JP2003262852A - Transflective liquid crystal device and electronic apparatus using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide constitution by which high-definition display can be performed even when the orientation of liquid crystal is confused at the boundaries of transmissive display regions and reflective display regions in a multi-gap type liquid crystal device and an electronic apparatus using the same. <P>SOLUTION: A liquid crystal device 1 includes a transparent first substrate 10 having first transparent electrodes 11 on the surface thereof, a transparent second substrate 20 having second transparent electrodes 21, and a liquid crystal layer 50. Pixel regions 3 have a light-reflecting layer 4 defining the reflective display regions 31 and the transmissive display regions 32. A thickness-adjusting layer 6 having opening 61 defining the transmissive display regions 32 is formed on the light-reflecting layer 4. The thickness-adjusting layer 6 forms slopes 60 at the boundaries between the reflective display regions 31 and the transmissive display regions 32. The top edges 65 of the slopes are aligned flatly with the edges 45 of the light-reflecting layer 4. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a semi-transmissive / reflective liquid crystal device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a multi-gap type liquid crystal device in which the thickness of the liquid crystal layer is changed to an appropriate value between the transmissive display area and the reflective display area within one pixel.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Among various liquid crystal devices, those capable of displaying an image in both transmissive mode and reflective mode are semi-transmissive.
It is called a reflective liquid crystal device and is used in every scene.

In this semi-transmissive / reflective liquid crystal device, FIG.
As shown in (A), (B), and (C), a transparent first substrate 10 having a first transparent electrode 11 formed on the surface thereof, and a first
Transparent second substrate 20 having a second transparent electrode 21 formed on the side facing the electrode 11 of the first substrate 10, the second substrate 20, and the second substrate 20.
And a liquid crystal layer 5 of TN (twisted nematic) mode held between the substrate 20 and the substrate 20. Further, on the first substrate 10, a light reflection layer 4 constituting a reflection display area 31 is formed in the pixel area 3 where the first transparent electrode 11 and the second transparent electrode 21 face each other. Opening 4
The area corresponding to 0 is the transparent display area 32. Polarizing plates 41 and 42 are arranged on the outer surfaces of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, respectively, and the backlight device 7 is arranged to face the polarizing plate 41.

In the liquid crystal device 1 having such a structure, of the light emitted from the backlight device 7, the transmissive display region 3 is included.
The light incident on 2 enters the liquid crystal layer 5 from the side of the first substrate 10 and is modulated by the liquid crystal layer 5 as shown by an arrow L1, and then transmitted display light from the side of the second substrate 20. And is displayed as an image (transmission mode).

Of the external light incident from the second substrate 20 side, the light incident on the reflective display area 31 is indicated by the arrow L2.
As shown by, the light reaches the reflection layer 4 through the liquid crystal layer 5, is reflected by the reflection layer 4, and is emitted again as reflection display light from the second substrate 20 side through the liquid crystal layer 5 to display an image. Display (reflection mode).

Here, on the first substrate 10, a reflective display color filter 81 and a transmissive display color filter 82 are provided in each of the reflective display area 31 and the transmissive display area 32.
Is formed, color display is possible.

When such a light modulation is performed, when the twist angle of the liquid crystal is set to be small, the change in the polarization state is caused by the product of the refractive index difference Δn and the layer thickness d of the liquid crystal layer 5 (retardation Δn · d). ), The display with good visibility can be performed by optimizing this value. However, in the semi-transmissive / reflective liquid crystal device 1, the transmissive display light passes through the liquid crystal layer 5 only once and is emitted, whereas the reflective display light passes through the liquid crystal layer 5 twice. Therefore, in both the transmitted display light and the reflected display light,
It is difficult to optimize the retardation Δn · d. Therefore, when the layer thickness d of the liquid crystal layer 5 is set so that the display in the reflective mode has good visibility, the display in the transmissive mode is sacrificed. On the contrary, when the layer thickness d of the liquid crystal layer 5 is set so that the display in the transmissive mode has good visibility, the display in the reflective mode is sacrificed.

Therefore, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-242226 discloses a structure in which the layer thickness d of the liquid crystal layer in the reflective display area 31 is made smaller than the layer thickness d of the liquid crystal layer 5 in the transmissive display area 32. Such a configuration is called a multi-gap type, and for example, FIGS.
As shown in (C), on the lower layer side of the first transparent electrode 11 and the upper layer side of the light reflection layer 4, the layer thickness adjusting layer 6 having an opening 61 in a region corresponding to the transmissive display region 32 is formed. realizable. That is, in the transmissive display region 32, the layer thickness d of the liquid crystal layer 5 is larger than that in the reflective display region 31 by the film thickness of the layer thickness adjusting layer 6, and therefore, for both the transmissive display light and the reflective display light. It is possible to optimize the retardation Δn · d. Here, the liquid crystal layer 5 is formed by the layer thickness adjusting layer 6.
In order to adjust the layer thickness d, the layer thickness adjusting layer 6 needs to be formed thick, and a photosensitive resin or the like is used for forming such a thick layer.

[0009]

However, when the layer thickness adjusting layer 6 is formed of the photosensitive resin layer, a photolithography technique is used, which is caused by exposure accuracy at that time or side etching at the time of development. Then, the layer thickness adjusting layer 6
Becomes an obliquely upward slope 60 at the boundary between the reflective display area 31 and the transmissive display area 32. As a result, in the boundary portion between the reflective display area 31 and the transmissive display area 32,
As a result of the layer thickness d of the liquid crystal layer 5 changing continuously, the retardation Δn · d also changes continuously. In addition, the liquid crystal molecules included in the liquid crystal layer 5 are
Although the initial alignment state is defined by the alignment films 12 and 22 formed on the outermost surface of the substrate 20 of FIG.
Since the alignment regulating force of the alignment film 12 acts obliquely, in this part, as shown schematically in FIG. 25, alignment disorder of liquid crystal molecules, so-called disclination occurs.

For this reason, in the conventional liquid crystal device 1, for example, when it is designed in normally white, it is supposed that black display is made in the entire state when an electric field is applied, but light leaks at a portion corresponding to the slope 60. However, a display defect such as a decrease in contrast occurs. For example, as shown in FIG. 26A, when the black display is performed, the distribution of the reflected light intensity from the reflective display area 31 to the transmissive display area 32 is simulated in each rubbing direction. In the boundary area with the area 32, light leakage occurs. Here, the fact that the light leakage changes continuously is due to the incompatibility of the retardation Δn · d, and the light leakage shows a sharp peak due to the alignment failure of the liquid crystal. To do. In addition, as shown in FIG. 26B, when the black display is performed, the distribution of the transmitted light intensity from the reflective display area 31 to the transmissive display area 32 is simulated in each rubbing direction. In the boundary area with the area 32, light leakage occurs. Here again, the reason why the light leakage changes continuously is that the retardation Δn ·
The sudden peak of light leakage due to d incompatibility is due to the alignment failure of the liquid crystal, but in the case of transmitted light, the leakage of light is greater than that of reflected light. The level is extremely low.

In view of the above problems, in the present invention, a multi-gap type liquid crystal device in which the layer thickness of the liquid crystal layer is changed to an appropriate value between the transmissive display region and the reflective display region within one pixel region, And in electronic devices using the same, high-quality display is performed even if the retardation is inappropriate at the boundary between the transmissive display area and the reflective display area or the alignment of liquid crystal molecules is disturbed. It is to provide a configuration capable of doing.

[0012]

In order to solve the above problems, according to the present invention, a first substrate having a surface on which a first transparent electrode is formed and a surface opposite to the first electrode are provided with a first substrate. A second substrate on which two transparent electrodes are formed, and a liquid crystal layer held between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the first substrate is the first substrate. A light-reflecting layer that forms a reflective display area in a pixel area where the transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode face each other, and uses the remaining area of the pixel area as a transmissive display area;
A layer thickness adjusting layer for making the layer thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the reflective display region smaller than the layer thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the transmissive display region, and the first transparent electrode in this order from the lower layer side to the upper layer side. In the semi-transmissive / reflective liquid crystal device, the edge of the light-reflecting layer in the boundary area between the reflective display area and the transmissive display area has a flat surface and a flat surface formed at the end of the layer thickness adjusting layer It is characterized in that it exists in a region that substantially overlaps.

According to the present invention, in the boundary area between the reflective display area and the transmissive display area, the portion where the light reflecting layer and the slope formed at the end of the layer thickness adjusting layer overlap in a plane. In the transmission mode, the light that passes through the slope and is emitted can be reduced because light does not pass therethrough. Thereby, even if the thickness of the layer thickness adjusting layer continuously changes and the retardation Δn · d continuously changes in the boundary region between the reflective display region and the transmissive display region,
Further, even if the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules is disturbed, it is possible to reduce the light emitted through such a region in the transmission mode.

Further, in the boundary area between the reflective display area and the transmissive display area, light is reflected at a portion where the light reflecting layer and the slope formed at the end portion of the layer thickness adjusting layer do not planarly overlap each other. Therefore, in the reflection mode, it is possible to reduce the reflected light that passes through the slope and is emitted. As a result, even if the thickness of the layer thickness adjusting layer continuously changes and the retardation Δn · d continuously changes in the boundary region between the reflective display region and the transmissive display region, the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules is also suppressed. Even if the light is disturbed, it is possible to reduce the light emitted through such a region in the reflection mode.

Therefore, in each of the transmission mode and the reflection mode, the contrast can be improved and the display quality can be improved. Further, as compared with the case where the entire boundary region between the reflective display region and the transmissive display region is covered with the light shielding film, the amount of display light is not reduced, so that bright display can be performed.

In particular, in the boundary area between the reflective display area and the transmissive display area, the edge of the light reflecting layer is planarly overlapped with the upper edge of the slope formed at the edge of the layer thickness adjusting layer. In that case, in the boundary region between the reflective display region and the transmissive display region, the light reflective layer is not formed in a region that planarly overlaps the slope formed at the end of the layer thickness adjusting layer. Therefore, no light is reflected from the boundary region between the reflective display region and the transmissive display region (the region where the layer thickness adjusting layer is a slope at the end). Therefore, in the boundary area between the reflective display area and the transmissive display area, even if the thickness of the layer thickness adjusting layer changes continuously and the retardation Δn · d changes continuously, Even if the orientation is disturbed, there is no risk of light leakage in such a region in the reflection mode. Therefore, display with high contrast and high quality can be performed. Further, compared with the case where the entire boundary area between the reflective display area and the transmissive display area is covered with a light shielding film,
Since the amount of display light is not reduced, bright display can be performed.

Further, in the boundary area between the reflective display area and the transmissive display area, the edge of the light reflecting layer is planarly overlapped with the lower edge of the slope formed at the edge of the layer thickness adjusting layer. In that case, in the boundary region between the reflective display region and the transmissive display region, the light reflection layer is two-dimensionally overlapped with the slope formed at the end of the layer thickness adjusting layer. Therefore, no light is transmitted from the boundary region (the region where the layer thickness adjusting layer is a slope at the end) between the reflective display region and the transmissive display region. Therefore, in the boundary area between the reflective display area and the transmissive display area, even if the thickness of the layer thickness adjusting layer changes continuously and the retardation Δn · d changes continuously, Even if the orientation is disturbed, there is no risk of light leakage in such a region in the transmission mode. Therefore, display with high contrast and high quality can be performed. Further, as compared with the case where the entire boundary region between the reflective display region and the transmissive display region is covered with the light shielding film, the amount of display light is not reduced, so that bright display can be performed.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, the surface has a first
A first substrate on which the transparent electrode is formed, a second substrate on which a second transparent electrode is formed on the surface side facing the first electrode, the first substrate and the second substrate And a liquid crystal layer held between the first substrate and the second transparent electrode, and the first substrate constitutes a reflective display region in a pixel region where the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode face each other. A light-reflecting layer having a transmissive display area in the remaining area, a layer thickness adjusting layer for making the layer thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the reflective display area smaller than the liquid crystal layer in the transmissive display area, and In a semi-transmissive / reflective liquid crystal device including the first transparent electrode in this order from the lower layer side to the upper layer side, the pixel region is formed as a rectangular region, while the transmissive display region is
The side located on the side of the clear view is formed as a rectangular area that substantially overlaps the side of the pixel area in a plane, and the side where the sides of the pixel area and the transmissive display area overlap with each other is It is characterized in that the light-shielding film is formed so as to substantially overlap in a plane.

In such a structure, in the boundary region between the reflective display region and the transmissive display region, the edge of the light reflecting layer is substantially planar with the slope formed at the end of the layer thickness adjusting layer. The structure existing in the overlapping region, the edge of the light reflection layer substantially planarly overlaps with the upper edge of the slope formed at the end of the layer thickness adjusting layer, or the light reflection The edge of the layer may be configured to substantially overlap with the lower edge of the slope formed at the edge of the layer thickness adjusting layer in plan view.

In the liquid crystal device, light leakage is easily visually recognized on the side of the transparent display area located on the side of the clear viewing direction. However, in the present invention, the side located on the side of the clear viewing direction is the pixel area. It overlaps with the side of. Here, since a light-shielding film called a black matrix or a black stripe, or a light-shielding wiring passes through the boundary region between adjacent pixel regions,
Light attempting to leak on the side located on the side of the clear view is blocked by the light shielding film and is not emitted. Therefore, display with high contrast and high quality can be performed. Further, as compared with the case where the entire boundary region between the reflective display region and the transmissive display region is covered with the light shielding film, the amount of display light is not reduced, so that bright display can be performed.

Further, it is preferable that a reflective display area of an adjacent pixel area is formed adjacent to a side where the pixel area and the transmissive display area overlap.

According to this structure, since the adjacent reflective display area is formed adjacent to the side of the transmissive display area on the side of the clear view, the boundary area between the transmissive display area and the adjacent reflective display area is formed. (A region where the layer thickness adjustment layer is a slope at the end)
The light that is about to leak is blocked by the light shielding film. Therefore, in the boundary area between the transmissive display area and the adjacent reflective display area, even if the thickness of the layer thickness adjusting layer changes continuously and the retardation Δn · d changes continuously, Even if the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules is disturbed, a part or all of the light passing through the liquid crystal molecules can be blocked by the light shielding layer, so that the contrast can be improved and the display quality can be improved. Further, as compared with the case where the entire boundary region between the reflective display region and the transmissive display region is covered with the light shielding film, the amount of display light is not reduced, so that bright display can be performed.

In the present invention, there is provided a reflective display color filter formed in the reflective display area and a transmissive display color filter formed in the transmissive display area and having a higher degree of coloring than the reflective display color filter. It is preferable.

According to this structure, it is possible to reduce the difference in color density between the light obtained by transmitting the color filter twice in the reflection mode and the light obtained by transmitting the color filter once in the transmission mode. Therefore, a display with high visibility can be obtained.

In particular, in the boundary area between the reflective display area and the transmissive display area, the edge of the color filter for reflective display substantially overlaps with the edge of the light reflecting layer in plan view. Since the light reflected by the light reflection layer can be reliably transmitted through the color filter for reflection display,
The visibility can be further improved.

Alternatively, in the boundary area between the reflective display area and the transmissive display area, a layer forming the color filter for reflective display and / or a layer forming the color filter for transmissive display has a color tone. You may provide the overlapping part by which two or more different layers were laminated.

According to this structure, by forming two or more colored layers to form the overlapping portion, the light absorption rate at the overlapping portion can be increased. Therefore, the overlapping portion is formed. The amount of outgoing light that passes through and exits is reduced, and the overlapping portion looks visually dark. Therefore, even if the thickness of the layer thickness adjusting layer changes continuously and the retardation Δn · d changes continuously in the boundary region between the transmissive display region and the reflective display region, the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules is also reduced. Even if the light is disturbed, the light leaking from here is visually inconspicuous because part of it is absorbed by the overlap portion. Therefore, display with high contrast and high quality can be performed.

In particular, in the overlap portion, if the end portion of the reflective display color filter and the end portion of the transmissive display color filter overlap each other, the overlap portion can be formed relatively easily. be able to.

In the boundary area between the reflective display area and the transmissive display area, an inclined surface is formed at an end of the layer thickness adjusting layer, and the inclined surface is overlapped with the overlapping portion in a plane. It is preferable that a slope is present.

According to this structure, the retardation Δn is increased in the slope portion where the thickness of the layer thickness adjusting layer is continuously changing.
-Even if d changes continuously, or even if the alignment of liquid crystal molecules is disturbed, the light leaking from here can be reliably made visually inconspicuous by passing through the overlapping part. .

In the present invention, in a structure in which a slant surface is formed at an end portion of the layer thickness adjusting layer in a boundary area between the reflective display area and the transmissive display area, a planar width of the slant surface is 8 μm or less Is preferred.

In the present invention, in the liquid crystal layer, for example, the twist angle of the liquid crystal is 90 ° or less.

The semi-transmissive / reflective liquid crystal device according to the present invention is
It can be used as a display unit of electronic devices such as mobile phones and mobile computers.

[0034]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each figure used in the following description,
In order to make each layer and each member recognizable in the drawing, the scale is different for each layer and each member.

[Embodiment 1] FIGS. 1 (A), 1 (B),
FIG. 3C is a plan view schematically showing one of a plurality of pixel regions formed in a matrix in the liquid crystal device, the plan view thereof being taken along the line AA ′, and the cross section taken along the line BB ′. Is. FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing the positional relationship between the light reflecting layer and the layer thickness adjusting layer formed in this liquid crystal device. Since the liquid crystal device of this embodiment has a basic configuration in common with a conventional liquid crystal device, parts having common functions will be described with the same reference numerals.

The pixel regions shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C are obtained by using either a TFD or a TFT as a nonlinear element for pixel switching in an active matrix type liquid crystal device described later. Also, the common parts are extracted and shown. The liquid crystal device 1 shown here is ITO
A transparent first substrate 10 such as quartz or glass having a first transparent electrode 11 made of a film or the like formed on the surface thereof, and a second substrate also made of an ITO film or the like on the side facing the first electrode 11. A transparent second substrate 20 such as quartz or glass on which a transparent electrode 21 is formed, a first substrate 10 and a second substrate 20.
Liquid crystal layer 5 made of TN mode liquid crystal held between
0, and the region where the first transparent electrode 11 and the second transparent electrode 21 face each other is the pixel region 3 that directly contributes to the display.

On the first substrate 10, an alignment film 12 is formed on the surface of the first transparent electrode 11, and on the second substrate 20, an alignment film 22 is formed on the surface of the second transparent electrode 21. Has been formed. Here, the alignment films 12 and 22 are
A polyimide film or the like is applied and baked, and then a rubbing process is performed in a predetermined direction. By this rubbing process, the alignment films 12 and 22 form liquid crystal molecules constituting the liquid crystal layer 50 at a twist angle of 90 ° or less. Of the four sides of the pixel region 3, the lower side (6 o'clock direction) position in the drawing is the clear viewing direction.

In the liquid crystal device 1, a large number of pixel regions 3 are formed in a matrix, and these pixel regions 3 are formed.
When the boundary area between them is seen in a plan view, the light-shielding film 9 called black mask or black stripe formed on the second substrate 20, or the light-shielding wiring formed on the first substrate 10 side ( (Not shown) is passing. Therefore, the pixel region 3 is in a state of being surrounded by the light shielding film 9 and the light shielding wiring in a plan view.

The first transparent electrode 11 is formed on the first substrate 10.
And the second transparent electrode 21 are opposed to each other, a rectangular light reflection layer 4 (FIG.
(Indicated by a hatched area in the lower right direction in (A)) is formed of an aluminum film or a silver alloy film, and a rectangular opening 40 is formed in the light reflecting layer 4. Therefore, in the pixel region 3, the region where the light reflection layer 4 is formed is the reflection display region 31, but the region corresponding to the opening 40 is a rectangular transmissive display where the light reflection layer 4 is not formed. It is an area 32. Here, of the four sides of the transparent display area 32,
The side 33 located in the clear viewing direction (6 o'clock side) overlaps the side 34 of the pixel region.

Further, a reflective display area 31a of an adjacent pixel area is formed adjacent to the side 33 located on the side of the transparent display area 32 in the clear viewing direction.

Polarizing plates 41 and 42 are disposed on the outer surfaces of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, respectively, and the backlight device 7 is disposed opposite to the polarizing plate 41 side.

In the liquid crystal device 1 thus constructed,
Of the light emitted from the backlight device 7, the light incident on the transmissive display region 32 is the first light as indicated by the arrow L1.
The light enters the liquid crystal layer 50 from the side of the substrate 10, is light-modulated therein, and then is emitted as transmission display light from the side of the second substrate 20 to display an image (transmission mode).

Of the external light incident from the second substrate 20 side, the light incident on the reflective display area 31 is indicated by the arrow L2.
As shown in FIG. 2, the light reaches the reflective layer 4 through the liquid crystal layer 50, is reflected by the reflective layer 4, and again passes through the liquid crystal layer 50 to the second layer.
The image is displayed by being emitted as reflection display light from the substrate 20 side (reflection mode).

Here, on the first substrate 10, a reflective display color filter 81 and a transmissive display color filter 82 are provided in each of the reflective display area 31 and the transmissive display area 32.
Is formed, color display is possible. As the transmissive display color filter 82, a filter having a higher degree of coloring than the reflective display color filter 81, such as a large amount of pigment, is used. Here, the end edge of the reflective display color filter 81 is located at a position where it overlaps with the end edge of the light reflection layer 4 in plan view.

In such a semi-transmissive / reflective liquid crystal device 1, the transmissive display light passes through the liquid crystal layer 50 only once and is emitted, whereas the reflective display light passes through the liquid crystal layer 50.
It will pass once. Therefore, in the first substrate 10, the lower layer side of the first transparent electrode 11 and the light reflection layer 4
On the upper layer side, a layer thickness adjusting layer 6 made of a photosensitive resin layer having an opening 61 in a region corresponding to the transmissive display region 32 is formed. Therefore, in the transmissive display area 32, as compared with the reflective display area 31, only the film thickness of the layer thickness adjusting layer 6 is
Since the layer thickness d of the liquid crystal layer 50 is large, the retardation Δn · d can be optimized for both the transmitted display light and the reflected display light.

When forming the layer thickness adjusting layer 6, a photolithography technique is used. The exposure accuracy at that time is
Alternatively, due to side etching or the like at the time of development, in the layer thickness adjusting layer 6, the boundary portion between the reflective display region 31 and the transmissive display region 32 is an obliquely upward slope 60. When viewed, it is in a state of being formed with a width of 8 μm. Therefore, at the boundary with the transmissive display region 32, the layer thickness d of the liquid crystal layer 50 changes continuously, and as a result, the retardation Δn · d also changes continuously. The initial alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal layer 50 is defined by the alignment films 12 and 22 formed on the outermost layers of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, but on the slope 60, Since the alignment regulating force of the alignment film 12 acts diagonally, the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules is disturbed in this portion.

The boundary region in such an unstable state causes deterioration of display quality. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in order to improve the display quality in the reflection mode,
As shown in an enlarged manner in FIG. 2, in the boundary area between the reflective display area 31 and the transmissive display area 32, the edge 45 of the light reflective layer 4 is formed.
Is planarly overlapped with the upper edge 65 of the slope 60 formed at the end of the layer thickness adjusting layer 6.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the reflective display area 31 is used.
In the boundary region between the transparent display region 32 and the transmissive display region 32, the light reflection layer 4 is not formed in a region that planarly overlaps with the slope 60 formed at the end of the layer thickness adjusting layer 6. Therefore, no light is reflected from the boundary region between the reflective display region 31 and the transmissive display region 32 (the region where the layer thickness adjusting layer 6 is the slope 60 at the end). Note that light is transmitted from the boundary region between the reflective display region 31 and the transmissive display region 32 (region where the layer thickness adjusting layer 6 is the slope 60 at the end), as shown in FIG.
As described with reference to (B), the level of light leakage in transmitted light is significantly lower than that in reflected light. Therefore, even if the thickness of the layer thickness adjusting layer 6 changes continuously and the retardation Δn · d changes continuously in the boundary region between the reflective display region 31 and the transmissive display region 32, the liquid crystal is also changed. Even if the orientation of the molecules is disturbed, there is no possibility that reflected light leaks in such a region in the reflection mode. Therefore, display with high contrast and high quality can be performed. In addition, the reflective display area 31
As compared with the case where the entire boundary area between the transparent display area 32 and the transmissive display area 32 is covered with a light-shielding film, the amount of display light is not reduced, so bright display can be performed.

Further, in the present embodiment, among the four sides of the transmissive display area 32, the side 33 located in the clear viewing direction (6 o'clock side) overlaps with the side 34 of the pixel area, and this side serves as the light shielding film 9. It overlaps in a plane. For this reason, there is a tendency that light leaks around the transmissive display region 32 on the clear viewing direction side, but the light that is about to leak from this is blocked by the light shielding film 9 and is not emitted. Therefore, high-quality display with high contrast can be performed.

Further, since the adjacent reflective display area 31a is formed adjacent to the side 33 of the transparent display area 32 on the visible direction side, the boundary between the transparent display area 32 and the adjacent reflective display area 31a. Light that is about to leak in the region (region where the layer thickness adjusting layer 6 is the slope 60 at the end) is blocked by the light shielding film 9. Therefore, even if the retardation Δn · d continuously changes in the region where the layer thickness adjusting layer 6 is the slope 60, or if the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules is disturbed, the light leaking from here is shielded from the light. Since it is blocked by 9, the contrast can be improved and the display quality can be improved.

Further, since the transmissive display color filter 82 having a higher degree of coloring than the reflective display color filter 81 is used, the transmissive display light may pass through the color filter only once. Since the same color as the reflected display light that passes through the color filter twice is obtained, high quality color display can be performed.

When manufacturing the liquid crystal device 1 having such a structure, the first substrate 10 is formed as follows.

First, after the first substrate 10 made of quartz or glass is prepared, a reflective metal film such as aluminum or silver alloy is formed on the entire surface of the first substrate 10, and then this metal is formed by using a photolithography technique. The film is patterned to form the light reflecting layer 4.

Next, the reflective display color filter 81 and the transmissive display color filter 82 are formed in predetermined regions by using a flexographic printing method, a photolithography technique, or an ink jet method.

Next, a photosensitive resin is applied to the entire surface of the first substrate 10 by the spin coating method, and then exposed and developed to form the layer thickness adjusting layer 6.

Next, after forming a transparent conductive film such as an ITO film on the entire surface of the first substrate 10, the transparent conductive film is patterned by using the photolithography technique to form the first transparent electrode 11. To do.

Next, using a spin coating method, a polyimide resin is applied to the entire surface of the first substrate 10 and then baked, and then an alignment treatment such as a rubbing treatment is performed to form an alignment film 12.

The first substrate 10 thus formed is separately attached to the second substrate 20 which has been formed with a predetermined gap, and then liquid crystal is injected between the substrates to form a liquid crystal. Form layer 50.

In the liquid crystal device 1, since a non-linear element for pixel switching such as TFD or TFT may be formed on the side of the first substrate 10, the boundary light-shielding film 9 and other layers are It may be formed by utilizing a part of the process of forming TFD, TFT, and the like.

[Embodiment 2] FIGS. 3A and 3B schematically show one of a plurality of pixel regions formed in a matrix in the liquid crystal device of this embodiment. It is a top view and its BB 'sectional drawing. In addition,
Since the liquid crystal device of this embodiment has a basic configuration in common with that of the first embodiment, parts having common functions are designated by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted. The manufacturing method is also the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

Similarly to the first embodiment, the pixel region shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B uses either TFD or TFT as a non-linear element for pixel switching in the active matrix type liquid crystal device described later. The common parts are extracted and shown even when there is. The liquid crystal device 1 shown here also includes a transparent first substrate 10 having a first transparent electrode 11 formed on the surface thereof, and a second substrate 10 on the side facing the first electrode 11.
And a liquid crystal layer 50 made of TN mode liquid crystal held between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. The region where the first transparent electrode 11 and the second transparent electrode 21 face each other is the pixel region 3 that directly contributes to the display.

On the first substrate 10, the alignment film 12 is formed on the surface of the first transparent electrode 11, and on the second substrate 20, the alignment film 22 is formed on the surface of the second transparent electrode 21. Has been formed. Here, the alignment films 12 and 22 are
A polyimide film or the like is applied and baked, and then a rubbing process is performed in a predetermined direction. By this rubbing process, the alignment films 12 and 22 form liquid crystal molecules constituting the liquid crystal layer 50 at a twist angle of 90 ° or less. Of the four sides of the pixel region 3, the lower side (6 o'clock direction) position in the drawing is the clear viewing direction.

In the liquid crystal device 1, a large number of pixel regions 3 are formed in a matrix, and these pixel regions 3 are formed.
When the boundary area between them is seen in a plan view, the light-shielding film 9 called black mask or black stripe formed on the second substrate 20, or the light-shielding wiring formed on the first substrate 10 side ( (Not shown) is passing. Therefore, the pixel region 3 is in a state of being surrounded by the light shielding film 9 and the light shielding wiring in a plan view.

The first transparent electrode 11 is formed on the first substrate 10.
And the second transparent electrode 21 are opposed to each other, the rectangular light reflection layer 4 forming the reflective display area 31 in the rectangular pixel area 3 (see FIG. 3).
(Indicated by a hatched area in the lower right direction in (A)) is formed of an aluminum film or a silver alloy film, and a rectangular opening 40 is formed in the light reflecting layer 4. Therefore, in the pixel region 3, the region where the light reflection layer 4 is formed is the reflection display region 31, but the region corresponding to the opening 40 is a rectangular transmissive display where the light reflection layer 4 is not formed. It is an area 32. Here, of the four sides of the transparent display area 32,
The side 33 located in the clear viewing direction (6 o'clock side) overlaps the side 34 of the pixel region. Further, among the four sides of the transmissive display area 32, the sides 35 and 36 adjacent to the side 33 located in the clear view direction (6 o'clock side) overlap the sides 37 and 38 of the pixel area 3, respectively.

Further, a reflective display area 31a of an adjacent pixel area is formed adjacent to the side 33 located on the side of the transparent display area 32 in the clear viewing direction.

Polarizing plates 41 and 42 are disposed on the outer surfaces of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, respectively, and the backlight device 7 is disposed opposite to the polarizing plate 41 side.

In the liquid crystal device 1 thus constructed,
Of the light emitted from the backlight device 7, the light incident on the transmissive display region 32 is the first light as indicated by the arrow L1.
The light enters the liquid crystal layer 50 from the side of the substrate 10, is light-modulated therein, and then is emitted as transmission display light from the side of the second substrate 20 to display an image (transmission mode).

Of the external light incident from the second substrate 20 side, the light incident on the reflective display area 31 is indicated by the arrow L2.
As shown in FIG. 2, the light reaches the reflective layer 4 through the liquid crystal layer 50, is reflected by the reflective layer 4, and again passes through the liquid crystal layer 50 to the second layer.
The image is displayed by being emitted as reflection display light from the substrate 20 side (reflection mode).

Here, on the first substrate 10, a reflective display color filter 81 and a transmissive display color filter 82 are provided in each of the reflective display area 31 and the transmissive display area 32.
Is formed, color display is possible. As the transmissive display color filter 82, a filter having a higher degree of coloring than the reflective display color filter 81, such as a large amount of pigment, is used. Here, the end edge of the reflective display color filter 81 is located at a position where it overlaps with the end edge of the light reflection layer 4 in plan view.

In such a semi-transmissive / reflective liquid crystal device 1, the transmissive display light passes through the liquid crystal layer 50 only once and is emitted, while the reflective display light passes through the liquid crystal layer 50.
It will pass once. Therefore, in the first substrate 10, the lower layer side of the first transparent electrode 11 and the light reflection layer 4
On the upper layer side, a layer thickness adjusting layer 6 made of a photosensitive resin layer having an opening 61 in a region corresponding to the transmissive display region 32 is formed. Therefore, in the transmissive display area 32, as compared with the reflective display area 31, only the film thickness of the layer thickness adjusting layer 6 is
Since the layer thickness d of the liquid crystal layer 50 is large, the retardation Δn · d can be optimized for both the transmitted display light and the reflected display light.

When the layer thickness adjusting layer 6 is formed, a photolithography technique is used. The exposure accuracy at that time is
Alternatively, due to side etching or the like at the time of development, in the layer thickness adjusting layer 6, the boundary portion between the reflective display region 31 and the transmissive display region 32 is an obliquely upward slope 60. When viewed, it is in a state of being formed with a width of 8 μm. Therefore, at the boundary with the transmissive display region 32, the layer thickness d of the liquid crystal layer 50 changes continuously, and as a result, the retardation Δn · d also changes continuously. The initial alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal layer 50 is defined by the alignment films 12 and 22 formed on the outermost layers of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, but on the slope 60, Since the alignment regulating force of the alignment film 12 acts diagonally, the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules is disturbed in this portion.

The boundary region in such an unstable state causes deterioration of display quality. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in order to improve the display quality in the reflection mode,
As shown in an enlarged manner in FIG. 2, in the boundary area between the reflective display area 31 and the transmissive display area 32, the edge 45 of the light reflective layer 4 is formed.
Is planarly overlapped with the upper edge 65 of the slope 60 formed at the end of the layer thickness adjusting layer 6.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the reflective display area 31
In the boundary region between the transparent display region 32 and the transmissive display region 32, the light reflection layer 4 is not formed in a region that planarly overlaps with the slope 60 formed at the end of the layer thickness adjusting layer 6. Therefore, no light is reflected from the boundary region between the reflective display region 31 and the transmissive display region 32 (the region where the layer thickness adjusting layer 6 is the slope 60 at the end). Note that light is transmitted from the boundary region between the reflective display region 31 and the transmissive display region 32 (region where the layer thickness adjusting layer 6 is the slope 60 at the end), as shown in FIG.
As described with reference to (B), the level of light leakage in transmitted light is significantly lower than that in reflected light. Therefore, even if the thickness of the layer thickness adjusting layer 6 changes continuously and the retardation Δn · d changes continuously in the boundary region between the reflective display region 31 and the transmissive display region 32, the liquid crystal is also changed. Even if the orientation of the molecules is disturbed, there is no possibility that reflected light leaks in such a region in the reflection mode. Therefore, display with high contrast and high quality can be performed. In addition, the reflective display area 31
Compared to the case where the entire boundary area between the transparent display area 32 and the transmissive display area 32 is covered with a light-shielding film, the amount of display light is not reduced, so that bright display can be performed, and similar effects to those of the first embodiment are achieved.

Further, in the present embodiment, among the four sides of the transmissive display area 32, the side 33 located in the clear viewing direction (6 o'clock side) overlaps with the side 34 of the pixel area, and this portion serves as the light shielding film 9. It overlaps in a plane. For this reason, there is a tendency that light leaks around the transmissive display region 32 on the clear viewing direction side, but the light that is about to leak from this is blocked by the light shielding film 9 and is not emitted. Therefore, high-quality display with high contrast can be performed.

Further, among the four sides of the transparent display area 32,
The sides 35 and 36 also overlap the sides 37 and 38 of the pixel region 3, and this part overlaps the light shielding film 9 in plan view. Therefore, the light that is about to leak from the areas corresponding to the sides 35 and 36 of the transmissive display area 32 is blocked by the light shielding film 9 and is not emitted. Therefore, high-quality display with high contrast can be performed.

Further, since the adjacent reflective display area 31a is formed adjacent to the side 33 of the transparent display area 32 on the visible direction side, the boundary between the transparent display area 32 and the adjacent reflective display area 31a. Light that is about to leak in the region (region where the layer thickness adjusting layer 6 is the slope 60 at the end) is blocked by the light shielding film 9. Therefore, even if the retardation Δn · d changes continuously in the region where the layer thickness adjusting layer 6 is the slope 60, or even if the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules is disturbed, the light leaking from here is not emitted from the optical layer. Since it is blocked by 9, the contrast can be improved and the display quality can be improved.

[Third Embodiment] FIGS. 4A, 4B,
FIG. 3C is a plan view schematically showing one of a plurality of pixel regions formed in a matrix in the liquid crystal device, the plan view thereof being taken along the line AA ′, and the cross section taken along the line BB ′. Is. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing the positional relationship between the light reflecting layer and the layer thickness adjusting layer formed in this liquid crystal device.

Both of the first and second embodiments are characterized in that the leakage of the reflected light is prevented, whereas the present embodiment and the fourth embodiment described later both have the leakage of the transmitted light. It is characterized in that it is prevented, and other configurations are common. Therefore, in the following description, the parts having the common function are denoted by the same reference numerals and illustrated, and the description thereof will be omitted.

4 (A), (B), (C), and FIG.
In the present embodiment, in order to improve the display quality in the transmissive mode, in the boundary region between the reflective display region 31 and the transmissive display region 32, the edge 45 of the light reflection layer 4 is the edge of the layer thickness adjusting layer 6. The lower end edge 66 of the slope 60 formed in the section is overlapped in a plane. In addition, the reflective display color filter 8
The edge of No. 1 is located at a position that overlaps with the edge of the light reflection layer 4 in a plane.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the reflective display area 31
In the boundary region between the transparent display region 32 and the transmissive display region 32, the light reflection layer 4 is planarly overlapped with the slope 60 formed at the end of the layer thickness adjusting layer 6. Therefore, no light is transmitted from the boundary region between the reflective display region 31 and the transmissive display region 32 (the region where the layer thickness adjusting layer 6 is the slope 60 at the end). Therefore, in the boundary area between the reflective display area 31 and the transmissive display area 32, even if the thickness of the layer thickness adjusting layer 6 changes continuously and the retardation Δn · d changes continuously, Even if the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules is disturbed, there is no possibility that light leaks in such a region in the transmission mode. Therefore, display with high contrast and high quality can be performed. Further, compared with the case where the entire boundary area between the reflective display area 31 and the transmissive display area 32 is covered with a light-shielding film, the amount of display light is not reduced, so bright display can be performed.

Further, in the present embodiment, among the four sides of the transmissive display area 32, the side 33 located in the clear viewing direction (at 6 o'clock) overlaps the side 34 of the pixel area, and this portion serves as the light shielding film 9. It overlaps in a plane. For this reason, there is a tendency that light leaks around the transmissive display region 32 on the clear viewing direction side, but the light that is about to leak from this is blocked by the light shielding film 9 and is not emitted. Therefore, high-quality display with high contrast can be performed.

Further, since the adjacent reflective display area 31a is formed adjacent to the side 33 of the transparent display area 32 on the visible direction side, the boundary between the transparent display area 32 and the adjacent reflective display area 31a. Light that is about to leak in the region (region where the layer thickness adjusting layer 6 is the slope 60 at the end) is blocked by the light shielding film 9. Therefore, even if the retardation Δn · d continuously changes in the region where the layer thickness adjusting layer 6 is the slope 60, or if the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules is disturbed, the light leaking from here is shielded from the light. Since it is blocked by 9, the contrast can be improved and the display quality can be improved.

[Embodiment 4] FIGS. 6A and 6B are plan views schematically showing one of a plurality of pixel regions formed in a matrix in a liquid crystal device. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB ′ of FIG.

6 (A), (B) and FIG.
Also in the present embodiment, as in the case of the third embodiment, in order to improve the display quality in the transmissive mode, the edge 45 of the light reflection layer 4 in the boundary region between the reflective display region 31 and the transmissive display region 32 is
The lower end edge 66 of the inclined surface 60 formed at the end of the layer thickness adjusting layer 6 is planarly overlapped. Further, the edge of the reflective display color filter 81 is located at a position where it overlaps with the edge of the light reflection layer 4 in a plane.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the reflective display area 31
In the boundary region between the transparent display region 32 and the transmissive display region 32, the light reflection layer 4 is planarly overlapped with the slope 60 formed at the end of the layer thickness adjusting layer 6. Therefore, no light is transmitted from the boundary region between the reflective display region 31 and the transmissive display region 32 (the region where the layer thickness adjusting layer 6 is the slope 60 at the end). Therefore, in the boundary area between the reflective display area 31 and the transmissive display area 32, even if the thickness of the layer thickness adjusting layer 6 changes continuously and the retardation Δn · d changes continuously, Even if the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules is disturbed, there is no possibility that light leaks in such a region in the transmission mode. Therefore, display with high contrast and high quality can be performed. Further, compared with the case where the entire boundary area between the reflective display area 31 and the transmissive display area 32 is covered with a light-shielding film, the amount of display light is not reduced, so bright display can be performed.

In the present embodiment, among the four sides of the transmissive display area 32, the side 33 located in the clear viewing direction (6 o'clock side) overlaps the side 34 of the pixel area 3, and this portion is shielded by the light-shielding film 9.
It overlaps with the plane. Therefore, the transparent display area 32
The light tends to leak on the side of the clear view in the vicinity of, but the light which is about to leak from this side is blocked by the light shielding film 9 and is not emitted. Therefore, the contrast is high,
High-quality display can be performed.

Further, since the adjacent reflective display area 31a is formed adjacent to the side 33 of the transparent display area 32 on the side of the clear view, the boundary between the transparent display area 32 and the adjacent reflective display area 31a. Light that is about to leak in the region (region where the layer thickness adjusting layer 6 is the slope 60 at the end) is blocked by the light shielding film 9. Therefore, even if the retardation Δn · d changes continuously in the region where the layer thickness adjusting layer 6 is the slope 60, or even if the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules is disturbed, the light leaking from here is shielded from the light. Since it is blocked by 9, the contrast can be improved and the display quality can be improved.

Further, among the four sides of the transparent display area 32,
The sides 35 and 36 also overlap the sides 37 and 38 of the pixel region 3, and this part overlaps the light shielding film 9 in plan view. Therefore, the light that is about to leak from the areas corresponding to the sides 35 and 36 of the transmissive display area 32 is blocked by the light shielding film 9 and is not emitted. Therefore, high-quality display with high contrast can be performed.

[Fifth Embodiment] FIG. 7 shows a modification of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and is shown in FIGS.
2A is a plan view schematically showing one of a plurality of pixel regions formed in a matrix in a liquid crystal device, and a BB ′ cross-sectional view thereof. FIG. In addition, in the liquid crystal device of the present embodiment, the same components as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The present embodiment is largely different from the first embodiment in that the reflective display color filter 81 and the transmissive display color filter 82 are formed in the boundary area between the transmissive display area 32 and the adjacent reflective display area 31a. The point is that the light-shielding film 9a is provided therebetween. The boundary between the light-shielding film 9a and the color filter 82 for transmissive display substantially planarly overlaps with the lower end edge 66 of the slope 60 formed at the end of the layer thickness adjusting layer 6, and the light-shielding film 9a and the reflective display are provided. Color filter 81
And the boundary between the light reflection layer 4 and the light shielding film 9a substantially overlap with the upper edge 65 of the slope 60 in plan view.

The light shielding film 9a is made of, for example, an acrylic resin containing carbon black, and can be formed by applying a pattern with a spin coater and then patterning.

According to this structure, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained, and in particular, the transparent display area 32 is provided.
In the boundary area between the reflective display area 31a and the adjacent reflective display area 31a, the light shielding film 9a is provided between the reflective display color filter 81 and the transmissive display color filter 82, and the layer thickness adjusting layer 6 is provided at the end portion of the slope 60. Since the area defined by the two-dimensionally overlaps the light-shielding layer 9a in a plane, there is no risk of light leaking from this boundary area. Further, this boundary area is also a boundary between pixel areas which are originally adjacent to each other and is an area where a light-shielding film or wiring is formed. By providing the film 9a, the amount of decrease in the amount of display light can be small. Therefore, the light leaking from the slope 60 of the layer thickness adjusting layer 6 can be effectively shielded, and the contrast and the display quality can be improved.

Although not described here, similarly in the second embodiment, in the boundary area between the transmissive display area 32 and the adjacent reflective display area 31a, the color filter 81 for reflective display and the color filter for transmissive display 81 are also provided. A light-shielding film 9a similar to that of the present embodiment may be provided between the color filter 82 and the color filter 82.

[Sixth Embodiment] FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing the positional relationship of each layer on the lower substrate of the liquid crystal device of the present embodiment. The present embodiment is largely different from the first embodiment in that in the region where the slope 60 is formed at the end of the layer thickness adjusting layer 6, the end of the reflective display color filter 81a and the transmissive display color filter 82a are formed. This is the point where the overlap portion 83 is formed by overlapping with the end portions. In addition, in the liquid crystal device of the present embodiment, the same components as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the present embodiment, the light reflecting layer 4 made of an aluminum film, a silver alloy film or the like is formed on the first substrate 10, and the light reflecting layer 4 has a rectangular opening 40 formed therein. Therefore, in the pixel region, the region where the light reflection layer 4 is formed is the reflection display region 31, but the region corresponding to the opening 40 is a rectangular transmission display region where the light reflection layer 4 is not formed. It is 32. The edge of the light reflection layer 4 substantially overlaps with the upper edge 65 of the slope 60 formed at the edge of the layer thickness adjusting layer 6 in plan view.

A reflective display color filter 81a is formed on the light reflecting layer 4, and the edge of the reflective display color filter 81a is a slope formed at the end of the layer thickness adjusting layer 6. The lower end edge 66 of 60 overlaps substantially flatly.

On the other hand, in the opening 40 of the light reflecting layer 4, the color filter 82 for transmissive display is formed on the first substrate 10.
a is formed. This transparent display color filter 8
The edge of 2a substantially planarly overlaps the upper edge 65 of the slope 60 formed at the end of the layer thickness adjusting layer 6, and the slope 60 is formed at the end of the layer adjusting layer 6. In the region, an overlap portion 83 is formed in which the end portion of the transmissive display color filter 82a is laminated on the end portion of the reflective display color filter 81a. The upper surface of the transmissive display color filter 82a is slightly raised at the overlap portion 83, and the reflective display color filter 81a and the transmissive display color filter 8 in the overlap portion 83 are slightly raised.
The total film thickness of 2a is the same as the film thickness of the reflective display color filter 81a and the transmissive display color filter 8 in other portions.
It is thicker than any of the film thicknesses of 2a.

The lower substrate having such a structure can be formed, for example, as follows.

First, as in the first embodiment, a reflective metal film is formed on the entire surface of the first substrate 10, and then the metal film is patterned using photolithography to reflect light. Form layer 4.

Next, after the reflective display color filter 81a is formed on the entire surface of the first substrate 10 by using a flexographic printing method, an ink jet method or the like, an unnecessary portion (transmissive display area) is formed by using a photolithography technique. The portion of 32 except the overlapping portion 83) is removed.

Next, the transmissive display area 32 is formed by using a flexographic printing method, an ink jet method, a photolithography technique or the like.
A color filter 82a for transmissive display is formed on.

Next, a layer thickness adjusting layer 6 is formed by applying a photosensitive resin on the entire surface of the first substrate 10 by using a spin coating method, and then exposing and developing it.

After that, in the same manner as in the first embodiment,
A first transparent electrode 11 and an alignment film 12 (neither shown) are formed.

According to this embodiment, the overlap portion 83 is formed at the end of the layer thickness adjusting layer 6 so as to overlap with the area where the slope 60 is formed, and the light reflecting layer is formed in this area. No. 4 is not formed. Therefore, in the region where the slope 60 is formed, the light from the backlight is emitted through the liquid crystal layer after passing through the overlap portion 83, so that it becomes visually inconspicuous. As a result, it is possible to make the display defects that occur in the region formed by the slope 60 inconspicuous, and to improve the contrast and display quality. In addition, since the overlapping portion 83 that does not contribute to the display is provided in the boundary area between the reflective display area 31 and the transmissive display area 32, the display failure due to the error caused in the manufacturing process hardly occurs.

[Embodiment 7] FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing the positional relationship of each layer on the lower substrate of the liquid crystal device of the present embodiment. This embodiment is greatly different from the sixth embodiment in that the edge 45 of the light reflecting layer 4 is planarly overlapped with the lower edge 66 of the slope 60 of the layer thickness adjusting layer 6. In addition, in the liquid crystal device of the present embodiment, the same components as those in Embodiment 6 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The lower substrate in the liquid crystal device of the present embodiment is the same as the lower substrate in the sixth embodiment, except that the light reflection layer 4 is
It can be manufactured by the same procedure except that the end edge 45 is formed so as to planarly overlap the lower end edge 66 of the slope 60 of the layer thickness adjusting layer 6.

According to the present embodiment, the end face of the layer thickness adjusting layer 6 is planarly overlapped with the region where the slope 60 is formed.
The overlap portion 83 is formed, and the light reflection layer 4 is further formed in this area. Therefore, in the region where the inclined surface 60 is formed, the light reflected by the light reflection layer 4 is emitted through the liquid crystal layer after passing through the overlap portion 83, so that it becomes visually inconspicuous. This makes it possible to make the display defects that occur in the region where the slope 60 is formed inconspicuous, and to improve the contrast and display quality. In addition, since the overlapping portion 83 that does not contribute to the display is provided in the boundary area between the reflective display area 31 and the transmissive display area 32, the display failure due to the error caused in the manufacturing process hardly occurs.

[Embodiment 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing the positional relationship of each layer on the lower substrate of the liquid crystal device of the present embodiment. The present embodiment is greatly different from the sixth embodiment in that the edge 45 of the light reflecting layer 4 is two-dimensionally located between the upper edge 65 and the lower edge 66 of the slope 60 of the layer thickness adjusting layer 6. That is the point. Further, in this embodiment, the edge of the reflective display color filter 81a is slightly smaller than the lower edge 66 of the slope 60.
It is located inside the opening 40, and the end edge of the transmissive display color filter 81 a is located slightly outside the opening 40 than the upper end edge 65 of the slope 60. In addition, in the liquid crystal device of the present embodiment, the same components as those in Embodiment 6 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The lower substrate in the liquid crystal device of the present embodiment is the same as the lower substrate of the sixth embodiment except that the light reflection layer 4 is used.
The edge 45 is formed so as to be planarly located between the upper edge 65 and the lower edge 66 of the slope 60 of the layer thickness adjusting layer 6, and the reflective display color filter 81a and the transmissive display color filter 82a are formed. It can be manufactured by a similar procedure except that the position of the edge of the is slightly changed.

According to the present embodiment, the end face of the layer thickness adjusting layer 6 is planarly overlapped with the region where the slope 60 is formed.
The overlap portion 83 is formed, and the light reflection layer 4 is formed only in the outer peripheral portion in this region. Therefore, in the region where the inclined surface 60 is formed, the light reflected by the light reflection layer 4 and the light from the backlight are emitted through the liquid crystal layer after passing through the overlap portion 83, so that they are visually conspicuous. Disappear. As a result, the slope 60
It is possible to improve the contrast and the display quality by making the display defect caused in the region where the mark is formed inconspicuous.

Further, in this embodiment, the width of the overlapping portion 83 is larger than the planar width of the inclined surface 60, and the inclined surface 60 is completely included in the overlapping portion 83 when seen in a plan view. It is possible to reliably prevent light that does not pass through the portion 83 from passing through the slope 60 and exiting.

[Ninth Embodiment] FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing the positional relationship of each layer on the lower substrate of the liquid crystal device of this embodiment. The present embodiment is largely different from the sixth embodiment in that the overlapping portion 83 has a reflective display color filter 81.
The point is that a is formed by laminating four layers of the color filters for transmission display 82R, 82G, and 82B having different color tones. Further, in the present embodiment, the end edge of the reflective display color filter 81a is more than the lower end edge 66 of the slope 60.
It is located slightly inside the opening 40, and it is 2
The edges of the color filters 82G, 82B for transmissive display of the layer are
It is located slightly outward of the opening 40 from the upper edge 65 of the slope 60. In addition, in the liquid crystal device of the present embodiment, the same components as those in Embodiment 6 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The lower substrate in the liquid crystal device of this embodiment can be manufactured as follows. First, in the same manner as in the first embodiment, after forming a reflective metal film on the entire surface of the first substrate 10, the metal film is patterned by using the photolithography technique to form the light reflection layer 4. Form.

Next, after the reflective display color filter 81a is formed on the entire surface of the first substrate 10 by using the flexographic printing method or the ink jet method, the inside of the transmissive display area 32 is formed by using the photolithography technique. Remove unnecessary parts.

Then, the transmissive display area 32 is formed by using a flexographic printing method, an ink jet method, a photolithography technique, or the like.
A color filter 82R for transmissive display is formed on. At this time, in each of the transmissive display areas 32, first, a layer having any one of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) color tones (red transmissive display color filter 82R in the example of the figure) is predetermined. After forming into an array pattern, the overlapping portion 83
Then, two layers of two colors (in the example shown in the figure, a green transmissive display color filter 82G and a blue transmissive display color filter 82B) that are not formed in the transmissive display region 32 are sequentially laminated.

Next, the layer thickness adjusting layer 6 is formed by applying a photosensitive resin on the entire surface of the first substrate 10 by using the spin coating method, and then exposing and developing the photosensitive resin.

Thereafter, in the same manner as in the first embodiment,
A first transparent electrode 11 and an alignment film 12 (neither shown) are formed.

According to this embodiment, especially the overlapping portion 8
3, the reflective display color filter 81a and the transmissive display color filters 82R and 82 having three different color tones.
Since the four layers G and 82B having different color tones are laminated, the overlapping portion 83 serves as a black matrix. Therefore, in the region where the slope 60 is formed at the end of the layer thickness adjusting layer 6, most of the transmitted light from the backlight is absorbed by the overlap part 83, and this region is almost visually visible. It is displayed in black. Therefore, it is possible to make the display defect caused by the formation of the slope 60 inconspicuous, and to improve the contrast and the display quality.

Further, in the present embodiment, the width of the overlap portion 83 is larger than the planar width w of the slope 60, and the slope 60 is completely included in the overlap portion 83 when viewed in plan. It is possible to reliably prevent light that does not pass through the wrap portion 83 from passing through the slope 60 and exiting.

[Embodiment 10] Next, the structure of a TFD active matrix type liquid crystal device adopting the structure according to Embodiments 1 to 9 will be described.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram schematically showing the electrical construction of the liquid crystal device. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of this liquid crystal device. FIG. 14 is a plan view of one pixel on an element substrate of a pair of substrates that sandwich liquid crystal in a liquid crystal device. 15A and 15B are a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III ′ of FIG. 14 and a perspective view of the TFD element formed in each pixel, respectively.

In the liquid crystal device 100 shown in FIG. 12, the scanning lines 151 as a plurality of wirings are formed in the row direction (X direction), and the plurality of data lines 152 are formed in the column direction (Y direction). A pixel 153 is formed at a position corresponding to each intersection of the scanning line 151 and the data line 152.
53, the liquid crystal layer 154 and the TF for pixel switching.
The D element 156 (non-linear element) is connected in series. Each scanning line 151 is driven by the scanning line driving circuit 157, and each data line 152 is driven by the data line driving circuit 158.

As shown in FIG. 13, the active matrix type liquid crystal device 100 having the above structure has the liquid crystal 10
Of the pair of transparent substrates holding 6 the element substrate 120
In, a plurality of scanning lines 151 extend and each scanning line 1
51 to the pixel electrode 166 via the TFD element 156.
Are electrically connected. On the other hand, the counter substrate 11
At 0, a plurality of columns of band-shaped data lines 152 extending in a direction intersecting with the scanning lines 151 of the element substrate 120 are formed of an ITO film, and a light-shielding film 159 called a black stripe is provided between the data lines 152. Has been formed. Therefore, around the pixel electrode 166, the light-shielding film 1 is planarly viewed.
It is surrounded by 59 and the scanning line 151.

A normal TN mode liquid crystal 106 is used as the liquid crystal 106, and this type of liquid crystal 106 performs light modulation by changing the polarization direction of light. Polarizing plates 108 and 109 are arranged so as to overlap each other on the surface. In addition, the polarizing plate 10
A backlight device 103 is arranged to face 8 side.

In the example shown here, the element substrate 120
Scan lines 151 are formed on the counter substrate 10 and the data lines 15 are formed on the counter substrate 10.
2 is formed, the data line is formed on the element substrate 120,
Scanning lines may be formed on the counter substrate 110.

The TFD element 156 is provided in the element substrate 120 as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15A and 15B, for example.
Formed on the underlayer 161 formed on the surface of the
TFD element 156a and second TFD element 156
By the two TFD element elements consisting of b, so-called B
It is configured as an ack-to-back structure. Therefore, in the TFD element 156, the non-linear current-voltage characteristics are symmetrical in both positive and negative directions. Underlayer 16
1 is made of tantalum oxide (Ta ₂ O ₅ ) having a thickness of about 50 nm to 200 nm, for example.

Each of the first TFD element 156a and the second TFD element 156b includes a first metal film 162, an insulating film 163 formed on the surface of the first metal film 162,
The second metal films 164a and 164b are formed on the surface of the insulating film 163 so as to be separated from each other.
The first metal film 162 has, for example, a thickness of 100 nm to 5 nm.
The insulating film 163 is formed of a simple Ta film of about 00 nm or a Ta alloy film such as a Ta-W (tungsten) alloy film, and the insulating film 163 is formed by, for example, oxidizing the surface of the first metal film 162 by an anodic oxidation method. It is tantalum oxide (Ta ₂ O ₅ ) having a thickness of 10 nm to 35 nm.

The second metal films 164a and 164b are made of a light-shielding metal film such as chromium (Cr) and have a thickness of 50 nm.
It is formed to a thickness of about 300 nm. The second metal film 164a serves as the scanning line 151 as it is, and the other second metal film 164b serves as the pixel electrode 1 made of ITO or the like.
It is connected to 66.

In the liquid crystal device 100 having such a structure, the region where the pixel electrode 166 and the data line 152 face each other is the pixel region 3 described in the first to ninth embodiments. Therefore, the element substrate 120, the counter substrate 110, the pixel electrode 166, the data line 152, and the light shielding film 159 are the first substrate 10 in the first to ninth embodiments, respectively.
The light reflection film 4, which corresponds to the second substrate 20, the first electrode 11, the second electrode 21, and the light-shielding film 9 and is provided below the pixel electrode 166, described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11. The reflective display color filter 81 (81a), the transmissive display color filter 82 (82a, 82R, 82G, 82B) and the layer thickness adjusting layer 6 are formed.

[Embodiment 11] Next, the construction of a TFT active matrix type liquid crystal device adopting the constructions of Embodiments 1 to 9 will be described.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of the TFT active matrix type liquid crystal device as viewed from the counter substrate side together with the respective constituent elements, and FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along line HH 'of FIG. FIG. 18 is an equivalent circuit diagram of various elements, wirings, etc. in a plurality of pixels formed in a matrix in the image display area of the liquid crystal device.

16 and 17, the liquid crystal device 200 of the present embodiment has a TFT array substrate 210 and a counter substrate 2.
20 is bonded by a sealing material 252, and the area defined by the sealing material 252 (liquid crystal filled area)
A liquid crystal 250 as an electro-optical material is sandwiched inside. Polarizing plates 288 and 289 are arranged on the TFT array substrate 210 and the counter substrate 220, respectively.
The backlight device 290 is arranged so as to face the No. 8 side.

A peripheral partition 253 made of a light-shielding material is formed inside the area where the sealing material 252 is formed. A data line driving circuit 301 and a mounting terminal 302 are formed along a side of the TFT array substrate 210 in a region outside the sealing material 252, and the scanning line driving circuit 304 is formed along two sides adjacent to the side. Are formed. A plurality of wirings 305 for connecting the scanning line driving circuits 304 provided on both sides of the image display area are provided on the remaining one side of the TFT array substrate 210.
A precharge circuit or an inspection circuit may be provided under the peripheral partition 253. Further, at least at one corner of the counter substrate 220, T
An inter-substrate conductive material 306 is formed for electrical conduction between the FT array substrate 210 and the counter substrate 220.

Instead of forming the data line driving circuit 301 and the scanning line driving circuit 304 on the TFT array substrate 210, for example, a driving LSI mounted on a T
An AB (tape automated, bonding) substrate may be electrically and mechanically connected to a terminal group formed in the peripheral portion of the TFT array substrate 210 via an anisotropic conductive film. The liquid crystal device 20 of the present embodiment
Even at 0, the liquid crystal 50 is used in the TN mode.

In the image display area of the liquid crystal device 200 having such a structure, a plurality of pixels 200a are arranged in a matrix as shown in FIG. 18, and each of the pixels 200a has a pixel Electrode 209
a and a pixel switching TFT 230 for driving the pixel electrode 209a are formed, and a data line 206a for supplying the pixel signals S1, S2 ... Sn.
Are electrically connected to the source of the TFT 230. Pixel signals S1 and S2 to be written in the data line 206a
..Sn may be supplied line-sequentially in this order,
The data lines 206a adjacent to each other may be supplied for each group. In addition, the TFT 23
The scanning line 203a is electrically connected to the gate of 0, and is configured to apply the scanning signals G1, G2 ... Gm to the scanning line 203a in a pulse-sequential order in this order at a predetermined timing. ing. The pixel electrode 209a is TF
The pixel signal S1, S2 ... Sn supplied from the data line 206a is predetermined for each pixel by being electrically connected to the drain of T230 and turning on the TFT 230 which is a switching element for a certain period. Write at the timing of. In this way, the pixel signal S1 of a predetermined level written in the liquid crystal through the pixel electrode 209a,
S2, ..., Sn are held for a certain period between the counter electrode 221 of the counter substrate 220 shown in FIG.

Here, the liquid crystal 250 modulates light by changing the orientation or order of the molecular assembly depending on the applied voltage level, and enables gradation display. In the normally white mode, the amount of incident light passing through the liquid crystal 250 decreases depending on the applied voltage, and in the normally black mode, the incident light changes according to the applied voltage. The amount of light passing through the liquid crystal 250 increases. As a result, light having a contrast according to the pixel signals S1, S2, ... Sn is emitted from the liquid crystal device 200 as a whole.

The pixel signals S1, S2, ...
..Pixel electrode 209 to prevent Sn from leaking
A storage capacitor 260 may be added in parallel with the liquid crystal capacitor formed between a and the counter electrode. For example, the pixel electrode 2
The voltage of 09a is 3 times longer than the time when the source voltage is applied.
The storage capacity 260 holds the digit for a long time. As a result, the charge retention characteristics are improved, and the liquid crystal device 200 having a high contrast ratio can be realized. In addition, storage capacity 2
As a method of forming the capacitor 60, as shown in FIG. 18, it is formed between the capacitor line 203b, which is a wiring for forming the storage capacitor 260, or between the scan line 203a of the preceding stage. Either case may be used.

FIG. 19 shows a TF used in the liquid crystal device of this embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a plurality of pixel groups adjacent to each other on a T array substrate. FIG. 20 shows part of a pixel of the liquid crystal device of this embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view when cut at a position corresponding to line C-C ′ in FIG.

In FIG. 19, the TFT array substrate 210
A plurality of transparent ITO (Indium Tin)
Pixel electrodes 209a made of oxide film are formed in a matrix, and pixel switching TFTs 230 are connected to the respective pixel electrodes 209a. In addition, the data line 206a, the scanning line 203a, and the capacitor line 203b are formed along the vertical and horizontal boundaries of the pixel electrode 209a, and the TFT 230 functions as the data line 206.
a and the scanning line 203a. That is, the data line 206a is connected to the T via the contact hole.
The pixel electrode 209a is electrically connected to the high-concentration source region 201d of the FT 230, and the pixel electrode 209a is T
It is electrically connected to the high concentration drain region 201e of the FT 203. In addition, the channel region 201 of the TFT 230
The scanning line 203a extends so as to face a '. Note that the storage capacitor 260 is the TFT 2 for pixel switching.
Extended portion 201 of semiconductor film 201 for forming 30
The lower electrode is obtained by making f conductive.
In addition, the scanning line 203b and the capacitive line 203b in the same layer overlap as the upper electrode.

In the liquid crystal device 200 having the above structure, the surface of the TFT array substrate 210 has a thickness of 50 n.
An island-shaped semiconductor film 201a having a thickness of m to 100 nm is formed. The surface of the semiconductor film 201a has a thickness of about 50 to 1
Gate insulating film 202 made of a 50 nm silicon oxide film
Is formed, and a scanning line 203a having a thickness of 300 nm to 800 nm passes through as a gate electrode on the surface of the gate insulating film 202. The scan line 2 of the semiconductor film 201a
A region facing 03a through the gate insulating film 202 is a channel region 201a '. A source region including a low concentration source region 201b and a high concentration source region 201d is formed on one side of the channel region 201a ', and a low concentration drain region 2 is formed on the other side.
01c and a high-concentration drain region 201e are formed.

On the surface side of the pixel switching TFT 230, the first interlayer insulating film 204 made of a silicon oxide film having a thickness of 300 nm to 800 nm and the thickness of 100 are formed.
A second interlayer insulating film 205 made of a silicon nitride film having a thickness of 300 nm to 300 nm is formed. A data line 2 having a thickness of 300 nm to 800 nm is formed on the surface of the first interlayer insulating film 204.
06a is formed, and the data line 206a is electrically connected to the high-concentration source region 201d through a contact hole formed in the first interlayer insulating film 204.

ITO is formed on the second interlayer insulating film 205.
A pixel electrode 209a made of a film is formed. The pixel electrode 209a is electrically connected to the drain electrode 206b via a contact hole or the like formed in the second interlayer insulating film 205. An alignment film 212 made of a polyimide film is formed on the surface side of the pixel electrode 209a. The alignment film 212 is a film obtained by rubbing a polyimide film. In addition, the high concentration drain region 201e
With respect to the extended portion 201f (lower electrode), the scanning line 203a and the capacitance line 203b in the same layer face each other as an upper electrode via the insulating film (dielectric film) formed at the same time as the gate insulating film 202. By doing so, the storage capacitor 260 is configured.

The TFT 230 preferably has the LDD structure as described above, but the low concentration source region 201 is used.
An offset structure in which impurity ions are not implanted may be provided in the region corresponding to b and the low concentration drain region 201c. Further, the TFT 230 may be a self-aligned TFT in which high-concentration source and drain regions are formed in a self-aligned manner by implanting high-concentration impurity ions using the gate electrode (a part of the scanning line 203a) as a mask. .

Further, in this embodiment, only one gate electrode (scanning line 203a) of the TFT 230 is arranged between the source and drain regions, but two or more gate electrodes are arranged between them. You may. At this time, the same signal is applied to each gate electrode. In this way dual gate (double gate),
Alternatively, if the TFT 230 is composed of triple gates or more, it is possible to prevent a leak current at the junction between the channel and the source-drain region, and reduce the current when off. If at least one of these gate electrodes has an LDD structure or an offset structure, the off current can be further reduced, and a stable switching element can be obtained.

In FIG. 20, the counter substrate 220 has T
Pixel electrodes 209 formed on the FT array substrate 210
A light-shielding film 223 called a black matrix or a black stripe is formed in a region facing the vertical and horizontal boundary regions of a, and a counter electrode 221 made of an ITO film is formed above the light-shielding film 223. In addition, the counter electrode 2
An alignment film 222 made of a polyimide film is provided on the upper layer side of 21.
The alignment film 222 is formed by rubbing a polyimide film.

In the liquid crystal device 200 having such a structure, the region where the pixel electrode 209a and the counter electrode 221 face each other is the pixel region 3 described in the first to ninth embodiments. Therefore, the TFT array substrate 210 and the counter substrate 22
0, the pixel electrode 209a, the counter electrode 221, and the light shielding film 223 are respectively the first in the first to ninth embodiments.
Corresponding to the substrate 10, the second substrate 20, the first electrode 11, the second electrode 21, and the light shielding film 9 of the pixel electrode 209a.
On the lower layer side, the reflective film 4, the reflective display color filter 81 (81a), and the transmissive display color filter 82 (82a, 82R, 82) described with reference to FIGS.
G, 82B) and the layer thickness adjusting layer 6 are formed.

[Application of Liquid Crystal Device to Electronic Equipment] The reflective or semi-transmissive / reflective liquid crystal device thus configured can be used as a display portion of various electronic equipments. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 21, 22, and 23.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of an electronic device using the liquid crystal device according to the present invention as a display device.

In FIG. 21, the electronic equipment includes a display information output source 570, a display information processing circuit 571, and a power supply circuit 57.
2, timing generator 573, and liquid crystal device 5
Has 74. Further, the liquid crystal device 574 includes a liquid crystal display panel 575 and a drive circuit 576. Liquid crystal device 57
4 is the liquid crystal device 1, 100, 2 to which the present invention is applied.
00 can be used.

The display information output source 570 is a ROM (Rea).
d Only Memory), RAM (Random)
A memory such as an Access Memory), a storage unit such as various disks, a tuning circuit that tunes and outputs a digital image signal, and the like, and displays an image signal in a predetermined format based on various clock signals generated by the timing generator 573. Information is supplied to the display information processing circuit 571.

The display information processing circuit 571 includes various well-known circuits such as a serial-parallel conversion circuit, an amplification / inversion circuit, a rotation circuit, a gamma correction circuit, and a clamp circuit, and executes processing of input display information. , The image signal together with the clock signal CLK the drive circuit 576
Supply to. The power supply circuit 572 supplies a predetermined voltage to each component.

FIG. 22 shows a mobile personal computer which is an embodiment of the electronic apparatus according to the present invention. The personal computer 580 shown here is
It has a main body portion 582 having a keyboard 581 and a liquid crystal display unit 583. The liquid crystal display unit 583 is
The liquid crystal device 1, 100, 200 to which the present invention is applied is included.

FIG. 23 shows a portable telephone which is another embodiment of the electronic apparatus according to the present invention. A mobile phone 590 shown here has a plurality of operation buttons 591 and a display unit including the liquid crystal devices 1, 100 and 200 to which the present invention is applied.

[0154]

As described above, according to the present invention,
A multi-gap type liquid crystal device in which the thickness of a liquid crystal layer is changed to an appropriate value between a transmissive display region and a reflective display region within one pixel region, and an electronic device using the same In the boundary area with the display area, light does not pass through the portion where the light reflection layer and the slope formed at the end of the layer thickness adjustment layer are planarly overlapped. Thus, the light emitted can be reduced. As a result, high-quality display can be performed even when the retardation is inappropriate at the boundary between the transmissive display area and the reflective display area or the alignment of liquid crystal molecules is disturbed.

[Brief description of drawings]

1A, 1B, and 1C are each a plurality of pixel regions formed in a matrix in a semi-transmissive / reflective liquid crystal device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The top view which extracts one and shows it typically, AA 'sectional drawing,
FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line BB ′.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a positional relationship between a light reflection film and a layer thickness adjusting layer formed in the liquid crystal device shown in FIG.

3A and 3B respectively show one of a plurality of pixel regions formed in a matrix in a semi-transmissive / reflective liquid crystal device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing the above, and a BB ′ sectional view thereof.

4A, 4B, and 4C are each a plurality of pixel regions formed in a matrix in a semi-transmissive / reflective liquid crystal device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The top view which extracts one and shows it typically, AA 'sectional drawing,
FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line BB ′.

5 is an explanatory diagram showing a positional relationship between a light reflection film and a layer thickness adjusting layer formed in the liquid crystal device shown in FIG.

6A and 6B respectively show one of a plurality of pixel regions formed in a matrix in a semi-transmissive / reflective liquid crystal device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing the above, and a BB ′ sectional view thereof.

7A and 7B respectively show one of a plurality of pixel regions formed in a matrix in a semi-transmissive / reflective liquid crystal device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing the above, and a BB ′ sectional view thereof.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a positional relationship of layers in a lower substrate of a liquid crystal device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a positional relationship of layers in a lower substrate of a liquid crystal device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a positional relationship between layers on a lower substrate of a liquid crystal device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a positional relationship between layers on a lower substrate of a liquid crystal device according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram schematically showing the electrical configuration of a semi-transmissive / reflective TFD active matrix type liquid crystal device according to the present invention.

13 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the liquid crystal device shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of one pixel of an element substrate of a pair of substrates holding liquid crystal in the liquid crystal device shown in FIG.

15A and 15B are III-I of FIG. 14, respectively.
FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along line II ′ and a perspective view of the TFD element shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of a semi-transmissive / reflective type TFT active matrix type liquid crystal device according to the present invention when viewed from the counter substrate side.

17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line HH 'in FIG.

18 is an equivalent circuit diagram of various elements, wirings, etc. formed in a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix in the liquid crystal device shown in FIG.

19 is a plan view showing a configuration of each pixel formed on the TFT array substrate in the liquid crystal device shown in FIG.

FIG. 20 shows a part of a pixel of the liquid crystal device shown in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view when cut at a position corresponding to line C-C ′ in FIG.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of an electronic device using the liquid crystal device according to the present invention as a display device.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a mobile personal computer as one embodiment of an electronic apparatus using the liquid crystal device according to the present invention.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of a mobile phone as an embodiment of an electronic device using the liquid crystal device according to the invention.

24 (A), (B), and (C) are schematic diagrams in which one of a plurality of pixel regions formed in a matrix in a conventional transflective / reflective liquid crystal device is extracted. FIG. 5 is a plan view, a sectional view taken along the line AA ′, and a sectional view taken along the line BB ′.

FIG. 25 shows a conventional transflective liquid crystal device,
It is explanatory drawing which shows the alignment abnormality of the liquid crystal molecule which generate | occur | produces on the slope of a layer thickness adjustment layer.

26 (A) and (B) are conventional semi-transmission /
Explanatory drawing showing the result of simulating the distribution of the reflected light intensity from the reflective display area to the transmissive display area in each rubbing direction when black display is performed by the reflective liquid crystal device, and the conventional semi-transmissive / reflective liquid crystal FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a result of simulating a distribution of transmitted light intensity from a reflective display area to a transmissive display area in each rubbing direction when black display is performed by the device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 100, 200 Liquid crystal device 3 Pixel regions 5, 50 Liquid crystal layer 6 Layer thickness adjusting layer 7 Backlight device 9 Boundary shielding film 10 First substrate 11 First transparent electrode 20 Second substrate 21 Second transparent Electrode 31 Reflective display area 32 Transmissive display area 40 Light reflection layer openings 41, 42 Polarizing plate 45 Light reflection layer edge 60 Layer thickness adjusting layer slope 61 Layer thickness adjusting layer opening 65 Layer thickness adjusting layer slope Edge 66 Lower end edges 81, 81a of the slope of the thickness adjusting layer Reflective display color filter 82, 82a, 82R, 82G, 82B Transparent display color filter

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F-term (reference) 2H089 HA07 QA16 RA05 TA01 TA02                       TA13 TA17 TA18 UA09                 2H090 HA07 HC10 KA08 LA01 LA05                       LA15 LA16 MA02 MA15                 2H091 FA02Y FA14Y FA35Y FA41Z                       GA03 GA13 GA16 HA07

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A first transparent electrode having a first transparent electrode formed on the surface thereof.
Substrate, a second substrate on which a second transparent electrode is formed on the surface side facing the first electrode, and a liquid crystal layer held between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate has a reflective display region in a pixel region where the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode face each other, and the remaining region of the pixel region is a transmissive display region. A light reflection layer, a layer thickness adjusting layer for making the layer thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the reflective display region smaller than the layer thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the transmissive display region, and the first transparent electrode from the lower layer side to the upper layer. In a semi-transmissive / reflective liquid crystal device provided in this order toward the side, in the boundary region between the reflective display region and the transmissive display region, the edge of the light reflecting layer is formed at the end of the layer thickness adjusting layer. Existing in the area that almost overlaps with the slope in plan view. Characteristic semi-transmissive / reflective liquid crystal device 2. The half according to claim 1, wherein an edge of the light reflecting layer substantially planarly overlaps with an upper edge of an inclined surface formed at an end of the layer thickness adjusting layer. Transmission / reflection liquid crystal device. 3. The half according to claim 1, wherein an end edge of the light reflecting layer substantially planarly overlaps a lower end edge of a slope formed at an end portion of the layer thickness adjusting layer. Transmission / reflection liquid crystal device. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The pixel region is formed as a rectangular region, while the transmissive display region is formed as a rectangular region in which a side located on the clear-view direction side substantially overlaps a side of the pixel region in plan view, and the pixel region On the side where the sides of the transmissive display area overlap each other, a light-shielding film is formed so as to substantially overlap the sides in plan view. 5. The transflective display according to claim 4, wherein a reflective display area of an adjacent pixel area is formed adjacent to a side where the pixel area and the transmissive display area overlap each other. Reflective liquid crystal device. 6. A first transparent electrode having a first transparent electrode formed on the surface thereof.
Substrate, a second substrate on which a second transparent electrode is formed on the surface side facing the first electrode, and a liquid crystal layer held between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate has a reflective display region in a pixel region where the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode face each other, and the remaining region of the pixel region is a transmissive display region. A light reflection layer, a layer thickness adjusting layer for making the layer thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the reflective display region smaller than the layer thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the transmissive display region, and the first transparent electrode from the lower layer side to the upper layer. In the semi-transmissive / reflective liquid crystal device provided in this order toward the side, the pixel region is formed as a rectangular region, while the transmissive display region has a side located on the side of the clear view in the side of the pixel region. It is formed as a rectangular area that substantially overlaps in a plane, and Serial on the side where the overlap edges between the pixel region and the transmissive display region, the semi-transmissive reflective liquid crystal device, wherein a light shielding film is formed so as to planarly overlap substantially with respect to the sides. 7. The semi-transmissive display according to claim 6, wherein a reflective display area of an adjacent pixel area is formed adjacent to a side where the pixel area and the transmissive display area overlap each other. Reflective liquid crystal device. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein
A reflective display color filter formed in the reflective display area, and a transmissive display color filter formed in the transmissive display area and having a higher degree of coloring than the reflective display color filter. Transflective liquid crystal device. 9. In the boundary area between the reflective display area and the transmissive display area, an edge of the color filter for reflective display substantially planarly overlaps an edge of the light reflecting layer. The semi-transmissive / reflective liquid crystal device according to claim 8. 10. A boundary region between the reflective display region and the transmissive display region is a layer constituting the reflective display color filter and / or a layer constituting the transmissive display color filter, and has a color tone. 9. The semi-transmissive / reflective liquid crystal device according to claim 8, further comprising an overlapping portion in which two or more different layers are laminated. 11. The semi-transmissive / reflective type of claim 10, wherein in the overlap portion, an end of the reflective display color filter and an end of the transmissive display color filter overlap each other. Liquid crystal device. 12. A boundary surface between the reflective display area and the transmissive display area is formed with an inclined surface at an end portion of the layer thickness adjusting layer, and the inclined surface is formed in an area overlapping with the overlapping portion in a plan view. 12. The semi-transmissive / reflective liquid crystal device according to claim 10, wherein an inclined surface is present. 13. The inclined surface is formed at an end portion of the layer thickness adjusting layer in a boundary region between the reflective display region and the transmissive display region according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
A semi-transmissive / reflective liquid crystal device, wherein the plane width of the inclined surface is 8 μm or less. 14. The transflective liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal layer has a liquid crystal twist angle of 90 ° or less. 15. An electronic apparatus comprising the semi-transmissive / reflective liquid crystal device according to claim 1 in a display section.