Projection type display device

Abstract

To provide a projection display device that can produce projected images with uniform contrast. [Solution] The projection display device comprises a first liquid crystal panel having a first alignment layer disposed between a first polarizing plate and a second polarizing plate, and including columns along a fourth direction that intersects a third direction that intersects a first direction and a second direction in a plan view at a first angle, and a second alignment layer provided via a liquid crystal layer with the first alignment layer, and including columns along a fifth direction that intersects a third direction at a second angle, opposite to the fourth direction; and a second liquid crystal panel having a third alignment layer disposed between a third polarizing plate and a fourth polarizing plate, and including columns along a seventh direction that intersects a sixth direction that is orthogonal to the third direction in a plan view at a third angle, and a fourth alignment layer provided via a liquid crystal layer with the third alignment layer, and including columns along an eighth direction that intersects a sixth direction at a fourth angle, opposite to the seventh direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a projection display device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for aligning the clear vision direction of a completed liquid crystal device in a certain direction by bonding a TFT array substrate having vapor deposition films with different azimuth angles and a counter substrate according to the position information on a large substrate of a divided substrate. Such a liquid crystal device was used, for example, in a light valve of a projector.

[0003] In a liquid crystal projector, R light, G light, and B light emitted from three liquid crystal panels, namely, a liquid crystal panel for R light, a liquid crystal panel for G light, and a liquid crystal panel for B light, are synthesized to project full-color projection light. At this time, if the clear vision directions of the three liquid crystal panels are made the same, color unevenness will occur, so liquid crystal panels with different clear vision directions were combined and used. For example, an L-shift panel with a clear vision direction of 45° was used for the liquid crystal panels for R light and B light, and an R-shift panel with a clear vision direction of -45° was used for the liquid crystal panel for G light. In the L-shift panel, the azimuth angle of the first alignment layer on the element substrate side coincides with the clear vision direction, and the azimuth angle of the second alignment layer on the counter substrate side is opposite to that of the first alignment layer. The same was true for the R-shift panel.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, there was room for improvement even in the configuration combining the L-shift panel and the R-shift panel. Specifically, there was a problem where a shift in black illumination occurred between the L-shift panel and the R-shift panel, which could negatively affect the contrast of the projector. In other words, there was a need for a projection display device that could produce projected images with uniform contrast. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A projection display device according to one aspect of the present application includes: a first polarizing plate having a polarization axis along a first direction on the light incident side; a second polarizing plate having a polarization axis along a second direction intersecting the first direction on the light emission side; a first orientation layer disposed between the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate, including columns along a fourth direction that intersects a third direction, which intersects the first and second directions in a plan view, at a first angle; and a second orientation layer provided via the first orientation layer and a liquid crystal layer, including columns along a fifth direction that intersects the third direction at a second angle, sandwiching the fourth and third directions, and opposite to the fourth direction. The first liquid crystal panel has a third polarizer on the light incident side having a polarization axis along the second direction, a fourth polarizer on the light emission side having a polarization axis along the first direction, a third orientation layer disposed between the third polarizer and the fourth polarizer and including columns along a seventh direction that intersects a sixth direction perpendicular to the third direction at a third angle in a plan view, and a fourth orientation layer provided via the third orientation layer and the liquid crystal layer and including columns along an eighth direction opposite to the seventh direction and intersects the sixth direction at a fourth angle so as to sandwich the seventh direction and the sixth direction. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A plan view showing the configuration of a liquid crystal panel according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view of section bb in Figure 1. [Figure 3] A schematic enlarged view of section c in Figure 2. [Figure 4]Optical configuration diagram of a projector. [Figure 5] Diagram illustrating the orientation direction in the L-shift panel of the comparative example. [Figure 6] Diagram illustrating the orientation direction in the R-shift panel of the comparative example. [Figure 7] A graph showing the measurement results of black illumination. [Figure 8] Diagram illustrating the orientation direction in the L-shift panel of Example 1. [Figure 9] Diagram illustrating the orientation direction in the R-shift panel of Example 1. [Figure 10] Diagram illustrating the orientation direction in the L-shift panel of Example 2. [Figure 11] Diagram illustrating the orientation direction in the R-shift panel of Example 2. [Figure 12] A list of combinations of L-shift and R-shift panels. [Figure 13] Optical configuration diagram of a projector according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 14] A list of combinations of L-shift and R-shift panels. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiment 1 ***LCD Panel Configuration*** Figure 1 is a plan view showing the configuration of a liquid crystal panel according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of section bb in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a schematic enlarged view of section c in Figure 2. Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments illustrate just one example of the present invention and are not limited to the following embodiments. Various modifications that can be implemented without changing the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention.

[0009] Each diagram illustrates the three mutually orthogonal axes: the X, Y, and Z axes. The direction along the X axis is called the "X direction," the direction along the Y axis is called the "Y direction," and the direction along the Z axis is called the "Z direction." The tip of the arrow in each axis direction is also called the "positive side," and the base of the arrow is called the "negative side." For example, the Y direction refers to both the positive and negative Y directions. The positive Z direction is also called "up," and the negative Z direction is also called "down." In addition, in the following diagrams, dimensions and scales may differ from actual dimensions for the sake of clarity.

[0010] The liquid crystal panel 30 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is a liquid crystal panel in which a liquid crystal layer 8 having negative dielectric anisotropy and a vertical orientation mode is sandwiched between an element substrate 10 and a counter substrate 20. In a preferred example, the liquid crystal panel 30 employs an active matrix driving method and is equipped with a thin film transistor (TFT) for each pixel P. Hereafter, the thin film transistor will also be referred to as TFT. Note that the driving method is not limited to the active matrix method, and other driving methods may also be used. The element substrate 10 is, in a preferred example, a quartz substrate. However, it is not limited to a quartz substrate; any transparent substrate is acceptable, such as a glass substrate. The same applies to the opposing substrate 20.

[0011] The element substrate 10 and the opposing substrate 20 are bonded together by a frame-shaped sealing material 41 that surrounds the display area 40. The sealing material 41 is an adhesive made of, for example, an ultraviolet-curing resin or a thermosetting resin, and is cured by ultraviolet irradiation or heating. A gap filler is scattered on the sealing material 41. As shown in Figure 2, a frame-shaped light-shielding film 42 is provided inside the sealing material 41 on the opposing substrate 20. As shown in Figure 1, the light-shielding film 42 is a border that defines a rectangular display area 40. Multiple pixels P are arranged in a matrix within the display area 40. In addition, a dummy pixel area (not shown) that does not contribute to display is provided around the display area 40.

[0012] One of the two long sides of the element substrate 10 forms an overhanging region that protrudes from the opposing substrate 20, and a plurality of connection terminals 86 are provided in the overhanging region. A flexible printed circuit board (not shown) is connected to the overhanging region, and a video signal is supplied from the flexible board via the connection terminals 86. Note that the video signal is also referred to as an image signal. As shown in FIG. 2, a data line driving circuit 81 is provided between the connection terminal 86 and the sealing material 41 in the overhanging region. In addition, an inspection circuit 83 is provided between the sealing material 41 along the long side facing the overhanging region and the display region 40. Scanning line driving circuits 82 are provided along the two short sides of the element substrate 10, respectively. In addition, a wiring portion 84 is provided to electrically connect between the two scanning line driving circuits 82 along the inspection circuit 83. The wiring portion 84 is composed of a plurality of wirings.

[0013] These inspection circuit 83, two scanning line driving circuits 82, and wiring portion 84 are arranged at positions overlapping the light shielding film 42. Thereby, light incident from the opposing substrate 20 side is shielded by the light shielding film 42, and malfunction of each circuit due to light incidence is prevented. As shown in FIG. 2, the element substrate 10 is provided with a light-transmissive pixel electrode 11 and a TFT 12 which is a switching element provided for each pixel P, signal wirings, and an alignment layer 15 covering these. The opposing substrate 20 is provided with a light shielding film 42, an insulating layer 21 covering the same, a counter electrode 22 covering the insulating layer 21, and an alignment layer 25 covering the counter electrode 22. In a preferred example, the insulating layer 21 is a silicon oxide layer. Note that the insulating layer is not limited to silicon oxide, and any insulating layer made of an inorganic material having light transmissivity may be used. The insulating layer 21 covers the light shielding film 42 and is provided such that the surface on the liquid crystal layer 8 side is flat.

[0014] The counter electrode 22 is a common electrode, and in a preferred example, it is an ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) layer. However, it is not limited to ITO; any transparent conductive layer is acceptable, for example, IZO (Indium Zinc Oxide) or FTO (Fluorine-doped tin oxide). The counter electrode 22 is electrically connected to upper and lower conductive portions 85 provided between the element substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20. The upper and lower conductive portions 85 are provided in a planar manner at the four corners of the counter substrate 20 and are electrically connected to the wiring on the element substrate 10 side.

[0015] The data line drive circuit 81 and the scan line drive circuit 82 are electrically connected to data lines and scan lines (neither shown) respectively, for selectively supplying video signals to the pixel electrodes 11 of each pixel P via the TFT 12. In the liquid crystal panel 30, the scan line drive circuit 82 sequentially sends scan signals to the scan lines in a pulsed manner, and in conjunction with this, the data line drive circuit 81 sends video signals specifying the gradation level to the data lines, thereby driving the display of multiple pixels P in the display area 40.

[0016] Figure 3 is a schematic enlarged view of section c in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 3, the orientation layer 15 on the element substrate 10 side is the output-side orientation layer, and in a preferred example, it is an inorganic orientation layer formed by oblique deposition of silicon oxide. However, it is not limited to silicon oxide; any translucent inorganic material that can be obliquely deposited is acceptable. The orientation layer 15 is composed of multiple columns 9 aligned in the orientation direction. The orientation layer 25 on the opposing substrate 20 side is the incident-side orientation layer, and in a preferred example, it is an inorganic orientation layer formed by oblique deposition of silicon oxide. The orientation layer 25 is composed of a plurality of columns 9 aligned in an orientation direction different from the orientation direction of the orientation layer 15. As shown in Figure 3, the liquid crystal molecules 1 of the liquid crystal layer 8 are arranged at a pre-tilt angle corresponding to the orientation direction of the alignment layer 15 on the element substrate 10 side, and at a pre-tilt angle corresponding to the orientation direction of the alignment layer 25 on the opposing substrate 20 side. In other words, the alignment layer 15 contains columns 9 aligned along the orientation direction, and the alignment layer 25 contains columns 9 aligned along an orientation direction different from that of the alignment layer 15. Details of the alignment layers 15 and 25 will be described later.

[0017] ***Projector Configuration*** Figure 4 is a diagram of the optical configuration of the projector. The projector 100 shown in Figure 4 is a projection-type display device, and is a 3LCD projector. The projector 100 projects an image based on an externally input video signal onto the screen SC.

[0018] As shown in Figure 4, the projector 100 consists of a light source 91, a dichroic mirror 92, a mirror 93, a dichroic mirror 94, mirrors 95, 96, a liquid crystal display 50L, a liquid crystal display 50R, a liquid crystal display 50L, a dichroic prism 97, and a projection lens 98, among other components. In a preferred example, the light source 91 is a laser light source that emits white light. However, it is not limited to a laser light source; any light source that emits white light is acceptable, such as a discharge-type light source like a halogen lamp or mercury lamp, or a solid-state light source like a light-emitting diode (LED).

[0019] The white light emitted from the light source 91 is separated into red light (R) and other light by the dichroic mirror 92. The red light travels along the R channel, which is the path for R light, is reflected by mirror 93, and then enters the liquid crystal device 50L. The remaining light is separated into green light (G) and blue light (B) by the dichroic mirror 94. After being reflected by the dichroic mirror 94, the green light travels along the G channel, which is the path for G light, and enters the liquid crystal device 50R. After passing through the dichroic mirror 94, the blue light travels along the B channel, which is the path for B light, and is reflected by mirrors 95 and 96 before entering the liquid crystal device 50L.

[0020] The dichroic prism 97 is a cubic optical component, with liquid crystal units 50L, 50R, and 50L arranged on three of its faces. The dichroic prism 97 is also called a composite optical system. As shown in Figure 4, the dichroic prism 97 incorporates two intersecting dichroic mirrors. Red light R and blue light B incident from two opposing liquid crystal devices 50L are reflected at a 90-degree angle, while green light G incident from liquid crystal device 50R is transmitted. As a result, the red light R, green light G, and blue light B incident on the dichroic prism 97 are combined to form display light LL, which displays a color image and is emitted towards the projection lens 98. The projection lens 98 is a magnifying optical system that magnifies the display light LL emitted from the dichroic prism 97 and projects it onto the screen SC.

[0021] As described above, the liquid crystal units 50L, 50R, and 50L are used as spatial light modulators in the projector 100. As shown in Figure 4, the liquid crystal device 50L located in the R channel consists of a first polarizing plate 2, a liquid crystal panel 30L, and a second polarizing plate 3. The same liquid crystal device 50L is also located in the B channel. The liquid crystal device 50R located in the G channel consists of a third polarizing plate 4, a liquid crystal panel 30R, and a fourth polarizing plate 5. For example, in the liquid crystal device 50L, an optical compensation plate is appropriately placed between the first polarizing plate 2 and the liquid crystal panel 30L, or between the liquid crystal panel 30L and the second polarizing plate 3. Thus, the reason for combining the liquid crystal display unit 50L and the liquid crystal display unit 50R in the three channels is to reduce color unevenness, and the bright viewing directions of the liquid crystal display unit 50L and the liquid crystal display unit 50R are crossed.

[0022] ***Orientation direction in comparative example*** Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram of the orientation direction in the L-shift panel of the comparative example. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of the orientation direction in the R-shift panel of the comparative example. First, using a comparative example of a conventional L-shift panel and R-shift panel, the orientation directions of the orientation layer 15 and orientation layer 25 in each panel will be explained.

[0023] The comparative example liquid crystal apparatus 48L shown in Figure 5 is, for example, a liquid crystal apparatus arranged in the R channel. The liquid crystal apparatus 48L is stacked in the order of first polarizing plate 2, liquid crystal panel 28L, and second polarizing plate 3 from the light incident side. The liquid crystal panel 28L is arranged in the order of opposing substrate 20 and element substrate 10 from the light incident side. On the element substrate 10, the center of the display area 40 is defined as the center point 60. The direction passing through the center point 60 along the X direction is defined as the first direction 61, and the direction perpendicular to the first direction 61 and passing through the center point 60 is defined as the second direction 62. The second direction 62 is the direction along the Y direction. Here, the second direction 62 is defined as 0° of the reference line in the orientation direction, and as shown in Figure 5, the clockwise azimuth angle from the center point 60 is considered positive, and the counterclockwise azimuth angle from the center point 60 is considered negative.

[0024] As shown in Figure 5, the polarization axis of the first polarizer 2 is aligned with the first direction 61, and the polarization axis of the second polarizer 3 is aligned with the second direction 62. In other words, the first polarizer 2 and the second polarizer 3 are arranged in a cross-nicol configuration on the front and back sides of the liquid crystal panel 28L. The orientation direction of the orientation layer 15 of the element substrate 10 is the third direction 63 with an azimuth angle of 45°. The orientation direction refers to the arrangement direction of the columns constituting the orientation layer 15 and is expressed in terms of an azimuth angle. An azimuth angle of 45° is the clear viewing direction for the L-shift panel. The opposing substrate 20 in the upper left of Figure 5 is viewed from the side where the orientation layer 25 is formed, in a plan view. After the orientation layer 25 is formed on the opposing substrate 20 in the state shown in the upper left of Figure 5, it is inverted and placed on top of the element substrate 10. Specifically, it is placed on top of the element substrate 10 so that the orientation layer 25 faces the element substrate 10 side. The orientation direction 63b of the orientation layer 25 at the time of formation is an azimuth angle of 135°. After inversion, the orientation direction 63b of the orientation layer 25 becomes an azimuth angle of -135°. As shown in the lower right of Figure 5, in the liquid crystal panel 28L, the third direction 63 of the alignment layer 15 and the alignment direction 63b of the alignment layer 25 were in opposite directions in the bright viewing direction.

[0025] The comparative example liquid crystal apparatus 48R shown in Figure 6 is, for example, a liquid crystal apparatus arranged in the G channel. In the liquid crystal apparatus 48R, the third polarizer 4, the liquid crystal panel 28R, and the fourth polarizer 5 are stacked in that order from the light incident side. In the liquid crystal panel 28R, the opposing substrate 20 and the element substrate 10 are arranged in that order from the light incident side.

[0026] As shown in Figure 6, the polarization axis of the third polarizer 4 is aligned with the second direction 62, and the polarization axis of the fourth polarizer 5 is aligned with the first direction 61. In other words, the third polarizer 4 and the fourth polarizer 5 are arranged in a cross-nicol configuration on the front and back sides of the liquid crystal panel 28R. The orientation direction of the orientation layer 15 of the element substrate 10 is the sixth direction 66 with an azimuth angle of -45°. Note that an azimuth angle of -45° is the clear viewing angle of the R-shift panel. As shown in the upper left of Figure 6, the opposing substrate 20 is inverted and placed on top of the element substrate 10 after the orientation layer 25 is formed. The orientation direction 66b of the orientation layer 25 at the time of formation is an azimuth angle of -135°. After inversion, the orientation direction 66b of the orientation layer 25 becomes an azimuth angle of 135°. As shown in the lower right of Figure 6, in the liquid crystal panel 28R, the sixth direction 66 of the alignment layer 15 and the alignment direction 66b of the alignment layer 25 were in opposite directions in the bright viewing direction.

[0027] Figure 7 is a graph showing the measurement results of black illuminance. Graph 87 in Figure 7 shows the measurement results of black illuminance (Lx) for L-shift and R-shift panels, and is a surrogate indicator of contrast. Specifically, contrast is expressed as "white illuminance ÷ black illuminance," and since the effect of black illuminance is dominant in normally black panel specifications, black illuminance is used as a surrogate indicator of contrast. As shown in Figure 7, the black illuminance of the liquid crystal device 48L, which is the L-shift panel Ls of Comparative Example 1, was 0.67 Lx, and the black illuminance of the liquid crystal device 48R, which is the R-shift panel Rs of Comparative Example 1, was 0.76 Lx. The difference in illuminance between the two was 0.09 Lx, which is quite large and cannot be ignored. The difference in illuminance is considered to be due to the influence of slight birefringence in the counter electrode 22 and pixel electrode 11, which are made of ITO, for example.

[0028] ***Orientation Direction of Example 1*** Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram of the orientation direction in the L-shift panel of Example 1, and corresponds to Figure 5. Since the liquid crystal device 50La, as the first liquid crystal device, has the same configuration as the liquid crystal device 48L of the comparative example, except for the orientation direction of the alignment layer, explanations that overlap with the explanation in Figure 5 are omitted.

[0029] The liquid crystal panel 30La of the liquid crystal device 50La is the first liquid crystal panel and has an alignment layer with a different alignment direction from the alignment layers 15 and 25 of the comparative example liquid crystal panel 28L. As shown in Figure 8, the orientation direction of the orientation layer 15a, which serves as the first orientation layer of the element substrate 10, is the fourth direction 64a with an azimuth angle of 53°. In a plan view, the fourth direction 64a intersects the third direction 63 at an angle of +8°, ​​which is the first angle. As shown in the upper left of Figure 8, the orientation direction of the orientation layer 25a as the second orientation layer of the opposing substrate 20 is the fifth direction 65a with an azimuth angle of 143°. The fifth direction 65a intersects the third direction 63 at an angle of +8°, ​​which is the second angle. After the inversion of the opposing substrate 20, the orientation direction of the orientation layer 25a becomes the fifth direction 65a with an azimuth angle of -143°.

[0030] As shown in the lower right of Figure 8, in the liquid crystal panel 30La, the line segment along the fourth direction 64a and the line segment along the fifth direction 65a are symmetrical with respect to the line segment along the third direction 63 as the axis of symmetry. The three line segments are assumed to pass through the center point 60. Furthermore, the fourth direction 64a and the fifth direction 65a are in opposite directions. Furthermore, the fact that the line segment along the fourth direction 64a and the line segment along the fifth direction 65a are symmetrical with respect to the line segment along the third direction 63 is also referred to as the third direction 63 being sandwiched between the fourth direction 64a and the fifth direction 65a.

[0031] In other words, the liquid crystal panel 30La includes an alignment layer 15a as a first alignment layer, which is positioned between the first polarizing plate 2 and the second polarizing plate 3 and includes a column 9 (Figure 3) along a fourth direction 64a that intersects a third direction 63, which intersects a first direction 61 and a second direction 62 in a plan view, at a first angle; and an alignment layer 25a as a second alignment layer, which is provided via the alignment layer 15a and the liquid crystal layer 8 (Figure 3) and includes a column 9 along a fifth direction 65a that intersects the third direction 63 at a second angle, sandwiching the fourth direction 64a and the third direction 63, and is opposite to the fourth direction 64a. Furthermore, the liquid crystal device 50La as a first liquid crystal device includes a liquid crystal panel 30La as a first liquid crystal panel, and a first polarizing plate 2 and a second polarizing plate 3 arranged in cross nicols on the light incident side and light output side of the liquid crystal panel 30La.

[0032] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram of the orientation direction in the R-shift panel of Example 1, and corresponds to Figure 6. The liquid crystal device 50Ra, which is the second liquid crystal device, has the same configuration as the liquid crystal device 48R of the comparative example, except for the orientation direction of the alignment layer, so the explanation that overlaps with the explanation in Figure 6 is omitted.

[0033] The liquid crystal panel 30Ra of the liquid crystal device 50Ra is a second liquid crystal panel and has an alignment layer with a different alignment direction from the alignment layers 15 and 25 of the comparative example liquid crystal panel 28R. As shown in Figure 9, the orientation direction of the orientation layer 15b, which is the third orientation layer of the element substrate 10, is the seventh direction 67a with an azimuth angle of -53°. The seventh direction 67a intersects with the sixth direction 66 at an angle of -8°, which is the third angle. As shown in the upper left of Figure 9, the orientation direction of the orientation layer 25b as the fourth orientation layer of the opposing substrate 20 during formation is the eighth direction 68a with an azimuth angle of -143°. The eighth direction 68a intersects with the sixth direction 66 at an angle of -8°, which is the fourth angle. After inversion of the opposing substrate 20, the orientation direction of the orientation layer 25b is the eighth direction 68a with an azimuth angle of 143°.

[0034] As shown in the lower right of Figure 9, in the liquid crystal panel 30Ra, the line segment along the 7th direction 67a and the line segment along the 8th direction 68a are symmetrical with respect to the line segment along the 6th direction 66 as the axis of symmetry. The three line segments are assumed to pass through the center point 60. Furthermore, the 7th direction 67a and the 8th direction 68a are in opposite directions. Furthermore, the fact that the line segment along the seventh direction 67a and the line segment along the eighth direction 68a are symmetrical with respect to the line segment along the sixth direction 66 is also referred to as the sixth direction 66 being sandwiched between the seventh direction 67a and the eighth direction 68a.

[0035] In other words, the liquid crystal panel 30Ra has an alignment layer 15b as a third alignment layer, which is positioned between the third polarizer 4 and the fourth polarizer 5 and includes a column 9 (Figure 3) along the seventh direction 67a, which intersects the sixth direction 66, which is orthogonal to the third direction 63, at a third angle in a plan view, and an alignment layer 25b as a fourth alignment layer, which is provided via the alignment layer 15b and the liquid crystal layer 8 and includes a column 9 along the eighth direction 68a, which intersects the sixth direction 66 at a fourth angle, sandwiching the seventh direction 67a and the sixth direction 66, and is opposite to the seventh direction 67a. The liquid crystal device 50Ra as a second liquid crystal device includes a liquid crystal panel 30Ra as a second liquid crystal panel, and a third polarizer 4 and a fourth polarizer 5 arranged in cross nicols on the light incident side and light output side of the liquid crystal panel 30Ra. Furthermore, colored light of different wavelengths is incident on the liquid crystal device 50La and the liquid crystal device 50Ra, respectively. In a preferred example, the liquid crystal device 50La is positioned to correspond to red or blue incident light, and the liquid crystal device 50Ra is positioned to correspond to green incident light. Also, the first angle, second angle, third angle, and fourth angle are all equal, and in a preferred example, each is 8 degrees.

[0036] ***Effects of Example 1*** Return to Figure 7. As shown in Figure 7, the black illuminance of the L-shift panel, liquid crystal device 50La, in Example 1 was 0.68 Lx, and the black illuminance of the R-shift panel, liquid crystal device 50Ra, in Example 1 was 0.69 Lx. The illuminance difference between the L-shift and R-shift panels in Example 1 was 0.01 Lx, which is a significant improvement compared to the illuminance difference of 0.09 Lx in the comparative example.

[0037] ***Orientation Direction of Example 2*** Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram of the orientation direction in the L-shift panel of Example 2, and corresponds to Figure 5. Since the liquid crystal device 50Lb, as the first liquid crystal device, has the same configuration as the liquid crystal device 48L of the comparative example, except for the orientation direction of the alignment layer, explanations that overlap with the explanation in Figure 5 are omitted.

[0038] The liquid crystal panel 30Lb of the liquid crystal device 50Lb is the first liquid crystal panel and has an alignment layer with a different alignment direction from the alignment layers 15 and 25 of the comparative example liquid crystal panel 28L. As shown in Figure 10, the orientation direction of the orientation layer 15c, which serves as the first orientation layer of the element substrate 10, is the fourth direction 64b with an azimuth angle of 37°. The fourth direction 64b intersects the third direction 63 at an angle of -8°, which is the first angle. In other words, the fourth direction can be selected from directions that form a positive or negative angle with respect to the third direction 63, and the fourth direction 64b in Embodiment 2 corresponds to the negative side. The same applies to the fifth direction. As shown in the upper left of Figure 10, the orientation direction of the orientation layer 25c as the second orientation layer of the opposing substrate 20 is the fifth direction 65b with an azimuth angle of 127°. The fifth direction 65b intersects the third direction 63 at an angle of -8°, which is the second angle. After inversion of the opposing substrate 20, the orientation direction of the orientation layer 25c is the fifth direction 65b with an azimuth angle of -127°.

[0039] As shown in the lower right of Figure 10, in the liquid crystal panel 30Lb, the line segment along the fourth direction 64b and the line segment along the fifth direction 65b are symmetrical with respect to the line segment along the third direction 63 as the axis of symmetry. The three line segments are assumed to pass through the center point 60. Furthermore, the fourth direction 64b and the fifth direction 65b are in opposite directions. Furthermore, the fact that the line segment along the fourth direction 64b and the line segment along the fifth direction 65b are symmetrical with respect to the line segment along the third direction 63 is also referred to as the third direction 63 being sandwiched between the fourth direction 64b and the fifth direction 65b.

[0040] In other words, the liquid crystal panel 30Lb includes an alignment layer 15c as a first alignment layer, which is positioned between the first polarizing plate 2 and the second polarizing plate 3 and includes a column 9 (Figure 3) along a fourth direction 64b that intersects a third direction 63 that intersects a first direction 61 and a second direction 62 in a plan view at a first angle, and an alignment layer 25c as a second alignment layer, which is provided via the alignment layer 15c and the liquid crystal layer 8 (Figure 3) and includes a column 9 along a fifth direction 65b that intersects the third direction 63 at a second angle, sandwiching the fourth direction 64b and the third direction 63, and is opposite to the fourth direction 64b. Furthermore, the liquid crystal device 50Lb as a first liquid crystal device includes a liquid crystal panel 30Lb as a first liquid crystal panel, and a first polarizing plate 2 and a second polarizing plate 3 arranged in cross nicols on the light incident side and light output side of the liquid crystal panel 30Lb.

[0041] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram of the orientation direction in the R-shift panel of Example 2, and corresponds to Figure 6. Since the liquid crystal device 50Rb, as the second liquid crystal device, has the same configuration as the liquid crystal device 48R of the comparative example, except for the orientation direction of the alignment layer, explanations that overlap with the explanation in Figure 6 are omitted.

[0042] The liquid crystal panel 30Rb of the liquid crystal device 50Rb is a second liquid crystal panel and has an alignment layer with a different alignment direction from the alignment layers 15 and 25 of the comparative example liquid crystal panel 28R. As shown in Figure 11, the orientation direction of the orientation layer 15d, which serves as the third orientation layer of the element substrate 10, is the seventh direction 67b with an azimuth angle of -37°. The seventh direction 67b intersects the sixth direction 66 at an angle of +8°, ​​which is the third angle. In other words, the seventh direction can be selected from directions that form a positive or negative angle with respect to the sixth direction 66, and the seventh direction 67b in Embodiment 2 corresponds to the positive side. The same applies to the eighth direction. As shown in the upper left of Figure 11, the orientation direction of the orientation layer 25d as the fourth orientation layer of the opposing substrate 20 during formation is the eighth direction 68b with an azimuth angle of -127°. The eighth direction 68b intersects with the sixth direction 66 at an angle of +8°, ​​which is the fourth angle. After inversion of the opposing substrate 20, the orientation direction of the orientation layer 25d is the eighth direction 68b with an azimuth angle of 127°.

[0043] As shown in the lower right of Figure 11, in the liquid crystal panel 30Rb, the line segment along the 7th direction 67b and the line segment along the 8th direction 68b are symmetrical with respect to the line segment along the 6th direction 66 as the axis of symmetry. The three line segments are assumed to pass through the center point 60. Furthermore, the 7th direction 67b and the 8th direction 68b are in opposite directions. Furthermore, the fact that the line segment along the 7th direction 67b and the line segment along the 8th direction 68b are symmetrical with respect to the line segment along the 6th direction 66 is also referred to as the 6th direction 66 being sandwiched between the 7th direction 67b and the 8th direction 68b.

[0044] In other words, the liquid crystal panel 30Rb has an alignment layer 15d as a third alignment layer, which is positioned between the third polarizer 4 and the fourth polarizer 5 and includes a column 9 (Figure 3) along the seventh direction 67b, which intersects the sixth direction 66, which is orthogonal to the third direction 63, at a third angle in a plan view, and an alignment layer 25d as a fourth alignment layer, which is provided via the alignment layer 15d and the liquid crystal layer 8 and includes a column 9 along the eighth direction 68b, which intersects the sixth direction 66 at a fourth angle, sandwiching the seventh direction 67b and the sixth direction 66, and is opposite to the seventh direction 67b. The liquid crystal device 50Rb as a second liquid crystal device includes a liquid crystal panel 30Rb as a second liquid crystal panel, and a third polarizer 4 and a fourth polarizer 5 arranged in cross nicols on the light incident side and light output side of the liquid crystal panel 30Rb. Furthermore, colored light of different wavelengths is incident on the liquid crystal device 50Lb and the liquid crystal device 50Rb, respectively. In a preferred example, the liquid crystal device 50Lb is positioned to correspond to red or blue incident light, and the liquid crystal device 50Rb is positioned to correspond to green incident light. Also, the first angle, second angle, third angle, and fourth angle are all equal, and in a preferred example, each is 8 degrees.

[0045] ***Effects of Example 2*** Return to Figure 7. As shown in Figure 7, the black illuminance of the L-shift panel of Example 2, liquid crystal device 50Lb, was 0.64 Lx, and the black illuminance of the R-shift panel of Example 2, liquid crystal device 50Rb, was 0.67 Lx. The illuminance difference between the L-shift and R-shift panels of Example 2 was 0.03 Lx, which is a significant improvement compared to the illuminance difference of 0.09 Lx in the comparative example.

[0046] Figure 12 is a table listing the combinations of L-shift and R-shift panels. In Table 88, the R channel is represented as R_Chan, the G channel as G_Chan, and the B channel as B_Chan. As shown in Table 88 of Figure 12, in Comparative Example 1, Example 1, and Example 2, L-shift panels are used for the R channel and B channel, and R-shift panels are used for the G channel. Specifically, in Example 1, liquid crystal device 50La is used for the R channel and B channel, and liquid crystal device 50Ra is used for the G channel. Table 88 also shows the azimuth angles of the alignment layers 15 and 25 in liquid crystal devices 50La and Ra. Note that the azimuth angle of the alignment layer 25 is shown as the angle at the time of formation of the alignment layer 25. In Example 2, liquid crystal device 50Lb is used for the R channel and B channel, and liquid crystal device 50Rb is used for the G channel. Table 88 also shows the azimuth angles of the alignment layers 15 and 25 in liquid crystal devices 50Lb and Rb. The azimuth angle of the alignment layer 25 is shown as the angle at the time of formation of the alignment layer 25.

[0047] As described above, the projector 100 as a projection-type display device of this embodiment provides the following advantages. The projector 100, as a projection-type display device, comprises a liquid crystal panel 30La as a first liquid crystal panel and a liquid crystal panel 30Ra as a second liquid crystal panel. The liquid crystal panel 30La includes a first polarizing plate 2 on the light incident side having a polarization axis along a first direction 61, a second polarizing plate 3 on the light emission side having a polarization axis along a second direction 62 intersecting the first direction 61, an alignment layer 15a as a first alignment layer disposed between the first polarizing plate 2 and the second polarizing plate 3 and including a column 9 along a fourth direction 64a that intersects a third direction 63, which intersects the first direction 61 and the second direction 62 in a plan view, at a first angle, and an alignment layer 25a as a second alignment layer provided via the alignment layer 15a and the liquid crystal layer 8 and including a column 9 along a fifth direction 65a that intersects the third direction 63 at a second angle, sandwiching the fourth direction 64a and the third direction 63, and is opposite to the fourth direction 64a. The liquid crystal panel 30Ra includes a third polarizing plate 4 on the light incident side having a polarization axis along the second direction 62, a fourth polarizing plate 5 on the light emission side having a polarization axis along the first direction 61, an alignment layer 15b as a third alignment layer disposed between the third polarizing plate 4 and the fourth polarizing plate 5 and including a column 9 along the seventh direction 67a which intersects the sixth direction 66 which is perpendicular to the third direction 63 in a plan view at a third angle, and an alignment layer 25b as a fourth alignment layer provided via the alignment layer 15b and the liquid crystal layer 8 and including a column 9 along the eighth direction 68a which intersects the sixth direction 66 at a fourth angle and is opposite to the seventh direction 67a, sandwiching the seventh direction 67a and the sixth direction 66.

[0048] According to this, in the L-shift panel, the orientation directions of the alignment layers 15 and 25 are symmetrical and opposite in direction, with the third direction 63, which is the direction of clear vision, as the axis of symmetry. Similarly, in the R-shift panel, the orientation directions of the alignment layers 15 and 25 are symmetrical and opposite in direction, with the sixth direction 66, which is the direction of clear vision, as the axis of symmetry. By combining the L-shift panel and the R-shift panel in the composite optical system, the difference in black illumination between the two can be reduced, as explained in Figure 7. This is thought to be because the slight birefringence in the opposing electrode 22 and the pixel electrode 11 can be compensated for by the liquid crystal with the above configuration. In other words, there is also an L-R difference in the slight birefringence of ITO, and by changing the deposition direction of the vapor-deposited film to compensate for this with the liquid crystal, the L-R difference in contrast can be reduced. Therefore, the contrast difference between the L-shift panel and the R-shift panel can be reduced. Therefore, a projector 100 can be provided as a projection display device that can obtain a projected image with uniform contrast.

[0049] Furthermore, a liquid crystal device 50La is constructed from a liquid crystal panel 30La as the first liquid crystal panel, and a first polarizing plate 2 and a second polarizing plate 3 arranged in cross-polar configuration on the light incident side and light output side of the liquid crystal panel 30La. A liquid crystal device 50Ra is constructed from a liquid crystal panel 30Ra as the second liquid crystal panel, and a third polarizing plate 4 and a fourth polarizing plate 5 arranged in cross-polar configuration on the light incident side and light output side of the liquid crystal panel 30Ra.

[0050] Furthermore, colored light with different wavelengths is incident on the liquid crystal device 50La and the liquid crystal device 50Ra, respectively. According to this, an L-shift panel and an R-shift panel can be used in combination in a composite optical system.

[0051] Furthermore, the liquid crystal device 50La is positioned to correspond to red or blue incident light, and the liquid crystal device 50Ra is positioned to correspond to green incident light. According to this, an L-shift panel and an R-shift panel can be used in combination in a composite optical system.

[0052] Furthermore, the first, second, third, and fourth angles are all equal, and in preferred examples, each is 8°. Specifically, in Example 1, the liquid crystal device 50La is +8°, ​​and in Example 1, the liquid crystal device 50Ra is -8°. In Example 2, the liquid crystal device 50Lb is -8°, and in Example 2, the liquid crystal device 50Rb is +8°. This reduces the contrast difference between the L-shift panel and the R-shift panel. Note that the first, second, third, and fourth angles are not limited to 8°, but can be changed according to the size and specifications of the LCD panel, and should be set appropriately within 8° ± 3°.

[0053] Embodiment 2 ***Different combinations of left and right shift panels*** Figure 13 is an optical configuration diagram of the projector according to Embodiment 2, and corresponds to Figure 4. Figure 14 is a table of combinations of L-shift and R-shift panels, and corresponds to Figure 12.

[0054] In the above embodiment, it was explained that L-shift panels are used for the R channel and B channel, and R-shift panels are used for the G channel. However, the invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient if L-shift panels and R-shift panels are combined in the composite optical system. Hereafter, the same reference numerals will be used for parts identical to those in the above embodiment, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0055] As shown in Figure 13, in the projector 110 of this embodiment, liquid crystal devices 50R are arranged in the R channel and B channel, and liquid crystal device 50L is arranged in the G channel. In other words, liquid crystal device 50L, as the first liquid crystal device, is arranged in accordance with green incident light, and liquid crystal device 50R, as the second liquid crystal device, is arranged in accordance with red or blue incident light. Except for this point, the explanation is the same as in Figure 4. As shown in Table 89 of Figure 14, in the conventional configuration of Comparative Example 2, the R-shift panel liquid crystal device 48R was used for the R channel and B channel, and the L-shift panel liquid crystal device 48L was used for the G channel. Although the combination of the L-shift panel and the R-shift panel differs from that of Comparative Example 1 in Figure 12, the combination of liquid crystal devices 48L and 48R is the same. Therefore, as explained in Figure 7, the difference in illuminance between the two was 0.09 Lx, which is quite large and cannot be ignored.

[0056] As shown in Table 89 of Figure 14, in both Example 3 and Example 4 of this embodiment, R-shift panels are used for the R channel and B channel, and L-shift panels are used for the G channel, just as in Comparative Example 2. In Example 3, the liquid crystal device 50Ra was used for the R channel and B channel, and the liquid crystal device 50La was used for the G channel. The effect of Example 3 was the same as that of Example 1. In detail, as explained in Figure 7, the black illuminance of the liquid crystal device 50La was 0.68 Lx, and the black illuminance of the liquid crystal device 50Ra was 0.69 Lx. Therefore, the illuminance difference between the L-shift and R-shift panels in Example 3 was 0.01 Lx, which is a significant improvement compared to the illuminance difference of 0.09 Lx in the comparative example.

[0057] Similarly, in Example 4, liquid crystal devices 50Rb were used for the R and B channels, and liquid crystal device 50Lb was used for the G channel. The effect of Example 4 was the same as that of Example 2. In detail, as explained in Figure 7, the black illuminance of liquid crystal device 50Lb was 0.64 Lx, and the black illuminance of liquid crystal device 50Rb was 0.67 Lx. Therefore, the illuminance difference between the L-shift and R-shift panels in Example 4 was 0.03 Lx, which is a significant improvement compared to the illuminance difference of 0.09 Lx in the comparative example.

[0058] As described above, the projector 110 as a projection-type display device of this embodiment provides the following effects in addition to the effects of the above embodiment. According to the projector 110, the liquid crystal device 50L, which is the first liquid crystal device, is positioned to correspond to green incident light, and the liquid crystal device 50R, which is the second liquid crystal device, is positioned to correspond to red or blue incident light. Therefore, a projector 110 can be provided as a projection display device that can obtain a projected image with uniform contrast. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1...Liquid crystal molecule, 2...First polarizer, 3...Second polarizer, 4...Third polarizer, 5...Fourth polarizer, 8...Liquid crystal layer, 9...Column, 10...Element substrate, 11...Pixel electrode, 12...TFT, 15...Alignment layer, 15a...Alignment layer, 15b...Alignment layer, 15c...Alignment layer, 15d...Alignment layer, 20...Counter substrate, 21...Insulating layer, 22...Counter electrode, 25...Alignment layer, 25a...Alignment layer, 25b...Alignment layer, 25c...Alignment layer, 25d... Alignment layer, 28L... Liquid crystal panel, 28R... Liquid crystal panel, 30... Liquid crystal panel, 30L... Liquid crystal panel, 30La... Liquid crystal panel, 30Lb... Liquid crystal panel, 30R... Liquid crystal panel, 30Ra... Liquid crystal panel, 30Rb... Liquid crystal panel, 40... Display area, 41... Sealing material, 42... Light-shielding film, 48L... Liquid crystal device, 48R... Liquid crystal device, 50L... Liquid crystal device, 50La... Liquid crystal device, 50Lb... Liquid crystal Device, 50R...Liquid crystal device, 50Ra...Liquid crystal device, 50Rb...Liquid crystal device, 60...Center point, 61...First direction, 62...Second direction, 63...Third direction, 63b...Orientation direction, 64a...Fourth direction, 64b...Fourth direction, 65a...Fifth direction, 65b...Fifth direction, 66...Sixth direction, 66b...Orientation direction, 67a...Seventh direction, 67b...Seventh direction, 68a...Eighth direction, 68b...Eighth direction, 81...Data Line drive circuit, 82…Scan line drive circuit, 83…Inspection circuit, 84…Wiring section, 85…Upper and lower conductive section, 86…Connection terminal, 87…Graph, 88…Table, 89…Table, 91…Light source, 92…Dichroic mirror, 93…Mirror, 94…Dichroic mirror, 95…Mirror, 96…Mirror, 97…Dichroic prism, 98…Projection lens, 100…Projector, 110…Projector

Claims

1. On the light incidence side, a first polarizing plate having a polarization axis aligned with the first direction, On the light emission side, a second polarizing plate having a polarization axis along a second direction intersecting the first direction, A first orientation layer is disposed between the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate and includes columns along a fourth direction that intersects a third direction that intersects the first and second directions in a plan view at a first angle, A first liquid crystal panel having a first alignment layer and a second alignment layer provided via a liquid crystal layer, the second alignment layer including columns along a fifth direction opposite to the fourth direction, which intersects the third direction at a second angle so as to sandwich the fourth direction and the third direction, On the light incidence side, a third polarizing plate having a polarization axis along the second direction, On the light emission side, a fourth polarizing plate having a polarization axis along the first direction, A third orientation layer is provided between the third polarizing plate and the fourth polarizing plate, and includes columns oriented along a seventh direction that intersects with a sixth direction perpendicular to the third direction and at a third angle in a plan view, A second liquid crystal panel comprising: a fourth alignment layer provided via the third alignment layer and the liquid crystal layer, including columns along an eighth direction opposite to the seventh direction, which intersects the sixth direction at a fourth angle so as to sandwich the seventh direction and the sixth direction; Projection type display device.

2. The first liquid crystal device is comprised of the first liquid crystal panel and the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate arranged in cross-nicol configuration on the light incident side and light output side of the first liquid crystal panel. The second liquid crystal device is comprised of the second liquid crystal panel and the third and fourth polarizing plates, which are arranged in cross-nicol configurations on the light incidence and light emission sides of the second liquid crystal panel. The projection display device according to claim 1.

3. The first liquid crystal device and the second liquid crystal device are each incident on colored light of different wavelengths. The projection display device according to claim 2.

4. The first liquid crystal device is positioned to correspond to red or blue incident light, and the second liquid crystal device is positioned to correspond to green incident light. The projection display device according to claim 3.

5. The first liquid crystal device is positioned to correspond to green incident light, and the second liquid crystal device is positioned to correspond to red or blue incident light. The projection display device according to claim 3.

6. The first angle, the second angle, the third angle, and the fourth angle are equal to each other. The projection display device according to claim 1.

7. The first angle, the second angle, the third angle, and the fourth angle are each 8 degrees. The projection display device according to claim 6.

Images