Liquid crystal panel and image display device

Abstract

Provided are a liquid crystal panel capable of controlling the viewing angle while suppressing the thickness, and a video display device provided with the liquid crystal panel. A liquid crystal panel provided with a first transparent substrate, a first electrode, a liquid crystal layer, a second electrode, and a second transparent substrate in this order, the liquid crystal layer contains a guest-host liquid crystal containing a polymer dispersed liquid crystal and / or a dichroic dye, and is provided with an overlapping region that overlaps the second electrode and a non-overlapping region that does not overlap the second electrode. The liquid crystal layer has a transparent region and a switching region for switching between a transmission state and a scattering or absorbing state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following disclosure relates to a liquid crystal panel and an image display device. Background Art

[0002] Liquid crystal panels are optical elements that control the amount of light transmitted by applying voltage to a liquid crystal composition sealed between a pair of substrates and changing the orientation state of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal composition according to the applied voltage. Such liquid crystal panels are used in a wide range of fields such as image display devices due to their advantages such as thinness, lightness, and low power consumption.

[0003] In recent years, in image display devices, research has been conducted to improve viewing angle characteristics in a manner that enables the same image to be observed whether it is observed from a narrow viewing angle range or a wide viewing angle range. On the other hand, from the perspective of protecting privacy, research has been conducted on display methods that enable the image to be observed from a narrow viewing angle range but is difficult to observe from a wide viewing angle range. In this way, a display device is sought that can switch between a public mode (also referred to as a wide viewing angle mode) in which the same image can be observed from a narrow viewing angle range or a wide viewing angle range, and a private mode (also referred to as a narrow viewing angle mode) in which the image can be observed from a narrow viewing angle range but is difficult to observe from a wide viewing angle range.

[0004] Regarding the technology of switching viewing angle modes, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an optical element having a first region composed of a light-transmitting material between a pair of transparent substrates and a second region disposed between the first region and containing a liquid crystal material that selectively switches between a light-transmitting state and a scattering or absorbing state. In addition, Patent Document 2 discloses a viewing angle control element having a first region facing a pixel and having a certain transmittance and a second region that can switch between a certain transmittance and a transmittance smaller than the first region. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-206373 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-221756 Summary of the invention Technical Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Fig. 20A It is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the wide viewing angle mode of the video display device 1R of the comparative form. Fig. 20B This is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the narrow viewing angle mode of the image display device 1R of the comparative form. Fig. 20A as well as Fig. 20BThe image display device 1R shown includes a display panel 10 , a liquid crystal panel 20R including polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC), a louver layer 30R, and a backlight 40 in this order from the observation surface side toward the back surface side.

[0007] The display panel 10 includes, in order from the observation surface side toward the back surface side, a CF substrate 110 including a color filter (CF: Color Filter) layer and a TFT substrate 120 including a thin film transistor (TFT: Thin Film Transistor).

[0008] The liquid crystal panel 20R includes a pair of electrodes 230 and a liquid crystal layer 240R composed of PDLC sandwiched between a pair of transparent substrates 210 and 220. PDLC has a structure in which liquid crystal components are dispersed in a polymer network. Fig. 20A as well as Fig. 20B As shown, the liquid crystal panel 20R can switch between the transmission state and the scattering state by utilizing the refractive index difference between the liquid crystal component and the polymer network caused by the change of the orientation state of the liquid crystal component by applying a voltage to the liquid crystal layer 240R. If a PDLC of a type that scatters light when no voltage is applied is used, the liquid crystal panel 20R becomes a scattering state when no voltage is applied, and becomes a transmission state when a voltage is applied.

[0009] The louver layer 30R has a structure in which light shielding portions 31 mainly formed of a light absorbing material and transparent portions 32 mainly formed of a transparent resin are alternately arranged in parallel. The louver layer 30R has a function of transmitting light 1LA in the front direction and shielding light 1LB in the oblique direction among the light from the backlight source 40. That is, the louver layer 30R has a function of transmitting light at a low polar angle and shielding light at a high polar angle.

[0010] In the image display device 1R, in either the wide viewing angle mode or the narrow viewing angle mode, the oblique light 1LB from the backlight source 40 is blocked (cut) by the louver layer 30R, and only the front light 1LA passes through the louver layer 30R (see FIG. Fig. 20A as well as Fig. 20B ). When no voltage is applied, the light 1LA transmitted in the front direction of the louver layer 30R is scattered (attenuated) in the liquid crystal panel 20R, thereby expanding the light and entering the display panel 10 (see Fig. 20A On the other hand, when the voltage is applied, the light 1LA in the front direction that has passed through the louver layer 30R is not scattered but passes through the liquid crystal panel 20R and enters the display panel 10 (see Fig. 20B ).

[0011] In this way, the image display device 1R can transmit the backlight from the low polar angle side to the high polar angle side when no voltage is applied, thereby realizing a wide viewing angle mode. On the other hand, when voltage is applied, the backlight is not transmitted on the high polar angle side, but only on the low polar angle side, thereby realizing a narrow viewing angle mode. However, in order to switch between the wide viewing angle mode and the narrow viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal panel 20R and the louver layer 30R are separately added to the display panel 10 as structural members, which results in an increase in thickness.

[0012] In the optical element described in Patent Document 1, a first region in a light-transmitting state and a second region that selectively switches between a light-transmitting state and a scattering or absorbing state are physically distinguished by using different materials for these regions. In such an optical element, there are various problems in practical application, such as difficulty in narrowing the viewing angle in a conventional liquid crystal process or complexity in the manufacturing process.

[0013] For example, Patent Document 1 records that, as a translucent material forming the first region, a UV photosensitive resin is preferred. When a UV photosensitive resin is used, the thickness of the resin layer becomes thicker. In this regard, Patent Document 1 records the following example as a composite material forming the second region for obtaining a narrow viewing angle (60°): when the width is 10 to 30 μm and the pitch is 200 μm, the height is 300 μm. The thickness of the translucent material forming the first region is equivalent to the height of the example, but in order to achieve the height of 300 μm, the usual liquid crystal process (usually within 10 μm) is difficult to correspond. Therefore, when a UV photosensitive resin is used as the above-mentioned translucent material, it is difficult to achieve a narrow viewing angle. As the above-mentioned translucent material, a polymer material containing liquid crystal molecules, more specifically a UV-curable composite material in which liquid crystal molecules are dispersed in an ultraviolet-curable polymer, is also exemplified. In this case, in order to make the first region a translucent state, a process of applying a voltage as shown in FIG. 11 of Patent Document 1 is required for UV curing. Therefore, the manufacturing process of the optical element becomes complicated.

[0014] The viewing angle control element described in Patent Document 2, for example, has a first region composed of a columnar translucent resin layer and a second region composed of a liquid crystal layer. In this case, a pattern of a tiny columnar translucent resin layer can be formed with good dimensional accuracy using conventional photolithography, and therefore, the viewing angle control element can be manufactured without changing the existing liquid crystal manufacturing process. Therefore, the viewing angle control element can achieve both wide and narrow viewing angles and prevent the image quality from being reduced due to the reduced brightness of the image display element at a wide viewing angle, and is therefore extremely useful in the field of display devices. However, there is room for improvement in further simplifying the manufacturing process and making it easier to achieve viewing angle control.

[0015] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned current situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal panel capable of suppressing thickness and controlling viewing angle, and an image display device including the liquid crystal panel. Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0016] (1) One embodiment of the present invention is a liquid crystal panel, which comprises a first transparent substrate, a first electrode, a liquid crystal layer, a second electrode and a second transparent substrate in sequence. In the above-mentioned liquid crystal panel, the above-mentioned liquid crystal layer contains polymer dispersed liquid crystals and / or guest-host liquid crystals containing dichroic pigments and has an overlapping area overlapping with the above-mentioned second electrode and a non-overlapping area not overlapping with the above-mentioned second electrode, thereby the above-mentioned liquid crystal layer has a transparent area and a switching area, and the switching area switches between a transmission state and a scattering or absorption state.

[0017] (2) In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is a liquid crystal panel, wherein, in addition to the structure of (1) above, the second electrodes are arranged in a stripe shape or a grid shape in a plan view.

[0018] (3) In addition, an embodiment of the present invention is a liquid crystal panel, which, based on the structure of the above (1) or (2), has an interlayer insulating film and a third electrode between the above second electrode and the above second transparent substrate in sequence from the above second electrode side.

[0019] (4) In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is a liquid crystal panel, in addition to the structure of the above (3), capable of applying different voltages to the above transparent area and the above switching area.

[0020] (5) In addition, an embodiment of the present invention is a liquid crystal panel, based on the structure of (1), (2), (3) or (4), wherein the thickness of the non-overlapping area is less than 30 μm.

[0021] (6) In addition, an embodiment of the present invention is a liquid crystal panel, in which, based on the structure of (1), (2), (3), (4) or (5), the second electrode is a transparent electrode or an electrode containing a light absorbing material.

[0022] (7) In addition, a certain embodiment of the present invention is an image display device, comprising a liquid crystal panel described in (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) or (6); and a display panel for displaying an image.

[0023] (8) In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is an image display device, which, in addition to the structure of (7) above, further includes a backlight.

[0024] (9) In addition, a certain embodiment of the present invention is an image display device, in which, based on the structure of (8) above, the backlight source has a local dimming function.

[0025] (10) In addition, a certain embodiment of the present invention is an image display device, based on the structure of the above-mentioned (7), (8) or (9), the above-mentioned display panel is a liquid crystal display panel or a self-luminous display panel. Beneficial Effects

[0026] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a liquid crystal panel capable of suppressing thickness and controlling viewing angle, and an image display device including the liquid crystal panel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal panel according to Embodiment 1 (Example 1). Figure 2A This is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the wide viewing angle mode of the liquid crystal panel according to the first embodiment. Figure 2B This is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the narrow viewing angle mode of the liquid crystal panel according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the thickness D of the non-overlapping region, the width W1 of the non-overlapping region, the width W2 of the overlapping region, and the viewing angle θ. Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image display device according to Embodiment 1. Figure 5A This is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the wide viewing angle mode of the image display device according to the first embodiment. Figure 5B This is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the narrow viewing angle mode of the image display device according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image display device according to a modified example of the first embodiment. Figure 7 It is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement of the second electrodes in the liquid crystal panel of Embodiment 1. Figure 8 It is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement of the second electrodes in the liquid crystal panel of Embodiment 2 (Example 2). Fig. 9 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal panel according to Embodiment 3 (Example 3). Fig. 10A It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal panel according to Embodiment 4 (Example 4-1). Fig. 10B It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal panel according to a variation of the fourth embodiment (Example 4-2). Fig.11A This is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the wide viewing angle mode of the liquid crystal panel according to the fifth embodiment (Example 5). Fig. 11B This is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the narrow viewing angle mode of the liquid crystal panel according to the fifth embodiment. Fig. 12A This is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the wide viewing angle mode of the liquid crystal panel according to the sixth embodiment (Example 6). Fig. 12B This is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the narrow viewing angle mode of the liquid crystal panel according to the sixth embodiment. Fig.13A This is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the wide viewing angle mode of the liquid crystal panel according to Embodiment 7 (Example 7). Fig. 13B This is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the narrow viewing angle mode of the liquid crystal panel according to the seventh embodiment. Fig.14A This is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the wide viewing angle mode of the liquid crystal panel according to Embodiment 8 (Example 8). Fig. 14B This is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the narrow viewing angle mode of the liquid crystal panel according to the eighth embodiment. Fig.15A This is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the wide viewing angle mode of the liquid crystal panel according to Embodiment 9 (Example 9). Fig. 15B This is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the narrow viewing angle mode of the liquid crystal panel according to the ninth embodiment. Fig.16 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image display device according to embodiment 11 (Example 11). Fig.17A 1 is a waveform diagram of the voltage of each electrode in the wide viewing angle mode in the image display device of Example 1. Fig. 17B 1 is a waveform diagram of the voltage of each electrode in the narrow viewing angle mode in the image display device of Example 1. Fig.18A It is a waveform diagram of the voltage of each electrode in the wide viewing angle mode in the image display device of Example 7. Fig.18B This is a waveform diagram of the voltage of each electrode in the narrow viewing angle mode in the image display device of Example 7. Fig.19A This is a waveform diagram of the voltage of each electrode in the wide viewing angle mode in the image display device of Example 8. Fig.19B This is a waveform diagram of the voltage of each electrode in the narrow viewing angle mode in the image display device of Example 8. Fig. 20A This is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a wide viewing angle mode of a comparative image display device. Fig. 20B This is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a narrow viewing angle mode of a comparative image display device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] (Definition of terms) In this specification, the observation side refers to a side closer to the screen (display surface) of the image display device, and the rear side refers to a side farther from the screen (display surface) of the image display device.

[0029] The polar angle refers to an angle formed between a target direction (eg, a measurement direction) and a normal direction of a panel surface of a liquid crystal panel. position It refers to the direction when the direction of the object is projected on the screen of the liquid crystal panel, and is expressed by the angle (azimuth) formed with the reference direction. Here, the reference position Set to the horizontal right side of the screen of the liquid crystal panel. For angles and azimuths, the positive angle is the counterclockwise direction from the reference azimuth, and the negative angle is the clockwise direction from the reference azimuth. Both the counterclockwise direction and the clockwise direction indicate the rotation direction when the screen of the liquid crystal panel is observed from the observation side (front). In addition, the angle indicates the value measured in the state of looking down at the screen of the liquid crystal panel.

[0030] In the present specification, being parallel to each other means that the angle (absolute value) formed by the two is within the range of 0±3°, preferably within the range of 0±1°, more preferably within the range of 0±0.5°, and particularly preferably within the range of 0° (completely parallel).

[0031] The voltage non-applied state refers to a state in which the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer is less than the threshold voltage (including the voltage not being applied). The voltage applied state refers to a state in which the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer is greater than the threshold voltage. In this specification, the voltage non-applied state is also referred to as the voltage non-applied state, and the voltage applied state is also referred to as the voltage applied state.

[0032] For light transmittance, the brightness of the LED backlight and the brightness of the sample placed on the LED backlight were measured, and then standardized according to the brightness of the LED backlight to calculate the light transmittance of the sample. The measurement was performed using a spectroradiometer SR-UL1 manufactured by Topcon. The light reflectance was measured using a spectrophotometer CM-2600d manufactured by Konica Minolta (measurement wavelength range: 360nm to 740nm, integrating sphere method).

[0033] The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and the design can be modified appropriately within the scope of the configuration that satisfies the present invention.

[0034] (Implementation Method 1) Figure 1 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal panel according to this embodiment. Figure 2A This is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the wide viewing angle mode of the liquid crystal panel according to the present embodiment. Figure 2B 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram for explaining the narrow viewing angle mode of the liquid crystal panel involved in this embodiment. Figure 1 , Figure 2A as well as Figure 2B As shown in the figure, the liquid crystal panel 20 of this embodiment includes a first transparent substrate 210, a first electrode 231, a liquid crystal layer 240, a second electrode 232, and a second transparent substrate 220 in order. An interlayer insulating film 250 and a third electrode 233 are further provided in order from the second electrode 232 side between the second electrode 232 and the second transparent substrate 220. The liquid crystal panel 20 has a function of controlling the viewing angle, and therefore can be called a "viewing angle control unit".

[0035] The liquid crystal layer 240 includes polymer dispersed liquid crystal (hereinafter also referred to as "PDLC"). In the present embodiment, a type of PDLC that scatters when no voltage is applied is used.

[0036] The liquid crystal layer 240 also has an overlapping region 241 that overlaps with the second electrode 232 and a non-overlapping region 242 that does not overlap with the second electrode 232. The liquid crystal layer 240 has the characteristics of including PDLC and having the overlapping region 241 and the non-overlapping region 242, whereby the liquid crystal layer 240 has a transparent region 244 and a switching region 243 that switches between a transmissive state and a scattering state. By designing a power supply, it is also possible to make the overlapping region 241 become the switching region 243 and the non-overlapping region 242 become the transparent region 244. In addition, it is also possible to make the overlapping region 241 become the transparent region 244 and the non-overlapping region 242 become the switching region 243. In the present embodiment, it is designed that the switching region 243 is switched between a transmissive state and a scattering state by applying or not applying a voltage between the first electrode 231 and the second electrode 232 (262). Therefore, the overlapping region 241 becomes the switching region 243 and the non-overlapping region 242 becomes the transparent region 244 (refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2A as well as Figure 2BHowever, in reality, not only the overlapping region 241 becomes the switching region 243. Depending on the application of the electric field between the electrodes, sometimes the boundary portion between the overlapping region 241 and the non-overlapping region 242 also becomes the switching region 243, and sometimes other portions also become the switching region 243.

[0037] An important aspect of the present invention is that the liquid crystal layer 240 contains predetermined liquid crystals and has an overlapping region 241 that overlaps with the second electrode 232 and a non-overlapping region 242 that does not overlap with the second electrode 232, whereby the liquid crystal layer 240 has a transparent region 244 and a switching region 243 that switches between a transmission state and a scattering (or absorption) state. That is, an important feature of the present invention is that by applying voltage to each electrode, a transparent region 244 with high transmittance and a scattering region (or absorption region) with low transmittance are formed in the liquid crystal layer 240, and the liquid crystal layer 240 itself can function as a louver that can be switched on and off. Therefore, there is no particular limitation on the positions of the transparent region 244 and the switching region 243, and which region corresponds to the transparent region 244 and the switching region 243. In other words, the transparent region 244 and the switching region 243 are not limited to Figure 1 , Figure 2A as well as Figure 2B The described method can be appropriately controlled according to, for example, the width and pitch of the second electrode 232 , the cell thickness (ie, the thickness D of the non-overlapping region 242 ), the voltage applied to each electrode, and the like.

[0038] In this embodiment, the second electrode 232 and the third electrode 233 are arranged with the interlayer insulating film 250 sandwiched therebetween. In this case, the first electrode 231 functions as a common electrode, and the voltage application or non-application of the non-overlapping region 242 (transparent region 244) can be controlled by the first electrode 231 and the third electrode 233, and the voltage application or non-application of the overlapping region 241 (switching region 243) can be controlled by the first electrode 231 and the second electrode 232. Therefore, in this embodiment, different voltages can be applied to the transparent region 244 and the switching region 243, respectively. Such an electrode structure can cope with various driving methods in the field of image display devices, and is therefore very useful.

[0039] The transparent region 244 is a region that indicates a transmission state by applying a voltage between the first electrode 231 and the third electrode 233 (261). The transmission state is a state that is transparent to light. On the other hand, the switching region 243 is a region that switches between a transmission state and a scattering or absorption state. In the present embodiment using PDLC, the switching region 243 is a region that switches between a transmission state and a scattering state. The scattering state is a state in which light is scattered, and is a state in which the transmittance is lower than that of the transmission state. In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal layer 240 in the scattering state becomes the same state as frosted glass.

[0040] In this embodiment, as described later, in the wide viewing angle mode (see Figure 2A ), the transparent area 244 and the switching area 243 have a certain transmittance (also called visible light transmittance or light transmittance) T1. On the other hand, in the narrow viewing angle mode (refer to Figure 2B ), the transparent region 244 has a transmittance T2, and the switching region 243 has a transmittance T3 due to scattering (wherein T1, T2, and T3 satisfy the relationship "T1 ≥ T2 > T3"). The transmittance T1 may also be 100%, and T3 may also be 0%.

[0041] like Figure 2A as well as Figure 2B As shown, light is incident on the liquid crystal panel 20 from the back side (specifically, the backlight source 40). In the case where the liquid crystal layer 240 includes a PDLC having a characteristic of scattering when no voltage is applied, in a state where a voltage is applied between the first electrode 231 and the second electrode 232 (262) and in a state where a voltage is applied between the first electrode 231 and the third electrode 233 (261) (voltage applied state), the overlapping area 241 and the non-overlapping area 242 are not distinguished and are integrated, and the liquid crystal layer 240 as a whole becomes a transparent state (transparent area) (refer to Figure 2A That is, the transparent area 244 and the switching area 243 are in a state of having a transmittance T1. In this case, for the light incident on the liquid crystal panel 20 from the backlight source 40, both the front direction light and the oblique direction light directly pass through the liquid crystal panel 20 (refer to Figure 2A As a result, light from the back side (specifically, the backlight 40) can be transmitted from the low polar angle side to the high polar angle side without loss, so a wide viewing angle mode can be achieved with high brightness.

[0042] Here, in the comparative video display device 1R, in the wide viewing angle mode, the oblique light 1LB is cut off by the louver layer 30R even though it is not necessary to cut off the light (see FIG. 1B ). Fig. 20A In addition, in order to further expand the light focused by the louver layer 30R, the light is scattered (attenuated) by the PDLC layer 240R (see Fig. 20A Therefore, transmission loss occurs in both the louver layer 30R and the PDLC layer 240R, and thus the brightness in the wide viewing angle mode is insufficient. In contrast, the liquid crystal panel 20 of the present embodiment can transmit light from the backlight source 40 without loss as described above, and thus can achieve a wide viewing angle mode with high brightness.

[0043] In the present embodiment, in the state where no voltage is applied between the first electrode 231 and the second electrode 232 (262) and a voltage is applied between the first electrode 231 and the third electrode 233 (261) (voltage non-applied state), the liquid crystal layer 240 itself functions as a louver. That is, the oblique light 1LB of the light incident on the liquid crystal layer 240 from the backlight source 40 is scattered (attenuated) in the overlapping region 241 (switching region 243), and passes through the liquid crystal panel 20 (see FIG. 2 ) as the attenuated light. Figure 2B Here, the overlapping area 241 (switching area 243) is in a scattering state, while the non-overlapping area 242 (transparent area 244) remains in a transparent state. That is, the transparent area 244 has a transmittance T2 and the switching area 243 has a transmittance T3 due to scattering (where T1 ≥ T2 > T3). The front direction light 1LA of the light incident on the liquid crystal layer 240 from the backlight source 40 passes through the liquid crystal panel 20 without attenuation (see Figure 2B As a result, the light from the back side (specifically, the backlight 40) can be attenuated on the high polar angle side, and the light from the back side can be transmitted only on the low polar angle side with the original brightness, thereby realizing a narrow viewing angle mode.

[0044] Thus, the liquid crystal panel 20 of this embodiment has a function of controlling the viewing angle by applying or not applying a voltage, but in addition to this function, it also has a louver function. Therefore, compared with the image display device 1R (refer to FIG. 1 ) of the comparative embodiment having only the liquid crystal panel 20R and the louver layer 30R, Fig. 20A as well as Fig. 20B ) In the present embodiment, the thickness, weight and manufacturing cost of the liquid crystal panel and the image display device having the liquid crystal panel can also be reduced.

[0045] The overlapping region 241 is a region in the liquid crystal layer 240 that overlaps with the second electrode 232. Overlapping with the second electrode 232 means directly or indirectly contacting with the second electrode 232. As a method of indirectly contacting with the second electrode 232, for example, a method in which the overlapping region 241 contacts with the second electrode 232 via an alignment film can be cited. The alignment film is a film having a function of controlling the alignment of liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal layer 240. On the other hand, the non-overlapping region 242 is a region in the liquid crystal layer 240 that does not overlap with the second electrode 232.

[0046] The thickness D of the non-overlapping region 242 is preferably, for example, less than 100 μm. More preferably, it is less than 50 μm, further preferably less than 30 μm, particularly preferably less than 20 μm, and most preferably less than 10 μm. In this way, the liquid crystal panel of this embodiment can correspond to the usual liquid crystal process (usually within 10 μm), and has excellent viewing angle performance. The lower limit of the thickness is not particularly limited, but for example, it is preferably greater than 1 μm.

[0047] The thickness of the non-overlapping region 242 is also referred to as the height of the non-overlapping region 242 . Figure 3 , the thickness of the non-overlapping region 242 corresponds to the distance D between the first electrode 231 and the interlayer insulating film 250 .

[0048] The pitch of the non-overlapping region 242 is preferably smaller than the pixel pitch of the display panel 10. Thus, the generation of moire fringes is fully suppressed. Among them, the pixel pitch of the display panel 10 is preferably an integer multiple of the pitch of the non-overlapping region 242. The pixel pitch is more preferably 1 to 50 times the pitch of the non-overlapping region, and further preferably 6 to 24 times.

[0049] The width W1 of the non-overlapping region 242 and the width W2 of the overlapping region 241 can be appropriately set according to a desired viewing angle. For example, the ratio (W1 / W2) thereof may be 100 / 1 to 500, or 100 / 50 to 300.

[0050] The viewing angle θ of the liquid crystal panel 20 in the narrow viewing angle mode can be arbitrarily set according to the thickness D and width W1 of the non-overlapping region 242. Specifically, it can be determined by the following formula (1): θ=2tan -1 (W1 / D)(1) to set.

[0051] The liquid crystal panel 20 of the present embodiment can correspond to the usual liquid crystal process (usually within 10 μm) as described above, so it is easy to achieve a narrow viewing angle mode with excellent viewing angle performance. In addition, in the present embodiment, the transparent area 244 and the switching area 243 are not physically distinguished by materials, but by the design of the power supply (such as the configuration of the electrodes, etc.). The transparent area 244 and the switching area 243 are formed of the same material. Therefore, in the present embodiment, there is no need for a UV curing process such as that shown in FIG. 11 of patent document 1 for pre-fixing the transparent area to a transparent state during manufacturing. Therefore, the liquid crystal panel 20 of the present embodiment is also advantageous in that it can simplify the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal panel and the image display device. Hereinafter, the liquid crystal panel 20 of the present embodiment will be further described.

[0052] The first transparent substrate 210 and the second transparent substrate 220 may be substrates that are transparent to visible light, for example, a glass substrate, a plastic substrate, etc. may be mentioned.

[0053] The first electrode 231 is arranged in a planar shape on the entire surface of the first transparent substrate 210. In other words, the first electrode 231 is a physical electrode that covers the first transparent substrate 210. As a result, the wide viewing angle mode and the narrow viewing angle mode can be switched on the entire liquid crystal panel. The first electrode 231 can also be a transparent electrode. As a transparent electrode, for example, it can be formed of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), tin oxide (SnO) or an alloy thereof.

[0054] The second electrode 232 is arranged to separate the liquid crystal layer 240 into an overlapping region 241 overlapping with the second electrode and a non-overlapping region 242 not overlapping with the second electrode. Figure 7 As shown, the second electrode 232 is arranged in a stripe shape (also called a slit shape) when viewed from above. By adopting such an arrangement, the viewing angle in the left and right directions of the screen can be controlled. The second electrode 232 uses a transparent electrode in this embodiment. Examples of the transparent electrode are as described above.

[0055] In this embodiment, the third electrode 233 is disposed in a planar shape on the entire surface of the second transparent substrate 220. In other words, the third electrode 233 is a physical electrode that covers the second transparent substrate 220. The third electrode 233 may also be a transparent electrode. Examples of the transparent electrode are as described above.

[0056] In this embodiment, the liquid crystal layer 240 includes PDLC. PDLC includes a polymer network and a liquid crystal component. In PDLC, a fibrous matrix of a cured product of a photopolymerizable liquid crystal compound is condensed to form a three-dimensional continuous polymer network, and the liquid crystal component is in a phase-separated state in the polymer network.

[0057] The photopolymerizable liquid crystal compound for forming the polymer network may be, for example, a substance that shows a liquid crystal phase at room temperature and is compatible with the liquid crystal component, and phase-separates from the liquid crystal component when being cured by ultraviolet irradiation to form a polymer.

[0058] As the photopolymerizable liquid crystal compound, specifically, for example, monomers having substituents such as biphenyl, terphenyl, naphthyl, phenyl benzoate, azophenyl and derivatives thereof (also referred to as "mesogenic groups"); photoreactive groups such as cinnamoyl, chalcone, cinnamylene, β-(2-phenyl)acryloyl, cinnamic acid and derivatives thereof; polymerizable groups such as acrylate, methacrylate, maleimide, N-phenylmaleimide, and siloxane; and the like can be cited. Among them, acrylate is also preferred. In addition, the number of polymerizable groups per molecule of the photopolymerizable liquid crystal compound is not particularly limited, but is preferably one or two.

[0059] The liquid crystal component may not have a polymerizable group such as an acrylate group, a methacrylate group, a maleimide group, an N-phenylmaleimide group, or a siloxane group.

[0060] In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal component (also referred to as liquid crystal molecules) may be a structure having a positive value for the dielectric anisotropy (Δε) defined by the following formula (L), or a structure having a negative value. The liquid crystal component having positive dielectric anisotropy is oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of the electric field, and the liquid crystal component having negative dielectric anisotropy is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the electric field. In addition, the liquid crystal component having positive dielectric anisotropy is also referred to as positive liquid crystal, and the liquid crystal component having negative dielectric anisotropy is also referred to as negative liquid crystal. The long axis direction of the liquid crystal component becomes the direction of the slow axis. In addition, the direction of the long axis of the liquid crystal component when no voltage is applied is also referred to as the direction of the initial orientation of the liquid crystal component. Δε=(dielectric constant of the liquid crystal component in the long axis direction)-(dielectric constant of the liquid crystal component in the short axis direction) (L)

[0061] As the liquid crystal component, for example, a xylene-based liquid crystal material (a liquid crystal material having -C≡C- (carbon-carbon triple bond) as a linking group) can be used.

[0062] The refractive index anisotropy Δn of the liquid crystal component is preferably greater than 0.18 and less than 0.24, the dielectric constant anisotropy Δε of the liquid crystal component is preferably greater than 15 and less than 25, and the rotational viscosity γ1 of the liquid crystal component is preferably greater than 100 mPa·s and less than 300 mPa·s. By adopting such a method, it is possible to take into account both strong scattering and low voltage driving, and to achieve a response speed equivalent to that of a conventional image display device that does not contain a polymer network. The refractive index anisotropy Δn, dielectric constant anisotropy Δε, and rotational viscosity γ1 of the liquid crystal component are all within the above ranges, thereby effectively achieving such an effect.

[0063] Specific examples of xylene-based liquid crystal materials include liquid crystal materials having a structure represented by the following general formula (L1).

[0064] Chemical 1 (In the above formula, Q1 and Q2 each independently represent an aromatic ring group, X represents a fluoro group or a cyano group, and n1 and n2 each independently represent 0 or 1.)

[0065] In the general formula (L1), n1 and n2 are not simultaneously 0. That is, the sum of n1 and n2 is 1 or 2.

[0066] The aromatic ring group in the above-mentioned general formula (L1) may have a substituent.

[0067] In the above general formula (L1), it is preferred that Q1 and Q2 each independently have a structure of any one of the following general formulas (L2-1) to (L2-7).

[0068] Chemical 2

[0069] As specific structures of the liquid crystal material having a structure represented by the general formula (L1), for example, structures represented by the following chemical formulas (L1-1) to (L1-21) are mentioned.

[0070] Chemical 3

[0071] The weight ratio of the liquid crystal component to the polymer network is preferably liquid crystal component / polymer network = 90 / 10 to 97 / 3. That is, the weight ratio of the liquid crystal component is preferably above 90 and below 97, and when the weight ratio of the liquid crystal component is above 90, the weight ratio of the polymer network is below 10, and when the weight ratio of the liquid crystal component is below 97, the weight ratio of the polymer network is above 3. By adopting such a method, strong scattering and low voltage driving can be effectively taken into account. Sometimes, if the weight ratio of the polymer network exceeds 10, strong scattering is obtained but the driving voltage becomes higher. If the weight ratio of the polymer network is less than 3, the driving voltage is suppressed but strong scattering cannot be obtained.

[0072] As the interlayer insulating film 250, any of an organic insulating film, an inorganic insulating film, or a laminate of an organic insulating film and an inorganic insulating film can be used. As the organic insulating film, for example, an organic film (relative dielectric constant ε = 2 to 5) such as acrylic resin, polyimide resin, novolac resin, or a laminate thereof can be used. The film thickness of the organic insulating film is not particularly limited, but for example, it is greater than 2 μm and less than 4 μm. As the inorganic insulating film, for example, silicon nitride (SiN x ), inorganic films such as silicon oxide (SiO2) (relative dielectric constant ε = 5 to 7), and laminated films thereof. The thickness of the inorganic insulating film is not particularly limited, but is, for example, Above and the following.

[0073] The film thickness of the interlayer insulating film 250 is preferably not less than 0.1 μm and not more than 4 μm, and more preferably not less than 0.15 μm and not more than 0.35 μm.

[0074] Hereinafter, an image display device including the liquid crystal panel 20 of the present embodiment will be described as an example. Figure 4 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image display device of this embodiment. Figure 5A This is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the wide viewing angle mode of the image display device according to this embodiment. Figure 5B This is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the narrow viewing angle mode of the image display device according to the present embodiment.

[0075] like Figure 4 , Figure 5A as well as Figure 5B As shown, the image display device 1 of this embodiment includes the liquid crystal panel 20 of this embodiment and the display panel 10 for displaying an image. Thus, it is possible to realize an image display device that can suppress thickness and control viewing angle. The image display device 1 of this embodiment further includes a backlight source 40. In this embodiment, it is possible to realize an image display device that can display an image of the display panel 10 using light from the backlight source 40 and can suppress thickness and control viewing angle.

[0076] The display panel 10 only needs to have a function of displaying an image. The display panel 10 can turn on and off the image display. In this embodiment, a case where the display panel 10 is a liquid crystal display panel is taken as an example for description.

[0077] like Figure 4 As shown, the image display device 1 includes a display panel 10, a liquid crystal panel 20, and a backlight source 40 in order from the observation side toward the back side. The display panel 10 includes a polarizing plate 140, a CF substrate 110 including a color filter (CF) layer, a liquid crystal layer 130, a TFT substrate 120 including a thin film transistor (TFT), and a polarizing plate 140 in order from the observation side toward the back side. An adhesive layer 150 for bonding the display panel 10 and the liquid crystal panel 20 is usually provided between them. In the present embodiment, the display panel 10 functions as a liquid crystal display panel, and therefore, the image display device of the present embodiment is a liquid crystal display device. Figure 5A as well as Figure 5B In the embodiment, the display panel 10 does not have the liquid crystal layer 130, but may also have Figure 4 Similarly, the display panel 10 has a liquid crystal layer 130 .

[0078] The TFT substrate 120 has an insulating substrate, and in the display area, a plurality of gate lines extending in parallel to each other and a plurality of source lines extending in parallel to each other in a direction intersecting the gate lines via an insulating film are provided on the insulating substrate. The plurality of gate lines and the plurality of source lines are formed in a lattice shape as a whole so as to divide each pixel. A thin film transistor as a switching element is arranged at the intersection of each source line and each gate line.

[0079] The TFT substrate 120 has: a planar common electrode arranged on the surface of the liquid crystal layer 130 side of the insulating substrate, an insulating film covering the common electrode, and a pixel electrode arranged on the surface of the liquid crystal layer side of the insulating film and provided with a slit. The pixel electrode is arranged in each area surrounded by two adjacent source lines and two adjacent gate lines, and the pixel electrode is electrically connected to the corresponding source line via the semiconductor layer possessed by the thin film transistor. That is, the display panel 10 of this embodiment is a liquid crystal display panel in FFS (Fringe Field Switching) mode. The configuration of the common electrode and the pixel electrode can also be interchangeable. In this case, on the planar pixel electrode formed in a manner occupying each pixel area, a common electrode provided with a slit is arranged via an insulating film.

[0080] In the present embodiment, a display panel 10 in a horizontal alignment mode in which pixel electrodes and a common electrode are arranged on one substrate is described, but the display mode of the display panel 10 is not limited thereto, and may be a vertical alignment mode in which the pixel electrodes are arranged on the TFT substrate 120 and the common electrode is arranged on the CF substrate 110. The horizontal alignment mode refers to a mode in which liquid crystal molecules are aligned in a direction substantially horizontal to the respective main surfaces of a pair of substrates when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer. In addition to the above-mentioned FFS mode, for example, an IPS (In-Plane Switching) mode can be cited. In addition, a vertical alignment mode refers to a mode in which liquid crystal molecules are aligned in a direction substantially vertical to the respective main surfaces of a pair of substrates when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer. For example, a VA (Vertical Alignment) mode, a TN (Twisted Nematic) mode, and the like can be cited.

[0081] Orientation films having the function of controlling the orientation of liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal layer 130 are respectively arranged between the TFT substrate 120 and the liquid crystal layer 130 and between the CF substrate 110 and the liquid crystal layer 130. In a voltage-free state where no voltage is applied between the pixel electrode and the common electrode, the liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal layer 130 are oriented approximately horizontally relative to the main surfaces of each of the pair of substrates.

[0082] The display panel 10 also includes a source driver electrically connected to the source line, a gate driver electrically connected to the gate line, and a controller. The gate driver sequentially supplies scanning signals to the gate lines based on the control of the controller. The source driver supplies data signals to the source lines based on the control of the controller when the TFT is in a voltage application state through the scanning signal. The pixel electrodes are respectively set to potentials corresponding to the data signals supplied via the corresponding TFTs, and a fringe electric field is generated between the pixel electrodes and the common electrode, causing the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer to rotate. In this way, the magnitude of the voltage applied between the pixel electrode and the common electrode is controlled to change the delay of the liquid crystal layer and control the transmission or non-transmission of light.

[0083] As the CF substrate 110, a structure commonly used in the field of liquid crystal display panels can be used, for example, a structure in which components such as a color filter and a black matrix (BM: Black Matrix) layer are arranged on the surface of a transparent substrate such as a glass substrate. More specifically, the CF substrate 110 includes: a black matrix arranged in a grid shape on an insulating substrate in a manner corresponding to gate lines and source lines, a multi-color color filter including a red layer, a green layer, and a blue layer periodically arranged between grids of the black matrix, an outer coating layer composed of a transparent insulating resin that covers the above-mentioned black matrix and each color filter, and a photosensitive spacer arranged in a column shape on the outer coating layer.

[0084] The pair of polarizing plates 140 and the adhesive layer 150 (OCA, etc.) are not particularly limited and may have structures used in ordinary liquid crystal display devices. The liquid crystal layer 130 may also have a structure commonly used in ordinary liquid crystal display devices, and therefore, description thereof is omitted.

[0085] The backlight 40 is not particularly limited as long as it is a structure that irradiates light to the liquid crystal panel 20. For example, the backlight 40 may have a structure including a light source and a reflector. As the light source, a common backlight source such as a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) or a light emitting diode (LED) may be used.

[0086] The backlight source 40 may be a direct-light type or an edge-light type. If the edge-light type is cited as an example, the backlight source 40 may have a structure including a light source, a reflector, and a light guide plate. The light source is disposed on the end face of the light guide plate, and the reflector is disposed on the back face of the light guide plate. The light guide plate may use a structure commonly used in the field of image display devices. As the reflector, for example, an aluminum plate, a white polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, a reflective film (for example, an ESR (Enhanced Specular Reflector) film manufactured by 3M Company), etc. may be cited.

[0087] Alternatively, the image display device 1 of the present embodiment may be a structure composed of multiple components, in addition to the above-mentioned components, such as TCP (tape carrier package), PCB (printed wiring board) and other external circuits; optical films such as viewing angle magnification film and brightness enhancement film; outer frame (frame); etc., which are incorporated into other components according to different components. There is no particular limitation on components other than those already described, and structures commonly used in the field of image display devices can be used, so the description is omitted.

[0088] (Variation of Implementation Example 1) In the image display device 1 of the first embodiment, the display panel 10 is arranged on the viewing side of the liquid crystal panel 20, but the display panel 10 may be arranged on the back side of the liquid crystal panel 20. Figure 6 As shown, the image display device 1 may also include a liquid crystal panel 20 , a display panel 10 , and a backlight 40 in this order from the observation surface side toward the back surface side. Figure 6 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image display device of this example.

[0089] (Implementation Method 2) In this embodiment, features unique to this embodiment are mainly described, and descriptions of contents overlapping with those of the above-described Embodiment 1 are omitted. This embodiment is substantially the same as Embodiment 1 except that the configuration shape of the second electrode 232 is different.

[0090] Figure 8 is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the second electrode in the liquid crystal panel of this embodiment. Figure 8 As shown, the second electrodes 232 are arranged in a grid pattern in a plan view. In this case, it is possible to control the viewing angle of the screen not only in the left-right direction but also in the up-down direction.

[0091] (Implementation method 3) In this embodiment, the features unique to this embodiment are mainly described, and the description of the contents repeated in the above-mentioned Embodiment 1 is omitted. This embodiment is substantially the same as Embodiment 1 except that the position of the second electrode 232 and the design of the power supply are different.

[0092] Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal panel according to this embodiment. Fig. 9 As shown, the liquid crystal panel 20 of this embodiment includes a first transparent substrate 210, a first electrode 231, a liquid crystal layer 240, a second electrode 232 and a second transparent substrate 220 in sequence, and also includes an interlayer insulating film 250 and a third electrode 233 between the second electrode 232 and the second transparent substrate 220 from the second electrode 232 side.

[0093] Fig. 9 (c) is the same as implementation mode 1 ( Figure 1 In the above-mentioned embodiment 1, it is designed that the switching area 243 is switched to the transparent state (refer to Figure 2A ) or scattering state (refer to Figure 2B ). In contrast, in the present embodiment, the switching region 243 is designed to be switched between the transparent state and the scattering state by applying or not applying a voltage between the first electrode 231 and the third electrode 233 (261). In this case, in the present embodiment, the overlapping region 241 becomes the transparent region 244, and the non-overlapping region 242 becomes the switching region 243 (refer to Fig. 9 ). However, in reality, not only the non-overlapping region 242 becomes the switching region 243, but also the boundary between the overlapping region 241 and the non-overlapping region 242 sometimes becomes the switching region 243, and sometimes other parts become the switching region 243, depending on the application of the electric field between the electrodes. Therefore, as in Embodiment 1, the transparent region 244 and the switching region 243 are not limited to Fig. 9 The described manner can be appropriately controlled by, for example, the width and pitch of the second electrode 232 , the cell thickness (ie, the thickness D of the non-overlapping region 242 ), the voltage applied to each electrode, etc. The same can be said for the following other embodiments.

[0094] (Implementation 4) In this embodiment, features unique to this embodiment are mainly described, and descriptions of contents overlapping with those of the above-described Embodiment 1 are omitted. This embodiment is substantially the same as Embodiment 1 except that the arrangement shape of the third electrode 233 is different.

[0095] Fig. 10A It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a liquid crystal panel according to the present embodiment. Fig. 10B FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing another example of a liquid crystal panel according to the present embodiment. Fig. 10A as well as Fig. 10B As shown, the liquid crystal panel 20 of this embodiment includes a first transparent substrate 210, a first electrode 231, a liquid crystal layer 240, a second electrode 232 and a second transparent substrate 220 in sequence, and also includes an interlayer insulating film 250 and a third electrode 233 between the second electrode 232 and the second transparent substrate 220 from the second electrode 232 side.

[0096] Fig. 10A (d) is the same as implementation mode 1 ( Figure 1) is mainly different. In the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the third electrode 233 is arranged in a planar shape on the entire surface of the second transparent substrate 220. In other words, the third electrode 233 is a so-called physical electrode. In contrast, in this embodiment, the third electrode 233 is formed by patterning.

[0097] (Variation of Implementation Example 4) In the fourth embodiment, the switching region 243 is switched between the transmission state and the scattering or absorption state (see Fig. 10A ). It can also be designed as in the above-mentioned embodiment 3, by applying or not applying a voltage between the first electrode 231 and the third electrode 233 (261), the switching area 243 is switched between a transmission state and a scattering or absorption state (refer to Fig. 10B In this example, the design is as follows (see Fig. 10B ), therefore, the overlapping region 241 becomes the transparent region 244, and the non-overlapping region 242 becomes the switching region 243. However, as described above, in reality, not only the non-overlapping region 242 becomes the switching region 243, but depending on the application of the electric field between the electrodes, sometimes the boundary portion between the overlapping region 241 and the non-overlapping region 242 also becomes the switching region 243, and sometimes other portions also become the switching region 243.

[0098] Fig. 10B (e) is the same as implementation mode 3 ( Fig. 9 ) is mainly different. In the above-mentioned embodiment 3, the third electrode 233 is arranged in a planar shape on the entire surface of the second transparent substrate 220, similar to the above-mentioned embodiment 1. In other words, the third electrode 233 is a so-called physical electrode. In contrast, in this embodiment, the third electrode 233 is formed by patterning.

[0099] (Implementation 5) In this embodiment, features unique to this embodiment are mainly described, and descriptions of contents overlapping with those in Embodiment 1 are omitted. This embodiment is substantially the same as Embodiment 1 except that an electrode including a light absorbing material is used as the second electrode 232 .

[0100] Fig.11A This is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the wide viewing angle mode of the liquid crystal panel according to the present embodiment. Fig. 11B 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram for explaining the narrow viewing angle mode of the liquid crystal panel involved in this embodiment. Fig.11A as well as Fig. 11BAs shown, the liquid crystal panel 20 of this embodiment includes a first transparent substrate 210, a first electrode 231, a liquid crystal layer 240, a second electrode 232 and a second transparent substrate 220 in sequence, and also includes an interlayer insulating film 250 and a third electrode 233 between the second electrode 232 and the second transparent substrate 220 from the second electrode 232 side.

[0101] In this embodiment, an electrode containing a light absorbing material is used as the second electrode 232. By using an electrode containing a light absorbing material, it is possible to reduce obliquely emitted light (specifically, light emitted from the liquid crystal panel 20 as light in an oblique direction), and thus the narrow viewing angle performance is further improved. As the electrode containing a light absorbing material, for example, a light absorbing material electrode, a laminate of a light absorbing material layer and a transparent electrode, a laminate of a reflective material and a light absorbing material electrode, a laminate of a reflective material, a light absorbing material layer and a transparent electrode, etc. are preferred.

[0102] As the light absorbing material, the transparent electrode, and the reflective material constituting the electrode including the light absorbing material, those generally used in the field of electrodes may be used. For example, as the light absorbing material, a metal black matrix (also referred to as a metal BM) composed of a metal, a resin black matrix (also referred to as a resin BM) composed of a resin material, etc. can be cited. As the metal BM, for example, a metal film containing aluminum, molybdenum, chromium, titanium or an alloy thereof can be cited, and it can also be a single-layer film or a multi-layer film. As the resin BM, for example, a black resist can be cited, among which a black photosensitive resin is also preferred. Specifically, for example, a black photosensitive acrylic resin can be cited. The transmittance of the light absorbing material is preferably, for example, greater than 0% and less than 1%.

[0103] Examples of the transparent electrode are as described above, and ITO is also preferred among them. As the reflective material, for example, a highly reflective metal such as silver, aluminum, aluminum oxide, talc, titanium, silver, palladium, and copper alloy (APC) can be used. In addition, a dielectric multilayer film (reflection enhancement film) stacked with a high refractive index layer such as Ta2O3 and a low refractive index layer such as MgF2, a laminate of a highly reflective metal and a reflection enhancement film can also be used. The reflective material is formed by, for example, forming a metal film by a vapor deposition method, a sputtering method, etc. and then patterning it. The light reflectivity of the preferably reflective material is, for example, 90% or more and 100% or less.

[0104] In this embodiment, in particular, the case of using a light absorbing material electrode as the second electrode 232 is described. As the light absorbing material electrode, a metal BM is preferred. The metal BM is usually formed on a substrate as a metal film with a tiny pattern. Examples of the material of the metal film include aluminum, molybdenum, chromium, titanium, or alloys thereof. The film forming method is usually a vapor deposition method, a sputtering method, a vacuum film forming method, and the like. For example, after a photoresist is applied to a metal film and dried, ultraviolet rays are irradiated through a photomask, and after the unexposed portion is dissolved by a developer to form a resist pattern, the metal is etched and the resist is stripped off, thereby patterning the metal film.

[0105] In the narrow viewing angle mode of the above-mentioned embodiment 1 (see Figure 2B ), the light directly incident from the backlight source 40 to the switching region 243 (scattering state) (refer to Figure 2B (b)) is scattered in the switching region 243 and becomes light in an oblique direction and is emitted from the liquid crystal panel 20 (refer to Figure 2B (a)). In contrast, in the narrow viewing angle mode of this embodiment (refer to Fig. 11B ), the light directly incident from the backlight source 40 to the switching region 243 (scattering state) (refer to Fig. 11B (h)) is cut off by the light absorbing material electrode (second electrode 232), so that the light that is scattered and emitted from the liquid crystal panel 20 in an oblique direction can be reduced (refer to Fig. 11B (g)). Therefore, in this embodiment, the narrow viewing angle performance is further improved compared with the above-mentioned embodiment 1. In addition, there is light that does not directly enter the switching area 243 from the backlight source 40 but passes through the transparent area 244 to enter the switching area 243 (that is, light that enters the switching area 243 from the backlight source 40 without passing through the light absorbing material electrode (the second electrode 232)). Therefore, in the narrow viewing angle mode of this embodiment, there is also a small amount of oblique outgoing light generated by the scattering of this light.

[0106] (Variation of Implementation Example 5) In the above-mentioned Embodiment 5, the case where the light absorbing material electrode among the electrodes containing the light absorbing material is used as the second electrode 232 is described, but a laminate of a light absorbing material layer and a transparent electrode can also be used as the second electrode 232. In this case, as in the above-mentioned Embodiment 5, the narrow viewing angle performance is further improved compared with the above-mentioned Embodiment 1.

[0107] As the light absorbing material layer, resin BM is preferable. As the laminate of the light absorbing material layer and the transparent electrode, specifically, there can be mentioned a structure in which a transparent electrode (such as ITO) is laminated on the resin BM.

[0108] (Implementation method 6) In this embodiment, features unique to this embodiment are mainly described, and descriptions of contents overlapping with those in Embodiment 1 are omitted. This embodiment is substantially the same as Embodiment 1 except that an electrode including a light absorbing material is used as the second electrode 232 .

[0109] Fig. 12A This is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the wide viewing angle mode of the liquid crystal panel according to the present embodiment. Fig. 12B 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram for explaining the narrow viewing angle mode of the liquid crystal panel involved in this embodiment. Fig. 12A as well as Fig. 12B As shown, the liquid crystal panel 20 of this embodiment includes a first transparent substrate 210, a first electrode 231, a liquid crystal layer 240, a second electrode 232 and a second transparent substrate 220 in sequence, and also includes an interlayer insulating film 250 and a third electrode 233 between the second electrode 232 and the second transparent substrate 220 from the second electrode 232 side.

[0110] In this embodiment, an electrode containing a light absorbing material is used as the second electrode 232. By using an electrode containing a light absorbing material, obliquely emitted light can be reduced, and thus the narrow viewing angle performance is further improved. In this embodiment, among the electrodes containing a light absorbing material, a laminate of a reflective material and a light absorbing material electrode is used as the second electrode 232, which is described below.

[0111] As a reflective material, silver (Ag) is also preferred among the above-mentioned metals. As a light absorbing material electrode, metal BM is preferred as described above. Therefore, as a laminate of a reflective material and a light absorbing material electrode, a laminate of a metal BM laminated on silver is preferred. In addition, when an electrode including a reflective material is used as the second electrode 232, it is preferably configured so that the reflective material is located on the backlight source 40 side. That is, when a laminate of a reflective material and a light absorbing material electrode is used, it is preferred to configure the laminate so that the reflective material is on the backlight source 40 side.

[0112] As in the above-mentioned Embodiment 5, in this embodiment, the narrow viewing angle performance is further improved compared with the above-mentioned Embodiment 1. However, in Embodiment 5, in the wide viewing angle mode where it is not necessary to cut off the oblique light 1LB as a trade-off with the improvement of the narrow viewing angle performance, the light may be cut off by the second electrode 232 (light absorbing material electrode) (see Fig.11A(f)). In contrast, in the present embodiment, the second electrode 232 (a laminate of a reflective material and a light absorbing material electrode) includes a reflective material, and therefore, the light incident from the backlight source 40 to the overlapping region 241 (the switching region 243 of the scattering state) can be reflected toward the back side (the backlight source 40 side) by the reflective material. Furthermore, when the backlight source 40 has a reflective plate, the reflected light from the reflective material can be reflected again toward the observation side by the reflective plate and reused as light incident to the non-overlapping region 242 (transparent region 244) (see Fig. 12A As a result, the light directly incident on the overlapping area 241 (the switching area 243 in the scattering state) that is intended to be cut off in the narrow viewing angle mode is cut off, and can be absorbed without waste and changed (reused) into light in the front direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, the brightness can be improved in both the wide viewing angle mode and the narrow viewing angle mode.

[0113] (Variation of Implementation Example 6) In the above-mentioned Embodiment 6, the case where a laminate of a reflective material in an electrode containing a light absorbing material and a light absorbing material electrode is used as the second electrode 232 is described, but a laminate of a reflective material, a light absorbing material layer, and a transparent electrode can also be used as the second electrode 232. In this variation, as in the above-mentioned Embodiment 6, the narrow viewing angle performance is further improved, and the second electrode 232 contains a reflective material, so that the brightness can be improved in both the wide viewing angle mode and the narrow viewing angle mode.

[0114] As the reflective material, silver (Ag) is preferred as described above. As the light absorbing material layer, resin BM is preferred as described above. Therefore, as a laminate of the reflective material, the light absorbing material layer, and the transparent electrode, a laminate of resin BM and a transparent electrode (ITO, etc.) laminated on silver is preferred. In this case, it is also preferred to configure the laminate so that the reflective material is on the backlight source 40 side.

[0115] (Implementation 7) In this embodiment, the features unique to this embodiment are mainly described, and the description of the contents repeated in the above-mentioned embodiment 1 is omitted. This embodiment is substantially the same as the embodiment 1 except that a PDLC of a type that scatters under voltage application is used as the liquid crystal layer 240 .

[0116] Fig.13A This is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the wide viewing angle mode of the liquid crystal panel according to the present embodiment. Fig. 13B 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram for explaining the narrow viewing angle mode of the liquid crystal panel involved in this embodiment. Fig.13A as well as Fig. 13BAs shown in FIG. 1 , the liquid crystal panel 20 of the present embodiment includes a first transparent substrate 210, a first electrode 231, a liquid crystal layer 240, a second electrode 232, and a second transparent substrate 220 in this order. In the present embodiment, the electrode on the second substrate 220 side can be made into a single layer (only the second electrode 232), and an interlayer insulating film 250 is not required, so the manufacturing process can be further shortened (see FIG. 1 ). Fig.13A as well as Fig. 13B ).

[0117] like Fig.13A as well as Fig. 13B As shown, light enters the liquid crystal panel 20 from the back side (specifically, the backlight source 40). In the case where the liquid crystal layer 240 uses a PDLC having a scattering characteristic under voltage application, when no voltage is applied between the first electrode 231 and the second electrode 232 (260) (voltage non-applied state), the overlapping area 241 and the non-overlapping area 242 are not distinguished and integrated, and the liquid crystal layer 240 as a whole becomes a transparent state (transparent area) (refer to Fig.13A That is, the transparent region 244 and the switching region 243 have a transmittance T1. In this case, the light that is incident on the liquid crystal panel 20 from the backlight source 40 but does not enter the liquid crystal layer 240 via the second electrode 232 directly passes through the liquid crystal panel 20 (see Fig.13A As a result, light from the backlight source 40 can be transmitted from the low polar angle side to the high polar angle side in a manner that sufficiently reduces transmission loss, thereby achieving a wide viewing angle mode with high brightness.

[0118] On the other hand, when a voltage is applied between the first electrode 231 and the second electrode 232 (260) (voltage applied state), the liquid crystal layer 240 itself functions as a louver. That is, the oblique light 1LB of the light incident on the liquid crystal panel 20 from the backlight source 40 is scattered (attenuated) in the overlapping region 241 (switching region 243), and passes through the liquid crystal panel 20 (see FIG. 24) as attenuated light. Fig. 13B Here, the overlapping area 241 (switching area 243) is in a scattered state, while the non-overlapping area 242 (transparent area 244) remains in a transparent state. That is, the transparent area 244 has a transmittance T2, and the switching area 243 has a transmittance T3 due to scattering (where T1 ≥ T2 > T3). The front direction light 1LA of the light incident on the liquid crystal panel 20 from the backlight source 40 passes through the liquid crystal panel 20 without attenuation (refer to Fig. 13B As a result, the light from the backlight 40 can be attenuated on the high polar angle side, and the light from the back side can be transmitted only on the low polar angle side with the original brightness, so that a narrow viewing angle mode can be achieved.

[0119] (Implementation 8) In this embodiment, the features unique to this embodiment are mainly described, and description of the contents overlapped with those in the above-mentioned embodiment 1 is omitted. This embodiment is substantially the same as the embodiment 1 except that a PDLC of a type that scatters under voltage application is used as the liquid crystal layer 240 .

[0120] Fig.14A This is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the wide viewing angle mode of the liquid crystal panel according to the present embodiment. Fig. 14B 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram for explaining the narrow viewing angle mode of the liquid crystal panel involved in this embodiment. Fig.14A as well as Fig. 14B As shown, the liquid crystal panel 20 of this embodiment includes a first transparent substrate 210, a first electrode 231, a liquid crystal layer 240, a second electrode 232 and a second transparent substrate 220 in sequence, and an interlayer insulating film 250 and a third electrode 233 are provided between the second electrode 232 and the second transparent substrate 220 in sequence from the second electrode 232 side.

[0121] In the seventh embodiment, the electrode on the second substrate 220 side is made into one layer (only the second electrode 232), and the interlayer insulating film 250 is not required, but as in the present embodiment, the interlayer insulating film 250 and the third electrode 233 may be provided in order from the second electrode 232 side between the second electrode 232 and the second transparent substrate 220. In this case, as described in the first embodiment, different voltages can be applied to the transparent region 244 and the switching region 243, respectively, which is very useful.

[0122] (Implementation method 9) In this embodiment, features unique to this embodiment are mainly described, and descriptions of contents overlapping with those of the above-described Embodiment 1 are omitted. This embodiment is substantially the same as Embodiment 1 except that the material of the liquid crystal layer 240 is different.

[0123] Fig.15A This is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the wide viewing angle mode of the liquid crystal panel according to the present embodiment. Fig. 15B 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram for explaining the narrow viewing angle mode of the liquid crystal panel involved in this embodiment. Fig.15A as well as Fig. 15B As shown, the liquid crystal panel 20 of this embodiment includes a first transparent substrate 210, a first electrode 231, a liquid crystal layer 240, a second electrode 232 and a second transparent substrate 220 in sequence, and also includes an interlayer insulating film 250 and a third electrode 233 between the second electrode 232 and the second transparent substrate 220 from the second electrode 232 side.

[0124] In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal layer 240 contains a guest-host liquid crystal (also referred to as a GH-type liquid crystal) containing a dichroic pigment. The guest-host liquid crystal containing a dichroic pigment has a dichroic pigment (guest) added to a liquid crystal material (host). For the proportion of the dichroic pigment (guest), it is preferred that the proportion of the dichroic pigment (guest) is 0.5 to 15% by mass relative to the total amount of 100% by mass of the liquid crystal layer 240. It is more preferably 1 to 10% by mass, and further preferably 2 to 5%. The color of the dichroic pigment is not particularly limited, but for example, black, red, etc. can be cited.

[0125] The liquid crystal layer 240 also has an overlapping region 241 that overlaps with the second electrode 232 and a non-overlapping region 242 that does not overlap with the second electrode 232. The liquid crystal layer 240 has the characteristics of including GH-type liquid crystals containing dichroic pigments and having the overlapping region 241 and the non-overlapping region 242. Thus, the liquid crystal layer 240 has a transparent region 244 and a switching region 243 that switches between a transmission state and a scattering or absorption state. By designing a power supply, it is also possible to make the overlapping region 241 the switching region 243 and the non-overlapping region 242 the transparent region 244, or it is also possible to make the overlapping region 241 the transparent region 244 and the non-overlapping region 242 the switching region 243. In the present embodiment, it is designed that the switching region 243 is switched between the transmission state and the scattering state by applying or not applying a voltage between the first electrode 231 and the second electrode 232 (262). Therefore, the overlapping region 241 becomes the switching region 243 and the non-overlapping region 242 becomes the transparent region 244 (refer to Fig.15A as well as Fig. 15B However, as described above, in reality, not only the overlapping region 241 becomes the switching region 243, but also the boundary portion between the overlapping region 241 and the non-overlapping region 242 sometimes becomes the switching region 243, and sometimes other portions become the switching region 243, depending on the application of the electric field between the electrodes.

[0126] In this embodiment, the switching region 243 is a region that switches between a transmission state and an absorption state. The absorption state is a state of absorbing light. In this embodiment, the liquid crystal layer 240 in the absorption state is in the same state as the light shielding glass.

[0127] In this embodiment, as described later, in the wide viewing angle mode (see Fig.15A ), the transparent area 244 and the switching area 243 have a certain transmittance (also called visible light transmittance or light transmittance) T1. On the other hand, in the narrow viewing angle mode (refer to Fig. 15B), the transparent region 244 has a transmittance T2, and the switching region 243 has a transmittance T3 by absorption (wherein T1, T2, and T3 satisfy the relationship "T1 ≥ T2 > T3"). The transmittance T1 may be 100%, and T3 may be 0%.

[0128] like Fig.15A as well as Fig. 15B As shown, light is incident on the liquid crystal panel 20 from the back side (specifically, the backlight source 40). When the liquid crystal layer 240 includes GH-type liquid crystal, a voltage is applied between the first electrode 231 and the second electrode 232 (262) (voltage applied state), and when a voltage is applied between the first electrode 231 and the third electrode 233 (261), the overlapping region 241 and the non-overlapping region 242 are not distinguished and integrated, and the liquid crystal layer 240 as a whole is in a transparent state (transparent region) (refer to Fig.15A That is, the transparent region 244 and the switching region 243 have a transmittance T1. In this case, the light incident on the liquid crystal panel 20 from the backlight source 40 that has not passed through the second electrode 232 and has entered the liquid crystal layer 240 directly passes through the liquid crystal panel 20 (see Fig.15A As a result, light from the backlight source 40 can be transmitted from the low polar angle side to the high polar angle side in a manner that sufficiently reduces transmission loss, thereby achieving a wide viewing angle mode with high brightness.

[0129] On the other hand, in a state where no voltage is applied between the first electrode 231 and the second electrode 232 (262) (voltage non-applied state) and a voltage is applied between the first electrode 231 and the third electrode 233 (261), the liquid crystal layer 240 itself functions as a louver. That is, the oblique light 1LB of the light incident on the liquid crystal layer 240 from the backlight source 40 is absorbed (attenuated) in the overlapping region 241 (switching region 243), and passes through the liquid crystal panel 20 (refer to FIG. 1 ) as attenuated light. Fig. 15B Here, the overlapping area 241 (switching area 243) becomes an absorption state, while the non-overlapping area 242 (transparent area 244) remains in a transmission state. That is, the transparent area 244 has a transmittance T2, and the switching area 243 has a transmittance T3 due to absorption (where T1 ≥ T2 > T3). The front direction light 1LA of the light incident on the liquid crystal panel 20 from the backlight source 40 passes through the liquid crystal panel 20 without attenuation (see Fig. 15B As a result, the light from the backlight 40 can be attenuated on the high polar angle side, and the light from the back side can be transmitted only on the low polar angle side with the original brightness, so that a narrow viewing angle mode can be achieved.

[0130] (Variation of Implementation Example 9) In the above-mentioned ninth embodiment, an example in which GH type liquid crystal containing a dichroic dye is used as the liquid crystal layer 240 is described. However, a PDLC containing a dichroic dye may also be used as the liquid crystal layer 240 .

[0131] Fig.15A as well as Fig. 15B They are respectively a cross-sectional schematic diagram for explaining the wide viewing angle mode of the liquid crystal panel involved in this example and a cross-sectional schematic diagram for explaining the narrow viewing angle mode of the liquid crystal panel involved in this example. Fig.15A as well as Fig. 15B As shown, the liquid crystal panel 20 of this embodiment includes a first transparent substrate 210, a first electrode 231, a liquid crystal layer 240, a second electrode 232 and a second transparent substrate 220 in sequence, and also includes an interlayer insulating film 250 and a third electrode 233 between the second electrode 232 and the second transparent substrate 220 from the second electrode 232 side.

[0132] In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal layer 240 includes PDLC containing a dichroic dye. That is, the liquid crystal layer 240 includes PDLC containing a dichroic dye as a main component.

[0133] In addition, the liquid crystal layer 240 of the liquid crystal panel 20 of the present invention may be any one of a method including PDLC (for example, refer to embodiments 1 to 8 and a modified example of embodiment 9), a method including GH type liquid crystal (for example, refer to embodiment 9), and a method including both PDLC and GH type liquid crystal.

[0134] (Implementation 10) In this embodiment, the features unique to this embodiment are mainly described, and descriptions of contents overlapping with those of the above-described embodiment 1 are omitted. This embodiment is substantially the same as the embodiment 1 except that a backlight driven by local dimming is used as the backlight 40 .

[0135] Figure 4 , Figure 5A as well as Figure 5B The diagrams are a cross-sectional view of the image display device of the present embodiment, a cross-sectional view for explaining the wide viewing angle mode of the image display device of the present embodiment, and a cross-sectional view for explaining the narrow viewing angle mode of the image display device of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, a backlight source driven by local dimming is used as the backlight source 40.

[0136] Local dimming drive is a function of dividing the image display area of ​​the display device into multiple areas (also called segments) and controlling the light according to each area. If a backlight source driven by local dimming is used, the brightness of the backlight source can be locally controlled, thereby achieving high contrast and low power consumption of the display device. However, generally, in a display device that controls the viewing angle by a backlight source, it is difficult to take into account both viewing angle control and local dimming drive. In contrast, in the present invention, the viewing angle can be controlled by the liquid crystal panel 20, so the driving method of the backlight source is not selected. Therefore, it is very useful to be able to combine the liquid crystal panel 20 with a backlight source driven by local dimming.

[0137] (Implementation 11) In this embodiment, the features unique to this embodiment are mainly described, and descriptions of contents overlapping with those of the above-described Embodiment 1 are omitted. This embodiment is substantially the same as Embodiment 1 except that the display panel 10 is a self-luminous display panel.

[0138] Fig.16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image display device involved in this embodiment. Fig.16 As shown, the image display device 1 of this embodiment includes the liquid crystal panel 20 of this embodiment and a self-luminous display panel as a display panel 10 for displaying an image. An adhesive layer 150 is usually provided between the display panel 10 and the liquid crystal panel 20 for bonding them. The image display device of this embodiment includes a self-luminous display panel as the display panel 10, and therefore, does not require a backlight.

[0139] As a self-luminous display panel, there is no particular limitation as long as it is a self-luminous display panel. For example, an organic electroluminescent (EL) display panel, a Micro-LED display panel using micron (μm) units of tiny LEDs as RGB elements, etc. In the present invention, the viewing angle can be controlled by the liquid crystal panel 20 regardless of whether there is a backlight source or not. Therefore, it is very useful to be able to combine the liquid crystal panel 20 with the self-luminous display panel.

[0140] As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, each matter of description is applicable to this invention as a whole.

[0141] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0142] (Example 1) The image display device of Example 1 corresponds to the image display device of Embodiment 1 described above (see Figure 4 , Figure 5A , Figure 5B as well as Figure 7). The size of the display panel 10 is 11-inch, the resolution is FHD, and the pixel pitch (the width of the pixel in the extension direction of the gate line × the width of the pixel in the extension direction of the source line) is set to 42μm×126μm. Various design values ​​of the liquid crystal panel 20 are shown in Table 1. In the embodiments described below, unless otherwise specified, the display panel 10 and the backlight source 40 use the same structure as in Example 1. The various designs and structures of the liquid crystal panel 20 are the same as in Example 1 unless otherwise specified.

[0143] Table 1

[0144] Fig.17A 1 is a waveform diagram of the voltage of each electrode in the wide viewing angle mode in the image display device of this embodiment. Fig. 17B 2 is a waveform diagram of the voltage of each electrode in the narrow viewing angle mode in the image display device of this embodiment. A (231) is a waveform diagram of the voltage of the first electrode 231, B (233) is a waveform diagram of the voltage of the third electrode 233, and C (232) is a waveform diagram of the voltage of the second electrode 232. The horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents voltage (V). The driving voltage is not limited to this voltage setting, but is set appropriately.

[0145] In this embodiment, the first electrode 231 (A) functions as a common electrode, and the non-overlapping area 242 (mainly the transparent area 244) is controlled by the first electrode 231 (A) and the third electrode 233 (B), and the overlapping area 241 (mainly the switching area 243) is controlled by the first electrode 231 (A) and the second electrode 232 (C).

[0146] The image display device of this embodiment can correspond to the usual liquid crystal process, does not generate moiré fringes, and has excellent viewing angle performance. In particular, in addition to being able to achieve a wide viewing angle mode with high brightness, the thickness, weight and manufacturing cost of the image display device can also be suppressed.

[0147] (Example 2) The image display device of Example 2 corresponds to the image display device of Embodiment 2. Except that the configuration of the second electrode 232 is changed to Figure 8 Except for the grid shape (plan view) shown, the rest is the same as the above-mentioned embodiment 1. In the image display device of this embodiment, the viewing angle of the screen can be controlled not only in the left-right direction but also in the up-down direction.

[0148] (Example 3) The image display device of Example 3 corresponds to the image display device of Embodiment 3 described above (see Fig. 9). In this embodiment, it is designed that the switching region 243 is switched to a transparent state or a scattering state by applying or not applying a voltage (261) between the first electrode 231 and the third electrode 233. In this embodiment, the overlapping region 241 mainly becomes the transparent region 244, and the non-overlapping region 242 mainly becomes the switching region 243.

[0149] (Examples 4-1, 4-2) The image display device of Example 4-1 corresponds to the image display device of the above-mentioned Embodiment 4 (refer to Fig. 10A ), the image display device of Example 4-2 corresponds to the image display device of the modified example of the above-mentioned embodiment 4 (refer to Fig. 10B ). The third electrode 233 is as follows Fig. 10A (d) and Fig. 10B It is formed by engraving a pattern as shown in (e).

[0150] The image display device of this embodiment can also correspond to the usual liquid crystal process, does not produce moiré fringes, and has excellent viewing angle performance. In particular, in addition to being able to achieve a wide viewing angle mode with high brightness, it can also suppress the thickness, weight and manufacturing cost of the image display device.

[0151] (Example 5) The image display device of Example 5 corresponds to the image display device of Embodiment 5 described above (see Fig.11A as well as Fig. 11B ). In this embodiment, a light absorbing material electrode (metal BM) is used as the second electrode 232. In this embodiment, compared with the first embodiment, the narrow viewing angle performance is further improved.

[0152] (Example 6) The image display device of Example 6 corresponds to the image display device of Embodiment 6 described above (see Fig. 12A as well as Fig. 12B ). In this embodiment, a laminate of a reflective material and a light absorbing material electrode is used as the second electrode 232. In this embodiment, the brightness is further improved in both the wide viewing angle mode and the narrow viewing angle mode compared to the first embodiment.

[0153] (Example 7) The image display device of Example 7 corresponds to the image display device of Embodiment 7 described above (see Fig.13A as well as Fig. 13B ). Fig.18A 1 is a waveform diagram of the voltage of each electrode in the wide viewing angle mode in the image display device of this embodiment. Fig.18B2 is a waveform diagram of the voltage of each electrode in the narrow viewing angle mode in the image display device of this embodiment. A (231) is a waveform diagram of the voltage of the first electrode 231, and B (232) is a waveform diagram of the voltage of the second electrode 232. The horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents voltage (V). The driving voltage is not limited to this voltage setting, but is set appropriately.

[0154] In this embodiment, the first electrode 231 (A) functions as a common electrode, and the overlapping region 241 (mainly the switching region 243 ) is controlled by the first electrode 231 (A) and the second electrode 232 (C).

[0155] In this embodiment, the third electrode and the interlayer insulating film are not required, and the manufacturing process can be further shortened.

[0156] (Example 8) The image display device of Example 8 corresponds to the image display device of Embodiment 8 described above (see Fig.14A as well as Fig. 14B ). Fig.19A 1 is a waveform diagram of the voltage of each electrode in the wide viewing angle mode in the image display device of this embodiment. Fig.19B 2 is a waveform diagram of the voltage of each electrode in the narrow viewing angle mode in the image display device of this embodiment. A (231) is a waveform diagram of the voltage of the first electrode 231, B (233) is a waveform diagram of the voltage of the third electrode 233, and C (232) is a waveform diagram of the voltage of the second electrode 232. The horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents voltage (V). The driving voltage is not limited to this voltage setting, but is set appropriately.

[0157] In this embodiment, the first electrode 231 (A) functions as a common electrode, and the non-overlapping area 242 (mainly the transparent area 244) is controlled by the first electrode 231 (A) and the third electrode 233 (B), and the overlapping area 241 (mainly the switching area 243) is controlled by the first electrode 231 (A) and the second electrode 232 (C).

[0158] (Examples 9-1, 9-2) The image display device of Example 9-1 corresponds to the image display device of the above-mentioned Embodiment 9, and the image display device of Example 9-2 corresponds to the image display device of the modified example of the above-mentioned Embodiment 9 (for any example, refer to Fig.15A as well as Fig. 15B ).

[0159] The image display device of this embodiment can also correspond to the usual liquid crystal process, does not produce moiré fringes, and has excellent viewing angle performance. In particular, in addition to being able to achieve a wide viewing angle mode with high brightness, it can also suppress the thickness, weight and manufacturing cost of the image display device.

[0160] (Example 10) The image display device of Example 10 corresponds to the image display device of the above-mentioned Embodiment 10. The structure of the image display device, the optical path in each viewing angle mode, etc. refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5A , Figure 5B as well as Figure 7 By combining a backlight source driven by local dimming as in this embodiment, it is also possible to realize an image display device having excellent viewing angle performance while suppressing thickness, weight and manufacturing cost.

[0161] (Example 11) The image display device of Example 11 corresponds to the image display device of Embodiment 11 described above (see Fig.16 ). By combining with a self-luminous display panel as in this embodiment, it is also possible to realize an image display device with excellent viewing angle performance while suppressing thickness, weight and manufacturing cost.

[0162] The various aspects of the present invention described above may be appropriately combined within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention. Description of Reference Numerals

[0163] 1, 1R...image display device; 1LA...light in the front direction; 1LB...light in the oblique direction; 10...display panel; 20, 20R...liquid crystal panel; 30R...louver layer; 40...backlight source; 110...color filter (CF) substrate; 120...thin film transistor (TFT) substrate; 130...liquid crystal layer; 140...polarizing plate; 150...adhesive layer; 210...first transparent substrate; 220...second transparent substrate; 230...electrode; 231...first electrode; 232...second electrode; 233...third electrode; 240, 240R...liquid crystal layer; 241...overlapping region; 242...non-overlapping region; 243...switching region; 244...transparent region; 250...interlayer insulating film; 260, 261, 262...power supply.

Claims

1. A liquid crystal panel, comprising a first transparent substrate, a first electrode, a liquid crystal layer, a second electrode and a second transparent substrate in sequence, wherein: The liquid crystal layer contains polymer dispersed liquid crystals and / or guest-host liquid crystals containing dichroic pigments, and has an overlapping area overlapping with the second electrode and a non-overlapping area not overlapping with the second electrode, thereby the liquid crystal layer has a transparent area and a switching area, and the switching area switches between a transmission state and a scattering or absorption state.

2. The liquid crystal panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second electrodes are arranged in a stripe shape or a grid shape in a plan view.

3. The liquid crystal panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: An interlayer insulating film and a third electrode are provided between the second electrode and the second transparent substrate in this order from the second electrode side.

4. The liquid crystal panel according to claim 3, characterized in that: Different voltages can be applied to the transparent region and the switching region, respectively.

5. The liquid crystal panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thickness of the non-overlapping region is 30 μm or less.

6. The liquid crystal panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second electrode is a transparent electrode or an electrode including a light absorbing material.

7. An image display device, characterized in that: have: The liquid crystal panel according to any one of claims 1 to 6; and A display panel that displays images.

8. The image display device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The image display device further includes a backlight.

9. The image display device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The backlight source has a local dimming function.

10. The image display device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The display panel is a liquid crystal display panel or a self-luminous display panel.

Images