JP2002365657A - Liquid crystal device, projection type display device, and electronic equipment - Google Patents

Liquid crystal device, projection type display device, and electronic equipment

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Publication number
JP2002365657A
JP2002365657A JP2001173104A JP2001173104A JP2002365657A JP 2002365657 A JP2002365657 A JP 2002365657A JP 2001173104 A JP2001173104 A JP 2001173104A JP 2001173104 A JP2001173104 A JP 2001173104A JP 2002365657 A JP2002365657 A JP 2002365657A
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JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
liquid crystal
electrode
electric field
substrate
crystal device
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
JP2001173104A
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Japanese (ja)
Other versions
JP3900859B2 (en
Inventor
Tsuyoshi Maeda
強 前田
Takaaki Tanaka
孝昭 田中
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Seiko Epson Corp
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Seiko Epson Corp
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Priority to JP2001173104A priority Critical patent/JP3900859B2/en
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Publication of JP3900859B2 publication Critical patent/JP3900859B2/en
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Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid crystal device in which a response speed is improved without increasing the process and the cost of manufacturing. SOLUTION: In the liquid crystal display device, a liquid crystal layer made up with liquid crystals having positive dielectric anisotropy is held between a pair of substrates that are opposingly arranged. On an element substrate 2 and an opposing substrate 3, a pixel electrode 7 and a common electrode 8 are provided respedively to apply longitudinal electric field to a liquid crystal layer 18. Moreover, comb-shaped electrodes 15 are provided above the top of the electrode 7 on the substrate 2 in order to apply transverse electric field to the layer 18 with the electrode 7 through an insulating film 14. Due to the operation of the transverse electric field, returning motion of liquid crystal molecules 19 is assisted during an OFF interval and the response speed is increased as a result.

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

【０００１】[0001]

【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、液晶装置、投射型
表示装置および電子機器に関し、特に応答速度に優れた
液晶装置に関するものである。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid crystal device, a projection type display device and an electronic apparatus, and more particularly to a liquid crystal device having an excellent response speed.

【０００２】[0002]

【従来の技術】液晶プロジェクタ等の投射型液晶表示装
置において、光変調手段として用いられる液晶ライトバ
ルブにはアクティブマトリクス型液晶装置が使用されて
いる。アクティブマトリクス型液晶装置は、信号線や画
素電極、画素スイッチング用素子などが形成された素子
基板と共通電極が形成された対向基板とが、シール材を
介して一定の間隙をもって対向配置されており、この間
隙の間に液晶を挟持して構成されている。液晶装置の表
示領域には、データ線と走査線に囲まれた多数の画素電
極が形成されており、これら画素電極がマトリクス状に
配列されている。2. Description of the Related Art In a projection type liquid crystal display device such as a liquid crystal projector, an active matrix type liquid crystal device is used for a liquid crystal light valve used as light modulation means. In an active matrix liquid crystal device, an element substrate on which signal lines, pixel electrodes, pixel switching elements, and the like are formed, and an opposing substrate on which a common electrode is formed are arranged to face each other with a certain gap therebetween via a sealing material. The liquid crystal is sandwiched between the gaps. In the display area of the liquid crystal device, a large number of pixel electrodes surrounded by data lines and scanning lines are formed, and these pixel electrodes are arranged in a matrix.

【０００３】アクティブマトリクス型液晶装置の表示方
式としては、ツイステッドネマティック（Twisted Nema
tic, 以下、ＴＮと略記する）モードの表示方式が現
在、主流を占めている。その理由は、明るい、コントラ
ストが高い、応答速度が比較的速い、駆動電圧が低い、
階調表示が容易であるなど、ＴＮモードの液晶装置はデ
ィスプレイとして基本的に必要とされる諸特性をバラン
ス良く具備しているからである。ＴＮモードにおいて
は、素子基板と対向基板との間で液晶分子の長軸方向が
９０°ねじれた構造を採る。As a display method of an active matrix type liquid crystal device, a twisted nematic (Twisted Nema
At present, the display method of the tic (hereinafter abbreviated as TN) mode is dominant. The reasons are bright, high contrast, relatively fast response speed, low drive voltage,
This is because a TN mode liquid crystal device has various characteristics basically required for a display in a well-balanced manner, such as easy gradation display. In the TN mode, a structure in which the major axis direction of liquid crystal molecules is twisted by 90 ° between the element substrate and the counter substrate is employed.

【０００４】ところで、液晶表示装置の広視野角化を図
る一つの手段として、基板に対して面内方向の横電界を
発生させ、この横電界で液晶分子を基板に平行な面内で
回転させることで光スイッチング機能を持たせるインプ
レイン・スイッチング（In-Plane Switching, 以下、Ｉ
ＰＳと略記する）技術が実用化されている。そして、近
年、ＩＰＳ技術をさらに改良した形のフリンジフィール
ド・スイッチング（Fringe-Field Switching, 以下、Ｆ
ＦＳと略記する）技術が、"High-Transmittance, Wide-
Viewing-Angle Nematic Liquid Crystal Display Contr
olled by Fringe-Field Switching", S.H.Lee et al.,
ASIA DISPLAY 98, p.371-374, "A HighQuality AM-LCD
using Fringe-Field Switching Technology", S.H.Lee
et al.,IDW'99, p.191-194 などに発表されている。As one means for increasing the viewing angle of a liquid crystal display device, an in-plane lateral electric field is generated on a substrate, and the lateral electric field rotates liquid crystal molecules in a plane parallel to the substrate. In-Plane Switching (hereinafter referred to as I)
Technology (abbreviated as PS) has been put to practical use. In recent years, Fringe-Field Switching (Fringe-Field Switching)
Technology (abbreviated as FS) is "High-Transmittance, Wide-
Viewing-Angle Nematic Liquid Crystal Display Contr
olled by Fringe-Field Switching ", SHLee et al.,
ASIA DISPLAY 98, p.371-374, "A HighQuality AM-LCD
using Fringe-Field Switching Technology ", SHLee
et al., IDW'99, p.191-194.

【０００５】図１３はＩＰＳとＦＦＳの概念の違いを示
す図であって、図１３（ａ）はＩＰＳの概略構成、図１
３（ｂ）はＦＦＳの概略構成をそれぞれ示している。一
対の基板２００、２０１間の液晶分子２０２が一対の電
極２０３，２０４による横電界Ｅで駆動される点は同様
である。ところが、セルギャップをｄ、電極幅をｗ、電
極間距離をｌとすると、これらの寸法の関係が、ＩＰＳ
ではｌ／ｄ＞１かつｌ／ｗ＞１であるのに対し、ＦＦＳ
ではｌ／ｄ＜１かつｌ／ｗ＜１、またはｌ／ｄ＝０かつ
ｌ／ｗ＝０である。すなわち、ＩＰＳではセルギャップ
や電極幅よりも電極間距離が大きいのに対し、ＦＦＳで
はセルギャップや電極幅よりも電極間距離が小さい（図
１３（ａ）のＩＰＳにおける電極２０３と電極２０４が
充分に接近した状態）か、もしくは電極間距離が０、言
い換えると、図１３（ｂ）に示すように一方の電極２０
４（−極）の上方に絶縁層２０５を介して他方の電極２
０３（＋極）を積層した形態の電極構成を採用してい
る。この電極構成の違いによって発生する電界の方向が
若干異なり、ＩＰＳでの電界方向は電極が対向する方向
（図中ｙ方向）であるが、ＦＦＳ、特に図１３（ｂ）の
電極構造においては、電極２０３，２０４が積層されて
いるため、横方向（図中Ｙ方向）に加えて、電極２０３
の縁の近傍で基板面に垂直な方向（図中Ｚ方向）にも電
界成分を持っている。FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the difference between the concepts of IPS and FFS. FIG.
3 (b) shows a schematic configuration of the FFS. This is the same in that the liquid crystal molecules 202 between the pair of substrates 200 and 201 are driven by the lateral electric field E by the pair of electrodes 203 and 204. However, if the cell gap is d, the electrode width is w, and the distance between the electrodes is 1, the relationship between these dimensions is IPS
In FFS, l / d> 1 and l / w> 1
In this case, 1 / d <1 and 1 / w <1, or 1 / d = 0 and 1 / w = 0. That is, in the IPS, the distance between the electrodes is larger than the cell gap or the electrode width, whereas in the FFS, the distance between the electrodes is smaller than the cell gap or the electrode width (the electrodes 203 and 204 in the IPS of FIG. 13) or the distance between the electrodes is 0, in other words, as shown in FIG.
4 (− pole) above the other electrode 2 via the insulating layer 205.
03 (+ electrode) is adopted. The direction of the electric field generated by the difference in the electrode configuration is slightly different. The direction of the electric field in the IPS is the direction in which the electrodes face each other (the y direction in the figure). In the FFS, particularly in the electrode structure in FIG. Since the electrodes 203 and 204 are stacked, in addition to the horizontal direction (Y direction in the drawing),
Has an electric field component also in the direction perpendicular to the substrate surface (Z direction in the figure) in the vicinity of the edge of.

【０００６】[0006]

【発明が解決しようとする課題】ＴＮモードのアクティ
ブマトリクス型液晶装置は、誘電率異方性が正の液晶で
平行配向、ノーマリーホワイトモードを採用した場合、
画素電極と共通電極への電圧印加によって縦電界を発生
させ、この縦電界で基板面と略垂直な方向に液晶分子を
立たせ（これを以下、ＯＮ状態という）、黒表示を行
う。そして、電圧印加を止めることによって液晶分子を
平行配向状態に戻し（これを以下、ＯＦＦ状態とい
う）、白表示を行う。すなわち、ＯＦＦ状態からＯＮ状
態への移行は電圧印加（外部からのエネルギー供給）に
因るが、ＯＮ状態からＯＦＦ状態への移行は液晶自身の
粘性による自然な戻りに因るものである。したがって、
ＯＦＦ状態からＯＮ状態への応答速度は印加電圧を大き
くするなどの手段を用いて速めることができるが、ＯＮ
状態からＯＦＦ状態への応答速度は使用する液晶材料で
決まると考えられていた。そのため、ＴＮモードでは応
答速度が比較的速いとは言っても、液晶材料の特性で決
まるＯＮ状態からＯＦＦ状態への応答速度が遅いため
に、全体の応答速度の向上には限界があった。In a TN mode active matrix type liquid crystal device, when a liquid crystal having a positive dielectric anisotropy adopts a parallel alignment and a normally white mode,
A vertical electric field is generated by applying a voltage to the pixel electrode and the common electrode, and the vertical electric field causes liquid crystal molecules to stand in a direction substantially perpendicular to the substrate surface (hereinafter, referred to as an ON state) to perform black display. Then, by stopping the voltage application, the liquid crystal molecules are returned to the parallel alignment state (hereinafter, referred to as an OFF state), and white display is performed. That is, the transition from the OFF state to the ON state is caused by voltage application (energy supply from the outside), whereas the transition from the ON state to the OFF state is caused by natural return due to the viscosity of the liquid crystal itself. Therefore,
The response speed from the OFF state to the ON state can be increased by using a means such as increasing the applied voltage.
It was thought that the response speed from the state to the OFF state was determined by the liquid crystal material used. Therefore, although the response speed in the TN mode is relatively fast, the response speed from the ON state to the OFF state, which is determined by the characteristics of the liquid crystal material, is low, and there is a limit to the improvement in the overall response speed.

【０００７】そこで、ＯＮ状態からＯＦＦ状態への応答
速度の向上を目的として、上下の基板に横電界を発生さ
せるための電極を備えた液晶装置が、特開平９−２３６
８１９号公報、特開平１１−０４２１０９号公報などに
提案されている。これらの公報に記載の液晶装置におい
ては、上基板、下基板のそれぞれに横電界を発生させる
ための一対の櫛歯状の電極を備え、しかも各基板上の電
極によって発生する横電界の方向が直交するように各電
極が配置されている。この構成によれば、液晶分子の配
向方向が基板面に垂直方向から平行な方向に変化する際
に各基板上の電極から発生する横電界が液晶分子の配向
変化を助長する。この作用により、液晶分子の状態変化
がより速くなり、高速応答が可能になる。In order to improve the response speed from the ON state to the OFF state, a liquid crystal device having electrodes for generating a horizontal electric field on the upper and lower substrates has been disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-236.
No. 819, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-042109, and the like. In the liquid crystal devices described in these publications, a pair of comb-shaped electrodes for generating a horizontal electric field are provided on each of the upper substrate and the lower substrate, and the direction of the horizontal electric field generated by the electrodes on each substrate is Each electrode is arranged so as to be orthogonal. According to this configuration, when the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules changes from a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface to a direction parallel to the substrate surface, a lateral electric field generated from the electrodes on each substrate promotes the change in the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules. By this action, the state change of the liquid crystal molecules becomes faster, and high-speed response becomes possible.

【０００８】しかしながら、上記公報に記載の液晶装置
の場合、製造プロセスが非常に複雑になり、製造コスト
も増大するという問題があった。すなわち、横電界で液
晶を駆動して表示を行う通常のＩＰＳ方式の液晶装置で
あれば、一対の基板のうちの一方の基板にのみ横電界発
生用の櫛歯状電極を形成すれば済むが、上記公報に記載
の液晶装置においては、上基板、下基板の双方に櫛歯状
電極を形成しなければならず、さらにこの櫛歯状電極を
駆動するためのスイッチング素子が個々の基板に必要と
なる。そのため、上基板、下基板がともに素子基板とな
り、製造プロセスが双方の基板で煩雑になるとともに、
製造コストが増大してしまう。However, in the case of the liquid crystal device described in the above publication, there is a problem that the manufacturing process becomes very complicated and the manufacturing cost increases. That is, in a normal IPS type liquid crystal device that performs display by driving liquid crystal with a lateral electric field, it is sufficient to form a comb-shaped electrode for generating a lateral electric field only on one of the pair of substrates. However, in the liquid crystal device described in the above publication, comb-shaped electrodes must be formed on both the upper substrate and the lower substrate, and a switching element for driving the comb-shaped electrodes is required for each substrate. Becomes Therefore, the upper substrate and the lower substrate are both element substrates, and the manufacturing process becomes complicated on both substrates,
Manufacturing costs increase.

【０００９】本発明は、上記の課題を解決するためにな
されたものであって、製造プロセスや製造コストの増大
を招くことなく、応答速度の向上を図ることができる液
晶装置、およびこの液晶装置を用いた投射型表示装置、
電子機器を提供することを目的とする。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and a liquid crystal device capable of improving the response speed without increasing the manufacturing process and manufacturing cost, and the liquid crystal device. Projection display device using
An object is to provide an electronic device.

【００１０】[0010]

【課題を解決するための手段】上記の目的を達成するた
めに、本発明の液晶装置は、互いに対向配置された一対
の基板間に誘電率異方性が正の液晶からなる液晶層が挟
持された液晶装置であって、前記一対の基板を構成する
第１の基板、第２の基板のそれぞれに前記液晶層を挟ん
で対峙し、該液晶層に対して縦電界を印加する電極が設
けられるとともに、前記第２の基板には、前記液晶層に
対して横電界を印加する複数の電極が設けられたことを
特徴とする。In order to achieve the above object, a liquid crystal device according to the present invention has a liquid crystal layer comprising a liquid crystal having a positive dielectric anisotropy sandwiched between a pair of substrates arranged to face each other. An electrode for applying a vertical electric field to the liquid crystal layer, the first substrate and the second substrate constituting the pair of substrates being opposed to each other with the liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween. And a plurality of electrodes for applying a horizontal electric field to the liquid crystal layer are provided on the second substrate.

【００１１】本発明の液晶装置は、基本的には誘電率異
方性が正の液晶を用いた平行配向モードの液晶装置であ
り、第１の基板上、第２の基板上にそれぞれ設けられた
電極間で発生する基板面に略垂直な方向の電界（この電
界のことを本明細書では縦電界という）で液晶を駆動し
て表示を行うものである。したがって、両基板の電極へ
の電圧印加によって縦電界が発生し、その縦電界により
液晶分子の長軸方向が基板面に平行な方向から垂直な方
向に向くように配向方向が変わり、ＯＮ状態となる。The liquid crystal device of the present invention is basically a liquid crystal device of a parallel alignment mode using liquid crystal having a positive dielectric anisotropy, and is provided on a first substrate and a second substrate, respectively. The liquid crystal is driven by an electric field generated between the electrodes and in a direction substantially perpendicular to the substrate surface (this electric field is referred to as a vertical electric field in this specification) to perform display. Therefore, a vertical electric field is generated by applying a voltage to the electrodes of both substrates, and the vertical electric field changes the alignment direction so that the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules is directed from a direction parallel to the substrate surface to a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface. Become.

【００１２】次に、ＯＦＦ状態に切り換える際、従来で
あれば電圧印加を止めるだけで液晶の粘性による自然な
戻りによって基板面に垂直な方向から平行な方向に液晶
分子の配向状態を変えていた。それに対し、本発明の液
晶装置の場合、第２の基板に液晶層に対して基板面に略
平行な方向の電界（この電界のことを本明細書では横電
界という）を印加するための複数の電極が設けられてい
るので、この横電界の印加により誘電率異方性が正の液
晶が電界方向に沿って配向する、すなわち、液晶分子の
長軸方向が基板面に平行な方向に向くように配向する。
このように、本発明によれば、液晶自身の粘性で元の配
向状態に戻ろうとする力に加えて、横電界に沿って液晶
分子が配向しようとする力を作用させることができるの
で、ＯＮ状態からＯＦＦ状態への応答速度を従来よりも
速くすることができる。Next, when switching to the OFF state, the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules is changed from a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface to a direction parallel to the substrate surface by natural return due to the viscosity of the liquid crystal just by stopping the voltage application in the related art. . On the other hand, in the case of the liquid crystal device of the present invention, a plurality of electric fields for applying an electric field (this electric field is referred to as a horizontal electric field in the present specification) in a direction substantially parallel to the substrate surface to the liquid crystal layer are applied to the second substrate. The liquid crystal having a positive dielectric anisotropy is oriented along the direction of the electric field by the application of the lateral electric field, that is, the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules is oriented in a direction parallel to the substrate surface. Orientation.
As described above, according to the present invention, in addition to the force for returning the liquid crystal molecules to the original alignment state due to the viscosity of the liquid crystal itself, the force for causing the liquid crystal molecules to be aligned along the horizontal electric field can be applied. The response speed from the state to the OFF state can be made faster than before.

【００１３】なお、本発明の液晶装置において、誘電率
異方性が正の液晶を用いなければならないのは、誘電率
異方性が正の液晶では分極の方向が分子長軸方向であっ
て一方向に限定できるため、横電界が印加された時に分
子長軸方向が横電界の向きに揃おうとし、液晶が戻ろう
とする動きを補助できるが、誘電率異方性が負の液晶で
は分極の方向が分子短軸方向であり、一方向に限定でき
ないため、横電界が印加されても液晶分子の向きが一方
向に揃わないからである。In the liquid crystal device of the present invention, a liquid crystal having a positive dielectric anisotropy must be used because, in a liquid crystal having a positive dielectric anisotropy, the direction of polarization is in the molecular major axis direction. Because it can be limited to one direction, when the transverse electric field is applied, the direction of the long axis of the molecule tries to align with the direction of the transverse electric field, and it can assist the movement of the liquid crystal to return, but the liquid crystal with negative dielectric anisotropy has polarization. Is the direction of the minor axis of the molecule, and cannot be limited to one direction. Therefore, even if a horizontal electric field is applied, the directions of the liquid crystal molecules are not aligned in one direction.

【００１４】また本発明においては、上記公報に記載の
液晶装置と異なり、横電界発生用の電極を形成するのは
第２の基板側のみで済むので、製造工程が煩雑になった
り、製造コストが増大することがない。Further, in the present invention, unlike the liquid crystal device described in the above-mentioned publication, the electrodes for generating the lateral electric field are formed only on the second substrate side, so that the manufacturing process becomes complicated and the manufacturing cost is reduced. Does not increase.

【００１５】より具体的な電極構成の一例として、前記
第１の基板に第１の電極を設け、前記第２の基板に前記
第１の電極との間で縦電界を発生させる第２の電極を設
け、さらに前記第２の基板には前記第２の電極との間で
横電界を発生させる第３の電極を設けた構成を採ること
ができる。As an example of a more specific electrode configuration, a first electrode is provided on the first substrate, and a second electrode for generating a vertical electric field between the second substrate and the first electrode. And a third electrode for generating a horizontal electric field between the second substrate and the second electrode may be provided on the second substrate.

【００１６】この構成によれば、第２の基板上の第２の
電極は、第１の基板上の第１の電極との間で縦電界を発
生させる電極として機能すると同時に、第２の基板上の
第３の電極との間で横電界を発生させる電極としても機
能するので、電極構成を簡単にすることができる。According to this configuration, the second electrode on the second substrate functions as an electrode for generating a vertical electric field with the first electrode on the first substrate, and at the same time, the second electrode on the second substrate Since it also functions as an electrode for generating a horizontal electric field with the above third electrode, the electrode configuration can be simplified.

【００１７】さらに、前記第２の電極を略矩形状の電極
とし、前記第３の電極を前記第２の電極の上方に絶縁膜
を介して形成された線状部分を有する電極とすることも
できる。Further, the second electrode may be a substantially rectangular electrode, and the third electrode may be an electrode having a linear portion formed above the second electrode via an insulating film. it can.

【００１８】この構成は、［従来の技術］の項で説明し
たＦＦＳの電極構成に類似したものである。ＦＦＳの電
極構成を採用した場合、線状（櫛歯状）電極の縁の近傍
で基板面に垂直な方向にも電界成分を持っており、ＩＰ
Ｓでは線状電極間に位置する液晶分子は駆動されても線
状電極の上方に位置する液晶分子はほとんど駆動されな
いが、ＦＦＳの場合、線状電極間に位置する液晶分子は
勿論のこと、線状電極の上方に位置する液晶分子も駆動
されることになる。したがって、電極をインジウム錫酸
化物（Indium Tin Oxide, 以下、ＩＴＯと略記する）等
の透明導電膜で形成すれば、電極の部分も表示に寄与さ
せることができ、同じ条件のＩＰＳに比べて開口率を大
きくできるという利点が得られる。ただし、本発明にお
いては、電極の配置がＦＦＳと似ているというだけであ
って、セルギャップ、電極幅、電極間距離などの相互の
寸法の関係は、上述のＦＦＳとして定義される関係を必
ずしも満たす必要はない。This configuration is similar to the FFS electrode configuration described in the section of [Prior Art]. When the electrode configuration of the FFS is adopted, an electric field component also exists in a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface in the vicinity of the edge of the linear (comb-shaped) electrode.
In S, the liquid crystal molecules located between the linear electrodes are driven, but the liquid crystal molecules located above the linear electrodes are hardly driven, but in the case of FFS, the liquid crystal molecules located between the linear electrodes are, of course, The liquid crystal molecules located above the linear electrodes are also driven. Therefore, if the electrode is formed of a transparent conductive film such as indium tin oxide (hereinafter abbreviated as ITO), the electrode portion can also contribute to the display, and the aperture is smaller than that of IPS under the same conditions. The advantage is that the rate can be increased. However, in the present invention, only the arrangement of the electrodes is similar to that of the FFS, and the relationship between the mutual dimensions such as the cell gap, the electrode width, and the distance between the electrodes is not necessarily the relationship defined as the above-mentioned FFS. No need to meet.

【００１９】電極構成の他の例としては、前記第１の基
板に第１の電極を設け、前記第２の基板に前記第１の電
極との間で縦電界を発生させる第２の電極を設け、さら
に前記第２の基板には互いの間に横電界を発生させる第
３の電極および第４の電極を設けた構成を採ることがで
きる。As another example of the electrode configuration, a first electrode is provided on the first substrate, and a second electrode for generating a vertical electric field between the first substrate and the second electrode is provided on the second substrate. It is possible to adopt a configuration in which a third electrode and a fourth electrode for generating a horizontal electric field are provided between the second substrate and the second substrate.

【００２０】本例の場合、第２の基板上に縦電界を発生
させる第２の電極とは別個に横電界を発生させる第３の
電極および第４の電極を設けた点で、前の例に比べると
電極構成が若干複雑になる。その反面、各電極の機能を
分離させることができるので、各電極に印加する電圧値
の設定の自由度が上がり、印加電圧値のパターンを変え
ることで応答速度を調節することができる。In the case of this embodiment, the third and fourth electrodes for generating a horizontal electric field are provided separately from the second electrode for generating a vertical electric field on the second substrate. The electrode configuration is slightly more complicated than that of the first embodiment. On the other hand, since the function of each electrode can be separated, the degree of freedom in setting the voltage value applied to each electrode increases, and the response speed can be adjusted by changing the pattern of the applied voltage value.

【００２１】さらに、前記第２の電極を略矩形状の電極
とし、前記第３の電極および前記第４の電極をともに前
記第２の電極の上方に絶縁膜を介して形成された線状部
分を有する電極とすることもできる。その場合、前記第
３の電極および前記第４の電極を同じ層で形成すること
が望ましい。Further, the second electrode is a substantially rectangular electrode, and both the third electrode and the fourth electrode are linear portions formed above the second electrode via an insulating film. May be used as the electrode. In that case, it is preferable that the third electrode and the fourth electrode are formed in the same layer.

【００２２】この構成は、［従来の技術］の項で説明し
たＩＰＳの電極構成に類似したものである。ＩＰＳの電
極構成を採用した場合、第３の電極および前記第４の電
極は絶縁膜を介した別々の層で構成してもよいが、同一
の層で構成すれば、同一の工程で第３の電極と第４の電
極を同時に形成することができるので、その分製造プロ
セスが複雑になることがない。This configuration is similar to the IPS electrode configuration described in the section of [Prior Art]. When the IPS electrode configuration is adopted, the third electrode and the fourth electrode may be formed in separate layers with an insulating film interposed therebetween. And the fourth electrode can be formed at the same time, so that the manufacturing process is not complicated accordingly.

【００２３】また、縦電界を印加しない状態において、
前記液晶層のバルク部分を構成する液晶分子の長軸方向
が前記第３の電極または前記第４の電極の前記線状部分
の延在方向に対して略垂直な方向を向くように配向処理
がなされていることが望ましい。ここで言う「液晶層の
バルク部分」とは、各基板の表面の配向処理によって配
向状態が完全に規定された基板表面近傍の領域を除く、
液晶分子がその配向方向を自由に変え得るセル厚方向中
央部の液晶部分のことである。In a state where no vertical electric field is applied,
The alignment process is performed such that the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules constituting the bulk portion of the liquid crystal layer is substantially perpendicular to the extending direction of the linear portion of the third electrode or the fourth electrode. It is desirable that it is done. The "bulk portion of the liquid crystal layer" referred to here means a region near the substrate surface where the alignment state is completely defined by the alignment treatment of the surface of each substrate,
This is the liquid crystal portion at the center in the cell thickness direction where the liquid crystal molecules can freely change the alignment direction.

【００２４】この構成によれば、第３の電極または第４
の電極に電圧を印加した際に線状部分の延在方向に対し
て略垂直な方向に横電界が発生するが、初期の配向状態
が、バルク部分の液晶分子の長軸方向が前記線状部分の
延在方向に対して略垂直な方向を向くように規定されて
いるので、横電界の方向とＯＮ→ＯＦＦ時に液晶分子が
戻ろうとする方向が一致し、液晶分子の戻りを円滑に補
助することができる。According to this configuration, the third electrode or the fourth electrode
When a voltage is applied to the electrodes, a transverse electric field is generated in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extending direction of the linear portion, but the initial alignment state is such that the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the bulk portion is linear. Since the direction is set to be substantially perpendicular to the extending direction of the part, the direction of the horizontal electric field matches the direction in which the liquid crystal molecules are going to return when ON → OFF, and the return of the liquid crystal molecules is smoothly assisted. can do.

【００２５】一般に、表示モードには電圧無印加（ＯＦ
Ｆ）時に白表示、電圧印加（ＯＮ）時に黒表示のノーマ
リーホワイト、電圧無印加（ＯＦＦ）時に黒表示、電圧
印加（ＯＮ）時に白表示のノーマリーブラックの２種類
があるが、本発明の液晶装置においてはノーマリーホワ
イトを採用することが望ましい。In general, no voltage is applied (OF) in the display mode.
There are two types of white display when F), normally white with black display when voltage is applied (ON), black display when no voltage is applied (OFF), and normally black with white display when voltage is applied (ON). In the liquid crystal device described above, it is desirable to use normally white.

【００２６】本発明の液晶装置においては、ＯＮ状態か
らＯＦＦ状態に切り替える際に液晶分子の戻りを補助す
るために横電界を印加するが、その際、電圧印加方法に
よっては第１の基板上の第１の電極との間に一時的に縦
電界が発生することも考えられ、電界の乱れが発生する
恐れもある。その場合、電界の乱れに起因して液晶の配
向乱れ、いわゆるディスクリネーションが発生するが、
ノーマリーブラックモードでは白表示から黒表示に切り
替わる際にディスクリネーションが発生するため、光漏
れが起こり、コントラストの低下につながることもあ
る。ところが、ノーマリーホワイトモードでは黒表示か
ら白表示に切り替わる際にディスクリネーションが発生
するため、ディスクリネーションの発生自体は好ましい
ことではないが、コントラストが低下することはない。
よって、本発明ではノーマリーホワイトを採用すること
が望ましい。In the liquid crystal device of the present invention, when switching from the ON state to the OFF state, a lateral electric field is applied to assist the return of the liquid crystal molecules. At this time, depending on the voltage application method, a horizontal electric field is applied to the first substrate. It is conceivable that a vertical electric field is temporarily generated between the first electrode and the first electrode, and there is a possibility that the electric field is disturbed. In that case, the disorder of the alignment of the liquid crystal due to the disturbance of the electric field, so-called disclination, occurs.
In the normally black mode, disclination occurs when switching from white display to black display, so that light leakage occurs, which may lead to a decrease in contrast. However, in the normally white mode, disclination occurs when switching from black display to white display. Therefore, although the occurrence of disclination itself is not preferable, the contrast does not decrease.
Therefore, it is desirable to use normally white in the present invention.

【００２７】前記第１の基板、前記第２の基板に設けら
れた電極の全てをＩＴＯ等の透明導電膜で形成する構成
としてもよい。この構成によれば、本発明の液晶装置を
透過型液晶装置として実現することができる。[0027] All of the electrodes provided on the first substrate and the second substrate may be formed of a transparent conductive film such as ITO. According to this configuration, the liquid crystal device of the present invention can be realized as a transmission type liquid crystal device.

【００２８】また、前記第１の基板、前記第２の基板の
うち、いずれか一方の基板上の電極をＩＴＯ等の透明導
電膜で形成し、他方の基板上の電極の少なくとも一つを
アルミニウム、銀等の金属膜で形成する構成としてもよ
い。この構成によれば、別の反射層や外付けの反射板な
どを追加することなく、本発明の液晶装置を反射型液晶
装置として実現することができる。Further, the electrode on one of the first substrate and the second substrate is formed of a transparent conductive film such as ITO, and at least one of the electrodes on the other substrate is formed of aluminum. , A metal film such as silver. According to this configuration, the liquid crystal device of the present invention can be realized as a reflection type liquid crystal device without adding another reflection layer or an external reflection plate.

【００２９】この場合、様々な形態が考えられ、第１の
基板を入射側、第２の基板を反射側とするならば、例え
ば第１の電極を透明導電膜、第２の電極、第３の電極
（第４の電極）を金属膜とすればよい。あるいは、第１
の電極を透明導電膜、第２の電極を金属膜、第３の電極
（第４の電極）を透明導電膜としてもよい。逆に第２の
基板を入射側、第１の基板を反射側とするならば、第２
の電極、第３の電極（第４の電極）を透明導電膜、第１
の電極を金属膜とすればよい。In this case, various forms are conceivable. If the first substrate is on the incident side and the second substrate is on the reflecting side, for example, the first electrode may be a transparent conductive film, the second electrode, the third electrode, or the like. The electrode (the fourth electrode) may be a metal film. Or the first
The second electrode may be a transparent conductive film, the second electrode may be a metal film, and the third electrode (fourth electrode) may be a transparent conductive film. Conversely, if the second substrate is the incident side and the first substrate is the reflecting side, the second substrate
Electrode, the third electrode (fourth electrode) is a transparent conductive film, the first electrode
May be a metal film.

【００３０】さらに、前記液晶層を加熱する加熱手段を
備えた構成としてもよい。この構成によれば、加熱手段
の作用によって液晶層の温度を常温以上に上昇させるこ
とができ、それにより液晶の粘度が低下するので、ＯＮ
状態からＯＦＦ状態に切り替える際の液晶分子の戻りを
速め、応答速度を向上することができる。Further, a configuration may be adopted in which a heating means for heating the liquid crystal layer is provided. According to this configuration, the temperature of the liquid crystal layer can be raised to normal temperature or higher by the action of the heating means, and the viscosity of the liquid crystal decreases.
It is possible to speed up the return of the liquid crystal molecules when switching from the state to the OFF state, thereby improving the response speed.

【００３１】本発明の投射型表示装置は、光源と、前記
光源からの光を変調する上記本発明の液晶装置からなる
光変調手段と、前記光変調手段により変調された光を投
射する投射手段とを備えたことを特徴とする。この構成
によれば、応答速度の速い表示が可能な投射型表示装置
を実現することができ、特にフィールドシーケンシャル
（時分割）駆動のカラー投射型表示装置に好適なものと
なる。The projection type display device of the present invention comprises a light source, a light modulating means comprising the liquid crystal device of the present invention for modulating light from the light source, and a projecting means for projecting the light modulated by the light modulating means. And characterized in that: According to this configuration, it is possible to realize a projection type display device capable of performing a display with a high response speed, and it is particularly suitable for a field sequential (time division) driven color projection type display device.

【００３２】本発明の電子機器は、上記本発明の液晶装
置を備えたことを特徴とする。この構成によれば、応答
速度の速い表示が可能な液晶表示部を備えた電子機器を
実現することができる。An electronic apparatus according to the present invention includes the liquid crystal device according to the present invention. According to this configuration, it is possible to realize an electronic device including a liquid crystal display unit capable of performing display with a high response speed.

【００３３】[0033]

【発明の実施の形態】［第１の実施の形態］以下、本発
明の第１の実施の形態を図１〜図４を参照して説明す
る。本実施の形態の液晶装置は薄膜トランジスタ（Thin
Film Transistor, 以下、ＴＦＴと略記する）をスイッ
チング素子に用いたアクティブマトリクス方式の透過型
液晶装置の例であり、図１（ａ）は液晶装置の全体構成
を示す斜視図、図１（ｂ）は図１（ａ）における一画素
の拡大図、図２は一画素の電極構成のみを取り出して示
す斜視図、図３は同平面図、図４（ａ）、（ｂ）は同液
晶装置の動作を説明するための図であって図２のＡ−
Ａ’線に沿う断面図である。なお、以下の全ての図面に
おいては、図面を見やすくするため、各構成要素の膜厚
や寸法の比率などは適宜異ならせてある。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. The liquid crystal device of the present embodiment is a thin film transistor (Thin).
1A is an example of an active matrix transmission type liquid crystal device using a film transistor (hereinafter abbreviated as TFT) as a switching element. FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing the entire configuration of the liquid crystal device, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of one pixel in FIG. 1A, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing only an electrode configuration of one pixel, FIG. 3 is a plan view of the same, and FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams of the liquid crystal device. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the operation, and FIG.
It is sectional drawing which follows the A 'line. In all of the following drawings, the thickness of each component, the ratio of dimensions, and the like are appropriately changed in order to make the drawings easy to see.

【００３４】本実施の形態の液晶装置１は、図１（ａ）
に示すように、ＴＦＴが形成された側の素子基板２（第
２の基板）と対向基板３（第１の基板）とが対向配置さ
れ、これら基板２，３間に誘電率異方性が正の液晶から
なる液晶層（図示略）が封入されている。素子基板２の
内面側には、多数のソース線４および多数のゲート線５
が互いに交差するように格子状に設けられている。各ソ
ース線４と各ゲート線５の交差点の近傍にはＴＦＴ６が
形成されており、各ＴＦＴ６を介して画素電極７（第２
の電極）がそれぞれ接続されている。すなわち、マトリ
クス状に配置された各画素毎に一つのＴＦＴ６と画素電
極７が設けられている。一方、対向基板３の内面側全面
には、多数の画素がマトリクス状に配列されてなる表示
領域の全体にわたって一つの共通電極８（第１の電極）
が形成されている。The liquid crystal device 1 according to the present embodiment has the structure shown in FIG.
As shown in (1), an element substrate 2 (second substrate) on which a TFT is formed and a counter substrate 3 (first substrate) are arranged to face each other. A liquid crystal layer (not shown) made of positive liquid crystal is sealed. On the inner surface side of the element substrate 2, a number of source lines 4 and a number of gate lines 5 are provided.
Are provided in a lattice shape so as to cross each other. A TFT 6 is formed near the intersection of each source line 4 and each gate line 5, and a pixel electrode 7 (second
Are connected to each other. That is, one TFT 6 and one pixel electrode 7 are provided for each pixel arranged in a matrix. On the other hand, one common electrode 8 (first electrode) is provided on the entire inner surface of the counter substrate 3 over the entire display area in which a large number of pixels are arranged in a matrix.
Are formed.

【００３５】ＴＦＴ６は、図１（ｂ）に示すように、ゲ
ート線５から延びるゲート電極１０と、ゲート電極１０
を覆う絶縁膜（図示略）と、絶縁膜上に形成された多結
晶シリコン、アモルファスシリコン等からなる半導体層
１１と、半導体層１１中のソース領域に電気的に接続さ
れたソース線４から延びるソース電極１２と、半導体層
１１中のドレイン領域に電気的に接続されたドレイン電
極１３とを有している。そして、ＴＦＴ６のドレイン電
極１３が画素電極７に電気的に接続されている。本実施
の形態の場合、画素電極７はＩＴＯ等の透明導電膜で形
成され、対向基板３側の共通電極８もＩＴＯ等の透明導
電膜で形成されている。表示に寄与する縦電界を発生さ
せるための電極は、従来と同様、上記の画素電極７と共
通電極８であるが、これに加えて、図１（ａ）、（ｂ）
では図示を省略するが、本発明特有の作用を生み出す横
電界を発生させるための電極が形成されている。これに
ついて次に説明する。As shown in FIG. 1B, the TFT 6 includes a gate electrode 10 extending from the gate line 5 and a gate electrode 10.
An insulating film (not shown), a semiconductor layer 11 made of polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, or the like formed on the insulating film, and a source line 4 electrically connected to a source region in the semiconductor layer 11 It has a source electrode 12 and a drain electrode 13 electrically connected to a drain region in the semiconductor layer 11. Then, the drain electrode 13 of the TFT 6 is electrically connected to the pixel electrode 7. In the case of the present embodiment, the pixel electrode 7 is formed of a transparent conductive film such as ITO, and the common electrode 8 on the counter substrate 3 side is also formed of a transparent conductive film such as ITO. The electrodes for generating the vertical electric field contributing to the display are the pixel electrode 7 and the common electrode 8 as in the related art, but in addition to FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b).
Although not shown in the figure, an electrode for generating a lateral electric field that produces a function unique to the present invention is formed. This will be described below.

【００３６】図２〜図４に示すように、素子基板２の画
素電極７の上方に絶縁膜１４を介して櫛歯状電極１５
（第３の電極）が形成されている。櫛歯状電極１５は、
略矩形状の画素電極７の上方に絶縁膜１４を介してＩＴ
Ｏ等の透明導電膜により形成されており、画素電極７の
長手方向に延在する複数本（本実施の形態では３本）の
線状部分１５ａを有している。また、図示は省略する
が、この櫛歯状電極１５を画素電極７とは独立して個別
に駆動するためのＴＦＴ、このＴＦＴに信号を供給する
ソース線およびゲート線が素子基板２上に形成されてい
る。そして、櫛歯状電極１５を覆うように素子基板の全
面にわたって樹脂材料、無機材料等からなる配向膜１６
が形成されている。また、対向基板３側にも共通電極８
を覆うように樹脂材料、無機材料等からなる配向膜１７
が形成されている。As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the comb-shaped electrodes 15 are provided above the pixel electrodes 7 of the element substrate 2 with an insulating film 14 interposed therebetween.
(Third electrode) is formed. The comb-shaped electrode 15
IT is provided above the substantially rectangular pixel electrode 7 via an insulating film 14.
It is formed of a transparent conductive film such as O, and has a plurality (three in this embodiment) of linear portions 15a extending in the longitudinal direction of the pixel electrode 7. Although not shown, a TFT for individually driving the comb-shaped electrode 15 independently of the pixel electrode 7, and a source line and a gate line for supplying a signal to the TFT are formed on the element substrate 2. Have been. Then, an alignment film 16 made of a resin material, an inorganic material, or the like is formed over the entire surface of the element substrate so as to cover the comb-shaped electrodes 15.
Are formed. The common electrode 8 is also provided on the counter substrate 3 side.
Film 17 made of a resin material, an inorganic material or the like so as to cover
Are formed.

【００３７】本実施の形態の場合、図３に示すように、
素子基板２側、対向基板３側の配向膜１６，１７には、
ともに櫛歯状電極１５の線状部分１５ａの延在方向と略
直交する同方向に配向処理が施されている（図３におい
て、素子基板２上の配向膜１６の配向方向を実線の矢
印、対向基板３上の配向膜１７の配向方向を破線の矢印
で示す）。したがって、画素電極７−共通電極８間に電
圧を印加していない状態（ＯＦＦ状態）では、液晶層１
８の液晶分子１９は、セル厚方向に向かってねじれるこ
となく、その長軸方向が櫛歯状電極１５の線状部分１５
ａの延在方向と略直交する方向に向くように平行配向し
ている。In the case of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG.
The alignment films 16 and 17 on the element substrate 2 side and the counter substrate 3 side include
In both cases, the alignment process is performed in the same direction substantially orthogonal to the extending direction of the linear portion 15a of the comb-shaped electrode 15 (in FIG. 3, the alignment direction of the alignment film 16 on the element substrate 2 is indicated by solid arrows, The direction of alignment of the alignment film 17 on the counter substrate 3 is indicated by a broken arrow). Therefore, when no voltage is applied between the pixel electrode 7 and the common electrode 8 (OFF state), the liquid crystal layer 1
The liquid crystal molecules 19 of FIG. 8 are not twisted in the cell thickness direction, and the major axis direction is the linear portion 15 of the comb-shaped electrode 15.
They are oriented parallel to each other so as to face in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extending direction of a.

【００３８】上記構成の液晶装置の動作について説明す
る。まず、ＯＦＦ状態から画素電極７−共通電極８間に
電圧を印加する（ＯＮ状態とする）場合、図４（ａ）に
示すように、共通電極８（第１の電極）にＶ0（例えば
Ｖ0＝０Ｖ）、画素電極７（第２の電極）に＋Ｖ（例え
ば＋Ｖ＝＋５Ｖ）、櫛歯状電極１５（第３の電極）にも
画素電極７と同じく＋Ｖ（例えば＋Ｖ＝＋５Ｖ）の電圧
を印加する。この時、画素電極７−共通電極８間には電
位差が生じ、基板面に略垂直な方向に縦電界Ｅｖが発生
するが、画素電極７と櫛歯状電極１５は同電位であるか
ら横電界は発生しない。そこで、縦電界Ｅｖに対応し
て、櫛歯状電極１５の線状部分１５ａの延在方向と略直
交する方向に平行配向していた液晶分子１９が、その長
軸方向が縦電界Ｅｖの方向に向くように立ち上がる。The operation of the liquid crystal device having the above configuration will be described. First, when a voltage is applied between the pixel electrode 7 and the common electrode 8 from the OFF state (turned to the ON state), as shown in FIG. 4A, V 0 (for example, V 0 = 0 V, + V (for example, + V = + 5 V) for the pixel electrode 7 (second electrode), and + V (for example, + V = + 5 V) for the comb-like electrode 15 (third electrode) as in the pixel electrode 7. Apply voltage. At this time, a potential difference is generated between the pixel electrode 7 and the common electrode 8, and a vertical electric field Ev is generated in a direction substantially perpendicular to the substrate surface. However, since the pixel electrode 7 and the comb-shaped electrode 15 have the same potential, a horizontal electric field is generated. Does not occur. Accordingly, the liquid crystal molecules 19 that have been aligned in parallel in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extending direction of the linear portion 15a of the comb-shaped electrode 15 in accordance with the vertical electric field Ev are changed such that the major axis direction is the direction of the vertical electric field Ev. Stand up to face.

【００３９】次に、ＯＮ状態からＯＦＦ状態に切り換え
る場合、図４（ｂ）に示すように、共通電極８（第１の
電極）と櫛歯状電極１５（第３の電極）への印加電圧は
変えずに、画素電極７（第２の電極）への印加電圧のみ
を＋Ｖ（例えば＋Ｖ＝＋５Ｖ）からＶ0（例えばＶ0＝０
Ｖ）に切り換える。この時、画素電極７−共通電極８間
の電位差はなくなるので、ＯＮ時に発生していた縦電界
ＥV が消滅する一方、画素電極７−櫛歯状電極１５間に
は電位差が生じるので、横電界ＥL が発生する。この横
電界に対応して、ＯＮ時に基板面に略垂直な方向に垂直
配向していた液晶分子１９が、その長軸方向が横電界Ｅ
ｖの方向に向くように平行配向状態に戻る。Next, when switching from the ON state to the OFF state, as shown in FIG. 4B, the voltage applied to the common electrode 8 (first electrode) and the comb-shaped electrode 15 (third electrode) is increased. Is changed, only the voltage applied to the pixel electrode 7 (second electrode) is changed from + V (for example, + V = + 5 V) to V 0 (for example, V 0 = 0).
V). At this time, since no potential difference between the pixel electrodes 7 common electrode 8, while the vertical electric field E V that occurred during ON disappears, the potential difference is between the pixel electrodes 7 comb-shaped electrode 15 occurs, the horizontal An electric field E L is generated. In response to this horizontal electric field, the liquid crystal molecules 19 which were vertically aligned in a direction substantially perpendicular to the substrate surface at the time of ON, have their major axis directions set to the horizontal electric field E.
The state returns to the parallel alignment state so as to face the direction v.

【００４０】なお、上のような電圧印加方法を採用した
場合、「ＯＮ状態からＯＦＦ状態に切り換えた際、画素
電極７−共通電極８間には電位差がなくなり、縦電界Ｅ
V が消滅する」と述べたが、櫛歯状電極１５−共通電極
８間には電位差があるため、実際には若干の縦電界が発
生しており、ＯＦＦ状態に切り換えた時点では横電界と
縦電界が混在した状態となる。その結果、電界の乱れが
発生し、それに起因して液晶の配向乱れ、いわゆるディ
スクリネーションが発生することが考えられる。このデ
ィスクリネーションによる表示の不具合を抑えるために
は、ノーマリーホワイトの表示モードを採用することが
望ましい。ノーマリーブラックモードでは白表示から黒
表示に切り替わる際にディスクリネーションが発生する
ことになり、光漏れが起こるため、コントラストの低下
が生じる。その点、ノーマリーホワイトモードでは黒表
示から白表示に切り替わる際にディスクリネーションが
発生することになるため、コントラストが低下すること
はないからである。When the above-described voltage application method is adopted, when the voltage is switched from the ON state to the OFF state, there is no potential difference between the pixel electrode 7 and the common electrode 8 and the vertical electric field E
V disappears. "However, since there is a potential difference between the comb-teeth-shaped electrode 15 and the common electrode 8, a slight vertical electric field is actually generated. The vertical electric field is mixed. As a result, it is conceivable that the electric field is disturbed and the orientation of the liquid crystal is disturbed, so-called disclination. In order to suppress display problems caused by the disclination, it is desirable to employ a normally white display mode. In the normally black mode, disclination occurs at the time of switching from white display to black display, and light leakage occurs, resulting in a decrease in contrast. On the other hand, in the normally white mode, disclination occurs when switching from black display to white display, so that the contrast does not decrease.

【００４１】液晶分子１９は、両基板表面の配向処理に
よってＯＦＦ状態では平行配向をとるように規制されて
いるため、ＯＮ状態からＯＦＦ状態に切り換えた時に縦
電界ＥV が消滅したただけでも平行配向状態に戻ってい
くが、従来は、液晶の粘性だけに頼った動きのためにど
うしても遅くなり、ＯＮ時に比べてＯＦＦ時の応答速度
が低下する原因となっていた。これに対して、本実施の
形態の液晶装置１の場合、素子基板２側に画素電極７と
櫛歯状電極１５とを備え、ＯＮ状態からＯＦＦ状態に切
り替える際に画素電極７と櫛歯状電極１５とで液晶に横
電界を印加する構成となっているため、この横電界が平
行配向状態へ液晶分子が戻ろうとする動きをアシストす
る結果、ＯＦＦ時の応答速度を従来に比べて向上させる
ことができる。The liquid crystal molecules 19, because it is restricted to take parallel orientation in OFF state by the alignment treatment of both the substrate surface, parallel just vertical electric field E V has disappeared when switched from the ON state to the OFF state Although the state returns to the alignment state, in the related art, it is inevitably slowed down due to the movement relying only on the viscosity of the liquid crystal, which has caused the response speed at the time of OFF to be lower than at the time of ON. On the other hand, in the case of the liquid crystal device 1 according to the present embodiment, the pixel electrode 7 and the comb-shaped electrode 15 are provided on the element substrate 2 side, and the pixel electrode 7 and the comb-shaped electrode 15 are switched between the ON state and the OFF state. Since a horizontal electric field is applied to the liquid crystal by the electrode 15 and the horizontal electric field, the horizontal electric field assists the movement of the liquid crystal molecules to return to the parallel alignment state, so that the response speed at the time of OFF is improved as compared with the conventional case. be able to.

【００４２】本発明者は、本実施の形態の液晶装置の応
答速度の向上効果を従来の液晶装置と比較した。櫛歯状
電極を持たない従来の液晶装置を作製し、応答速度を測
定した結果、ＯＮ時（印加電圧：５Ｖ）の応答速度が２
０msec、ＯＦＦ時（印加電圧：０Ｖ）の応答速度が３５
msecであった。これに対し、本実施の形態で説明したよ
うな櫛歯状電極を追加した液晶装置を作製して応答速度
を評価した結果、ＯＮ時の応答速度は２０msecと変わら
ないが、ＯＦＦ時の応答速度を２５msecに改善すること
ができた。The present inventor compared the effect of improving the response speed of the liquid crystal device of the present embodiment with that of the conventional liquid crystal device. A conventional liquid crystal device having no comb-shaped electrode was fabricated, and the response speed was measured. As a result, the response speed at ON (applied voltage: 5 V) was 2
0 msec, OFF (applied voltage: 0 V) response speed is 35
msec. On the other hand, as a result of producing a liquid crystal device to which a comb-shaped electrode is added as described in the present embodiment and evaluating the response speed, the response speed at ON is the same as 20 msec, but the response speed at OFF is Was improved to 25 msec.

【００４３】また、［従来の技術］の項で挙げた公報に
記載の液晶装置と異なり、本実施の形態の場合、横電界
発生用の電極を形成するのは素子基板２側のみで済むの
で、上記公報に記載の液晶装置ほど製造プロセスが煩雑
になったり、製造コストが増大することがない。さら
に、画素電極７は、共通電極８との間で縦電界を発生さ
せる電極として機能すると同時に、櫛歯状電極１５との
間で横電界を発生させる電極としても機能するので、電
極構成を簡単にすることができる。本実施の形態の電極
の構成はいわゆるＦＦＳの電極構成に類似したものであ
り、櫛歯状電極１５の上方に位置する液晶分子も駆動さ
れるため、電極の部分も表示に寄与させることができ、
同じ条件のＩＰＳ構造の液晶装置に比べて開口率を大き
くできるという利点も得られる。Also, unlike the liquid crystal device described in the gazette in the section of [Prior Art], in the case of the present embodiment, the electrodes for generating the lateral electric field need only be formed on the element substrate 2 side. The manufacturing process does not become complicated and the manufacturing cost does not increase as compared with the liquid crystal device described in the above publication. Further, since the pixel electrode 7 functions as an electrode for generating a vertical electric field with the common electrode 8 and also functions as an electrode for generating a horizontal electric field with the comb-shaped electrode 15, the electrode configuration is simplified. Can be The configuration of the electrode of this embodiment is similar to that of a so-called FFS, and the liquid crystal molecules located above the comb-like electrode 15 are also driven, so that the electrode portion can also contribute to display. ,
Another advantage is that the aperture ratio can be increased as compared with a liquid crystal device having an IPS structure under the same conditions.

【００４４】また本実施の形態の場合、ＯＦＦ状態にお
いて、液晶層１８のバルク部分を構成する液晶分子１９
の長軸方向が櫛歯状電極１５の線状部分１５ａの延在方
向に対して略垂直な方向を向くように配向処理がなされ
ているため、櫛歯状電極１５の線状部分１５ａの延在方
向に対して略垂直な方向に横電界ＥL が発生した際に横
電界ＥL の方向とＯＦＦ時に液晶分子１９が戻ろうとす
る方向が一致し、液晶分子１９の戻りを円滑に補助する
ことができる。In the case of the present embodiment, in the OFF state, the liquid crystal molecules 19 forming the bulk portion of the liquid crystal layer 18 are formed.
Has been oriented so that the major axis direction is substantially perpendicular to the extending direction of the linear portion 15a of the comb-shaped electrode 15, the extension of the linear portion 15a of the comb-shaped electrode 15 is direction of returning the direction and OFF at the liquid crystal molecules 19 of the lateral electric field E L matches in the transverse electric field E L occurs in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extending direction, smoothly assisting the return of the liquid crystal molecules 19 be able to.

【００４５】なお、横電界の印加のタイミングに関して
は、ＯＦＦ状態に切り換えた後、ＯＦＦ状態が続く間、
横電界を印加し続けてもよいが、本発明における横電界
の印加の意味は、横電界を使って液晶分子を完全に駆動
するというよりも、液晶分子が戻ろうとする動きを横電
界がアシストするだけのものである。これだけで応答速
度の向上には充分効果がある。したがって、上述したデ
ィスクリネーションによる悪影響を極力排除することを
考えると、ＯＦＦ状態に切り換えた直後の一定の時間だ
け横電界を印加し、その後は止めてもよい。Regarding the timing of applying the lateral electric field, after switching to the OFF state, while the OFF state continues,
Although the application of the lateral electric field may be continued, the meaning of the application of the lateral electric field in the present invention is that the lateral electric field assists the movement of the liquid crystal molecules to return, rather than completely driving the liquid crystal molecules using the lateral electric field. It is just what you do. This alone is sufficiently effective in improving the response speed. Therefore, in order to eliminate the adverse effects of the disclination as much as possible, a horizontal electric field may be applied only for a certain period of time immediately after switching to the OFF state, and then stopped.

【００４６】印加電圧のパターンに関しては、本実施の
形態の場合、ＯＮ時には共通電極：Ｖ0、画素電極：＋
Ｖ、櫛歯状電極：＋Ｖとし、ＯＦＦ時には共通電極：Ｖ
0、画素電極：Ｖ0、櫛歯状電極：＋Ｖとしたが、ＯＮ時
に縦電界が発生し、ＯＦＦ時に横電界が発生しさえすれ
ば、その他のいかなるパターンで電圧を印加してもよ
い。また、液晶材料の特性に合わせて横電界の大きさや
印加時間を制御することにより、応答速度を調節するこ
ともできる。Regarding the pattern of the applied voltage, in the case of this embodiment, the common electrode: V 0 and the pixel electrode: +
V, comb-shaped electrode: + V, common electrode: V when OFF
0 , the pixel electrode: V 0 , and the comb-shaped electrode: + V, but any other pattern may be applied as long as a vertical electric field is generated at the time of ON and a horizontal electric field is generated at the time of OFF. Further, the response speed can be adjusted by controlling the magnitude of the horizontal electric field and the application time in accordance with the characteristics of the liquid crystal material.

【００４７】［第２の実施の形態］以下、本発明の第２
の実施の形態を図５〜図７を参照して説明する。本実施
の形態の液晶装置はＴＦＴをスイッチング素子に用いた
アクティブマトリクス方式の反射型液晶装置の例であ
る。基本構成は図１（ａ）、（ｂ）に示した第１の実施
の形態と同様であり、異なる点は横電界を発生させるた
めの電極構成のみである。よって、液晶装置の全体構成
の説明は省略し、電極構成と動作を中心に説明する。図
５は一画素の電極構成のみを取り出して示す斜視図、図
６は同平面図、図７（ａ）、（ｂ）は同液晶装置の動作
を説明するための図であって図５のＢ−Ｂ’線に沿う断
面図である。なお、図５〜図７において、図２〜図４と
共通の構成要素については同一の符号を付す。[Second Embodiment] Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
Will be described with reference to FIGS. The liquid crystal device of this embodiment is an example of an active matrix type reflection type liquid crystal device using a TFT as a switching element. The basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, except for the electrode configuration for generating a horizontal electric field. Therefore, description of the overall configuration of the liquid crystal device will be omitted, and the description will focus on the electrode configuration and operation. 5 is a perspective view showing only an electrode configuration of one pixel, FIG. 6 is a plan view of the same, and FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the liquid crystal device. It is sectional drawing which follows the BB 'line. 5 to 7, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in FIGS. 2 to 4.

【００４８】本実施の形態の液晶装置は、図５〜図７に
示すように、素子基板２の画素電極７の上方に絶縁膜１
４を介して一画素毎に第１の櫛歯状電極２１（第３の電
極）、第２の櫛歯状電極２２（第４の電極）が形成され
ている。これら第１、第２の櫛歯状電極２１，２２は、
略矩形状の画素電極７の上方に絶縁膜１４を介してアル
ミニウム、銀等の光反射率の高い同一の層の金属膜によ
り形成されている。各櫛歯状電極２１，２２は画素電極
の長手方向に延在する複数本（本実施の形態では２本）
の線状部分２１ａ，２２ａをそれぞれ有しており、コ字
状の第１の櫛歯状電極２１と逆コ字状の第２の櫛歯状電
極２２とが組み合わされて配置されている。また、図示
は省略するが、これら櫛歯状電極２１，２２の各々を画
素電極７とは独立して個別に駆動するためのＴＦＴ、こ
のＴＦＴに信号を供給するソース線およびゲート線が素
子基板２上に形成されている。In the liquid crystal device according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, an insulating film 1 is formed above a pixel electrode 7 of an element substrate 2.
A first comb-tooth electrode 21 (third electrode) and a second comb-tooth electrode 22 (fourth electrode) are formed for each pixel via the four. These first and second comb-shaped electrodes 21 and 22 are
Above the substantially rectangular pixel electrode 7, a metal film of the same layer having a high light reflectance such as aluminum or silver is formed via an insulating film 14. Each of the plurality of comb-shaped electrodes 21 and 22 extends in the longitudinal direction of the pixel electrode (two in this embodiment).
, And the U-shaped first comb-shaped electrode 21 and the inverted U-shaped second comb-shaped electrode 22 are arranged in combination. Although not shown, a TFT for individually driving each of the comb-shaped electrodes 21 and 22 independently of the pixel electrode 7, and a source line and a gate line for supplying a signal to the TFT are formed on the element substrate. 2 is formed.

【００４９】第１の実施の形態の液晶装置は透過型であ
ったため、全ての電極が透明導電膜で形成されていたの
に対し、本実施の形態の液晶装置は反射型に対応するも
のであり、各電極の構成材料は、対向基板３上の共通電
極８がＩＴＯなどの透明導電膜、素子基板２上の画素電
極７および２つの櫛歯状電極２１，２２がアルミニウ
ム、銀等の金属膜となっている。したがって、本実施の
形態の液晶装置は、対向基板３側が光入射側となる。Since the liquid crystal device of the first embodiment is of a transmission type, all the electrodes are formed of a transparent conductive film, whereas the liquid crystal device of the present embodiment is of a reflection type. The constituent material of each electrode is such that the common electrode 8 on the counter substrate 3 is a transparent conductive film such as ITO, and the pixel electrode 7 and the two comb-shaped electrodes 21 and 22 on the element substrate 2 are metal such as aluminum and silver. It is a membrane. Therefore, in the liquid crystal device of the present embodiment, the opposite substrate 3 side is the light incident side.

【００５０】本実施の形態の場合、図６に示すように、
素子基板２側、対向基板３側の配向膜１６，１７には、
各櫛歯状電極２１，２２の線状部分２１ａ，２２ａの延
在方向と直交する方向に対してそれぞれ４５°をなす方
向に配向処理が施されており（図６において、素子基板
２上の配向膜１６の配向方向を実線の矢印、対向基板３
上の配向膜１７の配向方向を破線の矢印で示す）、これ
ら基板２，３間にツイステッドネマティック（Twisted
Nematic,ＴＮ）液晶が挟持されている。したがって、画
素電極７−共通電極８間に電圧を印加していない状態
（ＯＦＦ状態）では、液晶層２３の液晶分子２４はセル
厚方向全体で９０°ねじれており、バルク部分の液晶分
子２４は、その長軸方向が各櫛歯状電極２１，２２の線
状部分２１ａ，２２ａの延在方向と略直交する方向に向
くように平行配向している。In the case of this embodiment, as shown in FIG.
The alignment films 16 and 17 on the element substrate 2 side and the counter substrate 3 side include
An orientation process is performed in a direction that forms an angle of 45 ° with respect to a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the linear portions 21a and 22a of the comb-shaped electrodes 21 and 22 extend (in FIG. The alignment direction of the alignment film 16 is indicated by a solid arrow,
The alignment direction of the upper alignment film 17 is indicated by a broken arrow, and a twisted nematic (Twisted nematic)
Nematic, TN) liquid crystal is sandwiched. Therefore, when no voltage is applied between the pixel electrode 7 and the common electrode 8 (OFF state), the liquid crystal molecules 24 of the liquid crystal layer 23 are twisted by 90 ° in the entire cell thickness direction, and the liquid crystal molecules 24 in the bulk portion are distorted. Are aligned in parallel so that the major axis direction thereof is oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extending direction of the linear portions 21a and 22a of the comb-shaped electrodes 21 and 22.

【００５１】上記構成の液晶装置の動作について説明す
る。まず、ＯＦＦ状態からＯＮ状態に切り換える場合、
図７（ａ）に示すように、共通電極８（第１の電極）に
Ｖ0（例えばＶ0＝０Ｖ）、画素電極７（第２の電極）に
＋Ｖ（例えば＋Ｖ＝＋５Ｖ）、第１の櫛歯状電極２１
（第３の電極）、第２の櫛歯状電極２２（第４の電極）
にも画素電極７と同じく＋Ｖ（例えば＋Ｖ＝＋５Ｖ）の
電圧を印加する。この時、画素電極７−共通電極８間に
は電位差が生じ、基板面に略垂直な方向に縦電界Ｅｖが
発生するが、画素電極７、第１，第２の櫛歯状電極２
１，２２は全て同電位であるから、これらの電極間に横
電界は発生しない。そこで、縦電界Ｅｖに対応して、櫛
歯状電極２１，２２の線状部分２１ａ，２２ａの延在方
向と略直交する方向に平行配向していた液晶分子２４
が、その長軸方向が縦電界Ｅｖの方向に向くように立ち
上がる。The operation of the liquid crystal device having the above configuration will be described. First, when switching from the OFF state to the ON state,
As shown in FIG. 7A, V 0 (for example, V 0 = 0 V) is applied to the common electrode 8 (first electrode), + V (for example, + V = + 5 V) is applied to the pixel electrode 7 (second electrode), Comb-shaped electrode 21
(Third electrode), second comb-shaped electrode 22 (fourth electrode)
A voltage of + V (for example, + V = + 5 V) is also applied to the pixel electrode 7. At this time, a potential difference is generated between the pixel electrode 7 and the common electrode 8, and a vertical electric field Ev is generated in a direction substantially perpendicular to the substrate surface, but the pixel electrode 7, the first and second comb-shaped electrodes 2
Since all of the electrodes 1 and 22 have the same potential, no lateral electric field is generated between these electrodes. Accordingly, the liquid crystal molecules 24 that are aligned in parallel in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extending direction of the linear portions 21a and 22a of the comb-shaped electrodes 21 and 22 corresponding to the vertical electric field Ev.
However, it rises so that its major axis direction is directed to the direction of the vertical electric field Ev.

【００５２】次に、ＯＮ状態からＯＦＦ状態に切り換え
る場合、図７（ｂ）に示すように、共通電極８（第１の
電極）への印加電圧は変えず、画素電極７（第２の電
極）にＶ0（例えばＶ0＝０Ｖ）、第１の櫛歯状電極２１
（第３の電極）に＋Ｖ（例えば＋Ｖ＝＋５Ｖ）、第２の
櫛歯状電極２２（第４の電極）に−Ｖ（例えば−Ｖ＝−
５Ｖ）の電圧を印加する。この時、画素電極７−共通電
極８間の電位差はなくなるので、ＯＮ時に発生していた
縦電界ＥV が消滅する一方、第１の櫛歯状電極２１−第
２の櫛歯状電極２２間、第１の櫛歯状電極２１−画素電
極７間、および第２の櫛歯状電極２２−画素電極７間に
はそれぞれ電位差が生じるので、横電界Ｅ L が発生す
る。この横電界ＥL に対応して、ＯＮ時に基板面に略垂
直な方向に垂直配向していた液晶分子２４が、その長軸
方向が横電界Ｅｖの方向に向くように平行配向状態に戻
る。Next, switching from the ON state to the OFF state
In this case, as shown in FIG. 7B, the common electrode 8 (first
The voltage applied to the pixel electrode 7 (the second electrode) remains unchanged.
V)0(Eg V0= 0V), the first comb-shaped electrode 21
+ V (for example, + V = + 5V) to the (third electrode) and the second
-V (for example, -V =-) is applied to the comb-shaped electrode 22 (fourth electrode).
5V). At this time, the pixel electrode 7 and the common
Since the potential difference between the poles 8 disappeared, it occurred at the time of ON.
Vertical electric field EV Disappears, while the first comb-shaped electrode 21-
Between the two comb-shaped electrodes 22, the first comb-shaped electrode 21 and the pixel electrode.
Between the poles 7 and between the second comb-shaped electrode 22 and the pixel electrode 7
Respectively generate a potential difference, so that the horizontal electric field E L Occurs
You. This horizontal electric field EL Corresponding to
The liquid crystal molecules 24 that have been vertically aligned in the vertical direction
Return to the parallel alignment state so that the direction is in the direction of the transverse electric field Ev
You.

【００５３】なお、本実施の形態においても第１の実施
の形態と同様、ＯＦＦ時に画素電極７−共通電極８間に
は電位差がないが、第１，第２の櫛歯状電極２１，２２
−共通電極８間には電位差があるため、若干の縦電界が
発生しており、ディスクリネーションが発生することが
考えられる。したがって、このディスクリネーションに
起因するコントラスト比の低下を抑えるために、本実施
の形態の場合もノーマリーホワイトの表示モードを採用
することが望ましい。In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, there is no potential difference between the pixel electrode 7 and the common electrode 8 at the time of OFF, but the first and second comb-tooth electrodes 21 and 22 are turned off.
-Since there is a potential difference between the common electrodes 8, a slight vertical electric field is generated and disclination may occur. Therefore, in order to suppress a decrease in the contrast ratio due to the disclination, it is desirable to employ a normally white display mode also in the present embodiment.

【００５４】本実施の形態の液晶装置においても、ＯＮ
状態からＯＦＦ状態に切り替える際に第１，第２の櫛歯
状電極２１，２２を用いて液晶層２３に横電界を印加す
る構成となっており、この横電界が平行配向状態へ液晶
が戻ろうとする動きをアシストするため、ＯＦＦ時の応
答速度を従来に比べて向上させることができる、という
第１の実施の形態と同様の効果を得ることができる。Also in the liquid crystal device of the present embodiment,
When switching from the state to the OFF state, a horizontal electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer 23 using the first and second comb-shaped electrodes 21 and 22, and the horizontal electric field returns the liquid crystal to the parallel alignment state. The same effect as in the first embodiment, in which the response speed at the time of OFF can be improved as compared with the related art, in order to assist the movement to be attempted, can be obtained.

【００５５】本発明者は、本実施の形態の液晶装置の応
答速度の向上効果を従来の液晶装置と比較した。櫛歯状
電極を持たない従来の液晶装置を作製し、応答速度を測
定した結果、ＯＮ時（印加電圧：５Ｖ）の応答速度が１
６msec、ＯＦＦ時（印加電圧：０Ｖ）の応答速度が３２
msecであった。これに対し、本実施の形態で説明したよ
うな第１，第２の櫛歯状電極を追加した液晶装置を作製
して応答速度を評価した結果、ＯＮ時の応答速度は１６
msecと変わらないが、ＯＦＦ時の応答速度を２３msecに
まで改善することができた。The present inventor compared the effect of improving the response speed of the liquid crystal device of the present embodiment with that of the conventional liquid crystal device. A conventional liquid crystal device having no comb-shaped electrode was fabricated, and the response speed was measured. As a result, the response speed when ON (applied voltage: 5 V) was 1
6msec, OFF (applied voltage: 0V) response speed is 32
msec. In contrast, as a result of manufacturing a liquid crystal device to which the first and second comb-shaped electrodes are added as described in the present embodiment and evaluating the response speed, the response speed at the time of ON is 16
Although it is not different from msec, the response speed at the time of OFF can be improved to 23 msec.

【００５６】本実施の形態の場合、素子基板２上に縦電
界を発生させる画素電極７とは別個に横電界を発生させ
る第１の櫛歯状電極２１、第２の櫛歯状電極２２を設け
た点で、第１の実施の形態に比べると電極構成や配線構
成が若干複雑になる。しかしながら、横電界を発生させ
るための２つの櫛歯状電極２１，２２があるために、各
電極に印加する電圧値の設定の自由度が上がり、印加電
圧値のパターンを変えることで応答速度を調節すること
ができる。上記印加電圧のパターン例を見ても、２つの
櫛歯状電極２１，２２間に２×Ｖ（例えば２×Ｖ＝１０
Ｖ）の電圧が印加され、第１の実施の形態に比べて２倍
の印加電圧となるので、より大きな横電界を発生させる
ことができ、液晶分子の戻りをより強くアシストするこ
とができる。In the case of the present embodiment, a first comb-shaped electrode 21 and a second comb-shaped electrode 22 for generating a horizontal electric field are formed separately from the pixel electrode 7 for generating a vertical electric field on the element substrate 2. In terms of the provision, the electrode configuration and the wiring configuration are slightly complicated as compared with the first embodiment. However, since there are two comb-shaped electrodes 21 and 22 for generating a horizontal electric field, the degree of freedom in setting the voltage value applied to each electrode is increased, and the response speed is increased by changing the pattern of the applied voltage value. Can be adjusted. Looking at the pattern example of the applied voltage, 2 × V (for example, 2 × V = 10) is applied between the two comb-tooth electrodes 21 and 22.
Since the voltage V) is applied and the applied voltage is twice as large as that in the first embodiment, a larger horizontal electric field can be generated and the return of the liquid crystal molecules can be assisted more strongly.

【００５７】さらに本実施の形態の場合、第１の櫛歯状
電極２１、第２の櫛歯状電極２２が同一の層で形成され
ているので、同一の工程で第１の櫛歯状電極２１と第２
の櫛歯状電極２２を同時に形成することができ、製造プ
ロセスが複雑になることがない。また、素子基板２上の
画素電極７、第１，第２の櫛歯状電極２１，２２を全て
アルミニウム、銀等の金属膜で形成しているため、これ
らの電極を対向基板３側から入射された外光を反射させ
る反射層として機能させることができ、別の反射層や外
付けの反射板などを追加することなく、反射型液晶装置
を実現することができる。なお、下側に位置する画素電
極７を金属膜で形成すれば、その上の第１，第２の櫛歯
状電極２１，２２は透明導電膜で形成してもよい。Further, in the case of the present embodiment, since the first comb-shaped electrode 21 and the second comb-shaped electrode 22 are formed in the same layer, the first comb-shaped electrode is formed in the same step. 21st and 2nd
Can be formed at the same time, and the manufacturing process does not become complicated. Further, since the pixel electrode 7 and the first and second comb-shaped electrodes 21 and 22 on the element substrate 2 are all formed of a metal film such as aluminum or silver, these electrodes are incident from the counter substrate 3 side. The reflection type liquid crystal device can be realized without adding another reflection layer, an external reflection plate, or the like, so that the reflection type liquid crystal device can be made to function as a reflection layer that reflects the external light. If the lower pixel electrode 7 is formed of a metal film, the first and second comb-shaped electrodes 21 and 22 thereon may be formed of a transparent conductive film.

【００５８】また、本実施の形態では、ＴＮ液晶を用い
ていることと各基板の配向処理の方向が第１の実施の形
態と異なっているものの、液晶層２３のバルク部分を構
成する液晶分子２４の長軸方向が各櫛歯状電極２１，２
２の線状部分２１ａ，２２ａの延在方向に対して略垂直
な方向を向くようになっていることは同じである。した
がって、横電界の方向と液晶分子のＯＮ→ＯＦＦ時の戻
り方向が一致し、液晶分子の戻りを円滑に補助できると
いう効果が得られる点では第１の実施の形態と同様であ
る。In this embodiment, although the TN liquid crystal is used and the direction of the alignment treatment of each substrate is different from that of the first embodiment, the liquid crystal molecules forming the bulk portion of the liquid crystal layer 23 are different. 24 is the direction of the long axis of each comb-shaped electrode 21,
It is the same that the two linear portions 21a and 22a are oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extending direction. Therefore, it is the same as the first embodiment in that the direction of the horizontal electric field and the return direction at the time of ON → OFF of the liquid crystal molecules match, and the effect that the return of the liquid crystal molecules can be smoothly assisted is obtained.

【００５９】第１、第２の実施の形態の液晶装置に、液
晶層を加熱するためのヒータなどの加熱手段を備えた構
成としてもよい。本発明者が、任意の液晶装置において
液晶の温度と応答時間の関係を調べたものが図１２であ
る。図１２において、横軸は液晶の温度［℃］、縦軸は
応答時間［msec］である。ＯＦＦ時→ＯＮ時の応答時間
を実線、ＯＮ時→ＯＦＦ時の応答時間を破線で示す。The liquid crystal devices of the first and second embodiments may be provided with a heating means such as a heater for heating the liquid crystal layer. FIG. 12 shows the relationship between the liquid crystal temperature and the response time in an arbitrary liquid crystal device. In FIG. 12, the horizontal axis represents the liquid crystal temperature [° C.] and the vertical axis represents the response time [msec]. The response time from OFF to ON is shown by a solid line, and the response time from ON to OFF is shown by a broken line.

【００６０】図１２に示すように、ＯＦＦ時→ＯＮ時の
応答時間よりもＯＮ時→ＯＦＦ時の応答時間の方が長い
ことがわかる。これはＯＮ時→ＯＦＦ時の応答が液晶分
子の戻りのみに因っているためであり、上で述べた通り
である。−２０℃における応答時間はともに１００msec
を超えているが、温度の上昇とともに応答時間は短くな
る傾向にあり、３０℃を超えるとＯＦＦ時の応答時間も
１０msec以下となる。これは、ある一種の液晶材料につ
いて調べた結果であるが、液晶材料を変えても４０℃以
上になれば概ね１０msec以下、例えば数msecといったの
応答時間が実現できる。As shown in FIG. 12, the response time from ON to OFF is longer than the response time from OFF to ON. This is because the response from ON to OFF is only due to the return of the liquid crystal molecules, and is as described above. Response time at -20 ° C is 100msec
However, the response time tends to become shorter as the temperature rises. If it exceeds 30 ° C., the response time at the time of OFF becomes shorter than 10 msec. This is a result of an examination of a certain kind of liquid crystal material. Even if the liquid crystal material is changed, a response time of about 10 msec or less, for example, several msec can be realized at 40 ° C. or more.

【００６１】この結果から、本発明の液晶装置において
応答速度をさらに改善するためにはヒータなどの加熱手
段により液晶層を加熱することが有効である。さらに、
液晶層の温度を常に一定範囲に制御するような温度制御
手段を備えることがより好ましい。後述する投射型液晶
表示装置のライトバルブに本発明の液晶装置を用いるよ
うな場合には光源からの強い光が液晶装置に照射され、
液晶層の温度が必然的に上昇してしまうので、応答時間
の改善にとっては有利である。From these results, it is effective to heat the liquid crystal layer by a heating means such as a heater in order to further improve the response speed in the liquid crystal device of the present invention. further,
It is more preferable to provide a temperature control means for always controlling the temperature of the liquid crystal layer within a certain range. In the case where the liquid crystal device of the present invention is used for a light valve of a projection type liquid crystal display device described later, strong light from a light source is applied to the liquid crystal device,
Since the temperature of the liquid crystal layer necessarily increases, it is advantageous for improving the response time.

【００６２】［投射型表示装置］図８は、上記実施の形
態の液晶装置を液晶ライトバルブとして用いた色順次単
板方式（フィールドシーケンシャルカラー方式）の投射
型液晶表示装置（液晶プロジェクタ）の一例を示す概略
構成図である。図中、符号５００は光源、５０１，５０
２は集光レンズ、５０３はカラーホイール、５０４は液
晶ライトバルブ（光変調手段）、５０５は投射レンズを
示す。[Projection Display Device] FIG. 8 shows an example of a projection type liquid crystal display device (liquid crystal projector) of a color sequential single plate system (field sequential color system) using the liquid crystal device of the above embodiment as a liquid crystal light valve. FIG. In the figure, reference numeral 500 denotes a light source;
2 is a condenser lens, 503 is a color wheel, 504 is a liquid crystal light valve (light modulation means), and 505 is a projection lens.

【００６３】光源５００は、メタルハライド等のランプ
５０６とランプ５０６の光を反射するリフレクタ５０７
とから構成されている。光源５００からの白色光が第１
集光レンズ５０１を透過した後、高速回転するカラーホ
イール５０３を透過することにより、赤色光、青色光、
緑色光が例えば数msecといった時分割で出射される。そ
の後、出射された各色光は第２集光レンズ５０２を透過
する。第２集光レンズ５０２を透過した光は液晶ライト
バルブ５０４に入射され、ここで変調された後、投射レ
ンズ５０５によってスクリーン（図示略）上に投射さ
れ、画像が拡大されて表示される。The light source 500 includes a lamp 506 such as a metal halide and a reflector 507 that reflects light from the lamp 506.
It is composed of White light from the light source 500 is the first
After passing through the condenser lens 501, the light passes through the color wheel 503 that rotates at high speed, so that red light, blue light,
Green light is emitted in a time-sharing manner of, for example, several milliseconds. After that, the emitted color lights pass through the second condenser lens 502. The light transmitted through the second condenser lens 502 is incident on a liquid crystal light valve 504, where it is modulated and then projected on a screen (not shown) by a projection lens 505 to display an enlarged image.

【００６４】上記構成の投射型液晶表示装置は、各色に
対応する画像を１つの液晶ライトバルブ５０４で時分割
で切り換えて投射し、カラー表示を実現するものである
から、液晶ライトバルブ５０４には応答速度が速いこと
が要求される。そこで、上記実施の形態の液晶装置を用
いたことにより、画像品位に優れた投射型液晶表示装置
を実現することができる。また上述したように、光源５
００からの強い光が液晶ライトバルブ５０４に照射さ
れ、液晶層の温度が高くなるので、応答時間の改善にと
っては有効であり、時分割駆動のカラー投射型表示装置
に好適なものとなる。In the projection type liquid crystal display device having the above-described configuration, an image corresponding to each color is switched by one liquid crystal light valve 504 in a time-division manner and projected to realize color display. A high response speed is required. Therefore, by using the liquid crystal device of the above embodiment, a projection type liquid crystal display device having excellent image quality can be realized. As described above, the light source 5
Since the strong light from 00 is applied to the liquid crystal light valve 504 to increase the temperature of the liquid crystal layer, it is effective for improving the response time and is suitable for a time-division driven color projection display device.

【００６５】［電子機器］上記実施の形態の液晶表示装
置を備えた電子機器の例について説明する。図９は、携
帯電話の一例を示した斜視図である。図９において、符
号１０００は携帯電話本体を示し、符号１００１は上記
の液晶表示装置を用いた液晶表示部を示している。[Electronic Apparatus] An example of an electronic apparatus including the liquid crystal display device of the above embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an example of a mobile phone. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 1000 denotes a mobile phone main body, and reference numeral 1001 denotes a liquid crystal display unit using the above-described liquid crystal display device.

【００６６】図１０は、腕時計型電子機器の一例を示し
た斜視図である。図１０において、符号１１００は時計
本体を示し、符号１１０１は上記の液晶表示装置を用い
た液晶表示部を示している。FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a wristwatch-type electronic device. In FIG. 10, reference numeral 1100 denotes a watch main body, and reference numeral 1101 denotes a liquid crystal display section using the above-described liquid crystal display device.

【００６７】図１１は、ワープロ、パソコンなどの携帯
型情報処理装置の一例を示した斜視図である。図１１に
おいて、符号１２００は情報処理装置、符号１２０２は
キーボードなどの入力部、符号１２０４は情報処理装置
本体、符号１２０６は上記の液晶表示装置を用いた液晶
表示部を示している。FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of a portable information processing device such as a word processor or a personal computer. 11, reference numeral 1200 denotes an information processing device, reference numeral 1202 denotes an input unit such as a keyboard, reference numeral 1204 denotes an information processing device main body, and reference numeral 1206 denotes a liquid crystal display unit using the above-described liquid crystal display device.

【００６８】図９〜図１１に示す電子機器は、上記実施
の形態の液晶装置を用いた液晶表示部を備えているの
で、応答速度の速い表示が可能な液晶表示部を備えた電
子機器を実現することができる。Since the electronic apparatus shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 includes the liquid crystal display unit using the liquid crystal device of the above embodiment, the electronic apparatus including the liquid crystal display unit capable of displaying at a high response speed is used. Can be realized.

【００６９】なお、本発明の技術範囲は上記実施の形態
に限定されるものではなく、本発明の趣旨を逸脱しない
範囲において種々の変更を加えることが可能である。例
えば上記実施の形態ではスイッチング素子にＴＦＴを用
いたアクティブマトリクス方式の液晶装置に本発明を適
用したが、スイッチング素子に薄膜ダイオード（ThinFi
lm Diode,ＴＦＤ）を用いたアクティブマトリクス方式
の液晶装置、パッシブマトリクス方式の液晶装置、カラ
ーフィルターを備えたカラー液晶装置などにも適用が可
能である。また、液晶装置の応用例としては、上記の投
射型液晶表示装置の他、直視型の液晶表示装置にも応用
できることは勿論である。The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to an active matrix type liquid crystal device using a TFT as a switching element, but a thin film diode (ThinFi
The present invention can also be applied to an active matrix type liquid crystal device using an lm diode (TFD), a passive matrix type liquid crystal device, a color liquid crystal device having a color filter, and the like. Further, as an application example of the liquid crystal device, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to a direct-view type liquid crystal display device in addition to the above-mentioned projection type liquid crystal display device.

【００７０】その他、横電界を発生させるための電極
（上記実施の形態では櫛歯状電極とした）等の各構成要
素の形状、構成材料等の具体的な記載に関しては、上記
実施の形態の例に限ることなく、適宜変更が可能であ
る。In addition, regarding the specific description of the shapes, constituent materials, and the like of each component such as an electrode for generating a horizontal electric field (in the above embodiment, a comb-like electrode), etc. The present invention is not limited to the example, and can be appropriately changed.

【００７１】[0071]

【発明の効果】以上、詳細に説明したように、本発明に
よれば、ＯＮ状態からＯＦＦ状態に切り換え際に第２の
基板上の電極を用いて液晶に横電界を印加する構成とな
っており、この横電界がＯＦＦ時の液晶の戻りを補助す
るように働くため、従来に比べて応答速度が速い液晶装
置を実現することができる。また、横電界発生用の電極
を形成するのは第２の基板側のみで済むので、製造プロ
セスが煩雑になったり、製造コストが増大することがな
い。As described above in detail, according to the present invention, when switching from the ON state to the OFF state, a lateral electric field is applied to the liquid crystal using the electrode on the second substrate. Since the horizontal electric field works to assist the return of the liquid crystal when the liquid crystal is turned off, it is possible to realize a liquid crystal device having a higher response speed as compared with the related art. Further, since the electrodes for generating the lateral electric field are formed only on the second substrate side, the manufacturing process does not become complicated and the manufacturing cost does not increase.

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief description of the drawings]

【図１】 本発明の第１の実施形態の液晶装置を示す図
であって、図１（ａ）は液晶装置の全体構成を示す斜視
図、図１（ｂ）は図１（ａ）における一画素の拡大図で
ある。FIGS. 1A and 1B are views showing a liquid crystal device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing the entire configuration of the liquid crystal device, and FIG. It is an enlarged view of one pixel.

【図２】 同、液晶装置の一画素の電極構成のみを取り
出して示す斜視図である。FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing only an electrode configuration of one pixel of the liquid crystal device.

【図３】 同、電極構成を示す平面図である。FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the same electrode configuration.

【図４】 図４（ａ）、（ｂ）ともに同液晶装置の動作
を説明するための図であって、図２のＡ−Ａ’線に沿う
断面図である。FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the liquid crystal device, and are cross-sectional views taken along line AA ′ of FIG. 2;

【図５】 本発明の第２の実施形態の液晶装置の一画素
の電極構成のみを取り出して示す斜視図である。FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing only an electrode configuration of one pixel of a liquid crystal device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

【図６】 同、電極構成を示す平面図である。FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the same electrode configuration.

【図７】 図７（ａ）、（ｂ）ともに同液晶装置の動作
を説明するための図であって、図５のＢ−Ｂ’線に沿う
断面図である。7A and 7B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the liquid crystal device, and are cross-sectional views taken along line BB 'in FIG.

【図８】 同、液晶装置を備えた投射型表示装置の一例
を示す図である。FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a projection display device including the liquid crystal device.

【図９】 同、液晶装置を備えた電子機器の一例を示す
図である。FIG. 9 illustrates an example of an electronic device including the liquid crystal device.

【図１０】 同、電子機器の他の例を示す図である。FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the electronic device.

【図１１】 同、電子機器のさらに他の例を示す図であ
る。FIG. 11 is a diagram showing still another example of the electronic device.

【図１２】 液晶の温度と応答時間との関係を測定した
結果を示すグラフである。FIG. 12 is a graph showing a result of measuring a relationship between a liquid crystal temperature and a response time.

【図１３】 横電界モードの液晶表示装置（（ａ）ＩＰ
Ｓ方式、（ｂ）ＦＦＳ方式）の原理を説明するための図
である。FIG. 13 shows a lateral electric field mode liquid crystal display device ((a) IP).
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the principle of the S method and (b) FFS method).

【符号の説明】[Explanation of symbols]

１ 液晶装置 ２ 素子基板（第２の基板） ３ 対向基板（第１の基板） ７ 画素電極（第２の電極） ８ 共通電極（第１の電極） １４ 絶縁膜 １５ 櫛歯状電極（第３の電極） １５ａ，２１ａ，２２ａ （櫛歯状電極の）線状部分 １６，１７ 配向膜 １８，２３ 液晶層 １９，２４ 液晶分子 ２１ 第１の櫛歯状電極（第３の電極） ２２ 第２の櫛歯状電極（第４の電極） REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 liquid crystal device 2 element substrate (second substrate) 3 opposing substrate (first substrate) 7 pixel electrode (second electrode) 8 common electrode (first electrode) 14 insulating film 15 comb-shaped electrode (third electrode) 15a, 21a, 22a Linear portion (of comb-shaped electrode) 16, 17 Alignment film 18, 23 Liquid crystal layer 19, 24 Liquid crystal molecule 21 First comb-shaped electrode (third electrode) 22 Second Comb-shaped electrode (fourth electrode)

───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き Ｆターム(参考） 2H088 EA13 HA02 HA03 2H092 GA14 GA17 NA04 NA05 NA27 PA02 PA06  ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2H088 EA13 HA02 HA03 2H092 GA14 GA17 NA04 NA05 NA27 PA02 PA06

Claims (13)

【特許請求の範囲】[Claims] 【請求項１】 互いに対向配置された一対の基板間に誘
電率異方性が正の液晶からなる液晶層が挟持された液晶
装置であって、 前記一対の基板を構成する第１の基板、第２の基板のそ
れぞれに前記液晶層を挟んで対峙し、該液晶層に対して
縦電界を印加する電極が設けられるとともに、前記第２
の基板には、前記液晶層に対して横電界を印加する複数
の電極が設けられたことを特徴とする液晶装置。1. A liquid crystal device in which a liquid crystal layer made of a liquid crystal having a positive dielectric anisotropy is sandwiched between a pair of substrates disposed to face each other, wherein: a first substrate forming the pair of substrates; Each of the second substrates is provided with an electrode facing each other with the liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween and applying a vertical electric field to the liquid crystal layer.
A substrate provided with a plurality of electrodes for applying a horizontal electric field to the liquid crystal layer. 【請求項２】 前記第１の基板に第１の電極が設けら
れ、前記第２の基板に前記第１の電極との間で前記縦電
界を発生させる第２の電極が設けられ、さらに前記第２
の基板には前記第２の電極との間で前記横電界を発生さ
せる第３の電極が設けられていることを特徴とする請求
項１に記載の液晶装置。A first electrode provided on the first substrate; a second electrode for generating the vertical electric field between the first substrate and the second electrode; Second
The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein a third electrode for generating the horizontal electric field between the substrate and the second electrode is provided on the substrate. 【請求項３】 前記第２の電極は略矩形状の電極であ
り、前記第３の電極は前記第２の電極の上方に絶縁膜を
介して形成された線状部分を有する電極であることを特
徴とする請求項２に記載の液晶装置。3. The second electrode is a substantially rectangular electrode, and the third electrode is an electrode having a linear portion formed above the second electrode via an insulating film. The liquid crystal device according to claim 2, wherein: 【請求項４】 前記第１の基板に第１の電極が設けら
れ、前記第２の基板に前記第１の電極との間で前記縦電
界を発生させる第２の電極が設けられ、さらに前記第２
の基板には互いの間に前記横電界を発生させる第３の電
極および第４の電極が設けられていることを特徴とする
請求項１に記載の液晶装置。4. A first electrode is provided on the first substrate, and a second electrode for generating the vertical electric field between the second substrate and the first electrode is provided on the second substrate. Second
3. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein a third electrode and a fourth electrode for generating the horizontal electric field are provided between the substrates. 【請求項５】 前記第２の電極は略矩形状の電極であ
り、前記第３の電極および前記第４の電極はともに前記
第２の電極の上方に絶縁膜を介して形成された線状部分
を有する電極であることを特徴とする請求項４に記載の
液晶装置。5. The second electrode is a substantially rectangular electrode, and the third electrode and the fourth electrode are both linear electrodes formed above the second electrode via an insulating film. The liquid crystal device according to claim 4, wherein the liquid crystal device is an electrode having a portion. 【請求項６】 前記第３の電極および前記第４の電極は
同一の層で形成されていることを特徴とする請求項５に
記載の液晶装置。6. The liquid crystal device according to claim 5, wherein the third electrode and the fourth electrode are formed in the same layer. 【請求項７】 前記縦電界を印加しない状態において、
前記液晶層のバルク部分を構成する液晶分子の長軸方向
が前記第３の電極または前記第４の電極の前記線状部分
の延在方向に対して略垂直な方向を向くように配向処理
がなされていることを特徴とする請求項３または５に記
載の液晶装置。7. In a state where no vertical electric field is applied,
The alignment process is performed such that the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules constituting the bulk portion of the liquid crystal layer is substantially perpendicular to the extending direction of the linear portion of the third electrode or the fourth electrode. The liquid crystal device according to claim 3, wherein the liquid crystal device is formed. 【請求項８】 ノーマリーホワイトの表示モードを採用
したことを特徴とする請求項１ないし７のいずれか一項
に記載の液晶装置。8. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein a normally white display mode is adopted. 【請求項９】 前記電極が全て透明導電膜で形成されて
いることを特徴とする請求項１ないし８のいずれか一項
に記載の液晶装置。9. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein all of the electrodes are formed of a transparent conductive film. 【請求項１０】 前記一対の基板のいずれか一方の基板
上の電極が透明導電膜で形成され、他方の基板上の電極
の少なくとも一つが金属膜で形成されていることを特徴
とする請求項１ないし８のいずれか一項に記載の液晶装
置。10. An electrode on one of the pair of substrates is formed of a transparent conductive film, and at least one of the electrodes on the other substrate is formed of a metal film. 9. The liquid crystal device according to any one of 1 to 8. 【請求項１１】 前記液晶層を加熱する加熱手段を備え
たことを特徴とする請求項１ないし１０のいずれか一項
に記載の液晶装置。11. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, further comprising heating means for heating the liquid crystal layer. 【請求項１２】 光源と、前記光源からの光を変調する
請求項１ないし１１のいずれか一項に記載の液晶装置か
らなる光変調手段と、前記光変調手段により変調された
光を投射する投射手段とを備えたことを特徴とする投射
型表示装置。12. A light source, a light modulating means comprising the liquid crystal device according to claim 1 for modulating light from said light source, and projecting light modulated by said light modulating means. A projection display device, comprising: projection means. 【請求項１３】 請求項１ないし１１のいずれか一項に
記載の液晶装置を備えたことを特徴とする電子機器。13. An electronic apparatus comprising the liquid crystal device according to claim 1. Description:
JP2001173104A 2001-06-07 2001-06-07 Liquid crystal device, projection display device, and electronic device Expired - Fee Related JP3900859B2 (en)

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