Liquid crystal display device

Abstract

Provided is a liquid crystal display device with which it is possible to obtain bright display with a low applied voltage in both reflective display and transmissive display, and with which it is possible to achieve a wide color reproduction range. The liquid crystal display device has a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, and is provided with a liquid crystal panel having a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, and a liquid crystal layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate. Each of the plurality of pixels includes a reflective region in which display is performed in a reflective mode and a transmissive region in which display is performed in a transmissive mode, and the first substrate has a first color filter layer, a reflective electrode, a transparent insulating layer, and a pixel electrode in this order toward the liquid crystal layer. The reflective electrode is disposed in the reflective region and provided with an opening in the transmissive region, the pixel electrodes are disposed for each pixel and disposed in the reflective region and the transmissive region, and the second substrate has a second color filter layer and a counter electrode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid crystal display device, and more particularly to a semi-transmissive liquid crystal display device in which each pixel includes a reflective region and a transmissive region. Background Art

[0002] Liquid crystal display devices are generally divided into transmissive liquid crystal display devices and reflective liquid crystal display devices. Transmissive liquid crystal display devices display in a transmissive mode using light emitted from a backlight source. Reflective liquid crystal display devices display in a reflective mode using ambient light. In addition, a liquid crystal display device has been proposed that includes a reflective area in which each pixel displays in a reflective mode and a transmissive area in which each pixel displays in a transmissive mode. Such a liquid crystal display device is called a semi-transmissive type. Semi-transmissive liquid crystal display devices are disclosed in, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a liquid crystal display device, comprising: a first substrate including a first insulating substrate; gate lines and data lines crossing each other on the first insulating substrate to define a pixel area; a thin film transistor arranged in an intersection area of ​​the gate lines and the data lines and having a drain electrode; an organic film formed on the thin film transistor and having a recessed portion; a reflective film formed on the organic film; a black matrix surrounding the pixel area; a color filter layer formed in the pixel area defined by the black matrix and having an increased thickness in the recessed portion; and a pixel electrode formed on the color filter layer; a second substrate facing the first substrate and including a second insulating substrate and a common electrode formed on the second insulating substrate; and a liquid crystal layer arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a liquid crystal display device comprising: a first substrate, a second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the inner surfaces of the first and second substrates, the first substrate having a plurality of pixel regions and a plurality of switch elements arranged in a matrix; a passivation layer disposed on the first substrate and covering the switch elements, the passivation layer having a plurality of through holes; a cover layer disposed on the passivation layer, the passivation layer having a plurality of recesses for exposing the through holes of the passivation layer; a reflective electrode disposed in each pixel region, the reflective electrode disposed on the cover layer and having at least one opening corresponding to the recess of the cover layer; a transmissive electrode disposed corresponding to the opening of the reflective electrode, the transmissive electrode and the reflective electrode being electrically connected to each other, and at least one of the transmissive electrode and the reflective electrode being electrically connected to the switch element; and a color filter layer disposed in the recess of the cover layer and on the reflective electrode. Figure 6 A configuration is disclosed in which an additional filter layer 211 is provided below the reflective electrode 212 . Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-025674 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-215639 Summary of the Invention Technical problems to be solved by the present invention

[0006] A semi-transmissive liquid crystal display device includes a reflective area for performing reflective display and a transmissive area for performing transmissive display. A semi-transmissive liquid crystal display device can achieve high visibility in an outdoor environment under sunlight, and can confirm information at night by using a transmissive display with a backlight. However, in existing semi-transmissive liquid crystal display devices, there is a problem of a narrow color reproduction range (low NTSC ratio) of the transmissive display. In addition, it is desired to improve the light utilization efficiency (reflectivity) in the reflective mode display and to perform a bright display in the reflective mode.

[0007] In the reflective region of Patent Document 1, the reflective film 171 receives an electrical signal from the electrically connected drain electrode 143 and applies the electrical signal to the liquid crystal molecules located above the reflective film 171 (see Figure 2 , paragraph

[0042] , etc.). In the reflective region of Patent Document 2, the reflective electrode 212 is electrically connected to the drain electrode 234b of the thin film transistor, and a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal display layer 230 to perform color display (see Figure 6 , paragraph

[0023] , etc.). In the reflective region of Patent Document 1, since color filter layer 185 is formed on reflective film 171 for driving the liquid crystal, the applied voltage is divided between liquid crystal layer 300 and color filter layer 185, making it impossible to apply a sufficient voltage to liquid crystal layer 300. Therefore, in the reflective region, in order to align the liquid crystal molecules in the desired orientation, it is necessary to increase the applied voltage. Furthermore, in Patent Document 1, subpixels are driven by reflective film 171, while in Patent Document 2, pixels are driven by reflective electrode 212. Therefore, the reflective film needs to be patterned for each subpixel or pixel. In Patent Documents 1 and 2, the narrower the reflective film area, the more difficult it is to increase the reflectivity.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and provides a liquid crystal display device that can achieve bright display with a low applied voltage in both reflective display and transmissive display and can realize a wide color reproduction range. Technical solutions to technical problems

[0009] (1) A liquid crystal display device according to one embodiment of the present invention has a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, and the liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal panel, the liquid crystal panel including a first substrate, a second substrate opposite to the first substrate, and a liquid crystal layer arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate, the plurality of pixels respectively including a reflective region for displaying in a reflective mode and a transmissive region for displaying in a transmissive mode, the first substrate including a first color filter layer, a reflective electrode, a transparent insulating layer, and a pixel electrode in sequence facing the liquid crystal layer, the transparent insulating layer being arranged in the reflective region and the transmissive region, the reflective electrode being arranged in the reflective region and having an opening in the transmissive region, the pixel electrode being arranged on each of the pixels and in the reflective region and the transmissive region, and the second substrate including a second color filter layer and an opposing electrode.

[0010] (2) In addition, in a liquid crystal display device according to one embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of (1), the reflective electrode is arranged so as to straddle the plurality of pixels.

[0011] (3) In addition, in a liquid crystal display device according to one embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of (1) above, liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer are in twisted alignment.

[0012] (4) In addition, a liquid crystal display device according to one embodiment of the present invention is based on the structure of the above-mentioned (1), wherein the transparent insulating layer has a recessed portion in the transmission area that is recessed from the liquid crystal layer side toward the first color filter layer side, the pixel electrode covers the surface of the recessed portion, and the surface of the pixel electrode on the liquid crystal layer side arranged in the transmission area is closer to the first color filter layer side than the surface of the pixel electrode on the liquid crystal layer side arranged in the reflection area.

[0013] (5) In addition, a liquid crystal display device according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured according to the above-mentioned (4), wherein the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate side is parallel to the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate side.

[0014] (6) In addition, a liquid crystal display device according to one embodiment of the present invention is based on the structure of any one of the above (1) to (5), wherein the liquid crystal layer contains liquid crystal molecules with negative dielectric anisotropy, and has vertical alignment films between the counter electrode and the liquid crystal layer, and between the pixel electrode and the liquid crystal layer.

[0015] (7) In addition, a liquid crystal display device according to one embodiment of the present invention is based on the structure of any one of the above (1) to (5), wherein the liquid crystal layer contains liquid crystal molecules with positive dielectric anisotropy, and has horizontal alignment films between the counter electrode and the liquid crystal layer, and between the pixel electrode and the liquid crystal layer.

[0016] (8) In addition, a liquid crystal display device according to one embodiment of the present invention has the configuration of any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein the reflective electrode has a concavo-convex structure on a surface on the liquid crystal layer side.

[0017] (9) In addition, a liquid crystal display device according to one embodiment of the present invention is based on the structure of any one of the above (1) to (8), wherein the liquid crystal panel has a first polarizing plate on the first substrate side and a second polarizing plate on the second substrate side.

[0018] (10) In addition, in a liquid crystal display device according to one embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of (9) above, at least one of the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate is a circularly polarizing plate. Beneficial effects

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a liquid crystal display device that can achieve bright display with a low applied voltage in both reflective display and transmissive display and that can realize a wide color reproduction range. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic plan view showing a liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of line X1-X2 in FIG. Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of one pixel in the case where a contact hole is provided in the transmissive region in Embodiment 1. Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 2. Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of one pixel in the case where a contact hole is provided in the transmissive region in the second embodiment. Figure 6 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a liquid crystal display device of Comparative Example 1. Figure 7 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a liquid crystal display device of Comparative Example 2. Figure 8 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a liquid crystal display device of Comparative Example 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. The present invention is not limited to the contents described in the following embodiments, and design changes can be appropriately made within the scope of the present invention. In addition, in the following description, the same symbols are used in common between different drawings for the same parts or parts with the same functions, and their repeated descriptions are appropriately omitted. Various aspects of the present invention can be appropriately combined within the scope of the present invention.

[0022] In this specification, "two directions are orthogonal to each other" means that the angle formed by the two directions is within the range of 90±3°, preferably within the range of 90±1°, and more preferably within the range of 90±0.5°. Furthermore, "two directions are parallel" means that the angle formed by the two directions is preferably within the range of 0°±3°, more preferably within the range of 0°±1°, and even more preferably within the range of 0°±0.5°.

[0023] In this specification, the “observer side” refers to the side closer to the observer when the observer observes the display device, and is also referred to as the “front side.” The “back side” refers to the side opposite to the observer side.

[0024] (Implementation Method 1) A liquid crystal display device according to embodiment 1 includes a liquid crystal panel having a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, and includes a first substrate, a second substrate opposite to the first substrate, and a liquid crystal layer provided between the first and second substrates, wherein the plurality of pixels respectively include a reflective region for displaying in a reflective mode and a transmissive region for displaying in a transmissive mode, the first substrate including, in sequence, a first color filter layer, a reflective electrode, a transparent insulating layer, and a pixel electrode facing the liquid crystal layer, the reflective electrode being arranged in the reflective region and having an opening in the transmissive region, the pixel electrode being arranged for each pixel, in the reflective region and the transmissive region, and the second substrate including a second color filter layer and an opposing electrode.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic plan view of the liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional diagram of the X1-X2 line in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the liquid crystal display device 1 has a plurality of pixels P arranged in a matrix, and the matrix has a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. Figure 2 As shown, the plurality of pixels P each include a reflective region Rf for displaying in a reflective mode and a transmissive region Tr for displaying in a transmissive mode. Hereinafter, displaying in a reflective mode is referred to as reflective display, and displaying in a transmissive mode is referred to as transmissive display.

[0026] (LCD panel) like Figure 2 As shown, the liquid crystal panel 100 includes a first substrate 10 , a second substrate 20 facing the first substrate 10 , and a liquid crystal layer 30 disposed between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 .

[0027] The first substrate 10 includes, facing the liquid crystal layer 30, a first supporting substrate 11, a first color filter layer 12, a reflective electrode 13, a transparent insulating layer 14, and a pixel electrode 15. In the reflective region, the pixel electrode 15 for liquid crystal driving is arranged independently of the reflective electrode 13. This eliminates the need to divide the reflective electrode 13 for each pixel, allowing the reflective electrode 13 to be arranged even between pixels. This increases the reflective electrode area and improves reflectivity. By arranging the pixel electrode 15 on the front side (the liquid crystal layer 30 side) of the reflective electrode 13 through the transparent insulating layer 14, even if the reflective electrode 13 has a concave-convex structure, the pixel electrode 15 can be formed after being flattened by the transparent insulating layer 14. This prevents the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules from being disturbed by the concave-convex structure, resulting in highly uniform in-plane alignment.

[0028] Here, when a color filter layer is configured only on the second substrate (countering substrate), external light incident from the viewer's side in the reflective region passes through the color filter layer, then is reflected by the reflective electrode and passes through the color filter layer again, thus passing through the color filter layer twice. On the other hand, in the transmissive region, light emitted from the backlight (backlight light) makes a single rotation or does not pass through the color filter layer. Consequently, the color reproduction range of transmissive display may be narrow (low NTSC ratio). In contrast, the liquid crystal display device of Embodiment 1 configures color filter layers on both the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, and in the first substrate 10, the first color filter layer 12 is not configured on the viewer side of the reflective electrode 13. Therefore, the thickness of the color filter layer contributing to transmissive display (the sum of the thickness of the first color filter layer 12 and the thickness of the second color filter layer 22 in the transmissive region Tr) is thicker than the thickness of the color filter layer contributing to reflective display (the thickness of the second color filter layer 22) located on the viewer side of the reflective electrode 13. Therefore, compared with the liquid crystal display device of Embodiment 1, the color reproduction range of transmissive display can be expanded (the NTSC ratio can be improved).

[0029] The first supporting substrate 11 is a substrate that supports the components of the first substrate 10, such as the first color filter layer 12, the reflective electrode 13, the transparent insulating layer 14, and the pixel electrode 15. As a material for the transparent substrate, for example, alkali-free glass or plastic can be used. Furthermore, in this specification, "transparent" means being transparent to light. Specifically, it means that the transmittance (e.g., parallel light transmittance) of light (e.g., visible light) is greater than 80% and less than 100%.

[0030] Although not shown in the figure, a circuit (backplane circuit) for driving the pixels P can also be formed on the first substrate 10. The backplane circuit is formed, for example, between the first supporting substrate 11 and the first color filter layer 12. The first color filter layer 12 can also be arranged to cover the backplane circuit. The above-mentioned backplane circuit can also include, for example, a memory circuit (such as SRAM) connected to a plurality of pixels P respectively. A liquid crystal display device in which a memory circuit is provided for each pixel P is sometimes also referred to as a "memory liquid crystal". Like a general active matrix substrate, the above-mentioned backplane circuit can also include a thin film transistor (TFT) connected to the pixel electrode 15 and a gate bus, a source bus, etc. connected to the above-mentioned TFT. The specific structure of the above-mentioned memory liquid crystal is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Gazette No. 5036864. For the purpose of the entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Gazette No. 5036864, it is cited in this specification.

[0031] The TFTs described above include, for example, an amorphous silicon layer, a polycrystalline silicon layer, or an oxide semiconductor layer containing an In-Ga-Zn-O semiconductor as an active layer (see Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-007399). For reference, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-007399 is incorporated herein by reference.

[0032] The color filter layer 12 includes a red filter 12R, a green filter 12G, and a blue filter 12B. Pixels provided with the red filter 12R are referred to as red pixels R, pixels provided with the green filter 12G are referred to as green pixels G, and pixels provided with the blue filter 12B are referred to as blue pixels B. A black matrix (light-shielding layer) may be provided between the red filter 12R, the green filter 12G, and the blue filter 12B, but it is preferably omitted to achieve a brighter display.

[0033] The first color filter layer 12 is disposed at a position overlapping at least the opening 13a (transmission region Tr) of the reflective electrode 13. However, the first color filter layer 12 may also be disposed on the back side of the reflective electrode 13 (opposite to the liquid crystal layer 30) in the reflective region Rf. When the backlight has low directivity, some light obliquely passes through the first color filter layer 12 due to diffusion of the backlight light. Therefore, by disposing the first color filter layer 12 below the reflective electrode 13 other than the opening 13a, it is possible to prevent achromatic light from entering the opening 13a, thereby preventing a decrease in the color saturation of the transmissive display.

[0034] Materials commonly used in the field of liquid crystal panels can be used as the material of the first color filter layer 12. For example, negative or positive photosensitive resins containing pigments can be used. Examples of such photosensitive resins include acrylic resins, polyvinylphenol resins, and novolac resins.

[0035] As described later, when a concavo-convex structure (MRS) is formed on the surface of the reflective electrode 13 on the liquid crystal layer 30 side, a concavo-convex structure may be formed on the surface of the first color filter layer 12, and the reflective electrode 13 may be formed thereon. Considering the thickness suitable for forming the concavo-convex structure, the thickness of the first color filter layer 12 is preferably 1.0 μm to 2.5 μm, and more preferably 1.3 μm to 2.3 μm.

[0036] The thickness of the first color filter layer 12 is preferably greater than or equal to the thickness of the second color filter layer 22. Reflected display light passes through the second color filter layer 22 on the second substrate 20 side twice, while transmissive display light passes through the second color filter layer 22 only once. Therefore, when the first color filter layer 12 and the second color filter layer 22 are formed of a colored resist having the same pigment concentration, the thickness of the first color filter layer 12 on the first substrate 10 side is preferably greater than or equal to the thickness of the second color filter layer 22 in order to achieve color reproducibility in transmissive display that is equal to or greater than that in reflective display.

[0037] The reflective electrode 13 is a reflective member formed on the first color filter layer 12. It reflects external light that enters the viewer's side and passes through the liquid crystal layer 30 back toward the viewer's side. The reflective electrode 13 is located in the reflective region Rf, and has an opening 13a in the transmissive region Tr. Specifically, the area where the reflective electrode 13 is located per pixel P is the reflective region Rf, while the area where the reflective electrode 13 is not located (the area overlapping the opening 13a) is the transmissive region Tr. Alternatively, the opening 13a is surrounded by the reflective electrode 13 when viewed from above.

[0038] The opening 13a is preferably provided for each pixel P, and more preferably provided in the center of a pixel P. By providing the opening 13a for transmissive display in the center of the reflective electrode 13 of each pixel P, the boundary between different colors of the first color filter layer 12 is shielded by the reflective electrode 13, thereby making it difficult to cause color mixing. In addition, even if the alignment accuracy of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 is slightly low, the transmissive region Tr can be configured for each pixel P, thereby improving productivity. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, one opening 13 a may be provided for one pixel P, or a plurality of openings 13 a may be provided for one pixel P.

[0039] The reflective electrode 13 is preferably arranged across multiple pixels. In other words, in addition to the reflective region Rf of each pixel P, the reflective electrode 13 is preferably arranged between at least two adjacent pixels P in the row or column direction (the region overlapping with the region between adjacent pixel electrodes 15 when viewed from above). In other words, the reflective electrode 13 is preferably not divided for each pixel P (not patterned). By adopting this approach, the region between pixels P can also contribute to reflective display, further improving the reflectivity. From the perspective of further improving the reflectivity, the reflective electrode 13 is more preferably arranged between multiple pixels adjacent in the row and column directions. In addition, the so-called arrangement across the above-mentioned multiple pixels only requires that the reflective electrode 13 is arranged across at least two adjacent pixels in the row or column direction, and does not need to be arranged across all pixels.

[0040] The reflective electrode 13 preferably has a concave-convex structure on the surface on the liquid crystal layer 30 side. By having a concave-convex structure on the surface, it is possible to diffusely reflect ambient light and achieve a bright reflective display. The above-mentioned concave-convex structure is sometimes also referred to as MRS (Micro Reflective Structure). The concave-convex structure can be composed of a plurality of convex portions randomly arranged in such a manner that the center spacing between adjacent convex portions is greater than or equal to 5 μm and less than or equal to 50 μm, preferably greater than or equal to 10 μm and less than or equal to 20 μm. When observed from the normal direction of the display surface, the shape of the convex portion is approximately circular or approximately polygonal. The area occupied by the convex portion in the pixel P is, for example, approximately 20% to 40%. The height of the convex portion is, for example, greater than or equal to 1 μm and less than or equal to 5 μm.

[0041] The above-mentioned concavo-convex structure is obtained by, for example, forming the first color filter layer 12 on the first support substrate 11, then forming the concavo-convex structure on the surface of the first color filter layer opposite the first support substrate 11 using photolithography or other methods, and then sputtering a reflective electrode material or the like thereon. In this case, the surface of the first color filter layer 12 facing the liquid crystal layer 30 has a concavo-convex structure, and the surface of the reflective electrode 13 has a concavo-convex structure that reflects the concavo-convex structure of the first color filter layer 12. As a method for forming the above-mentioned concavo-convex structure, for example, the method described in Japanese Patent No. 3394926 can be used.

[0042] Another method for obtaining a bright reflective display is to provide the reflective electrode 13 with a flat mirror surface. For example, a method of disposing a light scattering film between the first polarizing plate 40 and the liquid crystal panel 100 is mentioned.

[0043] The reflective electrode 13 is formed of a metal material having a high reflectivity. Examples of the metal material used to form the reflective electrode 13 include aluminum, silver, and alloys thereof.

[0044] The reflective electrode 13 can be electrically connected to the backplane circuit, and the same potential (common potential) as that applied to the counter electrode 23 can be applied to the reflective electrode 13. In this case, the pixel electrode 15, the reflective electrode 13, and the transparent insulating layer 14 therebetween form an auxiliary capacitor.

[0045] A transparent electrode 16 may be stacked on the back side of the reflective electrode 13. The transparent electrode 16 may be in contact with the reflective electrode 13. As the transparent electrode 16, the same transparent conductive material as that of the pixel electrode 15 described later can be used.

[0046] The transparent insulating layer 14 is disposed in the reflective region Rf and the transmissive region Tr of each pixel P. The transparent insulating layer 14 is an insulating layer disposed between the reflective electrode 13 and the pixel electrode 15 , and is preferably disposed so as to cover at least the reflective electrode 13 , and more preferably so as to cover the reflective electrode 13 and the opening 13 a .

[0047] As the material of the transparent insulating layer 14 , materials commonly used in the field of liquid crystal panels can be used, and for example, a pigment-free negative or positive photosensitive resin can be used.

[0048] From the viewpoint of preventing a decrease in reflectivity and transmittance due to the transparent insulating layer 14 , the thickness of the transparent insulating layer 14 is preferably 1.0 μm to 2.5 μm, and more preferably 1.4 μm to 2.0 μm.

[0049] The pixel electrode 15 is arranged for each pixel P, in the reflective region Rf and the transmissive region Tr. By adopting this method, the liquid crystal molecules in the reflective region Rf and the transmissive region Tr within a pixel can be driven by a single pixel electrode. In addition, the pixel electrode 15 is arranged on the reflective electrode 13 via the transparent insulating layer 14, and the first color filter layer 12 is arranged on the back side of the reflective electrode 13. In other words, a structure is adopted in which no insulator such as a color filter layer is provided between the pixel electrode 15 and the liquid crystal layer 30, and the liquid crystal molecules in the reflective region Rf and the transmissive region Tr within a pixel are driven by a single pixel electrode. With this structure, no voltage division occurs in the color filter layer and the liquid crystal layer. Therefore, compared with the structure disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 in which the liquid crystal driving electrode (the reflective electrode in the reference document 1) has a color filter on the liquid crystal layer side, a sufficient voltage can be applied, and a bright display can be obtained with a low applied voltage.

[0050] The pixel electrode 15 is preferably made of a transparent conductive material. Examples of the transparent conductive material include indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO (registered trademark)), or a mixture thereof. As described in Patent Document 1, when a reflective film also serves as an electrode for driving a liquid crystal, flickering may occur due to a difference in work function between the metal material of the reflective film and the transparent conductive material of the counter electrode. In this embodiment, a pixel electrode 15 for driving a liquid crystal is provided in the reflective region independently of the reflective electrode 13. The pixel electrode 15 can be formed of the same transparent conductive material as the counter electrode, which will be described later. This can suppress flickering.

[0051] The pixel electrode 15 is electrically connected to the backplane circuit. The pixel electrode 15 may also be electrically connected to the backplane circuit via a contact hole provided in the transmission region Tr. Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a pixel in the case where a contact hole is provided in the transmission region in Embodiment 1. Figure 3 As shown, for example, a first contact electrode 17 electrically connected to the backplane circuit may be provided on the support substrate 11, and a second contact electrode 18 and a third contact electrode 19 may be provided on the first color filter layer 12 (12R). The first contact electrode 17 may be electrically connected to the second and third contact electrodes 18 and 19 via a first contact hole CH1 penetrating the first color filter layer 12 (12R), and the second and third contact electrodes 18 and 19 may be electrically connected to the pixel electrode 15 via a second contact hole CH2 penetrating the transparent insulating layer 14.

[0052] As the material of the second contact electrode 18, the same transparent conductive material as the transparent electrode 16 can be used. As the material of the third contact electrode 19, the same metal material as the reflective electrode 13 can be used. When the third contact electrode 19 is formed of the same metal material as the reflective electrode 13, the area where the third contact electrode 19 is arranged functions as the reflective area Rf. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the case where the second contact electrode 18 and the third contact electrode 19 are stacked is illustrated, but only one of the second contact electrode 18 or the third contact electrode 19 may be used.

[0053] The second substrate 20 includes a second supporting substrate 21 , a second color filter layer 22 , and a counter electrode 23 in this order facing the liquid crystal layer 30 .

[0054] The second support substrate 21 supports the components of the second substrate 20 such as the second color filter layer 22 and the counter electrode 23. The second support substrate 21 is preferably a transparent substrate, and can be made of the same material as the first support substrate 11.

[0055] The second color filter layer 22 may also include a red color filter 22R, a green color filter 22G, and a blue color filter 22B. The material of the second color filter layer 22 can be the same as that of the first color filter layer 12. A black matrix (light shielding layer) may be arranged between the red color filter 22R, the green color filter 22G, and the blue color filter 22B, but from the perspective of obtaining a brighter display, it is preferably not arranged with a black matrix.

[0056] The red filter 22R, green filter 22G, and blue filter 22B of the second color filter layer 22 are arranged so as to face the color filters of the same color included in the first color filter layer 12. That is, it is preferable that the color filters of the same color are arranged so as to overlap in a plan view in the first color filter layer 12 and the second color filter layer 22. It is preferable that the red filters 12R and 22R are arranged in the red pixel R, the green filters 12G and 22G are arranged in the green pixel G, and the blue filters 12B and 22B are arranged in the blue pixel B.

[0057] The counter electrode 23 is provided so as to face the pixel electrode 15. The counter electrode 23 can be made of the same transparent conductive material as the pixel electrode 15. The counter electrode 23 as a whole only needs to be applied with the same common potential, and can be provided for each pixel or across multiple pixels.

[0058] The liquid crystal layer 30 contains liquid crystal molecules. The liquid crystal molecules may be negative liquid crystals having a negative dielectric anisotropy (Δε) as defined by the following formula (L), or positive liquid crystals having a positive dielectric anisotropy. Δε=(dielectric constant in the long axis direction)-(dielectric constant in the short axis direction)(L)

[0059] In Embodiment 1, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 30 preferably have twisted alignment. Twisted alignment refers to an alignment method in which the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate 10 side of the liquid crystal layer 30 and the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 20 side of the liquid crystal layer 30 have different alignment directions. The angle formed by the alignment directions of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate 10 side and the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 20 side is also referred to as a "twist angle."

[0060] The liquid crystal layer 30 may also contain the above-mentioned liquid crystal molecules and chiral materials. As the above-mentioned filler material, a well-known material in the field of liquid crystal panels can be used.

[0061] Although not shown in the figure, the liquid crystal panel 100 may also have an alignment film between the counter electrode 23 and the liquid crystal layer 30, and between the pixel electrode 15 and the liquid crystal layer 30. The above-mentioned alignment film is a film that controls the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules when no voltage is applied, and is arranged in a manner of contacting the liquid crystal layer 30. As the above-mentioned alignment film, a polymer having polyimide, polyamic acid, polysiloxane, etc. in the main chain can be used. At least one of the above-mentioned alignment films is subjected to an alignment treatment such as a friction treatment and a photo-alignment treatment. In addition, the above-mentioned no voltage applied refers to a state where no voltage is applied between the pixel electrode and the counter electrode, and also includes a case where a voltage less than the threshold value of the liquid crystal molecules is applied to the liquid crystal layer.

[0062] The alignment film may be a vertical alignment film that aligns the liquid crystal molecules substantially vertically relative to the alignment film when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 30. Alternatively, the alignment film may be a horizontal alignment film that aligns the liquid crystal molecules substantially horizontally relative to the alignment film when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 30.

[0063] The liquid crystal molecules are substantially aligned vertically when the tilt angle is 83° or more and 90° or less, preferably 85° or more and 90° or less, and more preferably 87.5° or more and 88.0° or less. The liquid crystal molecules are substantially aligned horizontally when the tilt angle is 0° or more and 10° or less, preferably 0° or more and 5° or less, and more preferably 0° or more and 2° or less.

[0064] The display mode of the liquid crystal display device of embodiment 1 is preferably a VA-TN (Vertical Aligned Twisted Nematic) mode. As a VA-TN mode, for example, the liquid crystal layer 30 contains a negative liquid crystal and a chiral material. When the liquid crystal layer contains liquid crystal molecules with negative dielectric anisotropy (negative liquid crystal), it is preferred that a vertical alignment film is provided between the counter electrode and the liquid crystal layer, and between the pixel electrode and the liquid crystal layer. In the VA-TN mode, the negative liquid crystal of the liquid crystal layer 30 is vertically aligned when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 30, and is twisted in the horizontal direction when a predetermined voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 30.

[0065] The vertical alignment film subjected to the photo-alignment treatment preferably contains at least one of a cinnamate group, an azophenyl group, a chalcone group, a stilbene group, and a coumarin group as a photoreactive functional group. The inclusion of these photoreactive functional groups allows for a highly reliable alignment film to be obtained without eluting photodegradable products into the liquid crystal layer 30, enabling alignment treatment with low irradiation energy.

[0066] In the VA-TN mode, positive liquid crystal may also be used. When the liquid crystal layer includes liquid crystal molecules with positive dielectric anisotropy (positive liquid crystal), a horizontal alignment film is preferably provided between the counter electrode and the liquid crystal layer and between the pixel electrode and the liquid crystal layer.

[0067] <Polarizing plate> The liquid crystal display device 1 of Embodiment 1 preferably includes a first polarizing plate 40 on the first substrate 10 side of the liquid crystal panel 100 and a second polarizing plate 50 on the second substrate 20 side.

[0068] The first polarizer 40 and the second polarizer 50 can also be linear polarizers. A linear polarizer is a polarizer that converts incident light into linearly polarized light and is a component that changes the polarization state and / or direction of the incident light. Examples of the above-mentioned linear polarizers include absorptive polarizers and reflective polarizers. An absorptive polarizer has an absorption axis that absorbs light with a specific polarization direction and a transmission axis that is orthogonal to the absorption axis. A reflective polarizer has a reflection axis that reflects light with a specific polarization direction and a transmission axis that is orthogonal to the reflection axis.

[0069] Examples of the absorption-type polarizing plate include a linear polarizing plate composed of a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) dyed stretched film polarizer and a triacetyl cellulose (TAC) protective layer, a dye polarizing plate, and a coating-type polarizing plate.

[0070] Examples of reflective polarizers include a multilayer reflective polarizer (trade name: DBEF) manufactured by Sumitomo 3M, a reflective linear polarizer formed by combining a cholesteric liquid crystal film and a λ / 4 plate. By using a reflective polarizer, backlight light absorbed by the absorption axis (in the case of an absorptive polarizer) is reflected by the reflective polarizer and further reflected toward the viewer by the reflector forming the backlight, resulting in a bright reflective display. The reflective polarizer can also be incorporated into the backlight.

[0071] At least one of the first polarizer 40 and the second polarizer 50 is preferably a circular polarizer. A circular polarizer is a polarizer that converts incident light into circularly polarized light. The first polarizer 40 may also be a circular polarizer formed by laminating a linear polarizer 41 and a phase difference layer 42. The second polarizer 50 may also be a circular polarizer formed by laminating a linear polarizer 51 and a phase difference layer 52. More preferably, both the first polarizer and the second polarizer are circular polarizers.

[0072] Examples of the retardation layer include a configuration using one quarter-wave plate, and a configuration combining one quarter-wave plate with one to two half-wave plates or negative C plates.

[0073] The liquid crystal display device 1 of embodiment 1 can also form a normally black display that is black when no voltage is applied and white when voltage is applied by adjusting the transmission axis orientation of the above-mentioned first polarizer and the above-mentioned second polarizer, the slow axis orientation of the phase difference layer, the orientation orientation of the liquid crystal molecules, etc.

[0074] The transmission axis of linear polarizer 41 is preferably perpendicular to the transmission axis of linear polarizer 51. When the circular polarizer is a combination of a linear polarizer and a quarter-wave plate, the transmission axis of the linear polarizer and the slow axis of the quarter-wave plate preferably form an angle of approximately 45°. The term "approximately 45°" means that the angle formed by the two directions is preferably within the range of 45°±3°, more preferably within the range of 45°±1°, and even more preferably within the range of 45°±0.5°.

[0075] (Backlight) The liquid crystal display device 1 may include a backlight 200 on the rear side of the liquid crystal panel 100 . The backlight 200 may be disposed on the side of the first polarizing plate 40 opposite to the liquid crystal panel 100 .

[0076] The backlight 200 includes a light source (e.g., an LED) 201 that emits light, a light guide plate 202 that guides the light from the light source 201 toward the liquid crystal panel, and a reflector 203 disposed on the back side of the light guide plate 202. Although not shown, the backlight 200 may further include a prism sheet and a diffusion sheet on the front side of the light guide plate 202.

[0077] (Implementation Method 2) Figure 4 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 2. Figure 1 In addition, the description of the structure common to Embodiment 1 is omitted. In Embodiment 2, a backlight may be provided on the back side of the liquid crystal panel 100 as in Embodiment 1.

[0078] like Figure 4 As shown, in the liquid crystal display device 2 of the second embodiment, the transparent insulating layer 14 of the liquid crystal panel 100 has a concave portion 14a that is recessed from the liquid crystal layer 30 side toward the first color filter layer 12 side in the transmission region Tr. Figure 4 In the example, the recess 14a is provided throughout the entire transmissive region Tr. However, the recess 14a may also be provided in a portion of the transmissive region Tr. Providing the recess 14a in the transparent insulating layer 14 can improve the transmittance of the transmissive region Tr. The recess 14a can be formed in the transparent insulating layer 14 using photolithography or other methods. The side surfaces of the recess 14a may also be inclined.

[0079] From the perspective of forming the recessed portion 14 a, the thickness of the transparent insulating layer 14 is preferably 1.0 μm to 2.5 μm. Furthermore, from the perspective of preventing a decrease in the reflectivity and transmittance of the transparent insulating layer 14 , the thickness of the transparent insulating layer 14 is preferably 1.0 μm to 2.5 μm, and more preferably 1.4 μm to 2.0 μm.

[0080] The pixel electrode 15 is formed on the transparent insulating layer 14 after forming the recess 14a on the transparent insulating layer 14. The pixel electrode 15 preferably covers the surface of the recess 14a of the transparent insulating layer 14, but may also be arranged along the depression of the recess 14a. The pixel electrode 15 is recessed corresponding to the recess 14a. Since the transparent insulating layer 14 has the recess 14a in the transmission region Tr and the pixel electrode 15 is formed on the transparent insulating layer 14, the surface of the pixel electrode 15 on the liquid crystal layer 30 side arranged in the transmission region Tr is closer to the first color filter layer 12 side (the back side) than the surface of the pixel electrode 15 on the liquid crystal layer 30 side arranged in the reflective region Rf.

[0081] In the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the pixel electrode 15 may be electrically connected to the backplane circuit via a contact hole provided in the transmission region Tr. Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a pixel in the case where a contact hole is provided in the transmission region in Embodiment 2. Figure 5 As shown, in the second embodiment, the first contact hole CH1 and the second contact hole CH2 may be provided in the recess 14 a .

[0082] The recess 14a is recessed from the liquid crystal layer 30 side toward the first color filter layer 12 side. Therefore, the thickness T1 of the liquid crystal layer 30 in the transmissive region Tr is greater than the thickness T2 of the liquid crystal layer 30 in the reflective region Rf. By making T1 greater than T2, a higher transmittance can be obtained.

[0083] In this embodiment, the twist angle of the liquid crystal layer 30 is substantially 0°, and the display is performed in VA-ECB (Vertical Aligned Electrically Controlled Birefringence) mode. In the above-mentioned V-ECB, it is preferred that the liquid crystal layer 30 does not contain a chiral material. When a negative liquid crystal is used, the above-mentioned orientation film is preferably a vertical orientation film. In the above-mentioned VA-ECB, the negative liquid crystal of the liquid crystal layer 30 is vertically oriented when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 30, and is horizontally oriented when a specified voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 30, and the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules located on the above-mentioned first substrate side is parallel to the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules located on the above-mentioned second substrate side. That is, it is preferred that the twist angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 30 is substantially 0°. In addition, "the twist angle is substantially 0°" also includes the case where the twist angle is close to 0° within the range of manufacturing error.

[0084] By forming the recess 14a in the transmissive region Tr of the transparent insulating layer 14, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 30 in the transmissive region Tr is made thicker than that in the reflective region Rf, and the VA-ECB mode is adopted, a brighter transmissive display can be achieved.

[0085] In the VA-ECB mode, negative-type liquid crystals may be used as liquid crystal molecules. When the liquid crystal layer 30 includes negative-type liquid crystals, the alignment film is preferably a horizontal alignment film. [Example]

[0086] Hereinafter, although the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to Examples and Comparative Examples, the present invention is not limited to these Examples.

[0087] (Example 1) Example 1 is a specific example of implementation mode 1, having Figure 1-Figure 3 The specific structure of Example 1 is as follows. First supporting substrate and second supporting substrate: glass substrate (alkali-free glass plate) Reflective electrode: Silver alloy (MRS is formed on the surface of the liquid crystal layer side) Pixel electrode, transparent electrode and counter electrode: ITO Transparent insulating layer: organic insulating layer (thickness 1.5μm) The first and second color filter layers consist of red, green, and blue color filters (each 2.0 μm thick). The white transmittance is 56.8%. The white transmittance is the sum of the visual brightness of the red, green, and blue pixels and divided by 3. Liquid crystal layer: negative liquid crystal, chiral material Display mode: VA-TN mode (the twist angle of liquid crystal molecules is 80°) Thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the reflective area: 3.0 μm Thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the transmissive area: 3.0 μm First polarizer and second polarizer: Circular polarizers made by combining a linear polarizer and a phase difference layer (λ / 4 plate and λ / 2 plate) Backlight: Edge-lit backlight with LED as the light source

[0088] (Example 2) Example 2 is a specific example of implementation mode 2. Figure 1 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 Example 2 is the same as Example 1 except that the structures of the liquid crystal layer and the TFT substrate are different. The specific structure is as follows. Liquid crystal layer: negative liquid crystal, non-chiral material Display mode: VA-ECB (twist angle of liquid crystal molecules is 0°) Thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the reflective area: 2.0 μm Thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the transmissive area: 2.8 μm

[0089] (Comparative Example 1) Figure 6 : is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the liquid crystal display device of Comparative Example 1. Figure 6 As shown, the liquid crystal panel 1001 of Comparative Example 1 is configured such that the first substrate 10 does not include a first color filter layer, and a transparent insulating layer 1014 is disposed on the back side of the reflective electrode 13 (opposite to the liquid crystal layer 30) in place of the first color filter layer. The transparent insulating layer 1014 is the same as the transparent insulating layer 14 of Example 1. Furthermore, the transparent insulating layer 14 is not disposed on the liquid crystal layer 30 side of the reflective electrode 13, and the pixel electrode 15 is disposed on the back side of the reflective electrode 13. Except for the above configuration, Comparative Example 1 is the same as Example 1.

[0090] (Comparative Example 2) Figure 7 : is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the liquid crystal display device of Comparative Example 2. Figure 7 As shown, the liquid crystal panel 1002 of Comparative Example 2 has the same structure as that of Example 1, except that a transparent insulating layer 1014 is disposed on the back side of the reflective electrode 13 of the first substrate 10 (the side opposite to the liquid crystal layer 30) instead of the first color filter layer. The transparent insulating layer 1014 is the same as the transparent insulating layer 14 of Example 1.

[0091] (Comparative Example 3) Figure 8 : is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the liquid crystal display device of Comparative Example 3. Figure 8 As shown, the liquid crystal panel 1003 of Comparative Example 3 has the same structure as that of Example 2, except that a transparent insulating layer 1014 is provided on the back side of the reflective electrode 13 of the first substrate 10 (the side opposite to the liquid crystal layer 30) instead of the first color filter layer. The transparent insulating layer 1014 is the same as the transparent insulating layer 14 of Example 1.

[0092] (Measurement of reflectivity and transmittance) The normalized reflectance and normalized transmittance of Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3 were determined by the following methods (1) to (4), and the results are summarized in Table 1 below. (1) Liquid crystal display devices of Comparative Examples 1 to 3 were prepared, and their reflectance spectra and spectral luminance spectra were measured. The reflectance spectra were measured using a CM-700d manufactured by Konica Minolta. The spectral luminance spectra were obtained using an SR-UL1 manufactured by Topcon. (2) Based on the measured values ​​of the reflectivity spectra and the measured values ​​of the spectral radiation brightness spectra of Comparative Examples 1 to 3, the reflectivity component of the reflective electrode, the transmittance component of the second color filter, the aperture ratio component of the liquid crystal panel based on the light-shielding components such as the gate wiring and the source wiring, and the brightness component of the backlight are separated by numerical calculation, thereby calculating the mode efficiency spectra of the reflective display and the mode efficiency spectra of the transmissive display (also including the transmittance component of the polarizing plate) of Comparative Examples 1 to 3. (3) Using the pattern efficiency spectra of the reflective display of Comparative Examples 1 to 3 obtained by the above (2), the pattern efficiency spectrum of the transmissive display, the measured value of the transmittance spectrum of the second color filter, the reflectance spectrum of the reflective electrode, the aperture ratio of the liquid crystal panel, the color function of the two-degree viewing field, the D65 light source spectrum, and the spectral radiation brightness spectrum of the backlight, the visual reflectivity and visual brightness (Y value of the tristimulus value XYZ) of Example 1 and Example 2 in which the color filter layer is two layers are calculated are obtained. (4) Then, the visual reflectance and visual brightness of Comparative Example 1 were set to 1, and the visual reflectance and visual brightness of Example 1, Example 2, Comparative Example 2, and Comparative Example 3 were standardized to obtain the normalized reflectance and normalized transmittance.

[0093] (NTSC ratio measurement) The color reproduction range (NTSC ratio) of the transmissive display of Comparative Examples 1 to 3 was determined as follows: the liquid crystal panel to be measured was placed on a backlight, and the visual brightness of RGB (the Y value of the tristimulus values ​​XYZ) was measured using a luminance meter (e.g., SR-UL1-Spectroradiometer manufactured by TOPCON TECHNOHOUSE). The NTSC ratio of the transmissive display of Examples 1 and 2 was calculated based on the values ​​determined in (1) to (3) above. The results are summarized in Table 1 below.

[0094] [Table 1]

[0095] As shown in Table 1, since the first substrate in Examples 1 and 2 has the first color filter layer, although the transmittance of the transmissive region decreases compared to Comparative Examples 1 to 3, the NTSC ratio is approximately 3 times, and the color reproducibility is greatly improved.

[0096] Example 2, which employs the VA-ECB mode, has a higher NTSC ratio than Comparative Examples 1 and 2, which employ the VA-TN mode, and has a normalized transmittance that is at least equal to or greater than that of Comparative Examples 1 and 2. Because Example 1 and Comparative Example 2, as well as Example 2 and Comparative Example 3, have the same configuration on the viewer side of the reflective region Rf relative to the reflective electrode 13, the normalized reflectance is the same. Comparisons between Example 1 and Comparative Example 2, and between Example 2 and Comparative Example 3, show that by making the thickness of the color filter layer contributing to transmissive display (the sum of the thickness of the first color filter layer 12 and the thickness of the second color filter layer 22 in the transmissive region Tr) thicker than the thickness of the color filter layer contributing to reflective display (the thickness of the second color filter layer 22), the color reproduction range of transmissive display can be expanded.

[0097] In addition, in Examples 1 and 2, since the same pixel electrode is used to drive the liquid crystal molecules in the reflective area and the transmissive area within a pixel and no insulator such as a color filter layer is provided on the pixel electrode (on the liquid crystal layer side), it is possible to prevent the reduction in the applied voltage to the liquid crystal layer caused by the voltage division of the above-mentioned insulator, and a bright display can be obtained with a lower applied voltage in both reflective display and transmissive display. Description of Reference Numerals

[0098] 1. 1001, 1002, 1003: Liquid crystal display device 10: First substrate 11: First supporting substrate 12: First color filter layer 12B, 22B: Blue filter 12G, 22G: Green filter 12R, 22R: Red filter 13: Reflective electrode 13a: Opening of the reflective electrode 14.1014: Transparent insulating layer 14a: Concave portion of transparent insulating layer 15: Pixel electrode 16: Transparent electrode 17: First contact electrode 18: Second contact electrode 19: Third contact electrode 20: Second substrate 21: Second supporting substrate 22: Second color filter layer 23: Counter electrode 30: Liquid crystal layer 40: First polarizer 41, 51: linear polarizer 42, 52: Phase difference layer 50: Second polarizer 100: LCD panel 200: Backlight 201: Light Source 202: Light guide plate 203: Reflector B: Blue pixel G: Green pixel P: Pixel R: Red pixel Rf: Reflective area Tr: Transmission area

Claims

1. A liquid crystal display device having a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, The liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal panel, and the liquid crystal panel has: a first substrate; a second substrate, which is opposite to the first substrate; and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, characterized in that: The plurality of pixels respectively include a reflective area for displaying in a reflective mode and a transmissive area for displaying in a transmissive mode, The first substrate has a first color filter layer, a reflective electrode, a transparent insulating layer arranged in the reflective area and the transmissive area, and a pixel electrode in sequence toward the liquid crystal layer. The reflective electrode is disposed in the reflective region, and an opening is provided in the transmissive region. The pixel electrode is arranged on each of the pixels and is arranged in the reflective region and the transmissive region. The second substrate has a second color filter layer and an opposing electrode.

2. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reflective electrode is configured to span across the plurality of pixels.

3. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein: The liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer are in twisted orientation.

4. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein: The transparent insulating layer has a concave portion in the transmission region that is concave from the liquid crystal layer side toward the first color filter layer side, The pixel electrode covers the surface of the recessed portion, and a surface of the pixel electrode disposed in the transmissive region on the liquid crystal layer side is closer to the first color filter layer than a surface of the pixel electrode disposed in the reflective region on the liquid crystal layer side.

5. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate side is parallel to the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate side.

6. The liquid crystal display device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The liquid crystal layer contains liquid crystal molecules with negative dielectric anisotropy. A vertical alignment film is provided between the counter electrode and the liquid crystal layer, and between the pixel electrode and the liquid crystal layer.

7. The liquid crystal display device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The liquid crystal layer contains liquid crystal molecules with positive dielectric anisotropy. A horizontal alignment film is provided between the counter electrode and the liquid crystal layer, and between the pixel electrode and the liquid crystal layer.

8. The liquid crystal display device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The reflective electrode has a concavo-convex structure on a surface on the liquid crystal layer side.

9. The liquid crystal display device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The liquid crystal panel includes a first polarizing plate on the first substrate side and a second polarizing plate on the second substrate side.

10. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 9, characterized in that: At least one of the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate is a circular polarizing plate.

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