantially along all azimuthal orientations in the entire image cellular zone.
To describe with reference to figure 4A to 4C, when around the cardinal principle star shape opening 14b1 of the solid-state district of circular cell 14a ' substantially during with the square net arranged in patterns (shown in Figure 1A), the orientation of liquid crystal molecule 30a.
Fig. 4 A to 4C schematically illustrates respectively along the orientation of the being seen liquid crystal molecule 30a of substrate normal direction.In the figure of explanation in the orientation of the being seen liquid crystal molecule 30a of substrate normal direction, such as Fig. 4 B and 4C, the stain end that is drawn as oval liquid crystal molecule 30a represents that liquid crystal molecule 30a tilts, make this end than the other end more near the substrate that elementary area electrode 14 is provided on it.This is applied among the figure of all back equally.In the elementary area district shown in Figure 1A one independently unit grid (being formed by four opening 14b1) will be described below.Cornerwise sectional view along Fig. 4 A to 4C corresponds respectively to Figure 1B, 2A and 2B respectively, and in the following description also with reference to Figure 1B, 2A and 2B.
When elementary area electrode 14 and counter electrode 22 are in same electromotive force, promptly, there be not voltage to be applied under the state on the liquid crystal layer 30, the orientation of liquid crystal molecule 30a is by each the vertical orientation layer adjustment of a side of close liquid crystal layer 30 that is arranged among TFT substrate 100a and the anti-substrate 100b, and takes homeotropic alignment as illustrated in fig. 4.
When electric field being applied on the liquid crystal layer 30 electric field of representing with the equipotential line EQ that produces by Fig. 2 A, torsional interaction has on the liquid crystal molecule 30a of negative dielectric anisotropic to guide its axial orientation to be parallel to equipotential line EQ.As above described with reference to figure 3A and 3B, for the liquid crystal molecule 30a that is under the electric field of representing by equipotential line EQ perpendicular to its molecular axis, wherein will the tilt direction of (rotation) of liquid crystal molecule 30a is not well-determined (Fig. 3 A), and orientation change (tilting or rotation) is not easy to take place for this reason.On the contrary, for the liquid crystal molecule 30a that is placed under the equipotential line EQ that tilts with respect to the molecular axis of liquid crystal molecule 30a, vergence direction (rotation) is well-determined, and orientation change takes place easily for this reason.Therefore, as shown in Fig. 4 B, liquid crystal molecule 30a begins to tilt from the marginal portion of opening 14b1, and here the molecular axis of liquid crystal molecule 30a tilts with respect to equipotential line EQ.Next, as above described with reference to figure 3C, on every side liquid crystal molecule 30a tilts so that consistent with orientation at the liquid crystal molecule 30a that has tilted of opening 14b1 marginal portion.Then, the axial orientation of liquid crystal molecule 30a becomes stable (radial tilted alignment), shown in Fig. 4 C.
As mentioned above, when opening 14b1 had rotational symmetric shape, one applied voltage, and the liquid crystal molecule 30a in the elementary area district just begins to tilt successively to the center of opening 14b1 from the marginal portion of each opening 14b1.Therefore, those liquid crystal molecule 30a that are centered around each opening 14b1 center keep vertical orientation with respect to base plan, at the center of each opening 14b1, are balanced from the adjustment power that respectively is orientated of the liquid crystal molecule 30a of marginal portion.Liquid crystal molecule 30a on every side tilts with radial figure about the liquid crystal molecule 30a that those are centered around the center of each opening 14b1, and the inclination angle is along with the center away from opening 14b1 increases gradually.
Liquid crystal molecule 30a in the unit solid-state district 14a ' zone rounded be cardinal principle that star-shaped openings 14b1 surrounds substantially by four also tilt in case with cause that by tilting electric field the orientation of liquid crystal molecule 30a of inclination is consistent in the generation of the marginal portion of each opening 14b1, wherein star-shaped openings 14b1 is with the square net arranged in patterns.The result is, the liquid crystal molecule 30a at those 14a ' centers, solid-state district around the unit keep vertical orientation with respect to base plan, and the 14a ' center, solid-state district in the unit is balanced from the adjustment power that respectively is orientated of the liquid crystal molecule 30a of marginal portion.Solid-state district 14a ' liquid crystal molecule 30a's liquid crystal molecule 30a on every side on every side tilts with radial pattern in the unit about those, and the inclination angle is along with the center away from solid-state district, unit 14a ' increases gradually.
As mentioned above, when the liquid crystal farmland of taking radial tilted alignment at each liquid crystal molecule 30a during with the square net arranged in patterns, the probability that each axial liquid crystal molecule 30a exists is rotational symmetric, may realize that thus any visual angle is not all had heteropical high display quality.For the liquid crystal farmland of the reducing radial tilted alignment dependence to the visual angle, preferred liquid crystal farmland has the rotation symmetry (preferably have at least one dual turning axle, more preferably have at least one quadruple turning axle) of height.
For the radial tilted alignment of liquid crystal molecule 30a, the radial tilted alignment with clockwise or counter-clockwise spiral pattern shown in Fig. 5 B or 5C is more stable than the simple radial tilted alignment shown in Fig. 5 A respectively.This screw orientation is different from conventional twisted-oriented (wherein the direction of orientation of liquid crystal molecule 30a changes along the thickness spiral of liquid crystal molecule 30).In screw orientation, in the direction of orientation of a zonule liquid crystal molecule 30a basically not along the variation in thickness of liquid crystal layer 30.In other words, the orientation in the xsect (plane that is parallel to layer plane) at any thickness place of liquid crystal layer 30 does not have torsional deformation basically along the thickness of liquid crystal layer 30 as shown in Fig. 5 B or 5C.But the liquid crystal farmland on the whole has torsional deformation to a certain degree.
When using the material that obtains to twisted liquid crystal material interpolation chiral reagent (chiral agent) with negative dielectric anisotropic, under existence applies voltage condition, shown in Fig. 5 B and 5C, liquid crystal molecule 30a takes the radial tilted alignment of clockwise or counter-clockwise spiral pattern respectively about opening 14b1 or unit solid-state district 14a '.Spiral pattern is clockwise or inhour is to be determined by the chiral reagent that uses.Therefore, under existence applies voltage condition, become the radial tilted alignment of spiral pattern by the liquid crystal molecule 30a on control opening 14b1 or the unit solid-state district 14a ', the direction of the spiral pattern of the radial inclination liquid crystal molecule 30a around other liquid crystal molecule 30a that erect on the vertical substrate plane all is constant in all liquid crystal farmlands.Therefore, may realize not showing heteropical even demonstration.Because the direction of the spiral pattern around the liquid crystal molecule 30a that erect on the vertical substrate plane determines, so the response speed of voltage when being applied on the liquid crystal layer 30 also improved.
In addition, when adding a large amount of chiral reagents, the orientation of liquid crystal molecule 30a is the same with the twisted-oriented of routine, changes with spiral pattern along the thickness of liquid crystal layer 30.Not along the place that the thickness of liquid crystal layer 30 changes with spiral pattern, the liquid crystal molecule 30a of perpendicular or parallel polarization axle orientation in polarization plates can not provide phase differential to incident light in the orientation of liquid crystal molecule 30a.Therefore, the incident light that passes the zone of this orientation is not contributed transmission.On the contrary, along the place that the thickness of liquid crystal layer 30 changes with spiral pattern, the liquid crystal molecule 30a of perpendicular or parallel polarization axle orientation in polarization plates also provides phase differential to incident light, and has utilized optical activity in the orientation of liquid crystal molecule 30a.Therefore, the incident light that passes the zone of this orientation also has contribution to transmission.Therefore, may obtain to produce the bright liquid crystal indicator that shows.
Figure 1A has illustrated an example, wherein each among the solid-state district in the unit 14a ' be circular substantially and opening 14b1 in each be star shape substantially, and with the square net arranged in patterns.But the shape of solid-state district, unit 14a ' and shape and the arrangement of opening 14b1 are not limited to above-mentioned example.
Elementary area electrode 14A and the 14B that illustrates respectively in the planimetric map of Fig. 6 A and 6B has different respectively opening 14b1 and the unit solid-state district 14a ' of shape.
With opening 14b1 and the unit solid-state district 14a ' shown in Figure 1A microdeformation is arranged at the opening 14b1 and unit of elementary area electrode 14A shown in Fig. 6 A and the 6B and 14B solid-state district 14a ' respectively.The opening 14b1 of elementary area electrode 14A and 14B and unit solid-state district 14a ' is regularly arranged, thereby has dual turning axle (not being the quadruple turning axle) to form the rectangular elements grid.In two elementary area electrode 14A and 14B, opening 14b1 has the star shape of distortion, and solid-state district, unit 14a ' is substantially oval (circle of distortion). Elementary area electrode 14A and 14B also provide a kind of liquid crystal indicator with high display quality and desirable viewing angle characteristic.
In addition, also can use at elementary area electrode 14C shown in Fig. 7 A and the 7B and 14D respectively.
In elementary area electrode 14C and 14D, criss-cross substantially opening 14b1 is with the square net arranged in patterns, thereby solid-state district, each unit 14a ' has foursquare substantially shape.Certainly, these patterns can be out of shape, and make the rectangular elements grid to occur.As mentioned above, solid-state district, the unit 14a ' by regularly arranged general rectangular (surrounding square and rectangle) may obtain a kind of liquid crystal indicator with high display quality and desirable viewing angle characteristic.
Noticeable, in order to stablize radial tilted alignment, to compare with rectangle, the shape of the solid-state district in opening 14b1 and/or unit 14a ' is preferably circular or oval.Believe that radial tilted alignment is more stable when using circle or elliptical openings 14b1 and/or unit solid-state district 14a ', be because the edge more continuous (smoothly) of the solid-state district in each opening 14b1 and/or unit 14a ', thus, the direction of orientation of liquid crystal molecule 30a changes more continuous (smoothly).
In view of the continuity of the direction of orientation of above-mentioned liquid crystal molecule 30a, also be operable at elementary area electrode 14E shown in Fig. 8 A and the 8B and 14F respectively.Elementary area electrode 14E shown in Fig. 8 A is the variant of the elementary area electrode 14A shown in Figure 1A, and has the opening 14b1 that is only defined by four arcs.Elementary area electrode 14F shown in Fig. 8 B is the variant of the elementary area electrode 14D shown in Fig. 7 B, and the limit of the opening 14b1 that joins with the solid-state district in unit 14a ' is an arc.In two elementary area electrode 14E and 14F, the solid-state district in opening 14b1 and unit 14a ' is with the square net arranged in patterns and have the quadruple turning axle.Selectively, shown in Fig. 6 A and 6B, the solid-state district in opening 14b1 and unit 14a ' can be deformed into the arrangement of rectangle lattice and have dual turning axle.
Considering response speed, also is operable at elementary area electrode 14G shown in Fig. 9 A and the 9B and 14H respectively.Elementary area electrode 14G shown in Fig. 9 A is the variant of the elementary area electrode 14C shown in Fig. 7 A, and the elementary area electrode 14C shown in Fig. 7 A comprises solid-state district, foursquare unit 14a ' substantially.In elementary area electrode 14G, solid-state district, unit 14a ' has the square shape of distortion, and its corner part is an acute angle.In the elementary area electrode 14H shown in Fig. 9 B, the solid-state cardinal principle star that is shaped as of distinguishing 14a ' in unit with 8 limits (edge) and four acute angle portions, its center has the quadruple turning axle.Term " acute angle portion " is meant that angle is less than 90 ° angle or fillet as used herein.
When shown in Fig. 9 A and 9B, when solid-state district, unit 14a ' had acute angle portion, the quantity that wherein produces the marginal portion of tilting electric field was increased.Therefore, tilting electric field acts on the liquid crystal molecule 30a of bigger quantity.Increased the quantity of the liquid crystal molecule 30a that initial response begins to tilt in electric field, reduced thus on the entire image cellular zone, to form and penetrated shape tilted alignment required time quantum.The result has improved being applied to the response speed of the voltage on the liquid crystal layer 30.
In addition, when solid-state district, unit 14a ' had acute angle portion, the situation that has circle substantially or general rectangular with the solid-state district in unit 14a ' was compared, and can increase (or minimizing) probability that exists at the liquid crystal molecule 30a of particular orientation angular direction orientation.In other words, can exist probability to introduce high directivity to liquid crystal molecule 30a in each azimuth direction orientation.Therefore, when acute angle is used when solid-state district, the unit of the liquid crystal indicator with polarization plates 14a ' goes up, this liquid crystal indicator neutral line polarized light is incident on the liquid crystal layer 30, may reduce the polarization axle orientation that is located vertical or horizontal to polarization plates liquid crystal molecule 30a (the liquid crystal molecule 30a of phase differential promptly is not provided to incident light) have a probability.Improve the optical transmission rate like this and realized brighter demonstration.
Each elementary area district comprises a plurality of opening 14b1 in the structure of Fig. 6 A and 6B, 7A and 7B, 8A and 8B, 9A and 9B explanation.Selectively, as described in reference Figure 1B, by an opening 14b1 is provided, or do not have the excision of opening 14b1 district 14b2 in the elementary area district, can in each elementary area district, form a plurality of liquid crystal farmland by only providing.Forming the liquid crystal farmland in corresponding to (a plurality of) zone of (a plurality of) opening 14b1 of elementary area electrode 14 is not the sin qua non's.As long as consistent with solid-state district 14a (solid-state district, unit 14a ') to form the liquid crystal farmland of taking radial tilted alignment just much of that.Use this structure,, also can realize the continuity of the orientation of liquid crystal molecule 30a in the elementary area district even the consistent liquid crystal farmland that forms with opening 14b1 is not radial tilted alignment.Therefore, stablized radial orientation with the consistent liquid crystal farmland that provides of 14a, solid-state district.Especially shown in Fig. 7 A and 7B, when opening 14b1 had little area, opening 14b1 was also little to the degree that shows contribution.Therefore, owing to the decline that lacks the display quality that the liquid crystal farmland of taking radial tilted alignment consistent with opening 14b1 cause can be ignored.
In the above-described embodiments, opening 14b1 is a cardinal principle star or criss-cross substantially, and solid-state district, unit 14a ' is cardinal principle circle, cardinal principle ellipse, substantially square (rectangle) or has the general rectangular of round angle.Selectively, the solid-state district in opening 14b1 and unit 14a ' can reverse in negative/positive mode.Figure 10 shows the planimetric map of elementary area electrode 14I, and elementary area electrode 14I has a kind of pattern, and wherein the opening 14b1 of the elementary area electrode 14 shown in Figure 1A and unit solid-state district 14a ' reverses in negative/positive mode.Elementary area electrode 14I shown in Figure 10 and the elementary area electrode 14 shown in Figure 1A have essentially identical function and effect.Figure 11 A and 11B illustrate elementary area electrode 14J and 14K respectively.Elementary area electrode 14K has a kind of pattern, wherein the opening 14b1 of elementary area electrode 14J and unit solid-state district 14a ' is reversed in negative/positive mode.The same with the 14K situation with elementary area electrode 14J with solid-state district, unit 14a ' at opening 14b1 all is substantially during square, by negative/pattern that rotating obtains can obtain and reverse before the identical pattern of pattern.
Even under the situation that opening 14b1 and unit solid-state district 14a ' reverses as shown in figure 10, preferably in the marginal portion of elementary area electrode 14, form excision district 14b2 (each has or 1/4'sth only about half of corresponding to each opening 14b1 shape), thereby solid-state district, unit 14a ' has rotational symmetry.Use this pattern, the effect that is provided in the marginal portion in elementary area district by tilting electric field provides equally with it at core, and this has realized stable radial tilted alignment at the entire image cellular zone.
Be with or without negative/rotating, the length on the border between non-solid-state district 14b and the solid-state district 14a all is identical.With regard to the effect that produces tilting electric field, the difference of these patterns does not present difference.But, between these patterns, solid-state district 14a with respect to the area of entire image cellular zone area than being different.Specifically be that between these patterns, the area that is used for producing the solid-state district 14a ' (in fact this zone has conducting film) of the electric field on the liquid crystal molecule 30a that acts on liquid crystal layer 30 is different.
Be applied to voltage on the liquid crystal farmland with the corresponding formation of opening 14b1 and be lower than voltage on the liquid crystal farmland that is applied to the corresponding formation of unit solid-state district 14a '.Therefore, just conventional black display, the demonstration that the liquid crystal farmland corresponding with opening 14b1 provides is darker.Preferably reduce the area ratio of area ratio and the increase unit solid-state district 14a ' of non-solid-state district 14b in each elementary area district.
Below description had the shape of solid-state district, the unit of radial tilted alignment stability 14a ' and the relation between the transmittance values.
One of present inventor research discloses, and under the interval (arrangement pitches) of solid-state district, unit 14a ' kept constant situation, along with approaching more circle of shape or the ellipse of solid-state district, unit 14a ', orientation stability was high more.This is that the continuity of the direction of orientation of the liquid crystal molecule 30a in radial tilted alignment is high more because distinguish approaching more circle of shape or the ellipse of 14a ' along with the unit is solid-state.
Also disclosed along with the shape of solid-state district, unit 14a ' is approaching more such as square or rectangular rectangle, then transmissivity is high more.This is because distinguish the shape of 14a ' more near rectangle along with the unit is solid-state, the area of the solid-state district in unit 14a ' is high than more, has increased thus directly to be subjected to by the area (area that defines in the plane perpendicular to the substrate normal direction) of the liquid crystal layer of the electric field effects of electrode generation and to have increased effective aperture opening ratio (aperture ratio).
Therefore, can consider the shape that the transmissivity of the orientation stability expected and expectation is come the solid-state district of determining unit 14a '.
When shown in Fig. 8 B, the shape of solid-state district, each unit 14a ' is to have when arc angle cardinal principle partly is square substantially, may realize high relatively orientation stability and relative high transmissivity.Certainly, the shape as solid-state district, unit 14a ' is when having the cardinal principle square of cardinal principle arc angle part, can obtain substantially the same effect.Note, because the limitation of production technology, strictly say, bight by the film formed unit of conduction solid-state district 14a ' may not be an arc, but can replace with obtuse angle polygonal shape (a kind of comprise a plurality of shapes that surpass 90 ° angle), and the bight can have the arcuate shape (a for example Tuo Yuan part) of microdeformation or the polygonal shape of distortion, rather than 1/4th arcuate shape or regular polygon shape (for example part of regular polygon).Selectively, the bight can have the shape of curve and obtuse angle combination.Term " arcuate shape substantially " comprises any of these shape as used herein.Notice that because similarly relevant in technology, circular substantially solid-state district, the unit 14a ' shown in Figure 1A can have polygonal shape or replace strict circular deformed shape.
Note, narrated in the above,, can provide small irregularity for the surface of reflecting electrode in order to realize showing near the white of paper white.Even the surface of reflecting electrode is provided with this small irregularity, when existence applies voltage, still can form the equipotential line (consistent) that is parallel to the surface with small irregularity.Therefore, when applying voltage, the surface with reflecting electrode of small irregularity does not apply the orientation adjustment power of the direction of orientation of control liquid crystal molecule, and does not influence the formation of radial tilted alignment thus.
Above-mentioned description is primarily aimed at electrode structure and the function thereof of TFT substrate 100a.Below with reference to Figure 1B and Figure 12 the structure of anti-substrate 100b and its function are described.Figure 12 schematically illustrates the sectional view of the liquid crystal indicator 1100 of reference examples.The liquid crystal indicator 1100 of reference examples is similar to liquid crystal indicator 100, and each all taked the liquid crystal farmland of radial tilted alignment when the elementary area electrode 14 that is TFT substrate 1100a comprised a plurality of unit solid-state district 14a ' and is formed on the voltage that applies.But liquid crystal indicator 1100 is different from liquid crystal indicator 100, is that anti-substrate 1100b is not provided with stepped part, but provides step portion by provide dielectric film 19 below the reflecting electrode of TFT substrate 1100a to TFT substrate 1100a.
Shown in Figure 1B, in liquid crystal indicator 100 of the present invention, anti-substrate 100b comprises stepped part, and this stepped portion branch comprises the upper strata 100b1 that is positioned at echo area R, be arranged in the 100b2 of lower floor of transmission area T and make the interconnected side 100b3 of upper strata 100b1 and lower floor and 100b2.Because this structure, the thickness d r of the liquid crystal layer 30 in the R of echo area is less than the thickness d t of the liquid crystal layer in transmission area T 30.Therefore, stepped part is provided on the anti-substrate 100b, rather than on the TFT substrate 100a, has realized being suitable for multigap structure thus with transmission mode and reflective-mode display image.Therefore, unnecessary as in the liquid crystal indicator 1100 of reference examples shown in Figure 12, the stepped part of using dielectric film 19 grades is provided under reflecting electrode.Therefore, can simplify the production technology of TFT substrate 100a.
Use the multigap structure, the side of stepped part tilts with respect to base plan, and the liquid crystal molecule perpendicular to this side orientation causes the light in the black display to leak and lower contrast thus.But in liquid crystal indicator 100, shown in Figure 1B, the side 100b3 of stepped part is arranged in echo area R.Therefore, the contrast among the transmission area T is step-down not, has suppressed degenerating of display quality thus.Echo area R originally just has lower contrast than transmission area T, and the level of the display characteristic of echo area R needs is also lower.Therefore, leak, also can appreciable impact not show even some light takes place at echo area R.On the contrary, in the liquid crystal indicator 1100 of reference examples shown in Figure 12, the side 1100b3 of stepped part is positioned at echo area R, and transmitted light (light that is used for display image in transmission mode) leaks there, therefore, worsens display quality significantly.
In addition, in the liquid crystal indicator 1100 of reference examples shown in Figure 12, the side 1100a3 of stepped part does not cover with electrode.With reference to figure 13A, when using when the tilting electric field that produces around the 1100a3 of side carries out orientation control, because side 1100a3 tilts with respect to base plan, directed thus control is difficult to depend on the level that applies voltage, the inclination angle of side 1100a3 etc.For example, shown in Figure 13 B, if the inclination angle of side 1100a3 is big, then the angle between equipotential line EQ and the liquid crystal molecule 30a may significantly die down in this situation orientation adjustment power near 90 °.
On the contrary, in liquid crystal indicator 100, anti-substrate 100b is provided with stepped part, and the side 100b3 of stepped part can be covered by electrode 22 thus.As shown in figure 14, along the side 100b3 that is covered by electrode 22, equipotential line EQ is parallel to side 100b3 and vertical liquid crystal molecule 30a, can not apply orientation adjustment power thus.
As mentioned above, in liquid crystal indicator 100 of the present invention, realize the multigap structure by stepped part is provided on substrate, this substrate is different from the substrate that is provided with for the electrode that produces the tilting electric field that forms radial tilted alignment.In addition, when being covered by electrode 22, the side 100b3 of stepped part is positioned at echo area R.Because this structure, may obtain the advantage relevant with production technology, and the degenerating of the display quality that causes owing to the inclination of the side 100b3 of stepped part of inhibition.
The liquid crystal indicator 100 of the embodiment of the invention can adopt and the identical configuration of the known vertical alignment liquid crystal displays of prior art, and can be by known production method production, just will be elementary area electrode 14 by predetermined patternization so that have solid-state district 14a and non-solid-state district 14b, and anti-substrate 100b comprises stepped part.
Notice that transparent dielectric layer (that is transparent resin layer) 29 selectivity are formed among the R of echo area to provide step-portion on anti-substrate 100b in the present embodiment.Selectively, echo area R with in transmission area T, can use different materials to be used for colour filter, the thickness of colour filter forms stepped part thus greater than the thickness of the colour filter among the transmission area T among the R of echo area.Because the light that is used for transmission mode passes colour filter only once, and the light that is used for reflective-mode passes colour filter twice, if the optical density (OD) of colour filter equals among the R of echo area among the transmission area T, colour purity and/or brightness will be lower among the R of echo area.But, as mentioned above at echo area R when using different materials to be used for colour filter at transmission area T, can be so that the optical density (OD) of colour filter be less than among the transmission area T among the R of echo area.Therefore, can improve colour purity and/or brightness among the R of echo area.
Typically, on the side near liquid crystal layer 30 of elementary area electrode 14 each and counter electrode 22, provide the vertical orientation film, so that vertical orientation has the liquid crystal molecule of negative dielectric anisotropic as vertical orientation layer (not shown).
Liquid crystal material can be the nematic liquid crystal material with negative dielectric anisotropy.Can obtain guest-master (guest-host) mode LCD by adding dichroic dyestuff to nematic liquid crystal material with negative dielectric anisotropy.Guest-holotype liquid crystal indicator does not need polarization plates.
So-called " vertical orientation type liquid crystal indicator " can be under various display modes display image, it comprises liquid crystal layer, the liquid crystal molecule that has negative dielectric anisotropic in this liquid crystal layer is a vertical orientation when not applying voltage.For example, except birefringent mode, vertical orientation type liquid crystal indicator can also be used in the display mode of optically-active pattern or optically-active pattern and birefringent mode combination, comes display image by the birefraction of using the electric field controls liquid crystal layer in birefringent mode.By on the outside (away from that side of liquid crystal layer 30) of a pair of substrate (for example, TFT substrate and anti-substrate) of above-mentioned any liquid crystal indicator, providing a pair of polarization plates can obtain the liquid crystal indicator of birefringent mode.In addition, can provide phase difference compensation (being typically phase plate) as required.In addition, also can obtain having the liquid crystal indicator of high brightness by using the cardinal principle circularly polarized light.
Embodiment 2
Liquid crystal indicator 100 parts that the liquid crystal indicator of present embodiment is different from embodiment 1 are that anti-substrate comprises orientation adjustment structure.
Figure 15 A to 15E schematically illustrates respectively has the anti-substrate 200b that orientation is adjusted structure 28.The element that has basic identical function with element in the liquid crystal indicator 100 will be represented and will not be further described with identical Reference numeral.
Each orientation shown in Figure 15 A to 15E is adjusted structure 28 and is played the effect that the liquid crystal molecule 30a of liquid crystal layer 30 is oriented radial tilted alignment.Notice that with regard to the direction that liquid crystal molecule 30a will tilt, the orientation shown in Figure 15 A to 15D is adjusted structure 28 with different in the adjustment of the orientation shown in Figure 15 E structure 28.
The direction that the orientation adjustment structure 28 shown in Figure 15 A to 15D of passing through liquid crystal molecule 30a tilts is consistent with the direction of orientation of the radial tilted alignment on such liquid crystal farmland, in the described liquid crystal farmland each be formed in the zone corresponding to the solid-state district in the unit of elementary area electrode 14 14a ' (referring to, for example, Figure 1A and 1B).On the contrary, the direction that the orientation adjustment structure 28 shown in Figure 15 E of passing through liquid crystal molecule 30a tilts is consistent with the direction of orientation of the radial tilted alignment on such liquid crystal farmland, in the described liquid crystal farmland each be formed in the zone corresponding to the opening 14b1 of elementary area electrode 14 (referring to, for example, Figure 1A and 1B).
It is that opening 22a by counter electrode 22 forms that orientation shown in Figure 15 A is adjusted structure 28.On a surface, provide vertical orientation film (not shown) near the anti-substrate 200b of liquid crystal layer 30.
Only when existence applied voltage, orientation was adjusted structure 28 and is applied orientation adjustment power.Because adjusting structure 28, orientation only needs on the electrode structure by TFT substrate 100a forms liquid crystal molecule 30a in each liquid crystal farmland of radial tilted alignment, to apply orientation adjustment power, so the size of opening 22a is less than the size that is provided at the opening 14b1 on the TFT substrate 100a, and less than the size of the solid-state district in unit 14a ' (referring to, for example, Figure 1A).For example, only use the area of the half of the area that is less than or equal to opening 14b1 or unit solid-state district 14a ' just can obtain enough effects.So that when relative with the core of the solid-state district in the unit of elementary area electrode 14 14a ', the continuity of the orientation of liquid crystal molecule 30a ' increases, and can fix the position of the central shaft of radial tilted alignment as the opening 22a that counter electrode 22 is provided.
As mentioned above, when the structure that only applies orientation adjustment power when existence applies voltage was adjusted the structure use as orientation, all basically liquid crystal molecule 30a of liquid crystal layer 30 carried out vertical orientation when not applying voltage.Therefore, when using conventional black mode, in black display, do not have light to leak basically and take place, realize display thus with desirable contrast.
But, when not applying voltage, do not apply orientation adjustment power and therefore do not form radial tilted alignment.In addition, when the voltage that applies is low, have only weak orientation to adjust power, when a sizable power is applied on the liquid crystal panel, can observe retained image (after image) thus.
No matter have or do not apply voltage, each orientation shown in Figure 15 B and the 15D is adjusted structure 28 and is all applied orientation adjustment power, can obtain thus at all stable radial tilted alignment of any display gray scale, and can the height renitency.
Orientation shown in Figure 15 B is adjusted structure 28 and is comprised and be provided on the counter electrode 22 and be projected into projection (rib) 22b in the liquid crystal layer 30.Though the material to projection 22b does not have specific restriction, projection 22b can easily use the dielectric material such as resin to provide.Vertical orientation film (not shown) is provided on the surface near the anti-substrate 200b of liquid crystal layer 30.Projection 22b utilizes its surface structure (having the vertical orientation ability) aligned liquid-crystal molecule 30a to become radial tilted alignment.The preferred resin material that uses temperature distortion in this case can be easily forms the projection 22b with slight protuberance section shown in Figure 15 B in graphical back by thermal treatment.The projection 22b of the section that slightly arches (for example, a Qiu Xing part) with band top shown in Figure 15 B or conical projection provide the ideal effect of the center of fixing radial tilted alignment.
Orientation shown in Figure 15 C is adjusted structure 28 and is provided as the surface with horizontal orientation power relative with liquid crystal layer 30, this surface provides in opening (sunk part) 23a in the be formed at counter electrode 22 times dielectric layer 23 of (that is, on the side near the counter electrode 22 of substrate 21).Provide vertical orientation film 24 to cover the side near the anti-substrate 200b of liquid crystal layer 30, be uncovered and keep with the corresponding zone of opening 23a, the effect on horizontal orientation surface is played on the surface in opening 23a thus.Selectively, shown in Figure 15 D, horizontal orientation film 25 can only be provided in the opening 23a.
Horizontal orientation film shown in Figure 15 D can pass through, for example, disposablely on the whole surface of anti-substrate 200b, provide vertical orientation film 24, then use the part of the vertical orientation film 24 of UV light elective irradiation in opening 23a so that reduce its vertical orientation ability power.Orientation is adjusted not high the same little to the oriented film generation that makes the tilt angle that produces and be used in TN type liquid crystal indicator of the required horizontal alignment ability of structure 28.For example, 45 ° or littler tilt angle are enough.
Shown in Figure 15 C and 15D, on the horizontal alignment surface in opening 23a, liquid crystal molecule 30a is impelled about the base plan level.The result is, the orientation of liquid crystal molecule 30a forms consistent with on every side the orientation of the liquid crystal molecule 30a of homeotropic alignment on vertical orientation film 24, obtains the radial tilted alignment shown in Figure 15 C and the 15D thus.
Under the situation that sunk part (forming by the opening in the dielectric layer 23) or not is not provided on the surface of counter electrode 22, radial tilted alignment can only (for example provide the horizontal alignment surface by selectivity on the flat surfaces of counter electrode 22, the surface of electrode, or horizontal orientation film) obtain.But, can utilize the surface structure of sunk part, further stablize radial tilted alignment.
For example preferably use colour filter or colour filter protective seam as dielectric layer 23, on surface, to form sunk part, because it does not increase extra processing step near the anti-substrate 200b of liquid crystal layer 30.In the structure shown in Figure 15 C and Figure 15 D, optical efficiency does not almost reduce, because not as apply the farmland, district of voltage like that on liquid crystal layer 30 by projection 22b in the structure shown in Figure 15 B.
Adjust in the structure 28 in the orientation shown in Figure 15 E, adjust in the structure 28 as the orientation shown in Figure 15 D, opening 23a by using dielectric layer 23 forms sunk part in the side near the anti-substrate 200b of liquid crystal layer 30, and only forms horizontal orientation film 26 in the bottom of this sunk part.Replace forming horizontal orientation film 26, can shown in Figure 15 C, expose the surface of counter electrode 22 like that.
At the liquid crystal indicator 200 that has above-mentioned any orientation adjustment structure shown in Figure 16 A and the 16B, Figure 16 A is a planimetric map, and Figure 16 B is the sectional view along the line 16A-16A ' of Figure 16 A.
Liquid crystal indicator 200 comprises TFT substrate 100a and has the anti-substrate 200b that orientation is adjusted structure 28 that TFT substrate 100a has the elementary area electrode 14 that comprises solid-state district 14a and non-solid-state district 14b.The structure that the structure of TFT substrate 100a is not limited to describe herein, but can be any other structure recited above.In addition, though adjust structure 28 even the structure that also applies orientation adjustment power when not applying voltage is used as orientation, the orientation shown in Figure 15 B to 15D is adjusted structure 28 also can be adjusted the structure replacement by the orientation shown in Figure 15 A.
Orientation in being provided at the anti-substrate 200b of liquid crystal indicator 200 is adjusted in the structure 28, it is shown in Figure 15 B to 15D that the orientation that is provided at the regional center relative with the solid-state district 14a of elementary area electrode 14 is adjusted structure 28, and the orientation that is provided at the regional center relative with the non-solid-state district 14b of elementary area electrode 14 to adjust structure 28 be shown in Figure 15 E.
Use this configuration, when on liquid crystal layer 30, applying voltage, promptly, between elementary area electrode 14 and counter electrode 22, exist when applying voltage, the direction of the radial tilted alignment that forms by the solid-state district in the unit of elementary area electrode 14 14a ' is consistent with the direction of the radial tilted alignment of adjusting structure 28 formation by orientation, thereby has stablized radial vergence direction.This schematically illustrates in Figure 17 A to 17C.Figure 17 A explanation does not apply voltage condition, and Figure 17 B explanation orientation after applying voltage has just begun the state (initial ON state) that changes, and the steady state (SS) of Figure 17 C explanation in applying voltage course.
Shown in Figure 17 A, when applying voltage, adjust orientation that structure 28 (Figure 15 B to 15D) applies by orientation and adjust power and also act on its contiguous liquid crystal molecule 30a, form radial tilted alignment thus.
When beginning to apply voltage, electric field that generation is represented by the equipotential line EQ shown in Figure 17 B (by the electrode structure of TFT substrate 100a) and liquid crystal farmland, wherein liquid crystal molecule 30a with the liquid crystal farmland of radial tilted alignment be formed on each zone corresponding with opening 14b1 and with each corresponding zone of solid-state district, unit 14a ' in, and liquid crystal layer 30 reaches the steady state (SS) shown in Figure 17 C.The tilted alignment of liquid crystal molecule 30a is consistent with the direction of the liquid crystal molecule 30a of the orientation adjustment power inclination that applies by the orientation adjustment structure 28 that is provided in the respective regions in each liquid crystal farmland.
In steady state (SS), when when liquid crystal indicator 200 is exerted pressure, the radial tilted alignment of liquid crystal layer 30 once caved in, in case but pressure is removed, be used on the liquid crystal molecule 30a owing to regulate masterpiece from the orientation of unit solid-state district 14a ' and orientation adjustment structure 28, radial tilted alignment recovers.Therefore, owing to suppressed because the appearance of the image retention that pressure causes.When the orientation adjustment power of coming auto-orientation to adjust structure 28 is crossed when strong, because radial tilted alignment even also postpone, shows that thus contrast reduces when not applying voltage.But because it only needs the stable radial tilted alignment that is formed by tilting electric field also to fix the central shaft position of radial tilted alignment, the orientation of coming auto-orientation to adjust structure 28 is adjusted power needn't be too strong.Therefore, can not cause showing that to make the orientation adjustment power of the delay degree of showing deterioration be enough.
For example, when projection (rib) 22b shown in employing Figure 15 B, for having the unit solid-state district 14a ' of about 30 μ m to the diameter of about 35 μ m, each projection 22b can have the diameter of about 15 μ m and the height (thickness) of about 1 μ m, has obtained the reduction that sufficient orientation is adjusted power and suppressed the contrast that the delay owing to real standard causes thus.
Figure 18 A and 18B explanation comprise another liquid crystal indicator 200 ' of orientation adjustment structure.
Liquid crystal indicator 200 ' is not orientated in the zone relative with the opening 14b1 of elementary area electrode 14 and adjusts structure.Orientation shown in Figure 15 E is adjusted structure 28 and should be formed in the zone relative with opening 14b1, and this has introduced difficulty to technology.Therefore, consider throughput rate, preferably only use in the adjustment of orientation shown in Figure 15 A to the 15D structure 28.Especially, it is preferred that the orientation shown in Figure 15 B is adjusted structure 28, because it can use simple explained hereafter.
Even being provided in the zone corresponding with opening 14b1 in liquid crystal indicator 200 ', orientation do not adjust structure, also can obtain with liquid crystal indicator 200 in substantially the same radial tilted alignment, as schematically showing among Figure 19 A-19C, and its compressive resistance level also reaches realistic scale.
Projection 22b shown in Figure 15 B is being adjusted as orientation under the situation of structure 28 uses, and the thickness of liquid crystal layer 30 can be by projection 22b definition, shown in Figure 20 A.In other words, projection 22b also can play the effect of the spacer in control module gap (thickness of liquid crystal layer 30).The advantage of this configuration is not need to provide separately the spacer that is used for limiting liquid crystal layer 30 thickness, has simplified production technology thus.
In an illustrated embodiment, projection 22b has the conical in shape of topping, and side 22b1 tilts with the taper angle theta less than 90 ° with respect to the base plan of substrate 21.When side 22b1 with respect to base plan when tilting less than 90 ° cone angle, the side 22b1 of projection 22b adjusts the orientation adjustment power that power and tilting electric field apply to the orientation of the liquid crystal molecule 30a of liquid crystal layer 30 and has equidirectional, is used to stablize radial tilted alignment thus.
As in Figure 20 A to 20C, being schematically shown, can obtain the radial tilted alignment similar to the radial tilted alignment that uses liquid crystal indicator 200 ' to obtain, projection 22b also plays the effect of spacer simultaneously.
Though have with respect to base plan with less than the oblique side 22b1 of 90 ° angle lapping at projection 22b shown in the embodiment of Figure 20 A to 20C, projection 22b can select to have with respect to base plan with 90 ° or greater than the oblique side 22b1 of 90 ° angle lapping.Consider the stability of radial tilted alignment, the inclination angle of preferred side 22b1 is not obvious to surpass 90 °, and more preferably the inclination angle is less than 90 °.Even the inclination angle is above 90 °, as long as it is near 90 ° (as long as it not obvious surpass 90 °), near the 22b1 of projection 22b side liquid crystal molecule 30a tilts with the direction that is arranged essentially parallel to base plan, and take the consistent radial tilted alignment of vergence direction with the liquid crystal molecule 30a of marginal portion thus, small distortion is only arranged.But as shown in figure 21, if the inclination angle of the side 22b1 of projection 22b is obviously above 90 °, the side 22b1 of projection 22b adjusts the orientation adjustment power that power and tilting electric field apply to the orientation of the liquid crystal molecule 30a of liquid crystal layer 30 and has reverse direction, and radial thus tilted alignment may not be stablized.
Also be not limited to truncated conical in shape shown in Figure 20 A to 20C as the projection 22b of spacer.For example, projection 22b can have shape shown in Figure 22, and it is an oval part (that is the shape of the part of all spheroids in this way) at the plane on vertical substrate plane interior profile.In projection 22b shown in Figure 22, though side 22b1 is with respect to the inclination angle (bevel angle) of base plan during along the variation in thickness of liquid crystal layer 30, no matter along the thickness of liquid crystal layer 30 where, the inclination angle of side 22b1 is all less than 90 °.Therefore, the projection 22b with this shape can be suitable for use as the projection of stablizing radial tilted alignment.
In the technology of producing liquid crystal indicator, above-mentioned projection 22b can be formed on upper substrate or the infrabasal plate, and this projection 22b contacts with infrabasal plate (TFT substrate and anti-substrate) with upper substrate, but also as the spacer that limits liquid crystal layer 30 thickness.No matter projection 22b is formed on upper substrate or the infrabasal plate, in case upper and lower substrate contacts with each other, it will all contact with two substrates, play the effect that spacer and orientation are adjusted structure.
Unnecessary all projection 22b that are provided in the zone relative with solid-state district, unit 14a ' are used as spacer, by forming than some the lower projection 22b of other projection 22b as spacer, can suppress the generation that light leaks.
Alternative liquid crystal indicator of present embodiment will be described below.
Figure 23 A, 23B and Figure 24 illustrate another liquid crystal indicator 200A and the 200B of present embodiment.Figure 23 A and Figure 24 B schematically illustrate the structure in eight elementary area districts of liquid crystal indicator 200A and 200B respectively.Figure 24 is the sectional view that schematically illustrates along the line 24A-24A ' of Figure 23 A and 23B.
The elementary area electrode 14 of each liquid crystal indicator 200A and 200B comprises three solid-state district, unit 14a ' that are arranged in delegation in the elementary area district, but does not comprise any opening 14b1; That is, the non-solid-state district 14b of elementary area electrode 14 only comprises excision district 14b2.Two that are included among solid-state district, three unit in the elementary area district 14a ' is transparency electrode, and a remaining unit solid-state district 14a ' is a reflecting electrode.Solid-state district, each unit 14a ' is foursquare.In the zone relative with solid-state district, each unit 14a ', the counter electrode 200b of each among liquid crystal indicator 200A and the 200B comprises projection (rib) 22b that adjusts structure as orientation.
The elementary area electrode 14 of liquid crystal indicator 200A and 200B does not comprise any opening 14b1.But in this case, solid-state district, unit 14a ' goes up can form the liquid crystal farmland of taking radial tilted alignment.By forming at least one excision district 14b2, in elementary area 14, can form solid-state district, a plurality of unit 14a '.Therefore, can form a plurality of liquid crystal farmland of all taking radial tilted alignment.By with the corresponding projection 22b that provides of each unit solid-state district 14a ', the stable liquid crystal farmland that is formed on solid-state district, the unit 14a '.
The mutual difference of liquid crystal indicator 200B shown in liquid crystal indicator 200A shown in Figure 23 A and Figure 23 B is the structure of the transparent dielectric layer 29 of anti-substrate 200b.Specifically be, in the liquid crystal indicator 200A shown in Figure 23 A, transparent dielectric layer 29 independent (independent) is formed in each elementary area district, and in liquid crystal indicator 200B, shown in Figure 23 B, transparent dielectric layer 29 in elementary area district is continuous with the transparent dielectric layer 29 in other elementary area district, and described other elementary area district is adjacent with this elementary area district along one of two periodic arrangement directions (wherein the elementary area district is the direction of periodic arrangement).Shown in Figure 23 B, when the transparent dielectric layer 29 in an elementary area district and transparent dielectric layer 29 consecutive hourss in other elementary area district, described other elementary area district is adjacent with this elementary area district in a certain direction, do not need to consider the aligning surplus (lignment margin) of transparent dielectric layer 29 over there, thus, the elementary area interval in the direction be can reduce, aperture opening ratio and throughput rate improved thus.
Respectively in liquid crystal indicator 200A shown in Figure 23 A and the 23B and 200B, Pareto diagram makes that as cellular zone the echo area R in adjacent elementary area district is adjacent in the one-period orientation, on the contrary, respectively in liquid crystal indicator 200C, 200D, 200E and the 200F shown in Figure 25 A, 25B, Figure 26 A and Figure 26 B, not only the echo area R with the adjacent picture elements district is adjacent in the one-period orientation for the echo area R in each elementary area district, and the echo area in other periodic arrangement direction and adjacent picture elements district R order neighbour.
In the liquid crystal indicator 200C shown in Figure 25 A, transparent dielectric layer 29 is independently formed in the echo area R in each elementary area district.On the contrary, respectively in liquid crystal indicator 200D, 200E shown in Figure 25 B, Figure 26 A and Figure 26 B and 200F, transparent dielectric layer 29 in an elementary area district is continuous with the transparent dielectric layer 29 in other elementary area district that adjoins this elementary area district, can improve aperture opening ratio and throughput rate thus.Especially, among the liquid crystal indicator 200F shown in Figure 26 B, the transparent dielectric layer 29 in elementary area district is continuous with the transparent dielectric layer 29 in other the elementary area district adjacent with this elementary area district on two periodic arrangement directions.Therefore, do not need to consider the aligning surplus of transparent dielectric layer 29 in two periodic arrangement directions.This being configured in improved aperture opening ratio and the throughput rate aspect is efficiently.
Though each elementary area district is a five equilibrium in the configuration shown in Figure 23 A and the 23B; Promptly the zone that is limited by the solid-state district in unit 14a ' (being called " sub-image unit district ") has identical size and identical shape, and to there is no need be five equilibrium in the elementary area district in the present invention.One or more sub-image unit district in an elementary area district can be of different sizes/shape with other sub-image unit district, or the sub-image unit district among the transmission area T and the sub-image unit district among the R of echo area are of different sizes/shape.In addition, though the sub-image unit district has square shape and has 1: 1 aspect ratio in the configuration shown in Figure 23 A to Figure 26 B, in the present patent application the aspect ratio in sub-image unit district unnecessary be 1: 1.
Solid-state district, the unit 14a ' that the difference of liquid crystal indicator 200A shown in liquid crystal indicator 200G shown in Figure 27 A and Figure 23 A is to be provided among the R of echo area has rectangular shape, and the sub-image unit district among the R of echo area has rectangular shape.Though aspect ratio according to the elementary area district, be difficult to make all sub-image unit districts that in the district, form to have 1: 1 aspect ratio, if but shown in Figure 27 A, one or more sub-image unit district shape different with having of other (for example, rectangular shape), then this solid-state district, a plurality of unit 14a ' can be arranged in the elementary area district as close as possible, may be increased in the area ratio of the solid-state district of each elementary area intracell 14a ' thus, increase aperture opening ratio thus.Note, when adjusting the size/shape in one or more sub-image unit district,, then show to be subjected to less influence if adjust the size/shape in the sub-image unit district among the transmission area R according to the aspect ratio in elementary area district.This is to have the better response characteristic owing to just have the echo area R of less cell gap (thickness of liquid crystal layer 30) originally, and the display quality that display quality requirement level is lower than among the transmission area T requires level.
Liquid crystal indicator 200H shown in Figure 27 B is similar to the liquid crystal indicator 200A shown in Figure 23 A, and the sub-image unit district (the solid-state district of square shaped cells 14a ') that just is arranged in two square shape among the transmission area T is had a more rectangle sub-image unit district of wide aspect ratio (about 1: 2) (the solid-state district of rectangular elements 14a ') replacement.The quantity of (solid-state district, unit 14a ') has sub-image unit district (solid-state district, unit 14a ') than wide aspect ratio when reducing by use in the sub-image unit district in each elementary area district, although orientation stability and response speed have reduced, but the area ratio of the non-solid-state district 14b in the elementary area district can reduce, and can further improve aperture opening ratio thus.Present inventor's a research discloses, even use aspect ratio to be approximately 1: 2 solid-state district, unit 14a ', also can obtain sufficiently stable radial tilted alignment.
In addition, as respectively in liquid crystal indicator 200I shown in Figure 28 A and the 28B and 200J,, be to improve aperture opening ratio according to the shape in elementary area district, all the sub-image unit districts in each elementary area district (solid-state district, unit 14a ') can be rectangular.In the liquid crystal indicator 200I shown in Figure 28 A, the number of sub images cellular zone (solid-state district, unit 14a ') among two number of sub images cellular zones among the transmission area T (solid-state district, unit 14a ') and the echo area R all is rectangular.In addition, in the liquid crystal indicator 200J shown in Figure 28 B, the number of sub images cellular zone (solid-state district, unit 14a ') among number of sub images cellular zone among the transmission area T (solid-state district, unit 14a ') and the echo area R all is rectangular.
Notice that preferably with the transmission mode display image, the area between transmission area T and the echo area R is 2: 1 than approximately simultaneously in the configuration shown in Figure 23 A and the 23B.Be appreciated that the time preferably with the reflective-mode display image, respectively among liquid crystal indicator 200K shown in Figure 29 A and 29B and the 200L like that, make the area of echo area R than being higher than transmission area T's.
In the liquid crystal indicator 200K shown in Figure 29 A, two among the solid-state district of three square shaped cells in each the elementary area district 14a ' is reflecting electrode, and the remaining solid-state district of a square shaped cells 14a ' is a transparency electrode, and the area between transmission area T and the echo area R is 1: 2 than approximately simultaneously.
In the liquid crystal indicator 200L shown in Figure 29 B, each elementary area district comprises that the area between while transmission area T and the echo area R approximately is 1: 2 than also as the solid-state district of a square shaped cells of transparency electrode 14a ' with as the solid-state district of the rectangular elements 14a ' (aspect ratio: about 1: 2) of reflecting electrode.
In addition, in order to improve the response characteristic of the liquid crystal layer 30 among the transmission area T, solid-state district, each unit among transmission area T 14a ' can have the shape with acute angle as shown in the liquid crystal indicator 200M of Figure 30 A.Perhaps, for orientation stability and the transmissivity that increases transmission area T, solid-state district, each unit among transmission area T 14a ' can form barrel-shaped (having the cardinal principle square of arcuation angle part substantially), as shown in the liquid crystal indicator 200N of Figure 30 B.
The variant that solid-state district, the unit in each elementary area district in its structure 14a ' is arranged in delegation has been described with reference to figure 23A to Figure 30 B.Foregoing description also is applicable to such structure, and wherein solid-state district, the unit 14a ' in each elementary area district is arranged in multirow.
Figure 31 A represents liquid crystal indicator 200O.In Figure 31 A, the elementary area electrode 14 of liquid crystal indicator 200O comprises ten unit solid-state district 14a ' that arranges with 5 row * 2 column matrix forms.Solid-state district, each unit 14a ' is foursquare.Two unit solid-state district 14a ' in the third line is a reflecting electrode, and remaining solid-state district, unit 14a ' is a transparency electrode.Above-described various modification also is applicable to liquid crystal indicator 200O.For example, for the 200P of the liquid crystal indicator shown in Figure 31 B is provided, two reflecting electrodes of liquid crystal indicator 200O (solid-state district, unit 14a ') can replace with a rectangle reflecting electrode.
Figure 32 A shows liquid crystal indicator 200Q.In Figure 32 A, the elementary area electrode 14 of liquid crystal indicator 200Q comprises 24 unit solid-state district 14a ' that arranges with 8 row * 3 column matrix forms.Solid-state district, each unit 14a ' is foursquare.Three unit solid-state district 14a ' among the tenth five-element is a reflecting electrode, and remaining solid-state district, unit 14a ' is a transparency electrode.Above-described various modification also is applicable to liquid crystal indicator 200Q.For example, for the 200R of the liquid crystal indicator shown in Figure 32 B is provided, three reflecting electrodes of liquid crystal indicator 200Q (solid-state district, unit 14a ') can replace with a rectangle reflecting electrode.
Note, though present embodiment is adjusted the liquid crystal indicator of structure at comprise orientation on anti-substrate 200b, the present inventor discloses the research of various configurations, and stable radial tilted alignment also can provide projection (rib) to form by the core of the solid-state district 14a ' in the unit of TFT substrate 100a.When providing on anti-substrate 200b on the zone that solid-state district 14a ' is relative as Figure 33 A be shown in and unit when adjusting the projection 22b of structure as orientation, the orientation adjustment power that the orientation of projection 22b is adjusted the tilting electric field that power and marginal portion at non-solid-state district 14b produce is consistent.On the contrary, when on the core of the solid-state district in the unit that projection (rib) 18 is provided at TFT substrate 100a shown in Figure 33 B 14a ', as if the orientation of the tilting electric field that its orientation adjustment power does not produce with marginal portion at non-solid-state district 14b is adjusted power consistent.But, projection 18 adjusts power because utilizing its surface structure to apply strong orientation, when existence applies voltage, liquid crystal molecule 30a on solid-state district, the unit 14a ' produces the metastable condition of distortion, so that consistent, can form stable radial tilted alignment thus with the orientation of non-solid-state district 14b marginal portion liquid crystal molecule 30a on every side.
Figure 34 A and 34B show and projection 22b are being provided under the situation of anti-substrate 200b, the orientation in the elementary area district, and Figure 35 A and 35B show the orientation in the situation hypograph cellular zone that projection 18 is provided at TFT substrate 100a.Figure 34 A to 35B illustrates the microphoto that has the elementary area district when applying voltage respectively.Figure 34 A to 35B is the microphoto that obtains when providing a pair of polarization plates with the cross Nicols state.It is parallel or perpendicular to the orientation under the situation of the above-below direction (or left and right directions) of drawing that Figure 34 A and 35A are illustrated in the polarization axle of polarization plates, and it is parallel or perpendicular to tilt orientation under the situation of about 45 ° direction of the above-below direction (or left and right directions) of drawing relatively that Figure 34 B and 35B are illustrated in the polarization axle of polarization plates.
When comparison diagram 34A and 34B and 35A and 35B, understand, even projection 18 is provided on the TFT substrate 100a, also form the liquid crystal farmland of taking radial tilted alignment accordingly with solid-state district, each unit 14a ', certainly state of orientation is different from the state of orientation that obtains slightly when projection 22b being provided at anti-substrate 200b.
Embodiment 3
The liquid crystal indicator 300 of present embodiment is described below with reference to Figure 36.Liquid crystal indicator 300 is different from liquid crystal indicator 100 parts shown in Figure 1A and the 1B and is to be arranged on the thickness d e of liquid crystal layer 30 of edge part office of solid-state district, unit among transmission area T 14a ' less than the thickness d c of the liquid crystal layer 30 of the central part office of solid-state district 14a ' in the unit, as shown in figure 36.
Usually, liquid crystal layer 30 thickness (cell gap) more little (effect of electric field is more obvious thus), the response speed of liquid crystal molecule 30a is high more, and response speed is general and square being inversely proportional to of the thickness of liquid crystal layer 30.Therefore, if as in this embodiment, the thickness d e of the liquid crystal layer 30 that the marginal portion (periphery) of solid-state district, unit 14a ' is located is higher than the response speed of the liquid crystal molecule 30a on the core of solid-state district, unit 14a ' less than the thickness d c of the liquid crystal layer 30 of the central part office of solid-state district, unit 14a ' in the response speed of the liquid crystal molecule 30a on the marginal portion of solid-state district, unit 14a '.Liquid crystal molecule 30a on the marginal portion triggers the liquid crystal molecule that radial tilted alignment forms.Therefore, if the response speed of the liquid crystal molecule 30a on the marginal portion increases, the formation meeting on liquid crystal farmland is faster.Therefore, there is the response speed in the whole zone of the liquid crystal layer 30 that the liquid crystal farmland forms to increase.Therefore, the liquid crystal indicator 300 of present embodiment has desirable response characteristic.
Note,, so just need to increase the refractive index anisotropy (Δ n) of liquid crystal material, so that the light that passes liquid crystal layer 30 is produced predetermined delay though can further increase response speed by the cell gap that reduces on the entire image cellular zone.But for the liquid crystal material of routine, along with the anisotropic increase of refractive index, its viscosity increases, and has offset thus by reducing the advantage that cell gap obtains the response speed of raising.Therefore, only, can not significantly improve response speed by reducing the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 30 on the entire image cellular zone.
On the contrary, in the liquid crystal indicator 300 of present embodiment, only in the part (zone of 14a ' marginal portion, solid-state district) in elementary area district, reduce cell gap corresponding to the unit, and do not need to increase the refractive index anisotropy (Δ n) of liquid crystal material yet, therefore, can significantly improve response speed.
In order to significantly improve response speed, difference between the thickness d c of the liquid crystal layer 30 of the central part office of thickness d e and the unit solid-state district 14a ' of the liquid crystal layer 30 of the edge part office of solid-state district, unit 14a ' is 0.5 μ m or bigger preferably, be more preferably 1 μ m or bigger, even be more preferably 1.5 μ m or bigger.
Note, though the cell gap of the edge part office of the structure that transmission area T adopts in the present embodiment solid-state district 14a ' that is the unit can be selected this structure is used for echo area R or is used for transmission area T simultaneously and echo area R less than the cell gap of the central part office of solid-state district, unit 14a '.But, note, because echo area R originally just had the smaller units gap,, just can obtain to improve the ideal effect of response speed therefore by being reduced by at least cell gap in the edge part office of transmission area T.
In the present embodiment, as shown in figure 36, the height of surface in the marginal portion by the solid-state district in unit 14a ' is set to the height greater than the central part office of solid-state district 14a ' in the unit, make liquid crystal layer 30 at the thickness d e of marginal portion less than the thickness d c of liquid crystal layer 30 at core.More specifically, between elementary area electrode 14 and transparency carrier 11, provide interlayer dielectric 19, the height localized variation on interlayer insulating film 19 surfaces, the surface of solid-state district, unit 14a ' is higher than its core in its marginal portion thus.
The interlayer dielectric 19 of present embodiment comprises: the first district 19a, and this is near its surface elevation on the side of liquid crystal layer 30 and changes continuously; With the second district 19b, this is near its surface elevation substantial constant on the side of liquid crystal layer 30.The marginal portion of the solid-state district in unit among transmission area T 14a ' is positioned at that the first district 19a goes up and the core of the solid-state 14a ' of district in unit is positioned on the second district 19b.
Consider display quality, the inclination angle (with respect to the inclination angle on substrate 11 surfaces) of the first district 19a of preferred interlayer dielectric 19 is little.Have and be used for liquid crystal molecule 30a is orientated to orientation adjustment power perpendicular to its surface owing to be formed on vertical orientation film on the first district 19a, the liquid crystal molecule 30a on the first district 19a along inclined direction is orientated with respect to the surface of substrate 11.Along with the inclination angle change of the first district 19a is big, it is big that the pitch angle of liquid crystal molecule 30a becomes.Owing to no matter there is/do not have the voltage of applying, adjust power from the orientation of vertical orientation film and all exist, so because the light leakage takes place in black display the liquid crystal molecule 30a of the inclination on the first district 19a.Therefore, if the inclination angle of the first district 19a of interlayer dielectric 19 is excessive, then contrast reduces.Therefore, the inclination angle of the first district 19a of preferred interlayer dielectric 19 is little, and preferred interlayer dielectric 19 has mild slope.Concrete, the first district 19a of interlayer insulating film 19 is with respect to preferably 30 ° or littler at the inclination angle on substrate 11 surfaces, and is more preferably 20 ° or littler.
Note if the surface elevation of solid-state district, unit 14a ' is gone up continuously at the solid-state district of whole unit 14a ' changing, the delay of the liquid crystal layer 30 on the solid-state district of the whole unit 14a ' no longer is constant, and display quality may degenerate thus.In this situation, suitably compensation of phase is poor to be difficult to differ compensator by use.As in the present embodiment, comprise that at interlayer dielectric 19 under the situation of the second district 19b, this problem can suppress, be constant basically near the height on the side of liquid crystal layer 30 wherein at 19b place, second district.
By, for example, can form the interlayer dielectric 19 that has mild slope as mentioned above by using photomask exposure and development photosensitive resin film and following this film of thermal deformation in thermal treatment.Specifically be, can obtain to have as shown in figure 36 the interlayer dielectric 19 on mild slope like this: at first form photosensitive resin film on the surface of transparency carrier 11, use this film of photomask exposure, make the part corresponding under the light of scheduled volume, expose with transmission area T, and the part corresponding with echo area R do not exposed, this film that develops, and then under predetermined temperature, this film is heat-treated.Note, carry out exposure-processed with this exposure, this exposure makes that the part of the photosensitive resin film corresponding with transmission area T also not exclusively is removed but the part reservation after development treatment.This exposure-processed is sometimes referred to as " half exposure-processed ".
Note, as in the present embodiment, the configuration of using the cell gap part of the edge part office of solid-state district, unit wherein 14a ' to reduce, the preferred display mode that uses circularly polarized light that adopts, promptly, a kind of display mode wherein will be incident on the only circularly polarized light on the liquid crystal layer 30, and adjusts this circularly polarized light with display image by liquid crystal layer 30.Below with reference to Figure 37 description reason wherein.Figure 37 illustrates when applying voltage, the amplification profile of the marginal portion of solid-state district, unit 14a '.
As shown in figure 37, if the marginal portion of solid-state district, unit 14a ' is formed on the inclined surface, when applying electric field, the continuity degree between the orientation of the liquid crystal molecule 30a on the orientation of the liquid crystal molecule 30a on the marginal portion of solid-state district, unit 14a ' and the non-solid-state district 14b may be relatively poor.Therefore, in case reference as 37 is because the liquid crystal molecule 30a on the electric field action marginal portion falls down, and it will change the position angle of its orientation as the arrow of Figure 37 is represented afterwards, so that the continuous degree of orientation of maintenance and other adjacent lcd molecule 30a.Therefore, in response to the voltage that applies, the liquid crystal molecule 30a of neighboring edge part shows two step responsive states.Second step, wherein Qu Xiang position angle slowly changes, cause using the variation of transmissivity (brightness) in the display mode of linearly polarized light, therefore under this display mode, part by the marginal portion of solid-state district 14a ' in the unit reduces cell gap, can not obtain to improve the remarkable result of response speed.On the contrary, under the display mode that uses circularly polarized light, azimuthal variation of liquid crystal display molecule 30a does not influence transmissivity basically, may obtain to improve the ideal effect of response speed thus.
Use the display mode of circularly polarized light to pass through, for example on the both sides of liquid crystal layer 30, all provide circularly polarizing plate (for example, the combination of linear polarization plate and λ/4 wave plates) to realize.
Embodiment 4
With reference to figure 38A and 38B, will the liquid crystal indicator 400 of present embodiment be described.Figure 38 A is from three elementary area district P1, P2 of the being seen liquid crystal indicator 400 of the normal direction of substrate and the planimetric map of P3.Figure 38 B is the sectional view along the line 38B-38B ' of Figure 38 A.
A plurality of elementary areas district of liquid crystal indicator 400 is arranged in matrix, i.e. row and column.Figure 38 A represents line direction with arrow D1, and D2 represents column direction with arrow.Three elementary area district P1, P2 and P3 are contiguous mutually on line direction D1." the periodic arrangement direction " that also line direction D1 and column direction D2 is called elementary area (elementary area district).Typically, line direction D1 and column direction D2 are mutually perpendicular.In the present embodiment, each elementary area district (elementary area) has rectangular shape substantially, and short edge line direction D1 and long edge column direction D2.Therefore, on line direction D1 and column direction D2, arrange with different cycles (being called " elementary area spacing ") in the elementary area district.In this manual, be a convenience, one of two periodic arrangement directions of elementary area arrangement are called " line direction ", and other periodic direction is called " column direction ".In other words, line direction can be defined as along the vertical direction of display panel or horizontal direction, also is same for column direction.
As shown in figure 39, in the liquid crystal indicator 400 of present embodiment, in the cycle that writes data into all images unit (1 frame), drive contiguous mutually per two elementary areas at line direction D1 anti-phasely.Offer with in Figure 39 with the polarity of the voltage in the elementary area district P1 of "+" expression and the zone of the corresponding liquid crystal layer 30 of P3, be different from the polarity that offers with the voltage in the zone of the corresponding liquid crystal layer 30 of elementary area district P2 of "-" expression.
There are when applying voltage the liquid crystal layer 30 of liquid crystal indicator 400 in Figure 40 A and 40B explanation.Figure 40 A schematically illustrates according to applying the voltage that passes liquid crystal layer 30, and the orientation of liquid crystal molecule 30a has just begun the state (initial ON state) that changes.Figure 40 B schematically illustrates according to the voltage that applies, and the orientation of liquid crystal molecule 30a has changed and tended to stable status.Figure 40 A and 40B are the sectional views along the line 40-40 ' of Figure 38 A, but for the easy stepped part of having omitted anti-substrate 100b.
When on liquid crystal layer 30, applying voltage, shown in Figure 40 A, in the marginal portion of non-solid-state district 14b, form tilting electric field.By this tilting electric field, shown in Figure 40 B, the liquid crystal molecule 30a in the liquid crystal layer 30 takes radial tilted alignment.In the present embodiment, owing to drive per two elementary areas contiguous mutually on line direction D1 anti-phasely, between elementary area adjacent on the line direction D1, can produce strong tilting electric field.Below with reference to Figure 41 and 42 its reason is described.Figure 41 and 42 shows and is provided at bus on the transparency carrier 11 (for example, signal wire), without any omission.
As shown in figure 41, when on the liquid crystal layer in the elementary area district that the voltage of identical polar is applied to two vicinities, although once descended in the zone corresponding to non-solid-state district 14b, equipotential line EQ is continuous in the elementary area district of two vicinities.On the contrary, as shown in figure 42, when on the liquid crystal layer in the elementary area district that the voltage of opposed polarity is applied to two vicinities, the equipotential line EQ that is illustrated respectively in the electric field that these two elementary area districts produce is discontinuous each other, but significantly decline in corresponding to the zone of non-solid-state district 14b.The result is, the marginal portion at non-solid-state district 14b promptly, near solid-state district, unit 14a ', forms precipitous potential gradient, and this potential gradient generation is than stronger tilting electric field shown in Figure 41.
Be enough to provide the tilting electric field of stablizing radial tilted alignment in order to produce, the interval between the elementary area electrode 14 in the adjacent image cellular zone (that is the interval between the solid-state district 14a of elementary area electrode 14) need have a certain width.In the present embodiment, the polarity that line direction D1 goes up the driving voltage of each elementary area is opposite, so as at per two the adjacent elementary areas of line direction D1 by opposite polarity driven.In this situation, and compare in the nonreversible situation of the polarity of line direction D1 driving voltage, even the interval between the elementary area district is shorter, also can obtains enough orientations and adjust power.Therefore, can using wherein, the short structure in the interval between the line direction D1 epigraph cell electrode 14 increases aperture opening ratio.
In the present embodiment, along the elementary area district than the reverse polarity of driving voltage of each elementary area of minor face.Perhaps, can be along the polarity of the longer sides inversion driving voltage in elementary area district.Note, preferred at least along the polarity than the driving voltage of minor face reverse image unit in elementary area district.Reason is, this driving is the strong tilting electric field of generation near the longer sides in elementary area district, and stablized the orientation of liquid crystal molecule in the entire image cellular zone thus efficiently.
With reference to figure 43A, need only polarity at the driving voltage of line direction D1 (one of two periodic arrangement directions) each elementary area that reverses, even without the polarity that goes up each elementary area driving voltage of counter-rotating at column direction D2 (another periodic arrangement direction) (promptly, so-called source electrode line reverse drive or gate line reverse drive), also can improve aperture opening ratio significantly.For example, in order to suppress flicker, the preferred reverse polarity of the driving voltage of each elementary area on line direction D1 is simultaneously in the polarity (n is the integer more than or equal to 1) of the capable elementary area reverse drive voltages of the every n of column direction D2.That is, preferably in a frame, the capable counter-rotating of every n is applied to the polarity corresponding to the voltage of the liquid crystal layer in the elementary area district of same column.
Shown in Figure 43 B, the polarity (so-called 2H point reverse drive) of can be on column direction D2 per two row elementary area inversion driving voltages.Shown in Figure 43 C, can be on column direction D2 the polarity (so-called some reverse drive) of each elementary area reverse drive voltages.Under the situation shown in Figure 43 C, at line direction D1 for each elementary area and simultaneously in the polarity of column direction D2 for each elementary area inversion driving voltage, therefore can shorten the upward interval between the adjacent picture elements electrode 14 of column direction D2, thereby further improve aperture opening ratio.
In the present embodiment, in each elementary area district, solid-state district, unit 14a ' is arranged in delegation.Even solid-state district, unit 14a ' is arranged in multirow, also can provide same effect by the polarity of the driving voltage of reverse image unit on one of two periodic arrangement directions in each elementary area district.In that solid-state district 14a ' is arranged under the situation of delegation the unit, can increase solid-state district 14a ' cellar area ratio in the elementary area district, and can increase the ratio (effective vent rate) to showing contributive area in the elementary area district thus.Below with reference to Figure 44 and 45 its reason is described.
Shown in Figure 44 and 45, in fact TFT substrate 100a is included in that line direction D1 goes up the grid bus (sweep trace) 41 of extension parallel to each other and in the source bus line (signal wire) 42 of column direction D2 extension parallel to each other.The gate electrode of the TFT (not shown) that provides for each elementary area district is provided respectively in the grid bus 41 each.In the source bus line 42 each is electrically connected to the source electrode of TFT respectively.The drain electrode of TFT is electrically connected to elementary area electrode 14.TFT substrate 100a also comprises storage capacitance line 43.
In structure shown in Figure 44, in an elementary area district, solid-state district, a plurality of unit 14a ' is arranged in delegation.Therefore, the part of non-solid-state district 14b (excision district 14b2) and grid bus 41 or source bus line 42 are overlapping, and are positioned at outside the elementary area district.
In structure shown in Figure 45, solid-state district, a plurality of unit 14a ' is arranged in two row or multirows more.In this case, the elementary area district comprises the opening 14b1 that is surrounded by solid-state district, unit 14a '.This opening 14b1 integral body is arranged in the elementary area district.Therefore, the area of non-solid-state district 14b in the elementary area district is than increase, and the area ratio of solid-state district 14a in the elementary area district reduces.
By comparing, in structure shown in Figure 44, solid-state district, a plurality of unit 14a ' is arranged in delegation in each elementary area district, at least the part of each excision district 14b is outside the elementary area district, this can reduce the area ratio of unit solid-state district 14b in the elementary area district, and increases the area ratio of solid-state district 14a in the elementary area district.The result has improved aperture opening ratio.
At this, will the improvement of the aperture opening ratio of the liquid crystal indicator with specific standard be described especially.In the liquid crystal indicator that uses, the viewing area is 15 inches along catercorner length, solid-state district, unit 14a ' has the square (shown in Figure 44) in arc bight substantially, light shielding layer on grid bus and source bus line has the width of 12 μ m, and between solid-state district, the unit 14a ' is 8.5 μ m at interval.Use this liquid crystal indicator, contrasted that in the unit solid-state district 14a ' is arranged in the transmissivity that obtains under the situation of delegation and solid-state district 14a ' is arranged in the transmissivity that obtains under the situation of multirow in the unit.Solid-state district, unit 14a ' is arranged in the situation of delegation, the situation that is arranged in multirow with solid-state district, unit 14a ' is compared, transmissivity has improved 6% under SXGA (1280 * 1024 pixel), under UXGA (1600 * 1200 pixel), improved 9%, under QXGA (2048 * 1536 pixel), improved 11%.The effect that increases by the aperture opening ratio that the solid-state district in the unit in elementary area district 14a ' is arranged in delegation provides is especially high in the high precision liquid crystal indicator.
In the structure shown in Figure 44 and 45, wherein elementary area electrode 14 is overlapped with grid bus 41 and source bus line 42, and preferably (for example, organic insulating film) gone up and formed the elementary area electrode on dielectric film, this dielectric film is provided on the bus, so that make the minimum that influences from bus.
(wherein the length of viewing area on diagonal line is 15 inches to use above-mentioned liquid crystal indicator, solid-state district, unit 14a ' has the square in arcuate shape bight substantially, light shielding layer on grid bus and the source bus line has the width of 12 μ m, between solid-state district, the unit 14a ' is 8.5 μ m at interval), compared at the orientation stability of the orientation stability of the polarity chron of every elementary area inversion driving voltage on the line direction D1 with the polarity chron of nonreversible driving voltage on line direction D1.Realize that the interval (stricter, as to be the interval between the solid-state district 14a of elementary area electrode 14) between the required elementary area electrode 14 of stable radial tilted alignment is 8.5 μ m, it equals the interval between solid-state district, the unit 14a ' in the elementary area district.By contrast, when reversed polarity on line direction D1,, also can obtain stable radial tilted alignment even the interval that line direction D1 goes up between the adjacent image cell electrode 14 is as short as 3 μ m.
Embodiment 5
With reference to figure 46A and 46B, will the structure of the liquid crystal indicator 500 of present embodiment be described.Figure 46 A is the planimetric map along the being seen liquid crystal indicator 500 of substrate normal direction, and 46B is the sectional view along the line 46B-46B ' of Figure 46 A.Figure 46 B explanation does not apply the state of voltage on liquid crystal layer 30.
Liquid crystal indicator 500 shown in Figure 46 A and 46B is different from liquid crystal indicator 100 parts shown in Figure 1A and the 1B and is that the TFT substrate 500a of liquid crystal indicator 500 comprises projection 40 on the non-solid-state district 14b of elementary area electrode 14.Vertical orientation film (not shown) is provided on the surface of projection 40.
Shown in Figure 46 A, the shape on the border between the section shape of the projection 40 in the plane of transparency carrier 11 and solid-state district 14a and the non-solid-state district 14b is consistent.In the present embodiment, be positioned at the shape identical (being similar strictly speaking) of section shape and opening 14b1 of the projection 14b of opening 14b1, and be star shape substantially.Be positioned at excision district 14b2 projection 40 section shape with excise the shape identical (being similar strictly speaking) of distinguishing 14b2, and corresponding to the shape of opening 14b1 inner process 40 half or 1/4th.Shown in Figure 46 B, be trapezoidal at section shape perpendicular to the projection on the plane of transparency carrier 11 40.More specifically, projection 40 has upper surface 40t that is parallel to base plan and the side 40s that tilts with inclination angle [theta] (＜90) with respect to base plan.Owing to formed the vertical orientation film (not shown) that covers projection 40, the orientation that the side 40s of projection 40 is applied on the liquid crystal molecule 30a of liquid crystal layer 30 is adjusted power, and the direction of adjusting power with the orientation that tilting electric field applies is identical.The orientation adjustment power of side 40s plays the effect of stablizing radial tilted alignment.
The effect of projection 40 is described below with reference to Figure 47 A to 47D and Figure 48 A and 48B.
At first, describe liquid crystal molecule 30a orientation with reference to figure 47A to 47D and relation between the shape on vertical orientated surface is provided.
Shown in Figure 47 A, (typically, the surface of vertical orientation film) orientation is adjusted power, and the liquid crystal molecule 30a on the horizontal surface is with respect to this Surface Vertical orientation because vertical orientated surface is provided.When being applied to the electric field of being represented by the axial equipotential line EQ perpendicular to liquid crystal molecule 30a on this vertical orientated liquid crystal molecule 30a, the moment of torsion of the moment of torsion of the liquid crystal molecule 30a that tilts clockwise and counter-clockwise inclination liquid crystal molecule 30a acts on the liquid crystal molecule 30a with equal probability.Therefore, the liquid crystal layer between two parallel plate electrodes 30 is in and comprises liquid crystal molecule 30a that receives clockwise moment of torsion and the mixed state that receives the liquid crystal molecule 30a of counter-clockwise moment of torsion.The result is that the change in orientation consistent with the voltage on being applied to liquid crystal layer 30 can not steadily take place.
Shown in Figure 47 B, in the time of on the electric field that horizontal equipotential line EQ is represented is applied to perpendicular to the liquid crystal molecule 30a of inclined surface orientation, liquid crystal molecule 30a tilts to a certain direction, is parallel to equipotential line EQ at liquid crystal molecule 30a on this direction with less pitch angle (clockwise in Figure 47 B).Shown in Figure 47 C, liquid crystal molecule 30a perpendicular to horizontal surface orientation tilts with same direction with the liquid crystal molecule 30a that is positioned at inclined surface (clockwise), makes the direction of orientation of the liquid crystal molecule 30a on the horizontal surface and the direction of orientation continuous (consistent) of the liquid crystal molecule 30a that is orientated perpendicular to the dip plane.
Shown in Figure 47 D, have continuous recessed/convex pattern and having thus on the surface of continuous trapezoidal cross-section, the direction of orientation of the liquid crystal molecule 30a on upper surface and the lower surface is with consistent by the direction of orientation of the adjustment of the liquid crystal molecule 30a on inclined surface.
The liquid crystal indicator of present embodiment is adjusted the direction of power and the direction coupling of the orientation adjustment power that is applied by tilting electric field by the orientation that will be applied by the surface (projection) of this shape, stablize radial tilted alignment.
Figure 48 A and 48B are illustrated in respectively by the liquid crystal indicator 500 under the state that applies the electric field acquisition on the liquid crystal indicator shown in Figure 46 B 30.Figure 48 A schematically illustrates according to being applied to voltage on the liquid crystal layer 30, and the 30a orientation of liquid crystal molecule has just begun the state (initial ON state) that changes.Figure 48 B schematically illustrates according to the voltage that applies, the state that the orientation of liquid crystal molecule 30a has changed and tended towards stability.Curve EQ represents equipotential line.Figure 48 A and 48B are respectively the sectional views along the line 48-48 ' of Figure 46 A, but in order simply to have omitted the stepped part of anti-substrate 100b.
When elementary area electrode 14 and counter electrode 22 were in same potential (when applying voltage on liquid crystal layer 30), shown in Figure 46 B, the liquid crystal molecule 30a in the elementary area district was perpendicular to the surface orientation of substrate 11 and 22.At this state, the liquid crystal molecule 30a that contacts with vertical orientation film (not shown) on the 40s of the side of projection 40 is perpendicular to side 40s orientation, and near the liquid crystal molecule 30a the 40s of side since with the interaction of on every side liquid crystal molecule 30a tilt (owing to elastomeric characteristic).
When on liquid crystal layer 30, applying voltage, form the potential gradient of representing by the equipotential line EQ shown in Figure 48 A.In the zone of the liquid crystal layer 30 between solid-state district 14a and counter electrode 22, equipotential line EQ is parallel to the surface of solid-state district 14a of elementary area electrode 14 and the surface of counter electrode 22.Equipotential line EQ descends in the zone corresponding with the non-solid-state district 14b of elementary area electrode 14.With the zone of the corresponding liquid crystal layer 30 of marginal portion EG of non-solid-state district 14b in (near in non-solid-state district 14b, enclosing, comprising the border between non-solid-state district 14b and the solid-state district 14a), form the tilting electric field of representing by inclination equipotential line EQ.
Represent as mentioned above and by the arrow of Figure 48 A, utilize tilting electric field, liquid crystal molecule 30a (Figure 48 A) on opening 14b1 right side edge part EG tilts (rotation) clockwise, and the inhour inclination of the liquid crystal molecule 30a (Figure 48 B) on opening 14b1 left side edge part EG (rotation).As a result, the liquid crystal molecule 30a on the EG of marginal portion is parallel to equipotential line EQ orientation.At marginal portion EG, it is identical with the orientation adjustment direction that side 40s by projection 40 provides that the orientation that is provided by tilting electric field is adjusted direction.
As mentioned above, continue and this orientation when reaching steady state (SS), obtain the orientation shown in Figure 48 B when the direction of orientation that begins from the liquid crystal molecule 30a on the sloping portion of equipotential line EQ changes.Be positioned at the core of opening 14b1, promptly greatly the liquid crystal molecule 30a about the end face 40t center of projection 40 to be subjected to being positioned at the influence of the liquid crystal molecule 30a orientation that the opposite edges of opening 14b1 partly locate identical, and therefore keep being orientated perpendicular to equipotential line EQ.Away from the liquid crystal molecule 30a of the core (the end face 40t of projection 40) of opening 14b1 be subjected near it each EG place, marginal portion liquid crystal molecule 30a orientation influence and tilt, and therefore form symmetrical tilted alignment with respect to the center SA (the end face 40t of projection 40) of opening 14b1.Simultaneously, in the zone corresponding with solid-state district, the unit 14a ' that is surrounded by opening 14b1 and projection 40 basically, liquid crystal molecule 30a forms the tilted alignment of symmetry with respect to the center SA of solid-state district, unit 14a '.
As mentioned above, similar to liquid crystal indicator 100 in the liquid crystal indicator 500 of present embodiment at embodiment 1, form the liquid crystal farmland of taking radial tilted alignment accordingly with opening 14b1 and unit solid-state district 14a '.Because forming, projection 40 is surrounded as solid-state district, the unit 14a ' of circular pattern substantially substantially, so liquid crystal farmland and corresponding formation of cardinal principle border circular areas that surrounds by projection 40.The side 40s that is positioned at the projection 40 of opening 14b1 is provided by the vergence direction effect identical with the direction of orientation that is provided by tilting electric field of the liquid crystal molecule 30a that makes at the marginal portion of adjacent openings 14b1 EG.Therefore, side 40s stablizes radial tilted alignment.
Only when existence applies voltage, adjust just effect naturally of power by the orientation that tilting electric field produces, and its intensity depends on electric field intensity (applying the amplitude of voltage).When a little less than the electric field (, when applying voltage when low), a little less than the orientation adjustment power that produces by tilting electric field.In this case, when being applied to external force on the liquid crystal panel, radial tilted alignment may be destroyed by liquid crystal material stream.In case destroyed, radial tilted alignment can not recover, and has the voltage of quite taking by force to the tilting electric field of the power of adjustment up to applying to be enough to produce.What contrast is, no matter the amplitude that applies voltage how, the orientation that is applied by the side 40s of projection 40 is adjusted power and all worked, and orientation adjustment power is very strong, and this can be orientated adjustment power by this provides the fact of the grappling effect of oriented film to understand.Therefore, even radial tilted alignment Ceng Jin is destroyed by liquid crystal material stream, near the liquid crystal molecule 30a the 40s of the side of projection 40 still keeps the direction of orientation identical with radial tilted alignment.Therefore, in case liquid crystal material stops to flow, recover radial tilted alignment easily.
As mentioned above, the liquid crystal indicator 500 of present embodiment also has the feature of lasting opposing external force except that the feature of the liquid crystal indicator with embodiment 1.Because these features, liquid crystal indicator 500 is preferred for being usually used in carrying and being subjected to easily the personal computer or the PDA of external force.
When projection 40 was formed by high transparent dielectric material, its advantage was to improve the contribution of liquid crystal farmland to showing with the corresponding formation of opening 14b1.When projection 40 was formed by opaque dielectric material, its advantage was to stop the side 40s by projection 40 to cause that the light that the delay of the liquid crystal molecule 30a of inclination causes leaks.The liquid crystal material that uses can be used for determining according to making of for example liquid crystal indicator.Under the situation, the use of photosensitive resin provides such advantage in any: the graphical step of having simplified formation and the corresponding projection 40 of opening 14b1.Adjust power in order to obtain enough orientation, when the thickness of liquid crystal layer 30 was about 3 μ m, the height of projection 40 was preferably about 0.5 μ m to 2 μ m.Generally, the height of projection 40 is preferably about 1/6 to about 2/3 of liquid crystal layer 30 thickness.
As mentioned above, liquid crystal indicator 500 is included in the projection 40 of the 14b inside, non-solid-state district of elementary area electrode 14, and the orientation adjustment power that the surperficial 40s of projection 40 is applied on the liquid crystal layer 30a is identical with the direction of the orientation adjustment power of tilting electric field.With reference to figure 49A to 49C, adjust the direction of power and the orientation adjustment power of tilting electric field when identical, the optimum condition of side 40s with describing its orientation that applies.
Figure 49 A, 49B and 49C are respectively the schematic cross sectional view of liquid crystal indicator 500A, 500B and 500C, and corresponding with Figure 48 A. Liquid crystal indicator 500A, 500B and 500C have the projection on non-solid-state district 14b, but concern as the position between a structure and the non-solid-state district 14b with the different projections 40 that are of liquid crystal indicator 500.
Shown in Figure 48 A, in liquid crystal indicator 500, projection 40 is formed entirely in the opening 14b1 as a structure, and the bottom surface of projection 40 is less than the bottom surface of opening 14b1.In the liquid crystal indicator 500A shown in Figure 49 A, the bottom surface of projection 40A equals opening 14b1's.In the liquid crystal indicator 500B shown in Figure 49 B, the bottom surface of projection 40B is greater than the marginal portion (periphery) of opening 14b1's and overlay image cell electrode 14 is solid-state district 14a.Solid-state district 14a is not formed among projection 40,40A and the 40B on any one side 40s.As a result, as shown in each figure, equipotential line EQ is smooth substantially on solid-state district 14a, and descends in opening 14b1.Therefore, the side 40s of the projection 40A of liquid crystal indicator 500A and 500B and 40B shows the orientation adjustment power of adjusting the power equidirectional with the orientation of tilting electric field, therefore is similar to the projection 40 of liquid crystal indicator 500, has stablized radial tilted alignment.
What contrast is, the bottom surface of the projection 40C of the liquid crystal indicator 500C shown in Figure 49 C is greater than opening 14b1, and is formed on the side 40s of projection 40C around the solid-state district of the part 14a of opening 14b1.By the influence of that part of solid-state district 14a on the 40s of side, equipotential line EQ has bowl line.The vergence direction of the bowl line of equipotential line EQ and the equipotential line EQ that part of vergence direction that descends in opening 14b1 is opposite.This shows, with solid-state district 14a that part of consistent on the 40s of side, has formed electric field, and the vergence direction of this electric field is opposite with the direction of the tilting electric field that radial tilted alignment is provided to liquid crystal molecule 30a.Have the side 40s that adjusts the orientation adjustment power of power equidirectional with the orientation of tilting electric field in order to provide, preferred solid-state district (conducting film) 14a is not formed on the 40s of side.In the present embodiment, will be described as an example with the projection that is formed in the opening 14b1 shown in Figure 49 A to 49C.Principle of identity is applied in the projection that is formed in the excision district 14b2.
The effect of stablizing radial tilted alignment by formation projection 40 on non-solid-state district 14b is not only provided by the non-solid-state district 14b1 with figure shown in the present embodiment, and is also provided by the non-solid-state district 14b1 with all above-mentioned figures.In order to allow projection 40 to show the effect of opposing external force stable orientations fully, projection 40 preferably has around the pattern in the maximum possible zone of liquid crystal layer 30 (from substrate normal direction finding).Therefore, for example has the effect of stable orientations of positive figure of the solid-state district of circular cell 14a ' greater than the effect of the stable orientations of negative patterning with circular open 14b.
Embodiment 6
The structure of the liquid crystal indicator 600 of present embodiment is described below with reference to Figure 50.
As shown in figure 50, the anti-substrate 600b of liquid crystal indicator 600 has projection (rib) 22b that is provided on the zone relative with the non-solid-state district 14a ' of elementary area electrode 14.Projection 22b is provided at clear area T and another projection 22b is provided at echo area T.Projection 22b plays orientation and adjusts structure.Projection 22b is formed by for example photosensitive resin.
The projection 22b that is arranged in echo area R has the end face that contacts with TFT substrate 100a, thereby the thickness of liquid crystal layer 30 is defined by projection 22b, and in other words, the projection 22b that is arranged in echo area R also plays spacer.
The situation of spacer effect also is provided at least one the projection 22b (being arranged in the projection 22b of echo area R) that provides as orientation adjustment structure in present embodiment, do not need separately to form orientation and adjust structure and spacer, this can simplify production technology and reduce production costs.
Providing under the situation of small irregularity on the surface of reflecting electrode, preferably avoid on the surface of the part that reflecting electrode contacts with projection 22b, providing irregularity in order to realize near the white of paper white shows.With part that projection 22b contacts on do not provide under the situation of irregularity, cell gap (thickness of liquid crystal layer 30) may be controlled to more even.
Even when not applying voltage, the liquid crystal molecule contiguous at projection 22b tilts with respect to base plan.This causes, and the light in the black display leaks under conventional black display mode.Therefore, when projection 22b oversize, the reduction of contrast is difficult to accept.Especially when contrast significantly reduces among the transmission area T, have a strong impact on display quality.
For fear of this problem, shown in the liquid crystal indicator 600A and 600B shown in Figure 51 A and 51B,, can provide light shielding layer 50 respectively according to the size of projection 22b in order to make the projection 22b that is positioned at transmission area T not by illumination.
Among the liquid crystal indicator 600A shown in Figure 51 A, TFT substrate 100a comprises light shielding layer 50 so that cover projection 22b among the transmission area T.In the liquid crystal indicator 600B shown in Figure 51 B, anti-substrate 600b comprises light shielding layer 50 so that cover projection 22b among the transmission area T.By the projection 22b that provides light shielding layer 50 to cover among the transmission area T, the light that can be suppressed among the transmission area T leaks, and therefore can suppress the reduction of contrast.
In order to stop light to leak more definitely, preferred light barrier bed 50 has bigger area.But need only the normal direction from substrate, light shielding layer 50 covers projection 22b, just can fully suppress light and leak.
Light shielding layer 50 can be formed by any light screening material.Light shielding layer 50 can form in identical step with other element of TFT substrate 100b that is formed by the light barrier material and/or anti-substrate 600b.In this case, do not need to form the independent step of light shielding layer 50.For example, in the structure shown in Figure 51 A, wherein light shielding layer 50 is included among the TFT substrate 100b, and light shielding layer 50 can be by using same material to form in same steps as with grid bus.Therefore, can easily form light shielding layer.Structure shown in Figure 51 B, wherein light shielding layer 50 is included among the anti-substrate 600b, can prevent the deficiency that the light that causes owing to offset (being connected skew) of generation blocks when TFT substrate 100b is linked together with anti-substrate 600b.
In transmission area T, form the projection 22b that is slightly less than the projection 22b among the R of echo area, can prevent that the light in transmission area T from leaking.For example, as in the liquid crystal indicator 600C shown in Figure 52 A, the projection 22b in transmission area T can be lower than the projection 22b in the R of echo area.Perhaps, as in the liquid crystal indicator 600D shown in Figure 52 B, for example be used for the projection 22 of transmission area T and the exposure of the photosensitive resin of the projection 22b that is used for transmission area T by change, the projection 22b among the transmission area T can form the projection 22b that is lower than among the R of echo area.For example pass through the diameter of the light shield portions (or opening) of change photomask, projection 22b among the transmission area T can form the projection 22b that is thinner than among the R of echo area, described photomask be used for the exposing projection 22b that is used for transmission area T and be used for the photosensitive resin of the projection 22b of launch site T.
As mentioned above, reduce contrast owing to be arranged in the projection 22b of transmission area T, in order to improve contrast, the number of the projection 22b among the preferred transmission district T is less.Anti-substrate 600b preferably comprises a projection 22b in the transmission area T in each elementary area district.
Figure 53 A represents liquid crystal indicator 600E, it be included in two unit among the transmission area T solid-state district 14a ' and in the R of echo area on a unit solid-state district 14a ', also comprise the projection 22b that corresponds respectively to the solid-state 14a ' of district in unit.Therefore, liquid crystal indicator 600E is included in two projection 22b among the transmission area T.
Figure 53 B represents liquid crystal indicator 600F, and it is that with the different of liquid crystal indicator 600E that Figure 53 A represents solid-state district, two unit in the transmission area T of liquid crystal indicator 600E 14a ' substitutes with a bigger unit solid-state district 14a '.Owing to only have a projection 22b just much of that with this structure at transmission area T, therefore can improve contrast and light transmission.For example, can replace being provided at two the solid-state district of square shaped cells 14a ' among the transmission area T with the solid-state district of rectangular elements 14a '.
Structure shown in Figure 51 A, 51B, 52A, 52B and the 53B, the light that has suppressed transmission area T preferably leaks, and when they use in the liquid crystal indicator with less cell gap, provides higher effect.Reason is as follows: when cell gap hour, for the delay that obtains to be scheduled to, the refractive index anisotropy of liquid crystal material (Δ n) needs to increase; And because projection 22b, this causes that easily light leaks when black display.
Typical liquid crystal indicator with less cell gap comprises such as the liquid crystal indicator in the mobile electronic device of mobile phone and PDA.In the liquid crystal indicator of mobile electronic device, often cell gap is set to less so that reduce driving voltage, thereby reduces energy consumption.In the future, along with comprehensive use of DTB Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting (digital terrestrial broadcasting), there is more multimachine use mobile electronic device and shows high-quality moving image.Because this background, moving image shows in order to provide preferably, and in large number quipments, the expectation cell gap is set to less.Generally, along with diminishing of cell gap, the effect of electric field strengthens, and response characteristic improves thus.Owing to this reason, have more closely-spaced liquid crystal indicator and be suitable for being used for showing moving image.
Embodiment 7
The structure of the liquid crystal indicator 700 of present embodiment is described below with reference to Figure 54 A and 54B.Figure 54 A is the planimetric map from the being seen liquid crystal indicator 700 of substrate normal direction, and Figure 54 B is the sectional view along the line 54B-54B ' of Figure 54 A.Figure 54 B explanation does not apply the state of voltage on liquid crystal layer 30.
Liquid crystal indicator 700 has and the liquid crystal indicator 500 essentially identical structures shown in Figure 49 B.More specifically, the projection 40 that provides on the non-solid-state district 14b is provided liquid crystal indicator 700, shown in Figure 54 A and 54B.
The direction that the orientation of the side 40s of projection 40 is adjusted power is consistent with the direction of the orientation adjustment power of the tilting electric field that is produced by elementary area electrode 14.Therefore, when existence applies voltage, produce the stable radial tilted alignment shown in Figure 55 A and 55B.In Figure 55 A and 55B, omitted the stepped part of anti-substrate 100b.
The bottom surface ratio open 14b1 of projection 40 big also covers the marginal portion (periphery) of solid-state district 14a.Therefore, no matter driving voltage how, can both obtain stable radial tilted alignment.
The reason of this phenomenon is described below with reference to Figure 56 A and 56B.Figure 56 A is the projection 40 of the liquid crystal indicator 500 shown in Figure 46 A and the 46B and near its enlarged drawing.Figure 56 B is the projection 40 of liquid crystal indicator 700 of present embodiment and near its enlarged drawing.Figure 56 A and 56B represent a state apply voltage on liquid crystal layer 30 after just respectively.
In the liquid crystal indicator 500 of Figure 46 A and 46B, projection 40 is formed entirely in the opening 14b1 and has the little bottom surface of ratio open 14b1.Use this structure, the side 40s of projection 40 is positioned on the marginal portion of opening 14b1, shown in Figure 56 A.Therefore, when existence applies voltage, on the equipotential line EQ that near the liquid crystal molecule 30a the 40s of the side of projection 40 is tilting.In the example shown in Figure 56 A, perpendicular to the equipotential line EQ that axially is arranged essentially parallel to inclination of the liquid crystal molecule 30a of side 40s orientation.In this case, almost be not used for changing the torsional interaction of direction of orientation on liquid crystal molecule 30a.In applying during higher voltage than the example shown in Figure 56 A, the equipotential line EQ ground more remarkable (that is, the inclination of equipotential line EQ is steeper) that in opening 14b1, descends.In this case, be subjected to clockwise the effect of the moment of torsion of (the arrow A direction of Figure 56 A) inclination liquid crystal molecule 30a perpendicular to the liquid crystal molecule 30a of side 40s orientation.In applying during lower voltage than the example shown in Figure 56 A, the equipotential line EQ ground slower (that is, the inclination of equipotential line EQ is more slow) that in opening 14b1, descends.In this case, be subjected to the effect of the moment of torsion of inhour (the arrow B direction of Figure 56 A) inclination liquid crystal molecule 30a perpendicular to the liquid crystal molecule 30a of side 40s orientation.
Be arranged in the structure of opening 14b1 in whole projection 40, the direction that acts on perpendicular to the moment of torsion on the liquid crystal molecule 30a of the side 40s orientation of projection 40 changes according to the magnitude of voltage that applies.This may disturb the orientation according to driving voltage.
What contrast is, in the liquid crystal indicator 700 of present embodiment, and the marginal portion (periphery) of the solid-state district 14a of projection 40 overlay image cell electrode 14 (solid-state district, unit 14a ').In this structure, the side 40s of projection 40 can be positioned on the solid-state district 14a (solid-state district, unit 14a ') of elementary area electrode 14, is not on the marginal portion of opening 14b1, shown in Figure 56 B.Therefore, when existence applies voltage, can be positioned near the liquid crystal molecule 30a the 40s of the side of projection 40 on the equipotential line EQ on the surface that is parallel to solid-state district 14a.In this case, the direction that acts on perpendicular to the moment of torsion on the liquid crystal molecule 30a of side 40s orientation is well-determined (being inhour in the example shown in Figure 56 B), and irrelevant with the value that applies voltage.Therefore, no matter the condition of driving voltage how, can both obtain stable radial tilted alignment.Foregoing description is at the projection that is provided in the opening 14b1, but same principle may be used on being provided at the projection 40 in the excision district 14b2.
Projection 40 and the solid-state width of distinguishing the overlapping region of 14a are not particularly limited, even make the offset of projection 40 in process of production and/or solid-state district 14a but this width preferably is set, projection 40 also can cover the marginal portion of solid-state district 14a, and (preferably this width is set to, for example, about 2 μ m).
As mentioned above, the TFT substrate 700a of the liquid crystal indicator 700 of present embodiment comprises the elementary area electrode 14 that is used for producing tilting electric field and has the projection 40 of side 40s, and this side 40s has the orientation that applies with tilting electric field and adjusts the consistent orientation of power and adjust power.Because this structure is preventing because in the display quality decline that external force causes, liquid crystal indicator 700 can also realize that wide visual angle shows.In addition, because projection 40 covers the marginal portion of solid-state district 14a, thereby no matter the driving voltage condition how, can both provide desirable demonstration.
Embodiment 8
The structure of the liquid crystal indicator 800 of the embodiment of the present application is described below with reference to Figure 57 A and 57B.Figure 57 A is the planimetric map from the being seen liquid crystal indicator 800 of substrate normal direction, and Figure 57 B is the sectional view along the line 57B-57B ' of Figure 57 A.Figure 57 B explanation does not apply the state of voltage on liquid crystal layer 30.
Liquid crystal indicator 700 parts that the liquid crystal indicator 800 of present embodiment is different from embodiment 7 are that the anti-substrate 200b of liquid crystal indicator 800 comprises orientation adjustment structure 28.Orientation is adjusted in the structure 28 on being included in anti-substrate 200b, and pericentral one that is provided at the zone relative with solid-state district, the unit of elementary area electrode 14 14a ' can be in any one shown in Figure 15 B to 15D.Being provided at orientation around the core in the zone relative with the opening 14b1 of elementary area electrode 14, to adjust structure 28 be at shown in Figure 15 E that.In this embodiment, even adjust structure 28, adjust structure 28 in the orientation shown in Figure 15 B to 15D but also can be used on that replacement shown in Figure 15 A with describing the orientation that when not applying voltage, also has orientation adjustment power.
In liquid crystal indicator 800, applying under the state of voltage to (being between elementary area electrode 14 and the counter electrode 22) on the liquid crystal layer 30, the direction of the radial tilted alignment that is formed by elementary area electrode 14 and projection 40 is consistent with the direction of being adjusted the radial tilted alignment that structure 28 forms by orientation.The result is that shown in Figure 58 A to 58C, radial tilted alignment is stable.
Figure 59 A and 59B represent to comprise another liquid crystal indicator 800 ' of orientation adjustment structure.Liquid crystal indicator 800 ' does not comprise any orientation adjustment structure in the zone relative with the opening 14b1 of elementary area electrode 14.Form the orientation adjustment structure 28 shown in Figure 15 E and relate to the difficulty relevant with technology, this orientation is adjusted structure 28 and is formed in the zone relative with opening 14b1.Therefore, consider throughput rate, preferably use any orientation shown in Figure 15 A to 15D to adjust structure 28.Especially, the orientation shown in preferred Figure 15 B is adjusted structure 28, because it can be with simple explained hereafter.
Even do not provide orientation to adjust structure in the zone relative with opening 14b1, liquid crystal indicator 800 ' still can obtain and the liquid crystal indicator 800 essentially identical radial tilted alignments shown in Figure 60 A to 60C.Radial tilted alignment is actual acceptable level to the resistivity of pressure.
Adjusting the projection 22b shown in Figure 15 B under the situation of structure 28 as orientation, can use the structure shown in Figure 61 A, wherein the thickness 30 of liquid crystal layer is to be limited by projection 22b, and promptly projection 22b also can play the effect as the spacer of control module gap (thickness of liquid crystal layer 30).The advantage of this structure is not need the spacer that is used for limiting liquid crystal layer 30 thickness is provided separately, thereby has simplified production technology.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 61 A to 61C, projection 22b has the conical in shape on intercepting top and has with respect to the surface of the substrate 21 side 22b1 to tilt less than 90 ° of inclination angles.Side 22b1 (with respect to the surface of substrate 21 to tilt less than 90 ° of inclination angles) adjusts power to the orientation of the liquid crystal molecule 30a of liquid crystal layer 30 direction is identical with the orientation adjustment power that is applied by tilting electric field.Therefore, side 22b1 plays the effect of stablizing radial tilted alignment.
In the structure that comprises the projection 22b that also plays the spacer effect, shown in Figure 61 A to 61C, can obtain and liquid crystal indicator 800 ' the essentially identical radial tilted alignment.
In Figure 61 A to 61C, the side 22b1 of projection 22 tilts with the inclination angle less than 90 ° with respect to substrate, and perhaps, side 22b1 also can tilt with the inclination angle more than or equal to 90 ° with respect to substrate.In order to stablize radial tilted alignment, the inclination angle of preferred side 22b1 is not obvious to surpass 90 °, more preferably less than 90 °.Even this inclination angle is above 90 °, as long as it is near 90 ° (so long as not obviously above 90 °), near the 22b1 of the side of projection 22b liquid crystal molecule 30a tilts with the direction that is basically parallel to base plan, and take thus and the consistent radial tilted alignment of vergence direction at the liquid crystal molecule 30a of marginal portion, small distortion is only arranged.But, shown in Figure 62, if the inclination angle of the side 22b1 of projection 22b obviously surpasses 90 °, the orientation adjustment power that the direction that the orientation that the side 22b1 of projection 22b applies the liquid crystal molecule 30a of liquid crystal layer 30 is adjusted power and tilting electric field apply opposite.This may cause unsettled radial tilted alignment.
The projection 22b that yet plays the spacer effect is not restricted to the conical in shape on the intercepting top shown in Figure 61 A to 61C.For example, projection 22b can be the shape shown in Figure 63, and it perpendicular to the section in the plane of base plan is being the oval part shape of the part of ellipsoid (that is, such as).With the projection 22b shown in Figure 63, when side 22b1 with respect to the inclination angle (bevel angle) of base plan during, no matter along the position of the thickness of liquid crystal layer 30 how, the inclination angle of side 22b1 is all less than 90 ° along the variation in thickness of liquid crystal layer 30.Therefore, the projection with this shape can be suitable as the projection of stablizing radial tilted alignment.
Aforesaid projection 22b can be formed on upper substrate or the infrabasal plate in the technology of producing liquid crystal indicator, and it all contacts (TFT substrate and anti-substrate) and plays the effect of the spacer of the thickness that limits liquid crystal layer 30 with upper and lower substrate.In case upper and lower substrate is connected to each other, be formed on it still on the infrabasal plate irrelevant, projection 22b all will with two substrate contacts, and play the effect that spacer and orientation are adjusted structure.
The projection 22b that there is no need all are provided in the zone relative with solid-state district, unit 14a ' plays spacer.By being lower than other projection 22b, can suppress the generation that light leaks as spacer with making some projection 22b formation.
Alternative liquid crystal indicator of present embodiment will be described below.
Figure 64 A, 64B and Figure 65 illustrate liquid crystal indicator 800A and the 800B that present embodiment is other.Figure 64 A and 64B schematically illustrate the structure in eight elementary area districts of liquid crystal indicator 800A and 800B respectively.Figure 65 is the sectional view along the line 65A-65A ' of Figure 64 A and 64B.
The elementary area electrode 14 of each liquid crystal indicator 800A and 800B comprises three solid-state district, unit 14a ' that are arranged in delegation in the elementary area district, but do not comprise any opening 14b1, that is, the non-solid-state district 14b of elementary area electrode 14 only comprises excision district 14b2.Two that are included among solid-state district, three unit 14a ' in each elementary area district is transparency electrode, and a remaining unit solid-state district 14a ' is a reflecting electrode.Solid-state district, each unit 14a ' is a square.The counter electrode 200b of each comprises projection (rib) 22b that adjusts structure as orientation among liquid crystal indicator 800A and the 800B in the zone relative with solid-state district, each unit 14a '.
Although the elementary area electrode 14 of each among liquid crystal indicator 800A and the 800B does not have any opening 14b1, can go up the liquid crystal farmland that radial tilted alignment is taked in formation by solid-state district 14a ' in each unit, as mentioned above.By forming at least one excision district 14b2, can in elementary area electrode 14, form solid-state district, a plurality of unit 14a '.Therefore, can form a plurality of liquid crystal farmland of taking radial tilted alignment respectively.The liquid crystal farmland that is formed on solid-state district, each unit 14a ' can be by stablizing with each unit corresponding projection 22b that provides of solid-state district 14a '.
Solid-state district, unit in elementary area electrode 14 14a ' is arranged in delegation.Therefore use this structure, can make the unit area of solid-state district 14a ' in the elementary area district, and compare with the configuration that solid-state district, unit 14a ' is arranged in multirow, can increase aperture opening ratio and brightness than easier uprising.For the orientation of fast quick-recovery by destructions such as pressure, the interval (being limited in each elementary area district and between the adjacent picture elements district) between solid-state district, the unit 14a ' preferably has a certain width, for example 8.5 μ m or bigger.
At the liquid crystal indicator 800A shown in Figure 64 A be the structure of the transparent dielectric layer 29 of anti-substrate 200b in the mutual difference of liquid crystal indicator 800B shown in Figure 64 B.Particularly, among the liquid crystal indicator 800A, shown in Figure 64 A, transparent dielectric layer 29 independent (independence) is formed in each elementary area district, but in liquid crystal indicator 800B, transparent dielectric layer 29 in an elementary area district is continuous with the transparent dielectric layer of going up in other elementary area district adjacent with this elementary area district in one of two periodic arrangement directions (wherein elementary area district periodic arrangement) 29, shown in Figure 64 B.Transparent dielectric layer 29 consecutive hourss in other adjacent on transparent dielectric layer in the elementary area district 29 and a certain periodic arrangement direction elementary area district with this elementary area district, shown in Figure 64 B, do not need to consider transparent dielectric layer 29 aligning surplus over there, the elementary area interval on this direction be can reduce thus, aperture opening ratio and throughput rate therefore improved.
In liquid crystal indicator 800A shown in Figure 64 A and the 64B and 800B, Pareto diagram makes that as cellular zone the echo area R in adjacent elementary area district is adjacent on the periodic arrangement direction respectively.What contrast is, respectively in liquid crystal indicator 800C, 800D, 800E and the 800F shown in Figure 66 A, Figure 66 B, Figure 67 A and Figure 67 B, not only with adjacent at the echo area R in the adjacent elementary area district of one-period orientation, also the echo area R with the adjacent picture elements district is adjacent on other periodic arrangement direction for the echo area R in each elementary area district.
In the liquid crystal indicator 800C shown in Figure 66 A, among the independent echo area R that is formed on each elementary area district of transparent dielectric layer 29.What contrast is, respectively in liquid crystal indicator 800D, 800E shown in Figure 66 B, Figure 67 A and Figure 67 B and 800F, transparent dielectric layer 29 in elementary area district is continuous with the transparent dielectric layer in other elementary area district that adjoins this elementary area district, can improve aperture opening ratio and throughput rate thus.Especially, in the liquid crystal indicator 800F shown in Figure 67 B, the transparent dielectric layer 29 in an elementary area district is all continuous with the transparent dielectric layer in other elementary area district that adjoins this elementary area district in two periodic arrangement directions.Therefore, no longer need on the direction of two periodic arrangement, consider the aligning surplus of transparent dielectric layer 29.This being configured in improved aperture opening ratio and the throughput rate aspect is efficiently.
Though Figure 64 A to 64B illustrates each elementary area district of five equilibrium, promptly the zone (being called " sub-image unit district ") that is limited by solid-state district, unit 14a ' has identical size and identical shape, there is no need the five equilibrium the elementary area district in the present invention.One or more sub-image unit district in an elementary area district can be of different sizes/shape with other sub-image unit district, or the sub-image unit district in transmission area T can be of different sizes/shape with sub-image unit district in the R of echo area.In addition, though the sub-image unit district has square shape and has 1: 1 aspect ratio in the configuration shown in Figure 67 A to Figure 67 B, the aspect ratio in sub-image unit district is unnecessary in the present invention is 1: 1.
Solid-state district, the unit 14a ' that the difference of liquid crystal indicator 800A shown in liquid crystal indicator 800G shown in Figure 68 A and Figure 68 A is to be provided among the R of echo area has rectangular shape, and the sub-image unit district in the R of echo area has rectangular shape.Though aspect ratio according to the elementary area district, may be difficult in the elementary area district, form the sub-image unit district that all has 1: 1 aspect ratio, if shown in Figure 68 A, one or more sub-image unit district shape different with having of other (for example, rectangular shape), this solid-state district, a plurality of unit 14a ' as far as possible closely arranges in the elementary area district, can increase the area ratio of unit solid-state district 14a ' in each elementary area district thus, increases aperture opening ratio thus.Note, when adjusting the size/shape in one or more sub-image unit district,, show to be subjected to less influence if adjust the size/shape in the sub-image unit district among the R of echo area according to the aspect ratio in elementary area district.This is because the less echo area R of cell gap (thickness of liquid crystal layer 30) originally just has response characteristic preferably, and the level that requires of display quality is lower than transmission area T's.
Liquid crystal indicator 800H shown in Figure 68 B is similar to the liquid crystal indicator 800A shown in Figure 64 A, and the single rectangle sub-image unit district of wide aspect ratio (about 1: 2) (the solid-state district of rectangular elements 14a ') replaces except the sub-image unit district (the solid-state district of square shaped cells 14a ') that is arranged in two square shape among the transmission area T is had more.The quantity in the sub-image unit district in each elementary area district (unit solid-state district 14a ') has sub-image unit district (solid-state district, unit 14a ') than wide aspect ratio when reducing by use, although orientation stability and response speed have reduced, but the area ratio of non-solid-state district 14b in the elementary area district can reduce, and may further improve aperture opening ratio thus.Present inventor's research discloses, even use solid-state district, the unit 14a ' with about 1: 2 aspect ratio, also can obtain stable radial tilted alignment.
In addition, at liquid crystal indicator 800I and the 800J shown in Figure 69 A and the 69B, according to the shape in elementary area district, all the sub-image unit districts in each elementary area district can be rectangular as respectively, to improve aperture opening ratio.In the liquid crystal indicator 800I shown in Figure 69 A, two number of sub images cellular zones in transmission area T (solid-state district, unit 14a ') and the number of sub images cellular zone in the R of echo area (solid-state district, unit 14a ') all are rectangular.In addition, in the liquid crystal indicator 800J shown in Figure 69 B, number of sub images cellular zone in transmission area T (solid-state district, unit 14a ') and the number of sub images cellular zone in the R of echo area (solid-state district, unit 14a ') all are rectangular.
Notice that Figure 69 A and 69B show in the configuration, preferably with the transmission mode display image, the area between transmission area T and the echo area R is 2: 1 than approximately simultaneously.Be appreciated that the time area that can make echo area R is than being higher than transmission area T preferably with the reflective-mode display image, at liquid crystal indicator 800K shown in Figure 70 A and 70B and 800L respectively like that.
In the liquid crystal indicator 800K shown in Figure 70 A, two among the solid-state district of three square shaped cells in each the elementary area district 14a ' is reflecting electrode, and the remaining solid-state district of a square shaped cells 14a ' is a transparency electrode, and the area between transmission area T and the echo area R is 1: 2 than approximately simultaneously.
In the liquid crystal indicator 800L shown in Figure 70 B, each elementary area district comprises a solid-state district 14a ' of the square shaped cells as transparency electrode and the solid-state district of the rectangular elements as a reflecting electrode 14a ' (aspect ratio: about 1: 2), and the area between transmission area T and the echo area R approximately is 1: 2 than also simultaneously.
In addition, in order to improve the response characteristic of the liquid crystal layer 30 in transmission area T, the shape of solid-state district 14a ' may be to have acute angle as among the liquid crystal indicator 800M of Figure 71 A in each unit among the transmission area T.Perhaps, for orientation stability and the transmissivity that increases transmission area T, solid-state district 14a ' can form with barrel-shaped (having the cardinal principle square of arcuation angled portion substantially) in each unit of transmission area T, as shown in the liquid crystal indicator 800N of Figure 71 B.
With reference to figure 64A to 71B the variation that solid-state district, in each elementary area district unit 14a ' is arranged in the structure of delegation has been described.Foregoing description is applicable to that also solid-state district, in each elementary area district unit 14a ' is arranged in the structure of multirow.
Figure 72 A represents liquid crystal indicator 800O.In Figure 72 A, the elementary area electrode 14 of liquid crystal indicator 800O comprises ten unit solid-state district 14a ' that arranges with 5 row * 2 column matrix forms.Solid-state district, each unit 14a ' is a square.Solid-state district 14a ' is a reflecting electrode in two unit of the third line, and remaining solid-state district, unit 14a ' is a transparency electrode.Above-described various also the modification is applicable to liquid crystal indicator 800O.For example, for the 800P of the liquid crystal indicator shown in Figure 72 B is provided, two reflecting electrodes of liquid crystal indicator 800O (solid-state district, unit 14a ') can replace with a rectangle reflecting electrode.
Figure 73 A represents liquid crystal indicator 800Q.In Figure 73 A, the elementary area electrode 14 of liquid crystal indicator 800Q comprises 24 unit solid-state district 14a ' that arranges with 8 row * 3 column matrix forms.Solid-state district, each unit 14a ' is a square.Solid-state district 14a ' is a reflecting electrode in three unit of the tenth five-element, and remaining solid-state district, unit 14a ' is a transparency electrode.Above-described various modification also is applicable to liquid crystal indicator 800Q.For example, for the 800R of the liquid crystal indicator shown in Figure 73 B is provided, three reflecting electrodes of liquid crystal indicator 800Q (solid-state district, unit 14a ') can replace with a rectangle reflecting electrode.
The invention provides liquid crystal indicator with wide viewing angle characteristics and high display quality.Preferably the liquid crystal indicator of transmission-reflection LCD device according to the present invention as a kind of all kinds electronic equipment (comprising personal computer, TV and personal digital assistant device).
Although described liquid crystal indicator of the present invention in conjunction with the embodiments, clearly for the technician on farmland, this area, disclosed invention can change in numerous modes, and can be rendered as the various embodiments that is different from above-mentioned specific description.In addition, appended claim with covering drop within the spirit and scope of the present invention to all modifications of the present invention.

Claims (36)

1, a kind of liquid crystal indicator comprises:
First substrate;
Second substrate; With
Be provided at the liquid crystal layer between first substrate and second substrate, wherein:
A plurality of elementary areas district limits by being provided near lip-deep first electrode of first substrate of liquid crystal layer and second electrode that is provided on second substrate respectively, and second electrode is relative with first electrode and liquid crystal layer arranged therebetween;
In each of this a plurality of elementary areas district, first electrode comprises by the film formed solid-state district of conduction and the non-solid-state district of conducting film is not provided, when between first electrode and second electrode, not applying voltage, liquid crystal layer is in the vertical orientation state, and when between first electrode and second electrode, applying voltage, by near the tilting electric field that produces solid-state district, forming each at least in the solid-state district of first electrode all is a plurality of first liquid crystal farmlands of radial tilted alignment;
Each of this a plurality of elementary areas district comprises clear area and echo area, and the clear area is used to use the incident light from first substrate, one side to provide transmission mode to show, and the echo area is used to use the incident light cremasteric reflex pattern from second substrate, one side to show;
In each of this a plurality of elementary areas district, the thickness d r of liquid crystal layer is less than the thickness d t of liquid crystal layer in the transmission area in the echo area, and second substrate comprises stepped part, described stepped part has upper strata that is arranged in the echo area and the lower floor that is arranged in transmission area, and make interconnected side, the upper and lower, and the side of described stepped part is arranged in the echo area and is covered by second electrode.
2, the liquid crystal indicator of claim 1, the orientation of the orientation on wherein a plurality of first liquid crystal farmlands and the liquid crystal layer in non-solid-state district is continuous.
3, the liquid crystal indicator of claim 1, wherein the solid-state district of first electrode comprises solid-state district, a plurality of unit, each is surrounded by non-solid-state district basically, and each of a plurality of first liquid crystal farmlands is with each corresponding formation in solid-state district, a plurality of unit.
4, the liquid crystal indicator of claim 3, each of solid-state district, wherein a plurality of unit has rotational symmetric shape.
5, the liquid crystal indicator of claim 4, each of solid-state district, wherein a plurality of unit have circular substantially shape.
6, the liquid crystal indicator of claim 4, each of solid-state district, wherein a plurality of unit has the shape of general rectangular.
7, the liquid crystal indicator of claim 4, each of solid-state district, wherein a plurality of unit are to have the cardinal principle rectangular shape of arc angle part substantially.
8, the liquid crystal indicator of claim 4, each of solid-state district, wherein a plurality of unit are to have the shape that acute angle corner portions is divided.
9, the liquid crystal indicator of claim 3, wherein in each of a plurality of elementary areas district, the thickness d e of the liquid crystal layer on the marginal portion at least one solid-state district, unit in solid-state district, a plurality of unit is less than the thickness d c of the liquid crystal layer on the middle body in this at least one solid-state district, unit.
10, the liquid crystal indicator of claim 9, wherein the height on the surface of the marginal portion in this at least one solid-state district, unit is higher than the height on surface of the middle body in this at least one solid-state district, unit.
11, the liquid crystal indicator of claim 10, wherein
First substrate comprises transparency carrier and an interlayer dielectric that is provided between the transparency carrier and first electrode;
This interlayer dielectric has the first area, and wherein the height on a surface of this interlayer dielectric of close liquid crystal layer is a continually varying; And
The marginal portion in this at least one solid-state district, unit is positioned on the first area.
12, the liquid crystal indicator of claim 11, wherein
Interlayer dielectric has second area, and wherein the height on a surface of this interlayer dielectric of close liquid crystal layer is constant basically; And
The middle body in this at least one solid-state district, unit is positioned on the second area.
13, the liquid crystal indicator of claim 9 wherein is incident on the only circularly polarized light on the liquid crystal layer, and liquid crystal layer is regulated this circularly polarized light to show.
14, the liquid crystal indicator of claim 1 is wherein when applying voltage, because tilting electric field forms at least one second liquid crystal farmland with radial tilted alignment in non-solid-state district between first electrode and second electrode.
15, the liquid crystal indicator of claim 14, the orientation on the orientation on wherein a plurality of first liquid crystal farmlands and at least one second liquid crystal farmland is continuous.
16, the liquid crystal indicator of claim 1, wherein the non-solid-state district of first electrode has at least one opening.
17, the liquid crystal indicator of claim 16, wherein this at least one opening is a plurality of openings, and in these a plurality of openings at least some have essentially identical shape and essentially identical size and are placed to form and have rotational symmetric at least one unit grid.
18, the liquid crystal indicator of claim 17, wherein these a plurality of openings in these at least some in each have rotational symmetric shape.
19, the liquid crystal indicator of claim 1, wherein the non-solid-state district of first electrode comprises at least one excision district.
20, the liquid crystal indicator of claim 19, wherein this at least one excision district is a plurality of excisions districts, and this a plurality of excisions district is regularly arranged.
21, the liquid crystal indicator of claim 1, wherein in each of a plurality of elementary areas district, the area in the non-solid-state district of first electrode is less than the area in the solid-state district of first electrode.
22, the liquid crystal indicator of claim 1, wherein on the zone corresponding with at least one first liquid crystal farmland on a plurality of first liquid crystal farmlands, second substrate comprises orientation adjustment structure, this orientation is adjusted structure and is applied orientation adjustment power, is used for that the liquid crystal molecule at least one first liquid crystal farmland is placed to radial tilted alignment with this when existence applies voltage at least.
23, right is wanted 22 liquid crystal indicator, wherein orientation adjust structure be provided at the corresponding zone of the middle body on this at least one liquid crystal farmland on.
24, the liquid crystal indicator of claim 22, wherein orientation is adjusted structure and is applied orientation adjustment power, is used for also liquid crystal molecule being placed to when not applying voltage radial tilted alignment.
25, the liquid crystal indicator of claim 24, wherein orientation adjustment structure is that at least one is projected into the projection in the liquid crystal layer.
26, the liquid crystal indicator of claim 25, wherein this at least one projection comprises the projection that is positioned at the echo area, and the thickness of liquid crystal layer is by the projection definition that is arranged in the echo area.
27, the liquid crystal indicator of claim 26, wherein this at least one projection is a plurality of projections, these a plurality of projections comprise the projection that is located in the transmission area.
28, the liquid crystal indicator of claim 27, wherein at least one in first substrate and second substrate comprises light shielding layer, is used for preventing that illumination from arriving the projection in the transmission area.
29, the liquid crystal indicator of claim 27, wherein second substrate comprises each the single projection of transmission area that is positioned at a plurality of elementary areas district.
30, the liquid crystal indicator of claim 1, wherein first substrate comprises at least one projection with dip plane in non-solid-state district, the shape on the border between the section shape of this projection in the plane of first substrate and solid-state district and the non-solid-state district is consistent, and the dip plane of this projection has orientation adjustment power, be used for making the liquid crystal molecules tilt in the liquid crystal layer, and vergence direction is identical with the orientation adjustment direction that is provided by tilting electric field.
31, the liquid crystal indicator of claim 30, wherein projection covers the marginal portion in the solid-state district of first electrode.
32, the liquid crystal indicator of claim 1, wherein first electrode comprises the reflecting electrode that is used for limiting the transparency electrode of transmission area and is used for limiting the echo area.
33, the liquid crystal indicator of claim 1, wherein second substrate also comprises the transparent dielectric layer on the echo area in each that optionally is provided at a plurality of elementary areas district.
34, the liquid crystal indicator of claim 33, the transparent dielectric layer that wherein is provided in each of a plurality of elementary areas district is continuous with the transparent dielectric layer that is provided at least one elementary area district adjacent with each elementary area district.
35, the liquid crystal indicator of claim 1, wherein each the corresponding switching device shifter that provides with a plurality of elementary areas district also is provided first substrate;
First electrode is each the elementary area electrode that provides for a plurality of elementary areas district, and switches by switching device shifter, and second electrode is at least one counter electrode relative with these a plurality of elementary area electrodes.
36, a kind of liquid crystal indicator comprises:
First substrate;
Second substrate; With
Be provided at the liquid crystal layer between first substrate and second substrate, wherein
A plurality of elementary areas district limits by being provided near lip-deep first electrode of first substrate of liquid crystal layer and second electrode that is provided on second substrate respectively, and second electrode is relative with first electrode and liquid crystal layer arranged therebetween;
In each elementary area district, first electrode comprises by the film formed solid-state district of conduction and the non-solid-state district of conducting film is not provided, when between first electrode and second electrode, not applying voltage, liquid crystal layer is the vertical orientation state, and when between first electrode and second electrode, applying voltage, by near the tilting electric field that solid-state district, produces, in the solid-state district of first electrode, form a plurality of first liquid crystal farmlands that each all is radial tilted alignment at least;
Each of this a plurality of elementary areas district comprises clear area and echo area, the clear area is used to use the incident light from first substrate, one side to provide transmission mode to show, and the echo area is used to use the incident light cremasteric reflex pattern from second substrate, one side to show, and the thickness d r of the liquid crystal layer in the echo area is less than the thickness d t of the liquid crystal layer in the transmission area;
Second substrate comprises stepped part, this stepped part has the upper strata that is arranged in the echo area and is arranged in the lower floor of transmission area and makes interconnected side, the upper and lower, and the side of this stepped part is arranged in the echo area and is covered by second electrode, and
In each of this a plurality of elementary areas district, first substrate be included in that having in the non-solid-state district tilted and at least one projection, the shape on the border between the section shape of this projection in the plane of first substrate and solid-state district and the non-solid-state district is consistent, the dip plane of this projection has orientation adjustment power, be used for liquid crystal molecules tilt with liquid crystal layer, and vergence direction is identical with the orientation adjustment direction that is provided by tilting electric field, and this projection covers the marginal portion in the solid-state district of first electrode.
CNB2005100656469A 2004-02-02 2005-02-02 Liquid crystal display device Expired - Fee Related CN100472282C (en)

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JP2004025197 2004-02-02
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Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN101960368B (en) * 2008-03-04 2012-08-29 夏普株式会社 Liquid crystal display device
CN103135289A (en) * 2011-11-21 2013-06-05 上海天马微电子有限公司 Liquid crystal display device having a plurality of pixel electrodes
CN105372869A (en) * 2015-12-25 2016-03-02 武汉华星光电技术有限公司 LCD (liquid crystal display) panel and LCD
CN112987382A (en) * 2019-12-13 2021-06-18 夏普株式会社 Liquid crystal display device having a plurality of pixel electrodes
CN115118948A (en) * 2022-06-20 2022-09-27 北京华录新媒信息技术有限公司 Method and device for repairing irregular occlusion in panoramic video

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN101960368B (en) * 2008-03-04 2012-08-29 夏普株式会社 Liquid crystal display device
CN103135289A (en) * 2011-11-21 2013-06-05 上海天马微电子有限公司 Liquid crystal display device having a plurality of pixel electrodes
CN103135289B (en) * 2011-11-21 2016-05-18 上海天马微电子有限公司 Liquid crystal display device having a plurality of pixel electrodes
CN105372869A (en) * 2015-12-25 2016-03-02 武汉华星光电技术有限公司 LCD (liquid crystal display) panel and LCD
CN112987382A (en) * 2019-12-13 2021-06-18 夏普株式会社 Liquid crystal display device having a plurality of pixel electrodes
CN112987382B (en) * 2019-12-13 2023-11-07 夏普株式会社 Liquid crystal display device having a light shielding layer
CN115118948A (en) * 2022-06-20 2022-09-27 北京华录新媒信息技术有限公司 Method and device for repairing irregular occlusion in panoramic video
CN115118948B (en) * 2022-06-20 2024-04-05 北京华录新媒信息技术有限公司 Repairing method and device for irregular shielding in panoramic video

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