Liquid crystal display device

Abstract

To provide a liquid crystal display device capable of enhancing display contrast.SOLUTION: A first substrate including a plurality of gate lines extending in a first direction and a plurality of source lines extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, a second substrate facing the first substrate, and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and containing liquid crystal molecules having positive dielectric anisotropy, the first substrate sequentially including a first electrode, an insulating layer, and a second electrode provided with an opening having a longitudinal shape, in a plan view, a longitudinal direction of the opening is inclined at an angle θ 11 [°] in one of clockwise and counterclockwise directions with respect to a direction perpendicular to the first direction, and in a plan view, an alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the no-voltage-applied state located near the first substrate and in a central portion of the opening is inclined at an angle θ 12 [°] in a direction opposite to the one direction with respect to the direction perpendicular to the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The following disclosure relates to a liquid crystal display device. [Background technology]

[0002] As a technology relating to liquid crystal display devices, Patent Document 1 discloses a horizontal electric field type liquid crystal display device having a first substrate, a second substrate opposite the first substrate, a liquid crystal layer provided between the first and second substrates, and pixel electrodes and common electrodes formed on the surface of the first substrate facing the second substrate and generating an electric field parallel to the first substrate between them, wherein the pixel region between the pixel electrode and the common electrode is configured so that a main portion where the electric field direction is perpendicular to the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules and a unique portion that is smaller than the main portion and where the electric field direction is not perpendicular are formed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-248557 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display device capable of improving the display contrast. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] (1) One embodiment of the present invention provides a liquid crystal display device comprising: a first substrate having a plurality of picture elements arranged in a matrix, the first substrate including a plurality of gate lines extending in a first direction, a plurality of source lines extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a nonlinear element array arranged corresponding to intersections of the gate lines and the source lines; a second substrate facing the first substrate; and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and containing liquid crystal molecules having positive dielectric anisotropy, wherein each picture element is connected to two adjacent gate lines and two adjacent source lines. the first substrate further comprises, in that order, a first electrode, an insulating layer, and a second electrode having a longitudinal opening, the longitudinal direction of the opening being inclined at an angle θ11 [°] in one of a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction with respect to a direction perpendicular to the first direction in a planar view, and the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules located in the vicinity of the first substrate and in the center of the opening in a no-voltage-applied state being inclined at an angle θ12 [°] in a direction opposite to the one direction with respect to a direction perpendicular to the first direction in a planar view.

[0006] (2) Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is a liquid crystal display device that, in addition to the configuration of (1) above, satisfies the following (formula 1-1): θ12<θ11 (Equation 1-1)

[0007] (3) Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is a liquid crystal display device that, in addition to the configuration of (1) or (2) above, satisfies the following (formula 1-2): 0°<θ11<45° (Formula 1-2)

[0008] (4) Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of (1), (2), or (3), the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules located in the vicinity of the second substrate and in the center of the opening in a planar view, when no voltage is applied, is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0009] (5) Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of (1), (2), (3), or (4), the first substrate further comprises a color filter layer.

[0010] (6) Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of (1), (2), (3), (4), or (5), a liquid crystal display device is provided in which the second electrode has a plurality of openings, and the plurality of openings are arranged one for each pixel.

[0011] (7) Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), or (6), a liquid crystal display device further comprises, in a planar view, a light-shielding film containing a metal between the plurality of picture elements.

[0012] (8) Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of (7), the light-shielding film is island-shaped in plan view.

[0013] (9) Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is a liquid crystal display device having the configuration of (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), or (8) above, and further having a resolution of 1200 ppi or more.

[0014] (10) Another embodiment of the present invention provides a liquid crystal display device comprising: a first substrate having a plurality of picture elements arranged in a matrix, the first substrate including a plurality of gate lines extending in a first direction, a plurality of source lines extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a nonlinear element array arranged corresponding to intersections of the gate lines and the source lines; a second substrate facing the first substrate; and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and containing liquid crystal molecules having negative dielectric anisotropy, wherein each picture element is connected to two adjacent gate lines and two adjacent nonlinear element arrays. a first substrate, an insulating layer, and a second electrode having a longitudinal opening, in that order; in plan view, the longitudinal direction of the opening is inclined at an angle θ21 [°] in one of a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction with respect to the first direction; and in plan view, the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules located near the first substrate and at the center of the opening in a no-voltage-applied state is inclined at an angle θ22 [°] in the opposite direction to the one direction with respect to the first direction.

[0015] (11) Furthermore, an embodiment of the present invention is a liquid crystal display device that, in addition to the configuration of (10) above, satisfies the following (formula 2-1): θ22<90°-θ21 (Equation 2-1)

[0016] (12) Furthermore, an embodiment of the present invention is a liquid crystal display device that, in addition to the configuration of (10) or (11), satisfies the following (formula 2-2): 45°<θ21<90° (Formula 2-2)

[0017] (13) Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of (10), (11), or (12), the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules located in the vicinity of the second substrate and in the center of the opening in a planar view when no voltage is applied is parallel to the first direction.

[0018] (14) Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of (10), (11), (12), or (13), the first substrate further comprises a color filter layer.

[0019] (15) Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of (10), (11), (12), (13), or (14), a liquid crystal display device is configured such that the second electrode is provided with a plurality of the openings, and the plurality of openings are arranged one for each pixel.

[0020] (16) Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of (10), (11), (12), (13), (14), or (15), a liquid crystal display device further comprises, in a planar view, a light-shielding film containing a metal between the plurality of picture elements.

[0021] (17) Furthermore, in addition to the configuration of (16), another embodiment of the present invention is a liquid crystal display device, wherein the light-shielding film is island-shaped in plan view.

[0022] (18) Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is a liquid crystal display device having the configuration of (10), (11), (12), (13), (14), (15), (16), or (17) above, and further having a resolution of 1200 ppi or more.

[0023] (19) Furthermore, in addition to the configuration of (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7) or (8), (9), (10), (11), (12), (13), (14), (15), (16), (17) or (18), an embodiment of the present invention is a liquid crystal display device further comprising: a first polarizer disposed on the opposite side of the first substrate from the liquid crystal layer and having a first polarization axis that is parallel to or perpendicular to the first direction; and a second polarizer disposed on the opposite side of the second substrate from the liquid crystal layer and having a second polarization axis that is perpendicular to the first polarization axis. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a liquid crystal display device capable of improving the display contrast. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating a liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment taken along the line A1-A2 in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of an FFS mode liquid crystal display device of a comparative example. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically illustrating a liquid crystal display device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a plan view schematically illustrating a liquid crystal display device according to a modification of the first and second embodiments. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. The present invention is not limited to the contents described in the following embodiments, and appropriate design changes can be made within the scope of the configuration of the present invention. In the following description, the same reference numerals will be used in different drawings as appropriate for the same parts or parts having similar functions, and repeated explanations will be omitted as appropriate. Each aspect of the present invention may be combined as appropriate within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0027] The following describes embodiments of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the contents described in the following embodiments, and appropriate design changes can be made within the scope of the configuration of the present invention.

[0028] (Embodiment 1) Fig. 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating a liquid crystal display device according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the liquid crystal display device according to embodiment 1 taken along line A1-A2 in Fig. 1.

[0029] 1 and 2, a liquid crystal display device 1 of this embodiment has a plurality of picture elements 10P arranged in a matrix, and includes a first substrate 100 including a plurality of gate lines 120L extending in a first direction 11D, a plurality of source lines 150L extending in a second direction 12D intersecting the first direction 11D, and a nonlinear element array 100T arranged corresponding to the intersections of the gate lines 120L and the source lines 150L, ​​a second substrate 200 facing the first substrate 100, and a liquid crystal layer 300 sandwiched between the first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200 and containing liquid crystal molecules 300L with positive dielectric anisotropy. Each picture element 10P is defined by two adjacent gate lines 120L and two adjacent source lines 150L. The first substrate 100 further includes, in order, a first electrode 100E1, an insulating layer 100F, and a second electrode 100E2 having a longitudinal opening 100E2X. In a plan view, the longitudinal direction 20D of the opening 100E2X is tilted at an angle θ11 [°] in one of a clockwise and counterclockwise direction (clockwise in this embodiment) with respect to a direction 11DV perpendicular to the first direction 11D. In a plan view, the alignment direction 301A of the liquid crystal molecules 300L located near the first substrate 100 and at the center of the opening 100E2X in a no-voltage state is tilted at an angle θ12 [°] in the opposite direction (counterclockwise in this embodiment) with respect to the direction 11DV perpendicular to the first direction 11D. This configuration can improve display contrast.

[0030] Moreover, the direction perpendicular to the first direction refers to a direction that forms an angle of 90° with respect to the first direction. The angle formed between first direction 11D and direction 11DV perpendicular to first direction 11D is 90°.

[0031] Unless otherwise specified, in this specification, "two straight lines (including polarization axes and directions) are orthogonal" means that the angle they form is 87° or more and 90° or less, preferably 89° or more and 90° or less, more preferably 89.5° or more and 90° or less, and particularly preferably 90° (completely orthogonal). In addition, in this specification, "two straight lines (including polarization axes and directions) are parallel" means that the angle (absolute value) they form is 0° or more and 3° or less, preferably 0° or more and 1° or less, more preferably 0° or more and 0.5° or less, and particularly preferably 0° (completely parallel).

[0032] Fig. 3 is a plan view schematic diagram of a comparative example of an FFS mode liquid crystal display device. In liquid crystal display devices for head-mounted displays, the FFS (Fringe Field Switching) mode shown in Fig. 3 is generally used as the display mode to suppress color shift within the viewing angle. In consideration of a configuration that facilitates optically optimal design, in the FFS mode, as shown in Fig. 3, it is necessary to arrange slits (openings 100ERX) in the electrode 100ER that are inclined at an angle of about 5° to 15° with respect to the horizontal direction 11R or vertical direction 12R of the panel outline. Accordingly, it is necessary to arrange the patterns of the wiring and light-shielding film 100MR at an angle.

[0033] In panels with a resolution of around 1200 ppi or higher, the alignment direction 301BR of the liquid crystal molecules near the step when no voltage is applied may deviate by 2° to 6° from the intended alignment direction 301Z (the vertical direction 12R of the panel outline in FIG. 3) due to stepping of the pattern on the substrate, resulting in increased black luminance and reduced display contrast. The region 10R enclosed by the dashed line in FIG. 3 is a region where the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules when no voltage is applied significantly deviates from the intended alignment direction 301Z. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules refers to the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules when no voltage is applied.

[0034] The cause of this is thought to be as follows: A step that is obliquely inclined with respect to the original alignment direction 301Z of the liquid crystal molecules when no voltage is applied (a step whose edge extension direction has a predetermined inclination with respect to alignment direction 301Z) distorts the alignment direction 301BR of the liquid crystal molecules near the step, resulting in increased black luminance in an area of ​​several micrometers near the step. In particular, in panels with a resolution of around 1200 ppi or higher, the pixel width itself is only several micrometers, and this is thought to result in a significant decrease in display contrast.

[0035] In this embodiment, the first alignment film 410 is subjected to an alignment treatment so that the alignment direction 301A of the liquid crystal molecules 300L located near the first substrate 100 and at the center of the opening 100E2X in the absence of applied voltage is angled at a certain degree in the opposite direction to the tilt direction of the pattern on the substrate (specifically, the longitudinal direction 20D of the opening 100E2X of the second electrode 100E2) relative to the original alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 300L in the absence of applied voltage (the vertical direction of the panel outline, i.e., the direction 11DV perpendicular to the first direction 11D in which the gate lines 120L extend). This reduces the black luminance of the entire picture element 10P and improves the display contrast. This effectively improves the display contrast, particularly when the resolution of the liquid crystal display device 1 is 1200 ppi or higher.

[0036] On the other hand, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, in an IPS (In-Plane Switching) mode liquid crystal display device, diagonal wiring is eliminated in most pixel regions to improve transmittance. However, it is extremely difficult to realize the electrode structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 in a high-resolution liquid crystal display device such as that used in a head-mounted display. Even if it is realized, the alignment of liquid crystal molecules may become unstable in regions where the pixel electrodes are not angled (i.e., regions where the outer edges of the pixel electrodes are parallel to the vertical or horizontal direction of the panel outline), resulting in a decrease in operating speed. Therefore, it is difficult to improve the display contrast with the above-mentioned Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 focuses on the electrode structure, but does not disclose the configuration of this embodiment, which focuses on the initial alignment direction of liquid crystal molecules. The liquid crystal display device 1 of this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0037] 2, the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment includes a first substrate 100, a liquid crystal layer 300, and a second substrate 200. In this embodiment, the first substrate 100 is disposed on the rear surface side, and the second substrate 200 is disposed on the observation surface side, but the first substrate 100 may be disposed on the observation surface side, and the second substrate 200 may be disposed on the rear surface side.

[0038] The liquid crystal display device 1 may include a first alignment film 410 between the first substrate 100 and the liquid crystal layer 300. Similarly, the liquid crystal display device 1 may include a second alignment film 420 between the second substrate 200 and the liquid crystal layer 300.

[0039] The liquid crystal display device 1 preferably comprises a first polarizer 510 arranged on the opposite side of the first substrate 100 from the liquid crystal layer 300 and having a first polarization axis that is parallel to or perpendicular to the first direction 11D, and a second polarizer 520 arranged on the opposite side of the second substrate 200 from the liquid crystal layer 300 and having a second polarization axis that is perpendicular to the first polarization axis.

[0040] The liquid crystal display device 1 may further include a backlight on the side of the first polarizing plate 510 opposite to the liquid crystal layer 300.

[0041] The liquid crystal display device 1 has an active area (image display region) where an image is displayed, and the active area is composed of a plurality of picture elements 10P arranged in a matrix in the horizontal direction of the screen (first direction 11D in this embodiment) and the vertical direction of the screen (second direction 12D in this embodiment).

[0042] The first substrate 100 includes a first support substrate 110, a plurality of gate lines 120L extending parallel to one another in a first direction 11D on the liquid crystal layer 300 side of the first support substrate 110, a first insulating layer 130 disposed on the liquid crystal layer 300 side of the plurality of gate lines 120L, and a plurality of source lines 150L extending parallel to one another in a second direction 12D on the liquid crystal layer 300 side of the first insulating layer 130. The plurality of gate lines 120L and the plurality of source lines 150L are generally formed in a lattice pattern to define each picture element 10P. A nonlinear element array 100T is disposed at each intersection of each gate line 120L and each source line 150L. In this embodiment, the first direction 11D is perpendicular to the second direction 12D. In this embodiment, the first direction 11D corresponds to the row direction (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the "row direction") of the picture elements 10P arranged in a matrix, and the second direction 12D corresponds to the column direction (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the "column direction") of the picture elements 10P arranged in a matrix, but the first direction 11D may correspond to the column direction of the picture elements 10P, and the second direction 12D may correspond to the row direction.

[0043] Each nonlinear element array 100T is a three-terminal switch connected to a corresponding gate line 120L and source line 150L among the plurality of gate lines 120L and the plurality of source lines 150L, ​​and including a gate electrode (part of the gate line 120L) protruding from the corresponding gate line 120L, a source electrode (part of the source line 150L) protruding from the corresponding source line 150L, ​​a drain electrode 150D connected to a corresponding pixel electrode among the plurality of pixel electrodes (first electrode 100E1 in this embodiment), and a semiconductor layer 140. The source electrode and drain electrode 150D are electrodes provided in the same source wiring layer 150 as the source line 150L, ​​and the gate electrode is an electrode provided in the same gate wiring layer 120 as the gate line 120L.

[0044] The first substrate 100 comprises, in order towards the liquid crystal layer 300, a first support substrate 110, a gate wiring layer 120 in which gate lines 120L are provided, a first insulating layer 130, a semiconductor layer 140, a source wiring layer 150 in which source lines 150L are provided, a second insulating layer 160, a color filter (CF) layer 170, a planarization film 180, a first electrode 100E1, an insulating layer 100F, a second electrode 100E2 in which an opening 100E2X is provided, and a light-shielding film 100M.

[0045] The first substrate 100 includes, in order, a first electrode 100E1, an insulating layer 100F, and a second electrode 100E2 having a longitudinal opening 100E2X formed therein. By adopting such an embodiment, an FFS display mode can be realized.

[0046] In a plan view, the longitudinal direction 20D of the opening 100E2X is inclined at an angle θ11 [°] in one of the clockwise and counterclockwise directions (clockwise in this embodiment) with respect to a direction 11DV perpendicular to the first direction 11D. In addition, in a plan view, the alignment direction 301A of the liquid crystal molecules 300L located near the first substrate 100 and in the center of the opening 100E2X in a no-voltage-applied state is inclined at an angle θ12 [°] in the opposite direction (counterclockwise in this embodiment) to the one direction with respect to the direction 11DV perpendicular to the first direction 11D.

[0047] The central part of the opening is the region where the central part (region having a certain range) in the longitudinal direction of the opening and the central part (region having a certain range) in the width direction of the opening (direction forming an angle of 90° with respect to the longitudinal direction) of the opening overlap. The central part of the longitudinal direction of the opening is, for example, the region located in the middle of the three regions obtained by dividing the opening into thirds in the longitudinal direction. The central part of the width direction of the opening is, for example, the region located in the middle of the three regions obtained by dividing the opening into thirds in the width direction.

[0048] The alignment direction of liquid crystal molecules in the absence of applied voltage can be determined as follows. Because an alignment film (e.g., an alignment film made of a commonly used heat-resistant polymer) has a phase difference in the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules, the phase difference direction of the alignment film measured using a micropolarization measurement device (e.g., a micropolarization spectrophotometer (TFM-120AFT-PC manufactured by ORC Manufacturing Co., Ltd.)) can be used as the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the absence of applied voltage. If the phase difference of the alignment film is small and it is difficult to determine the phase difference direction of the alignment film, polarized light with a polarization axis that forms a 90° angle with the transmission axis of the polarizer is incident on a laminate that includes, in this order, an alignment film, a liquid crystal layer containing liquid crystal molecules, and a polarizer. The direction that exhibits the minimum transmittance can be used as the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the absence of applied voltage.

[0049] The liquid crystal display device 1 preferably satisfies the following formula 1-1: By adopting such an embodiment, the display contrast can be further improved. θ12<θ11 (Equation 1-1)

[0050] The angle θ12 [°] is preferably 0.01 to 0.5 times the angle θ11 [°], more preferably 0.01 to 0.2 times, and even more preferably 0.05 to 0.2 times.

[0051] The liquid crystal display device 1 preferably satisfies the following formula 1-2: By adopting such an embodiment, the display contrast can be further improved. 0°<θ11<45° (Formula 1-2)

[0052] The angle θ11 [°] is more preferably 2° or more and 45° or less, and even more preferably 5° or more and 15° or less. By adopting such an embodiment, it is possible to realize a liquid crystal display device 1 with high resolution and a high driving frequency.

[0053] The angle θ12 [°] is preferably 0.2° or more and 5° or less, more preferably 0.5° or more and 3° or less, and even more preferably 0.5° or more and 2° or less.

[0054] In a plan view, the alignment direction 302A of the liquid crystal molecules 300L located near the second substrate 200 and in the center of the opening 100E2X in the absence of applied voltage is preferably perpendicular to the first direction 11D. This configuration can further improve the display contrast. Here, the alignment direction being perpendicular to the first direction means that the angle between the alignment direction and the first direction is 89.5° or more and 90° or less.

[0055] The various wirings and electrodes constituting the gate lines 120L, source lines 150L, ​​and nonlinear element array 100T can be formed by depositing a single layer or multiple layers of metals such as copper, titanium, aluminum, molybdenum, tungsten, or alloys thereof by sputtering or the like, followed by patterning by photolithography or the like. These various wirings and electrodes formed on the same layer can be manufactured more efficiently by using the same material.

[0056] The first insulating layer 130 is a gate insulating layer. The first insulating layer 130 is, for example, an inorganic insulating film. Examples of the inorganic insulating film include silicon nitride (SiN x ), inorganic films (relative dielectric constant ε=5 to 7) such as silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ), and laminated films thereof can be used.

[0057] The semiconductor layer 140 is composed of, for example, a high-resistance semiconductor layer made of amorphous silicon, polysilicon, or the like, and a low-resistance semiconductor layer made of n+ amorphous silicon, which is amorphous silicon doped with impurities such as phosphorus, etc. Alternatively, the semiconductor layer 140 may be an oxide semiconductor layer made of indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), or the like.

[0058] The second insulating layer 160 is, for example, an inorganic insulating film. Examples of the inorganic insulating film include silicon nitride (SiNx ), inorganic films (relative dielectric constant ε=5 to 7) such as silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ), and laminated films thereof can be used.

[0059] The color filter layer 170 is disposed on the liquid crystal layer 300 side of the second insulating layer 160. The color filter layer 170 is composed of a red color filter 170R, a blue color filter 170B, and a green color filter 170G.

[0060] The plurality of picture elements 10P include a red picture element 10PR having a red color filter 170R, a blue picture element 10PB having a blue color filter 170B, and a green picture element 10PG having a green color filter 170G. Three picture elements 10P, namely the red picture element 10PR, the blue picture element 10PB, and the green picture element 10PG, constitute one pixel 1P. Within one pixel 1P, the three picture elements 10P are arranged in a striped pattern.

[0061] The first substrate 100 includes a color filter layer 170. By adopting a COA (CF on Array) structure in which the color filter layer 170 is disposed on the first substrate 100 side, light from the rear side of the liquid crystal display device 1 passes through the color filter layer 170 before passing through the liquid crystal layer 300. Therefore, even when a lighted pixel is observed from an oblique direction, the light that has passed through the color filter of the lighted pixel is observed via the liquid crystal layer 300, thereby suppressing oblique color mixing. Furthermore, by using the COA technology, it is not necessary to increase the width of the black matrix layer to suppress oblique color mixing, and therefore it is not necessary to reduce the transmittance (aperture ratio). In other words, it is possible to suppress oblique color mixing while suppressing a decrease in transmittance.

[0062] The color filter layer 170 is preferably a micro color filter layer, which is a minute color filter layer.

[0063] In this embodiment, the first substrate 100 has the color filter layer 170 , but the second substrate 200 may have the color filter layer 170 instead of the first substrate 100 .

[0064] The planarization film 180 is an insulating film that absorbs the irregularities of the surface (underlying layer) on which the film is formed and flattens the substrate surface on which the film is formed. The planarization film 180 makes it possible to maintain a constant cell thickness of the liquid crystal display device 1. An organic insulating film is suitable for the planarization film 180. For example, an organic film made of acrylic resin, polyimide resin, novolac resin, or the like can be used as the organic insulating film. For example, an organic film made of photosensitive acrylic resin or the like with a low relative dielectric constant (relative dielectric constant ε=2 to 5) can be used as the organic insulating film.

[0065] One of the first electrode 100E1 and the second electrode 100E2 is a pixel electrode, and the other is a common electrode. In this embodiment, the first electrode 100E1 is the pixel electrode, and the second electrode 100E2 is the common electrode. This configuration makes it possible to easily design the light-shielding film 100M without causing positional or electrical interference with the through-hole 10CH1 for connecting the drain electrode 150D and the pixel electrode. This effect is even greater when the light-shielding film 100M contains a conductor such as a metal.

[0066] The pixel electrodes are electrodes arranged in each region surrounded by two adjacent gate lines 120L and two adjacent source lines 150L. The pixel electrodes are arranged in each picture element 10P. The pixel electrodes are connected to the corresponding nonlinear element arrays 100T, and are connected to the corresponding source lines 150L via the semiconductor layers 140 of the nonlinear element arrays 100T. The pixel electrodes are set to a potential corresponding to a data signal supplied via the corresponding nonlinear element arrays 100T.

[0067] The common electrode is, for example, an electrode formed over almost the entire surface, regardless of the boundaries of the picture elements 10 P. A common signal maintained at a constant value is supplied to the common electrode, and the common electrode is maintained at a constant potential.

[0068] The second electrode 100E2 is provided with an elongated opening 100E2X. The second electrode 100E2 is provided with a plurality of openings 100E2X. One of the openings 100E2X is provided for each picture element 10P.

[0069] The second electrode 100E2 is preferably disposed closer to the liquid crystal layer 300 than the first electrode 100E1. The opening 100E2X of the (upper) second electrode 100E2, which is disposed closer to the liquid crystal layer 300, is disposed above the lower first electrode 100E1. That is, the lower first electrode 100E1 is disposed at least in a region corresponding to the opening 100E2X. For example, if the lower first electrode 100E1 is a common electrode, the first electrode 100E1 may be a solid electrode having an opening in a region corresponding to a through-hole connecting the upper second electrode 100E2, which is a pixel electrode, to the drain electrode of the nonlinear element array 100T. Since the electric field applied to the liquid crystal molecules is determined by the potential difference between the opening 100E2X of the upper second electrode 100E2 and the lower first electrode 100E1, the behavior of the liquid crystal molecules may be determined by whether the upper electrode (second electrode 100E2) or the lower electrode (first electrode 100E1) is a pixel electrode or a common electrode. When the upper electrode is a pixel electrode, adjacent pixel electrodes must be electrically insulated from each other, so the upper electrode has a configuration in which, for example, one opening 100E2X is provided in each rectangular pixel electrode. On the other hand, when the upper electrode is a common electrode, the upper electrode has a configuration in which one opening is provided in an area corresponding to each picture element of the solid electrode that extends across the entire screen (i.e., the number of openings in the entire common electrode is the same as the number of picture elements).

[0070] The second electrode 100E2 is preferably disposed closer to the liquid crystal layer 300 than the first electrode 100E1, with the first electrode 100E1 being a pixel electrode and the second electrode 100E2 being a common electrode. This configuration reduces the step caused by the electrodes and facilitates the formation of a through-hole between the pixel electrode and the drain electrode. Alternatively, the second electrode 100E2 may be disposed closer to the liquid crystal layer 300 than the first electrode 100E1, with the first electrode 100E1 being a common electrode and the second electrode 100E2 being a pixel electrode. This configuration reduces the parasitic capacitance [Cgd] of the nonlinear element array 100T.

[0071] The thickness of the second electrode 100E2 is, for example, 50 nm or more and 150 nm or less. As shown in Fig. 3, the step of the opening 100ERX provided in the electrode 100ER causes the alignment direction 301BR of the liquid crystal molecules near the step in the absence of applied voltage to deviate from the originally intended alignment direction 301Z, which is thought to result in a decrease in display contrast. However, by using the configuration of this embodiment, the display contrast can be improved even when the thickness of the second electrode 100E2 is 50 nm or more and 150 nm or less.

[0072] The first electrode 100E1 and the second electrode 100E2 can be formed by forming a single layer or multiple layers of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), or tin oxide (SnO), or an alloy thereof, using a sputtering method or the like, and then patterning the layer using a photolithography method.

[0073] The insulating layer 100F is an interlayer insulating film and has a function of insulating the first electrode 100E1 from the second electrode 100E2. An inorganic insulating film can be used as the insulating layer 100F. Examples of the inorganic insulating film include silicon nitride (SiN x ), inorganic films (relative dielectric constant ε=5 to 7) such as silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ), and laminated films thereof can be used.

[0074] The light-shielding film 100M is disposed between a plurality of picture elements 10P in a plan view. The light-shielding film 100M is preferably disposed between two picture elements 10P adjacent to each other in the row direction (first direction 11D in this embodiment). This configuration makes it possible to suppress color shift during monochrome display, which is caused by light leakage from adjacent picture elements 10P, mainly at oblique viewing angles.

[0075] The light-shielding film 100M contains a metal. The metal contained in the light-shielding film 100M is preferably a metal with a relatively low reflectance, such as molybdenum or titanium. The light-shielding film 100M may also contain a material other than a metal. The light-shielding film 100M includes, for example, a metal film and an insulating layer. Specifically, the light-shielding film 100M may be a laminate in which an insulating film, such as silicon oxide or silicon nitride, is sandwiched between multiple metal films. When the light-shielding film 100M is the above-mentioned laminate, it is preferable that the metal film contained in the laminate is a semi-transparent metal thin film layer. By adopting such an embodiment, the reflectance of the light-shielding film 100M can be reduced by utilizing light interference.

[0076] The light-shielding film 100M is preferably arranged in an island shape in a plan view.

[0077] The light-shielding film 100M preferably has a longitudinal shape. When, in a plan view, the longitudinal direction 30D of the light-shielding film 100M is inclined at an angle θ13 [°] in the one direction (clockwise in this embodiment) with respect to a direction 11DV perpendicular to the first direction 11D, the liquid crystal display device 1 preferably satisfies the following (Formula 1-3). By adopting such an embodiment, it is possible to avoid interference between the light-shielding film 100M and the opening 100E2X of the second electrode 100E2, thereby improving display performance. θ13≦θ11 (Formula 1-3)

[0078] The thickness of the light-shielding film 100M is, for example, 40 nm or more and 200 nm or less. As shown in Fig. 3, it is thought that the step in the light-shielding film 100MR causes the alignment direction 301BR of the liquid crystal molecules near the step in the absence of applied voltage to deviate from the originally intended alignment direction 301Z, resulting in a decrease in display contrast. However, by using the configuration of this embodiment, it is possible to improve the display contrast even when the thickness of the light-shielding film 100M is 40 nm or more and 200 nm or less.

[0079] The angle θ13 [°] is preferably 0 to 1 times the angle θ11 [°], more preferably 0 to 0.85 times, and even more preferably 0 to 0.7 times.

[0080] The angle θ12 [°] is preferably 0.01 to 0.5 times the angle θ11 [°], more preferably 0.01 to 0.2 times, and even more preferably 0.05 to 0.2 times.

[0081] The angle θ13 [°] is preferably 0° or more and 15° or less, more preferably 0° or more and 12.75° or less, and even more preferably 0° or more and 10.5° or less.

[0082] The second substrate 200 includes a second support substrate 210 .

[0083] The second substrate 200 may have a second substrate-side light-shielding film 20BM on the liquid crystal layer 300 side of the second support substrate 210. The second substrate-side light-shielding film 20BM may be provided in a lattice pattern so as to separate the color filters, for example.

[0084] The second-substrate-side light-shielding film 20BM is, for example, a black matrix layer. The material of the black matrix layer is not particularly limited as long as it has light-shielding properties, but a resin material containing a black pigment or a metal material having light-shielding properties is preferably used. The black matrix layer is formed, for example, by a photolithography method in which a photosensitive resin containing a black pigment is applied to form a film, and then exposed to light and developed.

[0085] Preferably, the second-substrate-side light-shielding film 20BM extends along the row direction (first direction 11D in this embodiment) between two adjacent picture elements 10P in the column direction (second direction 12D in this embodiment) and is not disposed between two adjacent picture elements 10P in the row direction (does not extend along the column direction between two adjacent picture elements 10P in the row direction). This configuration can prevent peeling of the second-substrate-side light-shielding film 20BM compared to when the second-substrate-side light-shielding film 20BM extends both between two adjacent picture elements 10P in the column direction and between two adjacent picture elements 10P in the row direction. Furthermore, this configuration can increase the aperture ratio compared to when the second-substrate-side light-shielding film 20BM extends in the column direction, from the viewpoint of alignment accuracy when bonding the first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200. The second substrate side light-shielding film 20BM is provided to extend, for example, along the outer frame of the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 1 and in the row direction between the picture elements 10P.

[0086] Spacers may be provided between the first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200. The spacers have the function of ensuring a gap in the space where the liquid crystal layer 300 is formed. The spacers have, for example, a columnar shape. The spacers are arranged on at least one of the first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200, and may also be arranged on both substrates. The spacers are arranged, for example, on the second substrate 200, and their tips do not need to be in contact with the first substrate 100. The planar shape of the spacers may be, for example, a polygonal shape, a circular shape, or an elliptical shape. The spacers may have, for example, a truncated cone shape, a cylindrical shape, an elliptical truncated cone shape, an elliptical cylindrical shape, a truncated pyramid shape, a rectangular prism shape, or the like. Examples of truncated pyramids include square truncated pyramids. Examples of rectangular prisms include square prisms.

[0087] The spacer 500 preferably includes, for example, a cured product of a photosensitive resin. Examples of the photosensitive resin include a resin having an ultraviolet-reactive functional group.

[0088] The liquid crystal layer 300 contains a liquid crystal material, and controls the amount of light transmission by applying a voltage to the liquid crystal layer 300 and changing the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecules 300L in the liquid crystal material in response to the applied voltage. The liquid crystal molecules 300L may have a positive or negative dielectric anisotropy (Δε) defined by the following formula L1. The liquid crystal molecules 300L of this embodiment have a positive dielectric anisotropy. This configuration can improve the response speed.

[0089] Liquid crystal molecules 300L having a positive dielectric anisotropy are also called positive liquid crystals, and liquid crystal molecules 300L having a negative dielectric anisotropy are also called negative liquid crystals. The long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules 300L is the alignment direction (slow axis direction). Furthermore, the liquid crystal molecules 300L are homogeneously aligned when no voltage is applied between the first electrode 100E1 and the second electrode 100E2 (no-voltage state), and the long axis direction (alignment direction) of the liquid crystal molecules 300L in the no-voltage state is also called the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 300L. Δε = (dielectric constant in the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules) - (dielectric constant in the short axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules) (Equation L1)

[0090] The liquid crystal molecules 300L are horizontally aligned when no voltage is applied. Horizontal alignment of the liquid crystal molecules 300L means that the liquid crystal molecules 300L in the liquid crystal layer 300 are aligned substantially parallel to the respective major surfaces of the first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200 when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 300 (when the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer 300 is less than the threshold voltage). Here, alignment of the liquid crystal molecules substantially parallel to the major surfaces of the substrates means that the pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules with respect to the major surfaces of the substrates is 0 to 5°, preferably 0 to 2°, and more preferably 0 to 1°.

[0091] The pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules means the angle at which the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules are inclined with respect to the main surfaces of the substrates when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer. In this specification, the voltage-applied state in which a voltage is applied between the first electrode 100E1 and the second electrode 100E2 (between the common electrode and the pixel electrode) is also simply referred to as the "voltage-applied state," and the voltage-free state in which no voltage is applied between the first electrode 100E1 and the second electrode 100E2 (between the common electrode and the pixel electrode) is also simply referred to as the "voltage-free state" or "when no voltage is applied."

[0092] The liquid crystal display device 1 includes a gate driver connected to the gate lines 120L, a source driver connected to the source lines 150L, ​​and a controller connected to the gate driver and the source driver. The gate driver sequentially supplies scanning signals to the gate lines 120L under the control of the controller. The source driver supplies data signals to the source lines 150L under the control of the controller at the timing when the nonlinear element array 100T is placed in a voltage applied state by the scanning signal.

[0093] Each pixel electrode is set to a potential corresponding to a data signal supplied via the corresponding nonlinear element array 100T, generating a fringe field between the common electrode and the pixel electrode, causing the liquid crystal molecules 300L in the liquid crystal layer 300 to rotate. In this way, the magnitude of the voltage applied between the common electrode and the pixel electrode is controlled to change the retardation of the liquid crystal layer 300 and control light transmission / non-transmission. The liquid crystal display device 1 of this embodiment is a FFS (Fringe Field Switching) mode liquid crystal display device.

[0094] A first alignment film 410 and a second alignment film 420, which have the function of controlling the alignment of liquid crystal molecules 300L contained in the liquid crystal layer 300, are disposed between the first substrate 100 and the liquid crystal layer 300, and between the second substrate 200 and the liquid crystal layer 300, respectively. The first alignment film 410 and the second alignment film 420 are horizontal alignment films, and each have the function of aligning the liquid crystal molecules 300L in the liquid crystal layer 300 substantially parallel to the respective major surfaces of the first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200 when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 300 (when the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer 300 is less than a threshold voltage).

[0095] Alignment treatment methods for the first alignment film 410 and the second alignment film 420 include a method of cutting the polymer chains in a certain direction of the alignment film by irradiating polarized light (decomposition type photoalignment method), a method of inducing a cis-trans isomerization reaction in the photofunctional groups in the alignment film by irradiating polarized light (isomerization type photoalignment method), and a method of rubbing the surface of the alignment film with a raised cloth to increase the proportion of polymer chains on the surface that are aligned in a certain direction (rubbing alignment method).

[0096] The first alignment film 410 of this embodiment is preferably subjected to alignment treatment by a decomposition-type photo-alignment method. The decomposition-type photo-alignment method is easily affected by steps and tends to reduce the display contrast, but the liquid crystal display device 1 of this embodiment can effectively improve the display contrast.

[0097] The first alignment film 410 may be a photodegradable polyimide alignment film such as the RB series manufactured by Nissan Chemical Industries, Ltd.

[0098] (Embodiment 2) In this embodiment, the features unique to this embodiment will be mainly described, and the description of the contents overlapping with the above-mentioned embodiment 1 will be omitted. This embodiment is substantially the same as embodiment 1 except that the dielectric anisotropy of the liquid crystal molecules 300L is different. The liquid crystal molecules 300L of the liquid crystal display device 1 of embodiment 1 have a positive dielectric anisotropy, whereas the liquid crystal molecules 300L of this embodiment have a negative dielectric anisotropy. This embodiment can also improve the display contrast. Furthermore, the transmittance can be improved.

[0099] 4 is a plan view schematic diagram of a liquid crystal display device according to embodiment 2. As shown in FIG. 4, in a plan view, the longitudinal direction 20D of the opening 100E2X is inclined at an angle θ21 [°] in one of the clockwise and counterclockwise directions (counterclockwise in this embodiment) with respect to the first direction 11D, and in a plan view, the alignment direction 301A of the liquid crystal molecules 300L located near the first substrate 100 and at the center of the opening 100E2X in a no-voltage-applied state is inclined at an angle θ22 [°] in the opposite direction (clockwise in this embodiment) to the one direction. This aspect can also improve the display contrast.

[0100] It is preferable that the liquid crystal display device 1 satisfies the following formula 2-1: By adopting such an embodiment, the display contrast can be further improved. θ22<90°-θ21 (Equation 2-1)

[0101] The angle θ22 [°] is preferably smaller than the angle (90°-θ21).

[0102] The angle θ22 [°] is preferably 0.01 to 0.5 times the angle (90°-θ21), more preferably 0.01 to 0.2 times, and even more preferably 0.05 to 0.2 times.

[0103] It is preferable that the liquid crystal display device 1 satisfies the following (Formula 2-2): By adopting such an embodiment, the display contrast can be further improved. 45°<θ21<90° (Formula 2-2)

[0104] The angle θ21 [°] is more preferably 45° or more and 89° or less, and even more preferably 75° or more and 85° or less. By adopting such an embodiment, it is possible to realize a liquid crystal display device 1 with high resolution and a high drive frequency.

[0105] The angle θ22 [°] is preferably 0.2° or more and 5° or less, more preferably 0.5° or more and 3° or less, and even more preferably 0.5° or more and 2° or less.

[0106] In a plan view, the alignment direction 302A of the liquid crystal molecules 300L located near the second substrate 200 and at the center of the opening 100E2X in the absence of applied voltage is preferably parallel to the first direction 11D. This configuration can further improve the display contrast. Here, the alignment direction being parallel to the first direction means that the angle between the alignment direction and the first direction is 0° or more and 0.5° or less.

[0107] When the longitudinal direction 30D of the light-shielding film 100M is inclined at an angle θ23 [°] in the one direction (counterclockwise in this embodiment) with respect to the first direction 11D in plan view, it is preferable that the liquid crystal display device 1 satisfies the following (Formula 2-3): By adopting such an embodiment, it is possible to avoid interference between the light-shielding film 100M and the opening 100E2X of the second electrode 100E2, thereby improving display performance. 90°-θ23≦90°-θ21 (Formula 2-3)

[0108] The angle θ23 [°] is preferably 0 to 1 times the angle θ21 [°], more preferably 0 to 0.85 times, and even more preferably 0 to 0.7 times.

[0109] The angle θ23 [°] is preferably 75° or more and 90° or less, more preferably 77.25° or more and 90° or less, and even more preferably 79.5° or more and 90° or less.

[0110] (Modification of Embodiments 1 and 2) In the above embodiments 1 and 2, the second direction 12D is perpendicular to the first direction 11D corresponding to the row direction, but the second direction 12D does not have to be perpendicular to the first direction 11D (i.e., it may be inclined with respect to the column direction).

[0111] 5 is a plan view schematic diagram of a liquid crystal display device according to a modification of Embodiments 1 and 2. As shown in FIG. 5, the second direction 12D in this modification is inclined with respect to the column direction (the vertical direction in the figure). The first direction 11D in this modification corresponds to the row direction, as in Embodiments 1 and 2. The angle formed between the first direction 11D and the second direction 12D is preferably 70° or more and 95° or less, more preferably 75° or more and 92° or less, and more preferably 80° or more and 90° or less. This configuration makes it possible to improve the aperture ratio of the picture element 10P.

[0112] In this modification, the source line 150L has a zigzag shape with bends near the gate electrode in order to align the inclination direction of the opening 100E2X. When focusing on a portion of the source line 150L in this modification, the source line 150L extends in a direction inclined with respect to the column direction as shown in FIG. 5, but the source line 150L as a whole extends along the column direction. That is, the direction from one longitudinal end of the source line 150L to the other longitudinal end is along the column direction.

[0113] Since the thickness of the source electrode (source line 150L) is, for example, 350 nm or more and 550 nm or less, the influence of the step of the source electrode remains even after forming the color filter layer 170 and the planarization film 180. However, by using the configuration of this modified example, it is possible to improve the display contrast.

[0114] The effects of the present invention will be explained below with reference to examples, comparative examples and reference examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0115] Example 1 A liquid crystal display device of Example 1 corresponding to the liquid crystal display device 1 of Embodiment 1 was fabricated. The resolution of the liquid crystal display device 1 of this example was 1400 ppi. The size of each pixel 1P was 18 μm square, and the size of each picture element 10P was 6 μm × 18 μm.

[0116] The gate lines 120L were formed on the first support substrate 110, then the gate insulating layer (first insulating layer 130) and the thin film transistors (nonlinear element array 100T) were formed, and then the source lines 150L were formed. The source lines 150L also functioned as a light-shielding film between the picture elements 10P.

[0117] Next, a color filter layer 170 having multiple color filters (red color filter 170R, blue color filter 170B, and green color filter 170G) was formed on the source line 150L using a colored organic resist. Two color filters adjacent to each other in the row direction were formed to be continuously connected in a substantially flush manner near the center of the source line 150L in the width direction. The color filters of each color were formed continuously in the column direction, straddling the gate line 120L. A planarization film 180, which is an organic planarization film, was provided on the liquid crystal layer 300 side of the color filter layer 170. By forming the planarization film 180 on the color filter layer 170, flatness could be ensured.

[0118] Next, a through-hole (contact hole) 10CH1 was formed through the color filter layer 170 and the planarizing film 180 to electrically connect the pixel electrode (first electrode 100E1) and the drain electrode 150D of the thin film transistor.

[0119] To perform display in FFS mode, a first electrode 100E1 (pixel electrode), an insulating layer 100F, and a second electrode 100E2 (common electrode) were formed thereon. Next, a light-shielding film 100M was formed to prepare a first substrate 100. Furthermore, a first alignment film 410 was formed on the light-shielding film 100M.

[0120] Here, the second electrode 100E2 is provided with a slit (opening 100E2X) inclined 15° clockwise from a direction perpendicular to the panel outline (specifically, a direction 11DV perpendicular to the first direction 11D; the vertical direction in the figure) in a plan view. Furthermore, to suppress interference with the slit, the light-shielding film 100M is formed such that its main side (longitudinal direction) is inclined 10° in the same direction (clockwise from the direction 11DV perpendicular to the first direction 11D). That is, the angle θ11 [°] was 15°, and the angle θ13 [°] was 10°.

[0121] The first alignment film 410 is a photodecomposition type alignment film that aligns the liquid crystal molecules 300L in a direction perpendicular to the transmitted polarized light when irradiated with polarized ultraviolet light, and the first alignment film 410 was subjected to an alignment treatment so that, in a plan view, the alignment direction 301A of the liquid crystal molecules 300L located near the first substrate 100 and at the center of the opening 100E2X in a no-voltage-applied state is tilted by 1.5° counterclockwise with respect to a direction perpendicular to the panel outline (specifically, a direction 11DV perpendicular to the first direction 11D). In other words, the angle θ12 [°] was 1.5°.

[0122] Next, a second substrate-side light-shielding film 20BM extending in the outer frame of the display screen and in the direction in which the gate lines between the picture elements 10P extend (first direction 11D) was formed on the second support substrate 210 to fabricate the second substrate 200. Furthermore, a second alignment film 420 was formed on the second substrate-side light-shielding film 20BM, and an alignment treatment was performed on the second alignment film 420 so that, in a planar view, the alignment direction 302A of the liquid crystal molecules 300L located near the second substrate 200 and in the center of the opening 100E2X in a no-voltage-applied state was perpendicular to the first direction 11D. In a planar view, the angle formed between the alignment direction 302A of the liquid crystal molecules 300L located near the second substrate 200 and in the center of the opening 100E2X in a no-voltage-applied state and the first direction 11D was 89.5° or more and 90° or less.

[0123] A first substrate 100 provided with a first alignment film 410 and a second substrate 200 provided with a second alignment film 420 are arranged so that the two alignment films face each other, and a liquid crystal layer 300 containing liquid crystal molecules 300L having positive dielectric anisotropy is sandwiched between the two alignment films and bonded together.

[0124] Furthermore, a first polarizing plate 510 was disposed on the side of first substrate 100 opposite to liquid crystal layer 300, and a second polarizing plate 520 was disposed on the side of second substrate 200 opposite to the liquid crystal layer, thereby obtaining a liquid crystal panel. The polarization axis of first polarizing plate 510 was parallel to first direction 11D, and the polarization axis of first polarizing plate 510 and the polarization axis of second polarizing plate 520 were perpendicular to each other.

[0125] Furthermore, drivers (source driver and gate driver) and driving circuits were connected to the liquid crystal panel, and a backlight was also provided to fabricate a liquid crystal display device.

[0126] 1, when the liquid crystal display device of this example was observed with an optical microscope, the alignment direction 301B of the liquid crystal molecules 300L near the step, which was located near the first substrate 100 and at the end of the opening 100E2X (located in an area where alignment misalignment is likely to occur), had an angle of 2° to 4° clockwise with respect to the direction 11DV perpendicular to the first direction 11D in a voltage-free state. The display contrast of the liquid crystal display device 1 was 650.

[0127] (Comparative Example 1) As Comparative Example 1, a conventional FFS mode liquid crystal display device was produced as shown in Figure 3. The display contrast of the liquid crystal display device of Comparative Example 1 was 550.

[0128] (Evaluation of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1) In the liquid crystal display device of Comparative Example 1, when an alignment treatment was performed on the first alignment film so that the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the absence of applied voltage was perpendicular to the first direction, the display contrast was 550. On the other hand, in this example, the display contrast was improved to 650 by performing an alignment treatment on the first alignment film 410 so that, in a plan view, the alignment direction 301A of the liquid crystal molecules 300L located near the first substrate 100 and at the center of the opening 100E2X in the absence of applied voltage forms an angle of 1.5° counterclockwise with respect to the direction 11DV perpendicular to the first direction 11D.

[0129] Example 2 A liquid crystal display device of Example 2 corresponding to the liquid crystal display device 1 according to a modification of Embodiment 1 was fabricated. The liquid crystal display device 1 of Example 2 was fabricated in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the source lines 150L were formed in a zigzag shape. That is, the angle θ11 [°] was 15°, the angle θ12 [°] was 1.5°, and the angle θ13 [°] was 10°. In addition, in a plan view, the angle formed between the alignment direction 302A of the liquid crystal molecules 300L located near the second substrate 200 and at the center of the opening 100E2X and the first direction 11D in a voltage-unapplied state was 89.5° or more and 90° or less.

[0130] 5, when the liquid crystal display device of this example was observed with an optical microscope, the alignment direction 301B of the liquid crystal molecules 300L near the step, which was located near the first substrate 100 and at the edge of the opening 100E2X (located in an area where alignment deviation is likely to occur), had an angle of 2.5° to 4.5° clockwise with respect to the direction 11DV perpendicular to the first direction 11D in a voltage-free state. The display contrast was 600.

[0131] (Comparative Example 2) As Comparative Example 2, a liquid crystal display device was fabricated which was the same as the conventional FFS mode liquid crystal display device shown in Figure 3 except that the source line 150L was formed in a zigzag shape. The display contrast of the liquid crystal display device of Comparative Example 2 was 500.

[0132] (Evaluation of Example 2 and Comparative Example 2) In the liquid crystal display device of Comparative Example 2, when an alignment treatment was performed on the first alignment film so that the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the absence of applied voltage was perpendicular to the first direction, the display contrast was 500. On the other hand, in this example, the display contrast was improved to 600 by performing an alignment treatment on the first alignment film 410 so that, in a plan view, the alignment direction 301A of the liquid crystal molecules 300L located near the first substrate 100 and at the center of the opening 100E2X in the absence of applied voltage forms an angle of 1.5° counterclockwise with respect to the direction 11DV perpendicular to the first direction 11D.

[0133] Examples 3 and 4 A liquid crystal display device of Example 3 corresponding to the liquid crystal display device 1 according to Embodiment 2, and a liquid crystal display device of Example 4 corresponding to the liquid crystal display device 1 according to a modified example of Embodiment 2 were fabricated.

[0134] Specifically, liquid crystal display devices 1 of Examples 3 and 4 were fabricated in the same manner as Examples 1 and 2, respectively, except that liquid crystal molecules 300L having negative dielectric anisotropy were used. Since the shape of the opening 100E2X in Examples 3 and 4 was the same as that in Examples 1 and 2, respectively, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 300L having negative dielectric anisotropy in Examples 3 and 4 was different by 90° from the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 300L having positive dielectric anisotropy in Examples 1 and 2, respectively. Furthermore, in plan view, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 300L located at the end of the opening 100E2X in Examples 3 and 4 (located in a region where alignment misalignment is likely to occur) was shifted in the opposite direction to that in Examples 1 and 2, respectively.

[0135] Here, the slits (openings 100E2X) provided in the second electrode 100E2 in Examples 3 and 4 were inclined at 75° counterclockwise from a direction parallel to the panel outline (specifically, the first direction 11D, the horizontal direction in the figure) in a plan view. Furthermore, the main sides (longitudinal direction) of the light-shielding film 100M in Examples 3 and 4 were inclined at 80° in the same direction (counterclockwise from the first direction 11D). That is, the angle θ21 [°] was 75°, and the angle θ23 [°] was 80°.

[0136] In Examples 3 and 4, the first alignment film 410 was subjected to an alignment treatment so that, in a plan view, the alignment direction 301A of the liquid crystal molecules 300L located near the first substrate 100 and at the center of the opening 100E2X in the absence of applied voltage was tilted by 1.5° clockwise with respect to the direction parallel to the panel outline (first direction 11D). That is, the angle θ22 [°] was 1.5°.

[0137] In addition, in Examples 3 and 4, the second alignment film 420 was subjected to an alignment treatment so that the alignment direction 302A of the liquid crystal molecules 300L located near the second substrate 200 and at the center of the opening 100E2X was parallel to the first direction 11D in a no-voltage-applied state in a planar view. In a planar view, the angle formed between the alignment direction 302A of the liquid crystal molecules 300L located near the second substrate 200 and at the center of the opening 100E2X in a no-voltage-applied state and the first direction 11D was 0° or more and 0.5° or less.

[0138] 4, when the liquid crystal display device of Example 3 was observed with an optical microscope, the alignment direction 301B of the liquid crystal molecules 300L in the vicinity of the step, which is located near the first substrate 100 and at the end of the opening 100E2X (located in an area where alignment deviation is likely to occur), in a plan view was angled at an angle of 2° to 4° counterclockwise with respect to the first direction 11D when no voltage was applied. Furthermore, since the use of liquid crystal molecules 300L having negative dielectric anisotropy improved the white luminance compared to Example 1, the display contrast could be improved by approximately 50 compared to Example 1.

[0139] When the liquid crystal display device of Example 4 was observed with an optical microscope, in a plan view, the alignment direction 301B of the liquid crystal molecules 300L near the step, which was located near the first substrate 100 and at the end of the opening 100E2X (located in an area where alignment deviation is likely to occur), in a no-voltage-applied state was at an angle of 2.5° to 4.5° counterclockwise with respect to the first direction 11D. Furthermore, since the use of liquid crystal molecules 300L having negative dielectric anisotropy improved white luminance compared to Example 2, the display contrast could be improved by approximately 50 compared to Example 2.

[0140] Although the embodiments and their modifications of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and their modifications, and can be implemented in various forms and modifications without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components disclosed in the above embodiments and their modifications can be modified as appropriate. For example, some of the components shown in one embodiment or modification may be added to the components of another embodiment or modification, or some of the components shown in one embodiment or modification may be deleted from the embodiment or modification.

[0141] Furthermore, the drawings mainly show each component in a schematic manner to facilitate understanding of the invention, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual ones due to the convenience of creating the drawings. Furthermore, the configurations of each component shown in the above embodiment are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible within a scope that does not substantially deviate from the effects of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 1:LCD display device 1P: pixel 10CH1:Through hole 10P: Picture element 10R: Area 11D: First direction 11DV: Direction 11R:Horizontal direction 12D:Second direction 12R: Vertical direction 20BM: Second substrate side light shielding film 20D, 30D: Longitudinal direction 100: First board 100E1: First electrode 100E2: Second electrode 100E2X, 100ERX: Opening 100ER: Electrode 100F: Insulating layer 100M, 100MR: Light shielding film 100T: Nonlinear element array 110: First support board 120: Gate wiring layer 120L: Gate wire 130: First insulating layer 140: Semiconductor layer 150: Source wiring layer 150D: Drain electrode 150L: Source line 160: Second insulating layer 170: Color filter layer 170B: Blue color filter 170G: Green color filter 170R: Red color filter 180: Flattening film 200:Second board 210:Second support board 300: Liquid crystal layer 300L: Liquid crystal molecules 301A, 301B, 301BR, 301Z, 302A: Orientation direction 410: First alignment film 420:Second alignment film 510: First polarizing plate 520:Second polarizing plate

Claims

1. It has a plurality of picture elements arranged in a matrix, a first substrate including a plurality of gate lines extending in a first direction, a plurality of source lines extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a nonlinear element array arranged corresponding to intersections of the gate lines and the source lines; a second substrate facing the first substrate; a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and containing liquid crystal molecules having positive dielectric anisotropy; Each pixel is defined by two adjacent gate lines and two adjacent source lines; the first substrate further includes, in order, a first electrode, an insulating layer, and a second electrode having a longitudinal opening; In a plan view, the longitudinal direction of the opening has an angle θ11 [°] inclined in one of a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction with respect to a direction perpendicular to the first direction, A liquid crystal display device in which, in a planar view, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules located near the first substrate and in the center of the opening when no voltage is applied has an angle θ12 [°] in the opposite direction to the one direction with respect to a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

2. 2. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, which satisfies the following (Formula 1-1): θ12<θ11 (Formula 1-1)

3. 2. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, which satisfies the following formula 1-2: 0°<θ11<45° (Formula 1-2)

4. 2. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein, in a planar view, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules located near the second substrate and in the center of the opening when no voltage is applied is perpendicular to the first direction.

5. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1 , wherein the first substrate further comprises a color filter layer.

6. The second electrode is provided with a plurality of the openings, The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of openings are arranged one for each picture element.

7. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1 , further comprising a light-shielding film containing a metal between the plurality of picture elements in a plan view.

8. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 7 , wherein the light-shielding film has an island shape in a plan view.

9. 2. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein the resolution is 1200 ppi or more.

10. It has a plurality of picture elements arranged in a matrix, a first substrate including a plurality of gate lines extending in a first direction, a plurality of source lines extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a nonlinear element array arranged corresponding to intersections of the gate lines and the source lines; a second substrate facing the first substrate; a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and containing liquid crystal molecules having negative dielectric anisotropy; Each pixel is defined by two adjacent gate lines and two adjacent source lines; the first substrate further includes, in order, a first electrode, an insulating layer, and a second electrode having a longitudinal opening; In a plan view, the longitudinal direction of the opening has an inclination angle θ21 [°] in one of a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction with respect to the first direction, A liquid crystal display device in which, in a planar view, the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules located near the first substrate and in the center of the opening when no voltage is applied has an angle θ22 [°] with respect to the first direction in the opposite direction to the one direction.

11. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 10, which satisfies the following (Formula 2-1): θ22<90°−θ21 (Formula 2-1)

12. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 10, which satisfies the following (Formula 2-2): 45°<θ21<90° (Formula 2-2)

13. 11. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 10, wherein, in a planar view, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules located near the second substrate and in the center of the opening when no voltage is applied is parallel to the first direction.

14. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 10 , wherein the first substrate further comprises a color filter layer.

15. The second electrode is provided with a plurality of the openings, The liquid crystal display device according to claim 10 , wherein the plurality of openings are arranged one for each picture element.

16. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 10 , further comprising a light-shielding film containing a metal between the plurality of picture elements in a plan view.

17. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 16 , wherein the light-shielding film has an island shape in a plan view.

18. 11. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 10, wherein the resolution is 1200 ppi or more.

19. Furthermore, a first polarizer disposed on the first substrate opposite to the liquid crystal layer and having a first polarization axis parallel to or perpendicular to the first direction; A liquid crystal display device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, comprising: a second polarizer disposed on the opposite side of the second substrate from the liquid crystal layer and having a second polarization axis perpendicular to the first polarization axis.

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