Liquid crystal display devices and electronic equipment

Abstract

This suppresses the degradation of display quality caused by impurities occurring in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device. [Solution] The liquid crystal device of the embodiment includes a common electrode to which a common potential is applied, a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in a display area, a first electrode to which a first potential with negative polarity relative to the common potential is applied and which is located outside the display area, a second electrode to which a second potential with positive polarity relative to the common potential is applied and which is located outside the display area, a third electrode to which a third potential different from the common potential is applied and which is located outside the display area, and a liquid crystal layer arranged between each of the plurality of pixel electrodes and the common electrode, between the first electrode and the common electrode, between the second electrode and the common electrode, and between the third electrode and the common electrode. In a plan view, the distance between the third electrode and the display area is longer than the first distance between the first electrode and the display area, and the second distance between the second electrode and the display area, and the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged between the third electrode and the display area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid crystal device and an electronic device.

Background Art

[0002] A liquid crystal device includes a liquid crystal panel in which a liquid crystal layer is sandwiched between a pair of substrates. When light is incident on such a liquid crystal device, a photochemical reaction may occur between the liquid crystal material, alignment film, etc. constituting the liquid crystal panel and the incident light, and ionic impurities may be generated as reaction products. Also, it is known that there are ionic impurities that diffuse from sealing materials, encapsulants, etc. into the liquid crystal layer during the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal panel. These impurities move within the display area along the oblique direction of the vapor deposition film obliquely deposited on the base material, accumulate at the corners in the plan view of the display area, and may form display stains. The display quality of the liquid crystal device may deteriorate due to impurities moving in the display area or impurities accumulating at the corners of the display area.

[0003] Conventionally, measures have been studied to suppress the deterioration of the display quality of a liquid crystal device and improve its reliability by capturing impurities generated in the display area in a peripheral area outside the display area. For example, in the liquid crystal device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a fixed potential different from the counter electrode potential applied to the counter electrode is applied to a first peripheral electrode disposed in a peripheral area around a first corner located diagonally along a direction intersecting the uniaxial direction in the pixel area among the peripheral electrodes disposed in the peripheral area around the pixel area where a plurality of pixel electrodes are arranged. In the liquid crystal device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a fixed potential smaller than the fixed potential applied to the first peripheral electrode may be applied to a second peripheral electrode disposed in a peripheral area around a second corner located diagonally along the uniaxial direction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0005] As mentioned above, impurities present in the display area consist of ionic substances and have been confirmed to include both positively polarized and negatively polarized impurities. In the liquid crystal apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, even when a fixed potential corresponding to either positively polarized or negatively polarized impurities is applied to the first and second peripheral electrodes, the amount of impurities generated in the display area that are captured is insufficient, making it difficult to suppress the deterioration of display quality and potentially reducing reliability. Therefore, measures are desired to remove impurities from the display area based on their polarity, thereby improving the display quality and reliability of the liquid crystal apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A liquid crystal device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a common electrode to which a common potential is applied, a plurality of pixel electrodes to which a signal potential is applied and which are arranged in a display area, a first electrode to which a first potential with negative polarity relative to the common potential is applied and which is located outside the display area in a plan view, a second electrode to which a second potential with positive polarity relative to the common potential is applied and which is located outside the display area in a plan view, a third electrode to which a third potential different from the common potential is applied and which is located outside the display area in a plan view, and a liquid crystal layer arranged between each of the plurality of pixel electrodes and the common electrode, between the first electrode and the common electrode, between the second electrode and the common electrode, and between the third electrode and the common electrode. In a plan view, the distance between the third electrode and the display area is longer than the first distance between the first electrode and the display area, and the second distance between the second electrode and the display area. In a plan view, the first electrode is located between the third electrode and the display area, and the second electrode is located between the third electrode and the display area. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a plan view of the liquid crystal device of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the pixel circuit in the pixel region of the liquid crystal device. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal device broken along line II-II. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal device fractured along line III-III. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the behavior of impurities in the pixel region of the liquid crystal apparatus shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the behavior of impurities in the peripheral region of the liquid crystal apparatus shown in Figure 1. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of the projector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] This is another cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal device of the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] This is another cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal device of the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The following description will focus on a liquid crystal device as an example of an electro-optical device according to the embodiment. Note that the dimensions and scale of the parts in the following figures may differ from those of the actual device as appropriate. The embodiments described below are preferred examples. Unless otherwise specified in the following description, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0009] [First Embodiment] First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7.

[0010] <LCD device> The liquid crystal device 10 of the first embodiment is an electro-optical device and liquid crystal display device equipped with liquid crystal elements that convert incident color light into image light. Figure 1 is a plan view of the liquid crystal device 10. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal device 10 broken along line II-II in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal device 10 broken along line III-III in Figure 1.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the liquid crystal apparatus 10 comprises a first substrate 112, a second substrate 115, a liquid crystal layer 140, and a sealing material 16. The first substrate 112 has an element substrate 12, a plurality of pixel electrodes 120, a plurality of dummy pixel electrodes 122, a first peripheral electrode 311, a second peripheral electrode 312, a third peripheral electrode 315, a plurality of terminals N, and an alignment film 331. The second substrate 115 has a counter substrate 15, a counter electrode 150, and an alignment film 332.

[0012] The element substrate 12 has a rectangular shape in plan view, for example, a rectangular shape, and has plate surfaces 12a and 12b. The opposing substrate 15 has a rectangular shape in plan view, for example, a rectangular shape, and has plate surfaces 15a and 15b. The longer sides of plate surfaces 15a and 15b of the opposing substrate 15 are the same length as the longer sides of plate surfaces 12a and 12b of the element substrate 12. The shorter sides of plate surfaces 15a and 15b of the opposing substrate 15 are shorter than the shorter sides of plate surfaces 12a and 12b of the element substrate 12.

[0013] In the following description and drawings, the X direction is one direction included in the surface 12a of the element substrate 12 and the surface 15a of the opposing substrate 15, for example, a direction parallel to the long side direction of the surface 12a and the surface 15a. One side along the X direction is described as the +X side, and the other side along the X direction is described as the -X side. The Y direction is one direction perpendicular to the X direction and included in the surface 12a of the element substrate 12 and the surface 15a of the opposing substrate 15, for example, a direction parallel to the short side direction of the surface 12a and the surface 15a. One side along the Y direction is described as the +Y side, and the other side along the Y direction is described as the -Y side. The Z direction is perpendicular to the X and Y directions and is parallel to the direction along the thickness of the element substrate 12 and the opposing substrate 15, for example. One side along the Z direction is described as the +Z side, and the other side along the Z direction is described as the -Z side. Planar view means viewing along the Z-direction.

[0014] The plate surface 12b of the element substrate 12 is parallel to the XY plane including the X direction and the Y direction, and is the +Z side plate surface among the plate surfaces 12a and 12b. On the element substrate 12, a scanning line drive circuit, a data signal output circuit, a transistor functioning as a switching element, etc., not shown in the figure, are formed. Further, a wiring layer 40 is formed on the plate surface 12a of the element substrate 12. In the wiring layer 40, a first wiring layer 43, a first insulating layer 41, a first contact plug 45, a second wiring layer 44, a second insulating layer 42, and a second contact plug 46 are laminated in this order in the Z direction from the element substrate 12 side, that is, the -Z side.

[0015] The plate surface 15b of the counter substrate 15 is parallel to the XY plane, and is the -Z side plate surface among the plate surfaces 15a and 15b. In the liquid crystal device 10, the plate surface 12b of the element substrate 12 faces the plate surface 15b of the counter substrate 15 in the Z direction, and the first substrate 112 and the second substrate 115 are separated from each other with an appropriate interval. In the liquid crystal device 10, the first substrate 112 and the second substrate 115 are bonded via a sealing material 16 so that the distance in the Z direction between the plate surface 12a of the element substrate 12 and the plate surface 15a of the counter substrate 15, that is, the overall thickness in the Z direction is substantially constant.

[0016] In a plan view, the liquid crystal device 10 is partitioned into a pixel region A1 including the center in the XY plane, a dummy pixel region A2 surrounding the pixel region A1 and located outside the pixel region A1, and a peripheral region A3 surrounding the dummy pixel region A2 and located further outside the dummy pixel region A2. The pixel region A1 corresponds to the display region described later and the display region of the liquid crystal device described in the claims.

[0017] A plurality of pixel electrodes 120, a plurality of dummy pixel electrodes 122, a first peripheral electrode 311, a second peripheral electrode 312, and a third peripheral electrode 315 are formed in the wiring layer 40. The plurality of pixel electrodes 120 are arranged in the pixel region A1 and are arranged in a matrix at appropriate intervals along the X direction and the Y direction in the pixel region A1.

[0018] Multiple dummy pixel electrodes 122 are arranged in dummy pixel region A2. In a plan view, dummy pixel region A2 is divided into a frame-like section. In a plan view, the multiple dummy pixel electrodes 122 have the same shape and size as the multiple pixel electrodes 120, and are arranged in a matrix along the X and Y directions with appropriate spacing, similar to the multiple pixel electrodes 120. In Figure 1, the multiple dummy pixel electrodes 122 are omitted.

[0019] In the liquid crystal display device 10, a dummy pixel area A2 is partitioned, and multiple dummy pixel electrodes 122 are arranged in the dummy pixel area A2. As a result, there is no difference in electrode structure and relative arrangement near the boundary between pixel area A1 and dummy pixel area A2, which suppresses the occurrence of display unevenness and deterioration of display quality at the outer edges of the pixel area A1 in a plan view. In other words, if there are no multiple dummy pixel electrodes 122 having the same shape and size in a plan view as the multiple pixel electrodes 120, the electrode structure and relative arrangement will change abruptly near the boundary between pixel area A1 and dummy pixel area A2, which may cause display unevenness or deterioration of display quality at the outer edges of the pixel area A1 in a plan view.

[0020] Furthermore, if the aforementioned degradation in display quality is minimal, the dummy pixel area A2 may be omitted, and the area corresponding to the dummy pixel area A2 may be included in the pixel area A1.

[0021] The first peripheral electrode 311 is located in peripheral region A3. Peripheral region A3 is divided into a frame-like section in plan view and has a region A31 on the +Y side parallel to the X direction, a region A32 on the +X side parallel to the Y direction, a region A33 on the -Y side parallel to the X direction, and a region A34 on the -X side parallel to the Y direction. The first peripheral electrode 311 corresponds to the first electrode described later and the first electrode of the liquid crystal device described in the claims. For example, the first peripheral electrode 311 extends along the X direction in region A31 of peripheral region A3, and extends along the Y direction in the portions on the +Y side of the center in each of regions A32 and A34 of peripheral region A3.

[0022] The second peripheral electrode 312 is located in peripheral region A3. The second peripheral electrode 312 corresponds to the second electrode described later and the second electrode of the liquid crystal device described in the claims. For example, the second peripheral electrode 312 extends along the X direction in region A33 of peripheral region A3, and extends along the Y direction in regions A32 and A34 of peripheral region A3 in the portion -Y side of the center in the Y direction.

[0023] The third peripheral electrode 315 is located in the peripheral region A3 and, in a plan view, is positioned at least outside the first peripheral electrode 311 and the second peripheral electrode 312, and inside the sealing material 16. The third peripheral electrode 315 corresponds to the third electrode described later and the third electrode of the liquid crystal device described in the claims.

[0024] The third peripheral electrode 315 extends, for example, around the entire circumference of peripheral region A3, that is, it is arranged in a frame shape in a plan view. The second peripheral electrode 312 is not electrically connected to the first peripheral electrode 311. The relative arrangement of the first peripheral electrode 311, the second peripheral electrode 312, and the third peripheral electrode 315 will be described in detail later.

[0025] The pixel electrode 120, dummy pixel electrode 122, first peripheral electrode 311, second peripheral electrode 312, and third peripheral electrode 315 are made of a transparent conductive material that transmits visible wavelength color light L incident from the +Z side, and are composed of, for example, indium tin oxide (ITO) deposited by the same process.

[0026] The counter electrode 150 is formed over the entire surface 15b of the counter substrate 15. The counter electrode 150 is made of a transparent conductive material that corresponds to light incident from the +Z side, and is composed of, for example, ITO.

[0027] The first substrate 112 and the second substrate 115 are bonded together in the Z direction as described above, but the -Y side portion of the element substrate 12 of the first substrate 112 extends further to the -Y side than the opposing substrate 15. Multiple terminals N are formed on the board surface 12b of the element substrate 12 that extends further to the -Y side than the opposing substrate 15. Multiple terminals N input various electrical signals to the scan line drive circuit and the data signal output circuit.

[0028] The alignment films 331 and 332 are positioned in the pixel region A1, the dummy pixel region A2, and the peripheral region A3 on the inner side of the sealing material 16 in a plan view. The alignment film 331 covers each of the multiple pixel electrodes 120, the multiple dummy pixel electrodes 122, the first peripheral electrode 311, the second peripheral electrode 312, and the plate surface 12b of the element substrate 12 where no electrodes are formed, from the +Z side. The +Z side surface of the alignment film 331 is parallel to the XY plane and is substantially flat.

[0029] The alignment film 332 is formed on the -Z side surface of the counter electrode 150 and covers the counter electrode 150 from the -Z side. The -Z side surface of the alignment film 332 is parallel to the XY plane and is substantially flat. The alignment films 331 and 332 determine the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal layer 140, for example, by slightly tilting them at a slight angle with respect to the Z direction in a state where no potential is applied.

[0030] Note that the dummy pixel area A2 and the surrounding area A3 do not contribute to image display. For example, a light-shielding film (not shown) may be formed on the surface 15a of the substrate 15 opposite the dummy pixel area A2 and the surrounding area A3.

[0031] The liquid crystal layer 140 is positioned in the Z direction between the plate surface 12a of the element substrate 12 and the plate surface 15a of the opposing substrate 15, and is interposed between the multiple pixel electrodes 120, multiple dummy pixel electrodes 122, the first peripheral electrode 311 and the second peripheral electrode 312 and the opposing electrode 150. Specifically, the liquid crystal layer 140 is sandwiched between the alignment films 331 and 332 in the Z direction.

[0032] The liquid crystal layer 140 is surrounded by the sealing material 16 in a plan view and sealed by the sealing material 16 in the XY plane. The liquid crystal layer 140 is a layer made of liquid crystal molecules whose long axis is approximately parallel to the Z direction in a state where no potential is applied, such as in the VA (Vertical Alignment) method.

[0033] The sealing material 16 is located in the peripheral region A3, at least outside the third peripheral electrode 315, and preferably in the outermost region of the peripheral region A3. The sealing material 16 corresponds to the sealing material described later and the sealing material described in the claims. The material of the sealing material 16 is, for example, an ultraviolet-curing type or a thermosetting type epoxy resin or acrylic resin. The impurity IS described later may leach out from additives, etc., if the curing of the sealing material 16 is insufficient during the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal device 10.

[0034] Figure 4 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the pixel circuit 110 configured in pixel region A1. As shown in Figure 4, the pixel circuit 110 is provided corresponding to the intersection positions of a plurality of scan lines 113 extending in the X direction and a plurality of data lines 114 extending in the Y direction. The pixel circuit 110 includes a transistor 116 that functions as a switching element and a liquid crystal element 180.

[0035] Transistor 116 is, for example, an N-channel thin-film transistor (TFT). In the pixel circuit 110, the gate node of transistor 116 is connected to the scan line 113, the source node of transistor 116 is connected to the data line 114, and the drain node of transistor 116 is connected to the pixel electrode 120.

[0036] In this specification, “connection” means a direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements. In this specification, “connected” includes, for example, a state in which two or more elements are linked together on a substrate, and a state in which they are coupled to each other via different conductive layers and contact plugs.

[0037] The counter electrode 150 faces a plurality of pixel electrodes 120 and is maintained at a substantially constant potential LCcom over time. A predetermined potential LCsig, different from the potential LCcom, is applied to each of the plurality of pixel electrodes 120. The potential LCcom corresponds to the common potential described later and the common potential in the liquid crystal device described in the claims. The potential LCsig corresponds to the signal potential described later and the signal potential in the liquid crystal device described in the claims. In each of the plurality of pixel circuits 110, a liquid crystal element 180 is composed of a pixel electrode 120, a counter electrode 150, and a liquid crystal layer 140.

[0038] A storage capacitor 109 is provided electrically in parallel with the liquid crystal element 180. One end of the storage capacitor 109 is connected to the pixel electrode 120, and the other end of the storage capacitor 109 is connected to the capacitance line 107. The capacitance line 107 is maintained at a constant potential over time, for example, at the same potential LCcom as the counter electrode 150.

[0039] The scan line drive circuit sequentially and exclusively selects one scan line 113 at a time during a single frame, and sets the scan signal of the selected scan line 113 to a relatively high H level. The data signal output circuit outputs a data signal with a potential corresponding to the grayscale to the pixel circuit 110 located on the scan line 113 selected by the scan line drive circuit, via the data line 114.

[0040] In the pixel circuit 110 corresponding to scan line 113 when the scanning signal reaches a high level, transistor 116 turns on, and the data signal is applied to the pixel electrode 120 via data line 114. Even when the scanning signal reaches a relatively low low level and transistor 116 turns off, the data signal is retained by the capacitive and storage capacitance 109 of the liquid crystal element 180.

[0041] In the liquid crystal element 180, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules changes in response to the electric field generated by the pixel electrode 120 and the counter electrode 150.

[0042] The operations and behaviors described above are also performed in the pixel circuit 110 connected to the selected scan line 113. The sequential, exclusive selection of scan lines 113 during one frame period causes the orientation direction of all liquid crystal elements 180 in the pixel region A1 to change according to the grayscale. This generates an image during one frame period, and the color light L is converted into image light (not shown).

[0043] The liquid crystal element 180 operates, for example, in normally black mode. In normally black mode, the transmittance of light passing through the liquid crystal element 180 is lowest when the applied potential to the liquid crystal element 180 is zero, and the transmittance of light passing through the polarizing plate (not shown) increases as the applied potential increases.

[0044] The liquid crystal element 180 is driven by either DC or AC. Specifically, when the liquid crystal element 180 is driven by AC, the potential of the data signal is a positive potential on the higher side or a negative potential on the lower side, relative to the potential LCcom of the counter electrode 150, and is switched alternately between a positive potential and a negative potential, for example, every frame period.

[0045] The first peripheral electrode 311 is maintained at a potential LC1 that is different from the potential LCcom of the counter electrode 150. Potential LC1 is negatively polarized with respect to potential LCcom. Potential LC1 corresponds to the first potential described later, and corresponds to the first potential in the liquid crystal apparatus described in the claims. Potential LC1 is applied to the first peripheral electrode 311, for example, from a common wiring (not shown) that is not electrically connected to the scan lines 113 and data lines 114, respectively, on the first substrate 112.

[0046] The second peripheral electrode 312 is maintained at a potential LC2 that is different from the potential LCcom of the counter electrode 150 and the potential LC1 of the first peripheral electrode 311. Potential LC2 is positively polarized with respect to potential LCcom. Potential LC2 corresponds to the second potential described later, and corresponds to the second potential in the liquid crystal apparatus described in the claims.

[0047] The potential LC2 is applied to the second peripheral electrode 312 from, for example, another common wiring (not shown) that is not electrically connected to the scan line 113, data line 114, and the common wiring that applies the potential LC1 to the first peripheral electrode 311 on the first substrate 112.

[0048] The third peripheral electrode 315 is maintained at a potential LC3 that is different from the potential LCcom of the counter electrode 150. Potential LC3 has an appropriate polarity relative to potential LCcom, corresponding to the polarity of the impurity IS generated from the sealing material 16. Potential LC3 may be approximately the same as the potential LC1 of the first peripheral electrode 311, for example, if the impurity IS has negative polarity. Potential LC3 corresponds to the third potential described later, and corresponds to the third potential in the liquid crystal apparatus described in the claims.

[0049] The potential LC3 is applied to the third peripheral electrode 315 from, for example, other common wiring (not shown) that is not electrically connected to the scan line 113, data line 114, common wiring that applies potential LC1 to the first peripheral electrode 311, and common wiring that applies potential LC2 to the second peripheral electrode 312 on the first substrate 112. However, if the potential LC3 of the third peripheral electrode 315 is approximately the same as the potential LC1 of the first peripheral electrode 311 or the potential LC2 of the second peripheral electrode 312, then the potential LC3 may be applied to the third peripheral electrode 315 from the common wiring that applies potential to either of the aforementioned electrodes.

[0050] figure 2As shown, the distance d1 between the first peripheral electrode 311 and the pixel electrode 120 of pixel region A1 corresponds to the first distance described later and the first distance in the liquid crystal device described in the claims. The distance d1 is approximately constant in the XY plane, but does not necessarily have to be constant. For example, the distance d1 between the first peripheral electrode 311 and the pixel electrode 120 in regions A32 and A34 of peripheral region A3 may be longer than the distance between the first peripheral electrode 311 and the pixel electrode 120 in region A31. More precisely, the distance between the first peripheral electrode 311 and pixel region A1, and the first distance, are the shortest distance in the XY plane between the inner edge of the first peripheral electrode 311 and the edge of one of the multiple pixel electrodes 120 that is located on the outer periphery and faces the first peripheral electrode 311.

[0051] The distance d3 between the third peripheral electrode 315 and the pixel electrode 120 of pixel region A1 is approximately constant in the XY plane, but does not necessarily have to be constant. For example, the distance d3 between the third peripheral electrode 315 and the pixel electrode 120 in regions A32 and A34 of peripheral region A3 may be longer than the distance between the third peripheral electrode 315 and the pixel electrode 120 in regions A31 and A33. More precisely, the distance between the third peripheral electrode 315 and pixel region A1 is the shortest distance in the XY plane between the inner edge of the second peripheral electrode 312 and the outer edge of one of the multiple pixel electrodes 120 that is positioned on the outer edge and faces the third peripheral electrode 315.

[0052] In the liquid crystal apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, distance d3 is longer than distance d1. That is, the distance between the third peripheral electrode 315 and the pixel region A1 is at least longer than the distance between the first peripheral electrode 311 and the pixel region A1. The ratio of distance d1 to distance d3 is appropriately set according to the ratio of the migration speed of impurity IP, which is an ionic substance with positive polarity generated in the pixel region A1, to the migration speed of impurity IS, which is an ionic substance with negative polarity generated from the sealing material 16, the ratio of the diffusion speeds of impurity IP and IS, the proportion of impurity IP and IS that are repelled by the third peripheral electrode 315, etc., as will be explained later.

[0053] Appropriate potentials are applied to each electrode of the liquid crystal device 10, and color light L is incident along the Z direction from the +Z side of the surface 15a of the opposing substrate 15 of the second substrate 115 of the pixel region A1. As the conversion of color light L into image light proceeds, impurities IM and IP, consisting of ionic materials, are generated in the liquid crystal layer 140. Impurity IM consists of negatively polarized ionic materials. Impurity IP consists of positively polarized ionic materials. The impurity IP generated from the liquid crystal layer 140 of the pixel region A1 is captured by the first peripheral electrode 311 to which a negatively polarized potential is applied.

[0054] As shown in Figure 3, the distance d2 between the second peripheral electrode 312 and the pixel electrode 120 of pixel region A1 corresponds to the second distance described later and the second distance in the liquid crystal device described in the claims. The distance d2 is approximately constant in the XY plane, but does not necessarily have to be constant. For example, the distance d2 between the second peripheral electrode 312 and the pixel electrode 120 in regions A32 and A34 of peripheral region A3 may be longer than the distance between the second peripheral electrode 312 and the pixel electrode 120 in region A33. More precisely, the distance between the second peripheral electrode 312 and pixel region A1, and the second distance, are the shortest distance in the XY plane between the inner edge of the second peripheral electrode 312 and the outer edge of one of the multiple pixel electrodes 120 that is positioned on the outer periphery and faces the second peripheral electrode 312.

[0055] As shown in Figure 3, the first insulating layer 41 is provided between the first wiring layer 43 and the second wiring layer 44 in the Z direction and has a first contact plug 45. The first contact plug 45 is positioned to electrically connect the first wiring layer 43 and the second wiring layer 44. The second insulating layer 42 is provided between the second wiring layer 44 and each of the first peripheral electrode 311, the second peripheral electrode 312, the third peripheral electrode 315, and the pixel electrode 120, and has a second contact plug 46. The second contact plug 46 is positioned to electrically connect the second wiring layer 44 to either the first peripheral electrode 311, the second peripheral electrode 312, the third peripheral electrode 315, or the pixel electrode 120.

[0056] The second peripheral electrode 312 is electrically connected to terminal N via the first insulating layer 41, the second insulating layer 42, the first wiring layer 43, the second wiring layer 44, the first contact plug 45, and the second contact plug 46. The first peripheral electrode 311 and the third peripheral electrode 315 are electrically connected to terminal N via the first insulating layer 41, the second insulating layer 42, the first wiring layer 43, the second wiring layer 44, the first contact plug 45, and the second contact plug 46, similar to the second peripheral electrode 312.

[0057] In a plan view, the distance d4 between the second peripheral electrode 312 and the third peripheral electrode 315 and the distance d5 between the third peripheral electrode 315 and the sealing material 16 may be different from each other. For example, distance d5 may be shorter than distance d4. Also, the first contact plug 45, which electrically connects the terminal N to either the first peripheral electrode 311, the second peripheral electrode 312, or the third peripheral electrode 315, is positioned outside the sealing material 16 in a plan view.

[0058] In the liquid crystal apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, distance d2 is equivalent to distance d1. Distance d3 is longer than distance d2. In other words, the distance between the third peripheral electrode 315 and the pixel region A1 is at least longer than the distance between the second peripheral electrode 312 and the pixel region A1. The ratio of distance d2 to distance d3 is appropriately set according to the ratio of the migration speed of impurities IM that are generated in the pixel region A1 and have negative polarity to the migration speed of impurities IS, which are ionic substances generated from the sealing material 16, the ratio of the diffusion speeds of impurities IM and IS, and the proportion of impurities IM and IS that are repelled by the third peripheral electrode 315.

[0059] Impurities IM generated from the liquid crystal layer 140 in pixel region A1 consist of negatively polarized ionic material and are captured by the second peripheral electrode 312 to which a positive potential is applied. Impurities IS, also consisting of negatively polarized ionic material, are generated from the sealing material 16. As impurities IS approach the third peripheral electrode 315 from the sealing material 16 within peripheral region A3, a repulsive force acts from the third peripheral electrode 315 to which a negative potential is applied. In other words, the third peripheral electrode 315 repels impurities IS.

[0060] In the liquid crystal display device 10, impurities IP generated in the liquid crystal layer 140 of pixel region A1 are captured by the energized first peripheral electrode 311, and impurities IM generated in the liquid crystal layer 140 of pixel region A1 are captured by the energized second peripheral electrode 312. Impurities IS generated outside the third peripheral electrode 315, including the sealing material 16, are repelled outwards by the third peripheral electrode 315. As a result, the formation of display stains and the like at the outer edge of pixel region A1 is prevented. Consequently, the display quality and reliability of the liquid crystal display device 10 are improved.

[0061] Each of the potentials LC1, LC2, and LC3 is either a DC potential or an AC potential, preferably a DC potential. By having each of the potentials LC1, LC2, and LC3 be a DC potential, the trapping effect of impurity IP at the energized first peripheral electrode 311, the trapping effect of impurity IM at the energized second peripheral electrode 312, and the rejection effect of impurity IS at the energized third peripheral electrode 315 are stabilized.

[0062] For example, when the potential LCcom is +7.5V, the potential LC1 is set to +6.0V, the potential LC2 is set to +9.0V, and the potential LC3 is set to +6.0V. Another example is when the potential LCcom is +7.5V, the potential LC1 may be set to +6.0V, the potential LC2 to +9.0V, and the potential LC3 to +6.0V. In this case, the potential LC3 may be set to +6.5V, and the potential LC1 may be set to +6.5V. Furthermore, another example is when the potential LCcom is +7.5V, the potential LC1 may be set to +7.5V, the potential LC2 to +9.0V, and the potential LC3 to +6.0V.

[0063] However, if the potentials LC1 and LC2 are alternating current potentials, and the negative and positive polarities of potentials LC1 and LC2 with respect to potential LCcom alternate at a predetermined time period, the trapping effect of the energized first peripheral electrode 311 and second peripheral electrode 312 on impurities IM and the trapping effect on impurities IP alternate at a predetermined time period. This makes it possible to achieve both the trapping effect on impurities IP and the trapping effect on impurities IM of the first peripheral electrode 311 and second peripheral electrode 312.

[0064] As an example, when the potential LCcom is +7.5V, the potential LC1 may be set to an AC potential, the potential LC2 to be set to +9.0V, and the potential LC3 to be set to +6.0V. As another example, when the potential LCcom is +7.5V, an AC potential may be applied to the potential LC1, an AC potential may be applied to the potential LC2, and the potential LC3 to be set to +6.0V. In this case, the frequency of the AC potential applied to the potential LC1 and the frequency of the AC potential applied to the potential LC2 may be different from each other, and the frequency of the AC potential applied to the potential LC2 may be lower than the frequency of the AC potential applied to the potential LC1. When the potential LC1 is an AC potential, the average value of the potential LC1 may be 6-7V and may be negatively polarized with respect to the potential LCcom. Also, when the potential LC2 is an AC potential, the average value of the potential LC2 may be 8-9V and may be positively polarized with respect to the potential LCcom.

[0065] The first peripheral electrode 311 and the second peripheral electrode 312 are not electrically connected to each other, nor are they connected to each other in the XY plane. As shown in Figure 1, the first peripheral electrode 311 and the second peripheral electrode 312 are separated, for example, in the circumferential direction of peripheral region A3 in a plan view, at the center of the Y direction of regions A32 and A34, respectively.

[0066] As an example, the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 140 may be oriented by the alignment films 331, 332 in an orientation direction F that moves from the -Y side to the +Y side as they move from the -X side to the +X side in the pixel region A1, that is, in a plan view, along the line connecting the vicinity of the corners on the -X and -Y sides of the pixel region A1 and the vicinity of the corners on the +X and +Y sides.

[0067] The orientation of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 140 is determined by the spraying angle of the material for the alignment film 331 when it is obliquely deposited on the +Z-side surfaces of the multiple pixel electrodes 120, the multiple dummy pixel electrodes 122, the first peripheral electrode 311 and the second peripheral electrode 312, and the plate surface 12b of the element substrate 12 where none of the electrodes are formed, and by the spraying angle of the material for the alignment film 332 when it is obliquely deposited on the -Z-side surface of the opposing electrode 150.

[0068] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the movement of impurities IM and IP when an appropriate potential is applied to each electrode of the liquid crystal apparatus 10, when the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 140 are oriented along the orientation direction F. As shown in Figures 1 and 5, the impurities IP generated in the liquid crystal layer 140 of the pixel region A1 move along the orientation direction F to the +X and +Y corners, accumulate toward the first peripheral electrode 311, pass through the dummy pixel region A2, and are captured by the first peripheral electrode 311 of the peripheral region A3 via the alignment film 331.

[0069] The impurities IM generated in the liquid crystal layer 140 of pixel region A1 move along the alignment direction F to the -X and -Y corners, accumulate toward the second peripheral electrode 312, pass through the dummy pixel region A2, and are captured by the second peripheral electrode 312 of peripheral region A3 via the alignment film 331.

[0070] In a planar view, the peripheral region A3 with respect to the +X and +Y corners of pixel region A1, that is, the first peripheral electrode 311 at the +X end of region A31 and the first peripheral electrode 311 at the +Y end of region A32, are connected to each other. Therefore, when the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 140 are oriented along the orientation direction F, impurities IP that move to the +X and +Y corners along the orientation direction F are efficiently and smoothly captured by the first peripheral electrode 311.

[0071] In a planar view, the peripheral region A3 with respect to the -X and -Y corners of pixel region A1, specifically the second peripheral electrode 312 at the -X end of region A33 and the second peripheral electrode 312 at the -Y end of region A34, are connected to each other. Therefore, when the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 140 are oriented along the orientation direction F, impurities IM that move along the orientation direction F to the -X and -Y corners are efficiently and smoothly captured by the second peripheral electrode 312. As a result, the occurrence of display stains that conventionally occurred near the +X and +Y corners and the -X and -Y corners of pixel region A1 is efficiently prevented.

[0072] Although not shown in the diagram, it is conceivable that the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 140 are oriented in a direction intersecting the orientation direction F in a plan view, for example, along a line connecting the vicinity of the -X and +Y corners of pixel region A1 in a plan view. In this case as well, as shown in Figure 1, the peripheral region A3 with respect to the -X and +Y corners of pixel region A1, that is, the first peripheral electrode 311 at the -X end of region A31 of peripheral region A3 and the first peripheral electrode 311 at the +Y end of region A34 are connected to each other. Therefore, impurities IP generated in the liquid crystal layer 140 and moving to the vicinity of the -X and +Y corners are efficiently and smoothly captured by the first peripheral electrode 311.

[0073] In the aforementioned case as well, the peripheral region A3 with respect to the +X and -Y corners of pixel region A1, that is, the second peripheral electrode 312 at the +X end of region A33 of peripheral region A3 and the second peripheral electrode 312 at the -Y end of region A32 are connected to each other. Therefore, impurities IM generated in the liquid crystal layer 140 and moving near the +X and -Y corners are efficiently and smoothly captured by the second peripheral electrode 312.

[0074] As described above, the alignment films 331 and 332 determine the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 140. When it is expected that impurities IM and IP generated in the liquid crystal layer 140 will tend to accumulate in a particular location in the pixel region A1, it is preferable that the first peripheral electrode 311 extends circumferentially in the peripheral region A3 opposite to the location in the pixel region A1 where impurities IP tend to accumulate, in a plan view. Similarly, in a plan view, it is preferable that the second peripheral electrode 312 extends circumferentially in the peripheral region A3 opposite to the location in the pixel region A1 where impurities IM tend to accumulate.

[0075] Although not shown in the diagram, for example, in a plan view, the first peripheral electrode 311 and the second peripheral electrode 312 may be positioned inverted relative to each other with respect to an unshown imaginary line that is the center in the Y direction of pixel region A1 and peripheral region A3 and parallel to the X direction. That is, the first peripheral electrode 311 may extend along the X direction in region A33 of peripheral region A3, and may extend along the Y direction in the portions of regions A32 and A34 of peripheral region A3 that are -Y side of the center in the Y direction. The second peripheral electrode 312 may extend along the X direction in region A31 of peripheral region A3, and may extend along the Y direction in the portions of regions A32 and A34 of peripheral region A3 that are +Y side of the center in the Y direction.

[0076] Furthermore, the first peripheral electrode 311 and the second peripheral electrode 312 may be spaced apart, for example, in the circumferential direction of peripheral region A3 in a plan view, at the center of each of regions A31 and A33 in the X direction. That is, the first peripheral electrode 311 may extend along the Y direction in region A32 of peripheral region A3, and may extend along the X direction in the portion of regions A31 and A33 of peripheral region A3 that is +X side of the center in the X direction. The second peripheral electrode 312 may extend along the Y direction in region A34 of peripheral region A3, and may extend along the X direction in the portion of regions A31 and A33 of peripheral region A3 that is -X side of the center in the X direction.

[0077] In contrast to the relative arrangement of the first peripheral electrode 311 and the second peripheral electrode 312 described above, in a plan view, the first peripheral electrode 311 and the second peripheral electrode 312 may be arranged inverted relative to each other with respect to an unillustrated imaginary line that is the center of the pixel region A1 and peripheral region A3 in the X direction and parallel to the Y direction.

[0078] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the movement of impurities IS in the liquid crystal apparatus 10. As shown in Figure 6, outside the third peripheral electrode 315 of the pixel region A3 in a plan view, at least a portion of the impurities IS generated from, for example, the sealing material 16, actually attempts to move toward the pixel electrode A1 toward the third peripheral electrode 315 in a plan view. A repulsive effect acts on the impurities IS from the third peripheral electrode 315, suppressing the movement of impurities IS toward the pixel region A1.

[0079] The third peripheral electrode 315 is positioned opposite the sealing material 16 along the circumferential direction in a plan view of the peripheral region A3, and is interposed between the sealing material 16 and the pixel region A1. This allows the third peripheral electrode 315 to effectively repel impurities IS from the sealing material 16. Specifically, in a plan view, the sealing material 16 is a sealing material that seals the liquid crystal layer 140 from the outside in the XY plane, as described above, and is therefore arranged in a frame shape that completely surrounds the periphery of the pixel region A1. The third peripheral electrode 315 is positioned inside the sealing material 16 and is arranged in a frame shape that completely surrounds the periphery of the pixel region A1.

[0080] <Projectors, electronic devices> Next, we will describe a projector, which is an example of an electronic device equipped with the liquid crystal display device 10 of the first embodiment.

[0081] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the projector 200 of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, the projector 200 is a so-called three-chip projector and comprises a light source device 210, two dichroic mirrors 211 and 212, three total reflection mirrors 215, 216 and 217, three liquid crystal devices 10B, 10G and 10R, a cross dichroic prism 230, and a projection optical system 240. Each of the liquid crystal devices 10B, 10G and 10R is configured in the same way as the liquid crystal device 10 described above.

[0082] The light source device 210 consists of a halogen lamp or a white light-emitting diode (LED) and emits white light including red, green, and blue light. The white light emitted from the light source device 210 is separated into red light, green light, and blue light by the dichroic mirror 211, and then separated into green light and blue light by the dichroic mirror 212.

[0083] The red light emitted from the dichroic mirror 211 is irradiated onto the liquid crystal device 10R by the total reflection mirror 215. The green light emitted from the dichroic mirror 211 is emitted from the dichroic mirror 212 and irradiated onto the liquid crystal device 10G. The blue light emitted from the dichroic mirror 211 is irradiated onto the liquid crystal device 10B by the total reflection mirrors 216 and 217.

[0084] The optical path from the dichroic mirror 211 to the liquid crystal device 10B for blue light is longer than the optical path from the dichroic mirror 211 to the liquid crystal device 10R for red light, and the optical path from the dichroic mirror 211 to the liquid crystal device 10G for green light. To reduce the loss of blue light to red and green light, an incident lens 222 is placed on the optical path of blue light between the dichroic mirror 212 and the total reflection mirror 216. A relay lens 223 is placed between the total reflection mirror 216 and the total reflection mirror 217. An exit lens 224 is placed between the total reflection mirror 217 and the liquid crystal device 10B. The incident lens 222, relay lens 223, and exit lens 224 constitute a relay optical system 220.

[0085] Liquid crystal device 10R is driven based on an image data signal input in response to incident red light and generates image light R including a red transmitted image. Liquid crystal device 10G is driven based on an image data signal input in response to incident green light and generates image light G including a green transmitted image. Liquid crystal device 10B is driven based on an image data signal input in response to incident blue light and generates image light B including a blue transmitted image.

[0086] Image light R emitted from liquid crystal device 10R, image light G emitted from liquid crystal device 10G, and image light B emitted from liquid crystal device 10B enter the cross dichroic prism 230 from different directions in a planar view. In the cross dichroic prism 230, image light R and B are reflected, and the optical paths of image light R and B are refracted by 90° in a planar view. In the cross dichroic prism 230, image light G is transmitted and travels in a straight line, and the optical path of image light G overlaps with the optical paths of image light R and B.

[0087] Image light, which is combined by a cross dichroic prism 230 and emitted in a direction different from the incident direction of image light R, G, and B, is projected onto the screen SCR by a projection optical system 240. The projection optical system 240 has one or more optical lenses. Examples of optical lenses include biconvex lenses, biconcave lenses, plano-convex lenses, meniscus lenses, aspherical lenses, or free-form lenses. A color image is displayed on the screen SCR.

[0088] In addition to the projector 200, other electronic devices equipped with electro-optical devices such as the liquid crystal display 10 include head-mounted displays, video cameras, electronic viewfinders in interchangeable-lens digital cameras, smartwatches, and display units for wearable devices.

[0089] <Effects and Effects> The liquid crystal apparatus 10 of the first embodiment described above comprises a counter electrode (common electrode) 150, a plurality of pixel electrodes 120, a first peripheral electrode (first electrode) 311, a second peripheral electrode (second electrode) 312, a third peripheral electrode (third electrode) 315, and a liquid crystal layer 140. A potential (common potential) LCcom is applied to the counter electrode 150. A potential (signal potential) LCsig is applied to each of the plurality of pixel electrodes 120. The plurality of pixel electrodes 120 are arranged in a pixel region (display region) A1 in plan view. A potential (first potential) LC1 with negative polarity relative to potential LCcom is applied to the first peripheral electrode 311. The first peripheral electrode 311 is arranged in a peripheral region A3 outside the pixel region A1 in plan view. A potential (second potential) LC2 with positive polarity relative to potential LCcom is applied to the second peripheral electrode 312. The second peripheral electrode 312 is located in the peripheral region A3 outside the pixel region A1 in a plan view. A potential different from the potential LCcom (third potential) LC3 is applied to the third peripheral electrode 315. The third peripheral electrode 315 is located in the peripheral region A3 outside the pixel region A1 in a plan view. The liquid crystal layer 140 is located in the Z direction between each of the multiple pixel electrodes 120 and the counter electrode 150, between the first peripheral electrode 311 and the counter electrode 150, between the second peripheral electrode 312 and the counter electrode 150, and between the third peripheral electrode 315 and the counter electrode 150. In the liquid crystal apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, in a plan view, the distance d3 between the third peripheral electrode 315 and the pixel region A1 is longer than the distance between the first peripheral electrode 311 and the pixel region A1 (first distance) d1, and the distance between the second peripheral electrode 312 and the pixel region A1 (second distance) d2. In the liquid crystal apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, in a plan view, the first peripheral electrode 311 is positioned between the third peripheral electrode 313 and the pixel region A1, and the second peripheral electrode 312 is also positioned between the third peripheral electrode 312 and the pixel region A1.

[0090] In the liquid crystal apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, positively polarized impurities IP generated from the liquid crystal layer 140 of the pixel region A1 are captured by the energized first peripheral electrode 311, and negatively polarized impurities IM generated from the liquid crystal layer 140 of the pixel region A1 are captured by the energized second peripheral electrode 312. Furthermore, in a plan view, negatively polarized impurities IS generated from the sealing material 16, etc., in the peripheral region A3 outside the first peripheral electrode 311 and the second peripheral electrode 312 are repelled by the third peripheral electrode 315, preventing the impurities IS from entering the pixel region A1. In the liquid crystal apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, the first peripheral electrode 311 and the second peripheral electrode 312 are arranged according to the polarity of the impurities IP and IM, thereby enhancing the capture effect of the first peripheral electrode 311 on impurities IP and the capture effect of the second peripheral electrode 312 on impurities IM. In the liquid crystal apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, the third peripheral electrode 315 is positioned outside the first peripheral electrode 311 and the second peripheral electrode 312 in a plan view, thereby achieving an effect of rejecting impurities IS from outside the first peripheral electrode 311 and the second peripheral electrode 312. According to the liquid crystal apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, taking into account the polarity of impurities IM, IP, and IS, the intrusion of impurities IM, IP, and IS into the pixel area A1 can be efficiently and smoothly suppressed, thereby improving display quality and reliability.

[0091] In the liquid crystal device 10 of the first embodiment, the third peripheral electrode 315 is arranged in a frame shape that completely surrounds the periphery of the pixel region A1 without any gaps when viewed from above.

[0092] In the liquid crystal apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, since the planar shape of the third peripheral electrode 315 is frame-shaped, the repulsive effect of the third peripheral electrode 315 on impurities IS acts over the entire circumferential region of the pixel region A1 and the peripheral region A3, and the intrusion of impurities IS into the pixel region A1 from outside the first peripheral electrode 311 and the second peripheral electrode 312 can be suppressed with high precision. According to the liquid crystal apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, the intrusion of impurities IS into the pixel region A1 can be suppressed efficiently and smoothly, thereby improving display quality and reliability.

[0093] The liquid crystal apparatus 10 of the first embodiment further includes a sealing material (sealing material) 16 that is positioned outside the third peripheral electrode 315 in a plan view and seals the liquid crystal layer 140.

[0094] In the liquid crystal apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, for example, the intrusion of impurities IS generated from the sealing material 16 into the pixel area A1 can be suppressed with high precision.

[0095] The electronic device including the projector (electronic device) 200 of the first embodiment comprises the liquid crystal display device 10 described above.

[0096] According to the projector 200 and electronic equipment of the first embodiment, since it is equipped with a liquid crystal device 10, the display quality and reliability of the entire projected image can be improved.

[0097] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. In the descriptions of the second and subsequent embodiments, explanations of content common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and only content that differs from the first embodiment will be described. Furthermore, among the configurations of the liquid crystal device in the second and subsequent embodiments, components common to the liquid crystal device 10 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as the corresponding components in the liquid crystal device 10 of the first embodiment, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0098] Although not shown, the liquid crystal device of the second embodiment has the same configuration as the liquid crystal device 10 of the first embodiment. Figures 8 and 9 are cross-sectional views of the liquid crystal device of the second embodiment, from the pixel area A1 to the peripheral area A3 in a plan view. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the view taken along the line II-II in Figure 1. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the view taken along the line III-III in Figure 1.

[0099] As shown in Figure 8, in the liquid crystal apparatus of the second embodiment, fine irregularities are formed on the +Z side surface 122a of each of the multiple dummy pixel electrodes 122, the +Z side surface 311a of the first peripheral electrode 311, and the surface 315a of the third peripheral electrode 315. The width in the X direction, the width in the Y direction, and the depth in the Z direction of the irregularities formed on the first peripheral electrode 311 are appropriately larger than the maximum diameter of the impurity IP.

[0100] By forming irregularities in the Z direction on the first peripheral electrode 311, impurities IP generated in the liquid crystal layer 140 and moving toward the first peripheral electrode 311 enter the recesses of the irregularities, and the impurities IP are actively captured by the first peripheral electrode 311, improving the capture effect of impurities IP on the first peripheral electrode 311 in both energized and unenergetic states.

[0101] The first peripheral electrode 311 is formed higher than at least each of the multiple pixel electrodes 120. That is, the +Z side end face of the first peripheral electrode 311 is located further to the +Z side than the +Z side surface 120a of each of the multiple pixel electrodes 120. The +Z side end face of the first peripheral electrode 311 is the convex surface of the uneven surface formed on the first peripheral electrode 311, and refers to the surface of the first peripheral electrode 311 that is furthest to the +Z side and aligned with the XY plane. The shortest distance between the +Z side end face of the first peripheral electrode 311 and the -Z side surface of the opposing electrode 150 is shorter than the shortest distance between the +Z side surface 120a of each of the multiple pixel electrodes 120 and the -Z side surface of the opposing electrode 150.

[0102] By forming the first peripheral electrode 311 higher than each of the multiple pixel electrodes 120, impurities IP generated in the liquid crystal layer 140 of the pixel region A1 can easily move toward the first peripheral electrode 311 in the XY plane, and after being captured by the first peripheral electrode 311, they are less likely to move toward the pixel electrodes 120, thereby improving the capture effect of impurities IP on the first peripheral electrode 311 in both energized and unenergetic states.

[0103] By forming irregularities in the Z direction on the third peripheral electrode 315, the diffusion rate of impurities IS diffusing from the sealing material 16 is reduced, and their intrusion into the pixel region A1 can be efficiently suppressed.

[0104] The third peripheral electrode 315 is formed higher than at least each of the multiple pixel electrodes 120. That is, the +Z side end face of the third peripheral electrode 315 is located further to the +Z side than the +Z side surface 120a of each of the multiple pixel electrodes 120. The +Z side end face of the third peripheral electrode 315 is the convex surface of the uneven surface formed on the third peripheral electrode 315, and refers to the surface of the third peripheral electrode 315 that is furthest to the +Z side and aligned with the XY plane. The shortest distance between the +Z side end face of the third peripheral electrode 315 and the -Z side surface of the opposing electrode 150 is shorter than the shortest distance between the +Z side surface 120a of each of the multiple pixel electrodes 120 and the -Z side surface of the opposing electrode 150.

[0105] By forming the third peripheral electrode 315 higher than each of the multiple pixel electrodes 120, it acts as a physical barrier against impurities IS, making it difficult for impurities IS generated in the sealing material 16 of the peripheral region A3 to move toward the first peripheral electrode 311 and the multiple pixel electrodes 120 of the pixel region A1 in the XY plane, thereby improving the impurity IS rejection effect of the third peripheral electrode 315 in both energized and unenergized states.

[0106] As shown in Figure 9, in the liquid crystal apparatus of the second embodiment, fine irregularities are formed on the +Z side surface 312a of the second peripheral electrode 312. The width in the X direction, the width in the Y direction, and the depth in the Z direction of the irregularities formed on the second peripheral electrode 312 are appropriately larger than the maximum diameter of the impurity IM. By forming irregularities in the Z direction on the second peripheral electrode 312, impurity IM generated in the liquid crystal layer 140 and moving toward the second peripheral electrode 312 enters the recesses of the irregularities, and the impurity IM is actively captured by the second peripheral electrode 312, improving the impurity IM capture effect on the second peripheral electrode 312 in both energized and unenergetic states.

[0107] The second peripheral electrode 312 is formed higher than at least each of the multiple pixel electrodes 120, for example, to the same height as the first peripheral electrode 311. The +Z side end face of the second peripheral electrode 312 is located further to the +Z side than each of the surfaces 120a of the multiple pixel electrodes 120. The +Z side end face of the second peripheral electrode 312 is the convex surface of the unevenness formed on the second peripheral electrode 312, and refers to the surface of the second peripheral electrode 312 that is furthest to the +Z side and aligned with the XY plane. The shortest distance between the +Z side end face of the second peripheral electrode 312 and the -Z side surface of the opposing electrode 150 is shorter than the shortest distance between each of the surfaces 120a of the multiple pixel electrodes 120 and the -Z side surface of the opposing electrode 150.

[0108] By forming the second peripheral electrode 312 higher than each of the multiple pixel electrodes 120, impurities IM generated in the liquid crystal layer 140 of the pixel region A1 can easily move toward the second peripheral electrode 312 in the XY plane, and after being captured by the second peripheral electrode 312, they are less likely to move toward the pixel electrodes 120, thereby improving the capture effect of impurities IM at the second peripheral electrode 312 in both energized and unenergetic states.

[0109] In the liquid crystal apparatus of the second embodiment, the supplemental effect of the first peripheral electrode 311 on impurities IP, the supplemental effect of the second peripheral electrode 312 on impurities IM, and the repulsive effect of the third peripheral electrode 315 on impurities IS are improved. Compared to the case where the +Z side surfaces of the first peripheral electrode 311, the second peripheral electrode 312, and the third peripheral electrode 315 are flat without any irregularities being formed on them, display unevenness caused by ionic impurities in the pixel region A1 is suppressed, improving display quality and reliability.

[0110] Fine irregularities similar to those of the first peripheral electrode 311 or the second peripheral electrode 312 are formed on the +Z side surface 120a of the dummy pixel electrode 122. The dummy pixel electrode 122 is formed to be higher than at least each of the multiple pixel electrodes 120 and to be about the same height as the first peripheral electrode 311 and the second peripheral electrode 312.

[0111] For example, impurities IP that cannot be captured by the energized first peripheral electrode 311, and impurities IM that cannot be captured by the energized second peripheral electrode 312, can be captured by the irregularities of the energized dummy pixel electrode 122. Also, if there are impurities IP diffusing from the unenergized first peripheral electrode 311 toward the pixel electrode 120, and impurities IM diffusing from the unenergized second peripheral electrode 312 toward the pixel electrode 120, these impurities IM and IP can be captured by the irregularities of the unenergized dummy pixel electrode 122.

[0112] In the liquid crystal apparatus of the second embodiment, if the trapping effect of either the first peripheral electrode 311, which has no irregularities formed on it, or the trapping effect of the second peripheral electrode 312, which has no irregularities formed on it, is sufficiently ensured, then irregularities may be formed only on the other peripheral electrode. If both the trapping effect of the first peripheral electrode 311, which has no irregularities formed on it, or the trapping effect of the second peripheral electrode 312, which has no irregularities formed on it, are ensured, then irregularities may not be formed on the first peripheral electrode 311, the second peripheral electrode 312, and the dummy pixel electrode 122. Furthermore, if the trapping effect of the first peripheral electrode 311, which has irregularities formed on it, or the trapping effect of the second peripheral electrode 312, which has irregularities formed on it, is sufficiently ensured, then irregularities may not be formed on the dummy pixel electrode 122.

[0113] The liquid crystal device of the second embodiment described above has the same components as the liquid crystal device 10 of the first embodiment and provides the same effects as the liquid crystal device 10 described above.

[0114] In the liquid crystal apparatus of the second embodiment, irregularities are formed on the surface (surface) 315a of the third peripheral electrode (third electrode) 315 on the liquid crystal layer 140 side.

[0115] According to the liquid crystal apparatus of the second embodiment, the surface area on the liquid crystal layer 140 side of the third peripheral electrode 315 is increased by the irregularities, thereby enhancing the diffusion prevention effect of the third peripheral electrode 315 against impurities IS, efficiently and smoothly suppressing the intrusion of impurities IS into the pixel region A1, and further improving display quality and reliability.

[0116] In the liquid crystal apparatus of the second embodiment, the third peripheral electrode 315 is formed higher on the +Z side than each of the plurality of pixel electrodes 120, and is closer to the opposing electrode 150 in the Z direction than each of the plurality of pixel electrodes 120.

[0117] According to the liquid crystal apparatus of the second embodiment, the repulsion effect of the third peripheral electrode 315 on impurities IS in both energized and de-energized states is enhanced, efficiently and smoothly suppressing the intrusion of impurities IS into the pixel region A1, and suppressing the diffusion of impurities IS into the pixel region A1, thereby further improving display quality and reliability.

[0118] In the liquid crystal apparatus of the second embodiment, irregularities are formed on the surface (surface) 311a of the first peripheral electrode (first electrode) 311 on the liquid crystal layer 140 side.

[0119] According to the liquid crystal apparatus of the second embodiment, impurities IP generated in the liquid crystal layer 140 are actively captured by the irregularities of the first peripheral electrode 311. This enhances the capture effect of the first peripheral electrode 311 on impurities IP, allowing for efficient and smooth removal of impurities IP from the pixel area A1, thereby further improving display quality and reliability.

[0120] In the liquid crystal apparatus of the second embodiment, irregularities are formed on the surface (surface) 312a of the second peripheral electrode (second electrode) 312 on the liquid crystal layer 140 side.

[0121] According to the liquid crystal apparatus of the second embodiment, impurities IM generated in the liquid crystal layer 140 are actively captured by the irregularities of the second peripheral electrode 312. This enhances the capture effect of the second peripheral electrode 312 on impurities IM, allowing for efficient and smooth removal of impurities IM from the pixel area A1, thereby further improving display quality and reliability.

[0122] In the liquid crystal apparatus of the second embodiment, the first peripheral electrode 311 is formed higher on the +Z side than each of the plurality of pixel electrodes 120, and is closer to the opposing electrode 150 in the Z direction than each of the plurality of pixel electrodes 120.

[0123] According to the liquid crystal apparatus of the second embodiment, the capture effect of the first peripheral electrode 311 on impurities IM in both energized and de-energized states is enhanced, impurities IM can be efficiently and smoothly removed from the pixel area A1, diffusion of impurities IM into the pixel area A1 can be suppressed, and display quality and reliability can be further improved.

[0124] In the liquid crystal apparatus of the second embodiment, the second peripheral electrode 312 is formed higher on the +Z side than each of the plurality of pixel electrodes 120, and is closer to the opposing electrode 150 in the Z direction than each of the plurality of pixel electrodes 120.

[0125] According to the liquid crystal apparatus of the second embodiment, the capture effect of the second peripheral electrode 312 on impurities IP in both energized and de-energized states is enhanced, impurities IP can be efficiently and smoothly removed from the pixel area A1, the diffusion of impurities IP into the pixel area A1 is suppressed, and display quality and reliability can be further improved.

[0126] Although not shown in the figures, the projector (electronic device) of the second embodiment has the same components as the projector 200 of the first embodiment. In the projector of the second embodiment, each of the three liquid crystal devices 10B, 10G, and 10R of the projector 200 of the first embodiment is configured in the same way as the liquid crystal device of the second embodiment described above.

[0127] According to the projector and electronic equipment of the second embodiment, since it is equipped with the liquid crystal device of the second embodiment, the display quality and reliability of the entire projected image can be further improved.

[0128] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. Although not shown, the liquid crystal device of the third embodiment has the same configuration as the liquid crystal device 10 of the first embodiment. Figures 10 and 11 are cross-sectional views of the liquid crystal device of the third embodiment, from the pixel area A1 to the peripheral area A3 in a plan view. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the view taken along the line II-II in Figure 1. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the view taken along the line III-III in Figure 1.

[0129] In the liquid crystal apparatus of the third embodiment, distance d1 is shorter than distance d2. That is, the distance between the first peripheral electrode 311 and the pixel region A1 is at least shorter than the distance between the second peripheral electrode 312 and the pixel region A1, and the first distance is at least shorter than the second distance. The ratio of distance d1 to distance d2 is appropriately set in accordance with the ratio of the migration speed and diffusion speed of impurities IM and IP.

[0130] Impurity IP generated from the liquid crystal layer 140 of pixel region A1 is captured by the first peripheral electrode 311, while impurity IM generated from the liquid crystal layer 140 of pixel region A1 is captured by the second peripheral electrode 312. Since the movement speed of impurity IP is slower than that of impurity IM, it is captured by the first peripheral electrode 311, which is located relatively close to pixel region A1, and the capture effect of the first peripheral electrode 311 is enhanced when the current is flowing, i.e., when the potential LC1 is applied. Since the movement speed of impurity IM is faster than that of impurity IP, it is captured by the second peripheral electrode 312, which is located relatively farther from pixel region A1.

[0131] The diffusion rate of impurities IM, which have a relatively fast migration speed, is faster than the diffusion rate of impurities IP. Before and after energizing the first peripheral electrode 311, i.e., in the non-energized state, the trapping effect of the first peripheral electrode 311 on impurities IP weakens, and impurities IP diffuse from the first peripheral electrode 311 within the XY plane. Similarly, before and after energizing the second peripheral electrode 312, i.e., in the non-energized state, the trapping effect of the second peripheral electrode 312 on impurities IM weakens, and impurities IM diffuse from the second peripheral electrode 312 within the XY plane. Although the diffusion rate of impurities IM is faster than that of impurities IP, the return of impurities IM from the second peripheral electrode 312 to the pixel region A1 is suppressed because the second peripheral electrode 312 is located further away from the pixel region A1 than the first peripheral electrode 311.

[0132] In the liquid crystal device of the third embodiment, slow-moving impurities IP generated in the liquid crystal layer 140 of pixel region A1 are captured by the energized first peripheral electrode 311 located close to pixel region A1, and fast-moving impurities IM generated in the liquid crystal layer 140 of pixel region A1 are captured by the energized second peripheral electrode 312 located far from pixel region A1, and diffusion of impurities IM from the unenergetic second peripheral electrode 312 into pixel region A1 is suppressed. As a result, the formation of display stains and the like at the outer edge of pixel region A1 is prevented, and the decrease in the amount of image light emitted from pixel region A1 is suppressed. Consequently, the display quality and reliability of the liquid crystal device 10 are improved.

[0133] The liquid crystal device of the third embodiment described above has the same components as the liquid crystal device 10 of the first embodiment and provides the same effects as the liquid crystal device 10 described above.

[0134] In the liquid crystal apparatus of the third embodiment, in a plan view, the distance d1 between the first peripheral electrode 311 and the pixel region A1 is shorter than the distance d2 between the second peripheral electrode 312 and the pixel region A1.

[0135] In the liquid crystal apparatus of the third embodiment, positive polarity impurities IP, which have a relatively slow movement speed, are captured by the energized first peripheral electrode 311, which is positioned relatively close to the pixel area A1, and negative polarity impurities IM, which have a relatively fast movement speed, are captured by the energized second peripheral electrode 312, which is positioned relatively far from the pixel area A1. In the liquid crystal apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, the first peripheral electrode 311 and the second peripheral electrode 312 are positioned according to the polarity and movement speed of the impurities IP and IM, thereby enhancing the capture effect of the first peripheral electrode 311 on impurities IP and the capture effect of the second peripheral electrode 312 on impurities IM. According to the liquid crystal apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, impurities IP and IM can be efficiently and smoothly removed from the pixel area A1, taking into account their polarity, thereby improving display quality and reliability.

[0136] In the liquid crystal apparatus 10 of the third embodiment, impurities IM, whose diffusion speed is faster than that of impurities IP as the movement speed increases, are captured by the second peripheral electrode 312, which is located further away from the pixel area A1 than the first peripheral electrode 311. According to the liquid crystal apparatus 10 of the third embodiment, taking into account the polarity of impurities IP and IM, the intrusion of impurities IM from the unenergized first peripheral electrode 311 and impurities IP from the unenergized second peripheral electrode 312 into the pixel area A1 can be suppressed, thereby improving display quality and reliability.

[0137] In addition, in the liquid crystal apparatus of the third embodiment, as described in the second embodiment, fine irregularities may be formed on the +Z side surface of at least one of the electrodes, the dummy pixel electrode 122, the first peripheral electrode 311, the second peripheral electrode 312, and the third peripheral electrode 315.

[0138] Although not shown in the figures, the projector (electronic device) of the third embodiment has the same components as the projector 200 of the first embodiment. In the projector of the third embodiment, each of the three liquid crystal devices 10B, 10G, and 10R of the projector 200 of the first embodiment is configured in the same way as the liquid crystal device of the third embodiment described above.

[0139] According to the projector and electronic equipment of the third embodiment, since it is equipped with a liquid crystal device of the third embodiment, the display quality and reliability of the entire projected image can be further improved.

[0140] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention as described in the claims.

[0141] For example, in cross-sectional views of liquid crystal devices, the laminated structure including conductive layers, semiconductor layers, or insulating layers contained in each of the element substrate 12 and the opposing substrate 15 is omitted, and an example of a conductive layer is shown. A conductive layer, semiconductor layer, or insulating layer (not shown) for wiring or interlayer spacing may be provided between the +Z side surface of the element substrate 12 and at least one of the pixels 120, dummy pixel electrode 122, first peripheral electrode 311, and second peripheral electrode 312. The -Z side surface of at least one of the pixels 120, dummy pixel electrode 122, first peripheral electrode 311, and second peripheral electrode 312 does not have to be a flat surface.

[0142] [Summary of this disclosure] A summary of this disclosure is provided below. (Note 1) A liquid crystal device comprising: a common electrode to which a common potential is applied; a plurality of pixel electrodes to which a signal potential is applied and which are arranged in a display area; a first electrode to which a first potential of negative polarity with respect to the common potential is applied and which is located outside the display area in a plan view; a second electrode to which a second potential of positive polarity with respect to the common potential is applied and which is located outside the display area in a plan view; a third electrode to which a third potential different from the common potential is applied and which is located outside the display area in a plan view; and a liquid crystal layer arranged between each of the plurality of pixel electrodes and the common electrode, between the first electrode and the common electrode, between the second electrode and the common electrode, and between the third electrode and the common electrode, wherein in a plan view, the distance between the third electrode and the display area is longer than the first distance between the first electrode and the display area and the second distance between the second electrode and the display area, and in a plan view, the first electrode is located between the third electrode and the display area, and the second electrode is located between the third electrode and the display area.

[0143] As described in Appendix 1, during the conversion from color light to image light, positively polarized impurities generated in the liquid crystal layer are captured by the energized first electrode, negatively polarized impurities are captured by the energized second electrode, and impurities generated in areas outside the first and second electrodes in a plan view and attempting to move to the display area are repelled outwards in a plan view by the energized third electrode. As a result, the capture effect of the first electrode on positively polarized impurities, the capture effect of the second electrode on negatively polarized impurities, and the repulsion effect of the third electrode on impurities are improved compared to conventional designs. This allows for efficient and smooth removal of impurities from the display area, taking into account their polarity, thereby improving display quality and reliability.

[0144] (Note 2) The liquid crystal device according to Note 1, wherein the third electrode is arranged in a frame shape that completely surrounds the periphery of the display area in a plan view.

[0145] The configuration described in Appendix 2 allows the impurity-rejecting effect of the third electrode to operate around the entire perimeter of the display area, thereby suppressing the intrusion of impurities into the display area from outside the first and second electrodes in a plan view.

[0146] (Note 3) A liquid crystal apparatus according to Note 1 or Note 2, comprising a sealing material arranged outside the third electrode in a plan view and sealing the liquid crystal layer.

[0147] The configuration described in Appendix 3 makes it possible to suppress the intrusion of impurities generated from the sealing material into the display area.

[0148] (Note 4) Any of the liquid crystal devices described in Notes 1 to 3, wherein the surface of the third electrode on the liquid crystal layer side has irregularities formed thereon.

[0149] The configuration described in Appendix 4 reduces the diffusion rate of impurities diffusing from the sealing material and the like, which are located on the outer periphery of the third electrode, thereby effectively suppressing their intrusion into the display area.

[0150] (Note 5) A liquid crystal device according to any of Notes 1 to 4, wherein the third electrode is higher than each of the plurality of pixel electrodes.

[0151] The configuration described in Appendix 5 makes it difficult for impurities generated outside the third electrode in a plan view to move toward the multiple pixel electrodes of the display area, thereby reinforcing the impurity rejection effect of the third electrode.

[0152] (Note 6) Any liquid crystal apparatus according to Notes 1 to 5, wherein the surface of the first electrode on the liquid crystal layer side has irregularities formed thereon.

[0153] With the configuration described in Appendix 6, positively polarized impurities are actively trapped by the irregularities formed on the first electrode, thereby enhancing the trapping effect of the first electrode on positively polarized impurities.

[0154] (Note 7) Any of the liquid crystal devices described in Notes 1 to 6, wherein the surface of the second electrode on the liquid crystal layer side has irregularities formed thereon.

[0155] The configuration described in Appendix 7 allows negatively polarized impurities to be actively trapped by the irregularities formed on the second electrode, thereby enhancing the trapping effect of the second electrode on negatively polarized impurities.

[0156] (Note 8) A liquid crystal device according to any of Notes 1 to 7, wherein the first electrode is higher than each of the plurality of pixel electrodes.

[0157] The configuration described in Appendix 8 makes it easier for positively polarized impurities to move to the energized first electrode, while making it difficult for positively polarized impurities to move from the unenergized first electrode toward the pixel electrode, thereby enhancing the trapping effect of the first electrode on positively polarized impurities.

[0158] (Note 9) A liquid crystal device according to any of Notes 1 to 8, wherein the second electrode is higher than each of the plurality of pixel electrodes.

[0159] The configuration described in Appendix 9 makes it easier for negatively polarized impurities to move to the energized second electrode, while making it difficult for negatively polarized impurities to move from the non-energized second electrode toward the pixel electrode, thereby enhancing the trapping effect of the second electrode on negatively polarized impurities.

[0160] (Note 10) In a plan view, the first distance is shorter than the second distance, any of the liquid crystal devices specified in Notes 1 to 9.

[0161] As described in Appendix 10, positively polarized impurities generated in the liquid crystal layer and having a relatively slow migration speed are captured by the energized first electrode, which is positioned relatively close to the display area, while negatively polarized impurities generated in the liquid crystal layer and having a relatively fast migration speed are captured by the energized second electrode, which is positioned relatively far from the pixel area. As a result, the capture effect of the first electrode on positively polarized impurities and the capture effect of the second electrode on negatively polarized impurities are improved compared to conventional methods, allowing for efficient and smooth removal of impurities from the display area based on their polarity, thereby improving display quality and reliability.

[0162] (Note 11) An electronic device equipped with any one of the liquid crystal devices specified in Notes 1 to 10.

[0163] The configuration described in Appendix 11 can improve the display quality of the output image of the electronic device and the reliability of the electronic device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0164] 10...Liquid crystal display device, 120...Pixel electrode, 150...Counter electrode (common electrode), 200...Projector (electronic device), 311...First peripheral electrode (first electrode), 312...Second peripheral electrode (second electrode), Third peripheral electrode (third electrode), A1...Pixel area (display area), A3...Peripheral area.

Claims

1. A common electrode to which a common potential is applied, A signal potential is applied to each of the multiple pixel electrodes arranged in the display area, A first potential with negative polarity is applied to the common potential, and a first electrode is located outside the display area in a plan view, A second potential with positive polarity is applied to the aforementioned common potential, and a second electrode is located outside the display area in a plan view, A third potential different from the aforementioned common potential is applied to the third electrode, which is located outside the display area in a plan view, A liquid crystal layer is disposed between each of the plurality of pixel electrodes and the common electrode, between the first electrode and the common electrode, between the second electrode and the common electrode, and between the third electrode and the common electrode. Equipped with, In a plan view, the distance between the third electrode and the display area is longer than the first distance between the first electrode and the display area, and the second distance between the second electrode and the display area. In a plan view, the first electrode is positioned between the third electrode and the display area, and the second electrode is positioned between the third electrode and the display area. Liquid crystal display (LCD) device.

2. The third electrode is arranged in a frame shape that completely surrounds the periphery of the display area in a plan view. The liquid crystal apparatus according to claim 1.

3. In a plan view, the third electrode is positioned outside the third electrode and includes a sealing material that seals the liquid crystal layer. The liquid crystal apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The surface of the third electrode facing the liquid crystal layer has irregularities formed on it. The liquid crystal apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. The third electrode is higher than each of the plurality of pixel electrodes. The liquid crystal apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. The surface of the first electrode facing the liquid crystal layer has irregularities formed on it. The liquid crystal apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. The surface of the second electrode facing the liquid crystal layer has irregularities formed on it. The liquid crystal apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

8. The first electrode is higher than each of the plurality of pixel electrodes. The liquid crystal apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

9. The second electrode is higher than each of the plurality of pixel electrodes. The liquid crystal apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

10. In a plan view, the first distance is shorter than the second distance. The liquid crystal apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

11. A liquid crystal device comprising the liquid crystal device according to claim 1 or claim 2, electronic equipment.

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