JP2000314877A - Liquid crystal device and projection type display device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: A novel structure capable of effectively extracting optical performance in a liquid crystal device having contrast characteristics having a clear viewing direction is proposed. SOLUTION: A transparent substrate 5 is surface-bonded to the outer surface of a counter substrate 12 of a liquid crystal panel 10 via a transparent adhesive. The outer surface 5a of the transparent substrate 5 has an inclined surface inclined in the clear viewing direction with respect to the liquid crystal layer of the liquid crystal panel 10. The panel structure composed of the liquid crystal panel 10 and the transparent substrate 5 is housed inside a case body 30 having a light shielding property.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid crystal device in which liquid crystal sealed between a pair of substrates is twisted and aligned between the substrates, and a projection type display device using the liquid crystal device as a light valve.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A liquid crystal device in which liquid crystal (TN liquid crystal / twisted nematic mode liquid crystal) sealed between a pair of substrates is twisted between the substrates is, for example, a light valve for a projection display device. It is mounted as. In this type of projection display device, for example, generally, red,
Light of the three primary colors, blue and green, is passed through each liquid crystal device to form an image component for each color, and these image components are combined to create and project a desired color image.

A schematic configuration of such a conventional liquid crystal device will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration of a liquid crystal panel module installed in the projection display device. The liquid crystal panel 10 includes an active matrix substrate 11 on which a transparent pixel electrode, an alignment film, a thin film transistor (hereinafter, referred to as a TFT) for pixel switching, a data line, a scanning line, a capacitance line, and the like are formed. An opposing substrate 12 on which an alignment film is formed;
A liquid crystal layer 10a is enclosed and sandwiched between 1 and 12. As the liquid crystal sealed here,
T which is twisted and oriented at 90 ° between substrates by an alignment film on the inner surfaces of the active matrix substrate 11 and the counter substrate 12
N (twisted nematic) mode liquid crystals are widely used. In the liquid crystal panel 10 configured as described above, in the active matrix substrate 11, the alignment state in the liquid crystal layer 10a between the pixel electrode and the counter electrode is controlled by the image signal applied from the data line to the pixel electrode via the TFT. can do. The portion of the liquid crystal layer 10a opposite to the pixel electrode and the counter electrode constitutes a pixel, and the optical state realized by the liquid crystal can be controlled individually and independently. It should be noted that a light-shielding film 12a is formed on the inner surface of the counter substrate 12 to partition an effective display area in which the pixels are arranged and a non-display area.

[0004] Transparent substrates 1 and 2 made of glass or the like are surface-bonded to the outer surfaces of the active matrix substrate 11 and the opposing substrate 12 of the liquid crystal panel 10 using a transparent adhesive (not shown). If these transparent substrates 1 and 2 have scratches or dust on the outer surfaces of the active matrix substrate 11 and the counter substrate 12, the liquid crystal panel 10
This is provided in order to prevent the image quality of the image formed by the above from deteriorating. The scratches on the outer surfaces of the active matrix substrate 11 and the counter substrate 12 are optically hidden by the transparent substrates 1 and 2 that are surface-bonded via the transparent adhesive, and the outer substrates of the active matrix substrate 11 and the counter substrate 12 Can be prevented from adhering to the surface. Although there is a possibility that scratches may be formed on the outer surfaces of the transparent substrates 1 and 2 and dust may adhere thereto, since these outer surfaces are far from the liquid crystal layer 10a, these outer surfaces are defocused. The effect of the above scratches and dust on the image is reduced.

The liquid crystal device comprising the active matrix substrate 11, the counter substrate 12, and the transparent substrates 1 and 2 is accommodated in a case body 20 having a light-shielding property in a state where an adhesive is applied thereto. The adhesive is fixed by hardening the adhesive in a state where is engaged with the engaging portion 23 of the case body.

For the above liquid crystal panel module,
Light emitted from a light source in the projection display device is irradiated through a light collection system. Here, the incident light I shown in FIG.
The light enters the transparent substrate 2 from a direction orthogonal to 0a.
The incident light I passes through the transparent substrate 2 and the opposite substrate 12, undergoes predetermined light modulation in the liquid crystal layer 10a, and exits through the active matrix substrate 11 and the transparent substrate 1.

[0007]

In the liquid crystal panel 10 configured as described above, the liquid crystal 10LC is disposed between the active matrix substrate 11 and the opposing substrate 12, as shown in FIG. In a 90 ° twisted orientation. Such a 90 ° liquid crystal 10LC
Active matrix substrate 1
1. After a polyimide film or the like serving as an alignment film is formed on the surface of the counter substrate 12, a rubbing process is performed in a direction perpendicular to each other between the pair of substrates, as indicated by arrows A and B, respectively. After the application, the active matrix substrate 11 and the counter substrate 12 are attached to each other, and the gap is filled with the liquid crystal 10LC. As a result, the liquid crystal 10L
C is oriented in such a manner that the major axis direction is oriented in the rubbing direction to the alignment film, and a pair of the active matrix substrate 11 and the opposing substrate 1
Between the two, the major axis direction of the liquid crystal 10LC is twisted by 90 °. Here, in FIG. 13, the orientation direction A of the counter substrate 12 is set in the negative direction of the X-axis,
Is set to the positive direction of the Y axis, and the incident direction of the incident light I is set to the negative direction of the Z axis.

[0008] The liquid crystal 10 twisted and aligned in this manner.
In a liquid crystal panel 10 using LC, a liquid crystal 10 positioned at the center between an active matrix substrate 11 and a counter substrate 12 is provided.
The contrast characteristics show directionality depending on the orientation state of the LCC (the direction of the long axis and the inclination of the long axis). That is, FIG.
When the liquid crystal 10LC is oriented as shown in FIG.
If the azimuth when the long axis of 0LCC is projected on the liquid crystal layer is a direction parallel to the L axis, and the azimuth orthogonal to the azimuth is a direction parallel to the S axis, the L axis and the S axis are almost the X axis and the Y axis. The direction has an angle of 45 degrees on the XY plane with respect to the axis.
In this case, the contrast characteristic when viewed from a direction included in a plane including the S axis and the Z axis (referred to as an SZ plane) is symmetrical with respect to the Z axis as shown in FIG. Here, the viewing angle φ is the angle of the viewing direction included in the SZ plane with respect to the Z axis as shown in FIG.
On the other hand, when viewed from a direction included in a plane including the L axis and the Z axis (referred to as an LZ plane), as shown in FIG. There is a contrast peak in the direction slightly shifted,
Outside of that, the contrast is greatly reduced. For example, the contrast is significantly reduced on the negative side of the L axis.
In such a case, the direction on the positive side of the L axis is called the clear vision direction,
The opposite direction is called the reverse clear vision direction. Here, the viewing angle θ is an angle of the viewing direction with respect to the Z axis as viewed from a direction included in the LZ plane as shown in FIG. The clear viewing angle θ ₀ is the value of the viewing angle θ at which the peak of the contrast ratio is obtained, and varies depending on the characteristics and inclination of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal device, but is usually about 2 to 8 degrees.

In the projection type display device, the optical axis of the light emitted from the light source is made to be perpendicularly incident on the liquid crystal layer of the liquid crystal panel 10. However, the liquid crystal panel 10 is on the extension of the incident direction Z as described above. rather, due to the provision of the peak of the contrast in the direction of the clear viewing angle theta ₀ was slightly inclined in the clear viewing direction, the projected image affects the low contrast ratio which deviates from the peak as shown in FIG. 15, the liquid crystal There is a problem that the contrast characteristic inherent in the panel 10 cannot be sufficiently reflected in the projected image.

Further, by using only light that is slightly obliquely incident on the liquid crystal panel 10 from the clear viewing direction side and blocking light that is obliquely incident on the liquid crystal panel 10 from the reverse clear viewing direction side, a display with high contrast can be performed. Although it is possible, for example, in the projection display device, although the light emitted from the light source as described above is aligned within an angle of ± 10 to 12 ° or less in the condensing system,
It is not a perfect parallel light beam. Therefore, it is not possible to completely prevent light from being incident from a direction obliquely inclined in a direction opposite to the clear vision direction with respect to the normal direction of the liquid crystal layer of the liquid crystal panel 10. As a result, in the conventional liquid crystal panel 10, similarly to the light obliquely incident from the clear viewing direction side, the light obliquely incident from the reverse clear viewing direction transmits through the liquid crystal layer 10 a and exits from the active matrix substrate 11. Would. Therefore, in the projection type display device using the conventional liquid crystal panel 10, there is a problem that the contrast cannot be improved as desired.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to propose a novel structure capable of effectively extracting optical performance in a liquid crystal device having a liquid crystal device having a contrast characteristic having a clear viewing direction as described above. .

[0012]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a liquid crystal device according to the present invention comprises a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between a pair of a first substrate and a second substrate. A liquid crystal device that is used so that light is incident and light is emitted from the second substrate side, wherein the liquid crystal layer has an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the liquid crystal layer on the first substrate side. It is characterized by.

According to the present invention, since the inclined surface inclined with respect to the liquid crystal layer is provided on the first substrate side, which is the light incident side of the liquid crystal device, the incident light is refracted by the inclination of the inclined surface. As a result, light can be obliquely incident on the liquid crystal layer. Therefore, light can be made to enter the liquid crystal layer slightly obliquely from the clear viewing direction side, and more light entering from the clear viewing direction side can be taken into the liquid crystal layer. Furthermore, since the ratio of the amount of light obliquely incident from the reverse clear viewing direction to the improvement of the contrast ratio with respect to the amount of light obliquely incident from the clear viewing direction can be reduced, the image contrast is also improved. be able to. Therefore, the contrast of an image formed by the liquid crystal device can be increased.

In the present invention, the outer surface of the first substrate may be the inclined surface.

According to the present invention, since the first substrate itself has the inclined surface, the inclined surface can be formed with a simple configuration without increasing the number of special parts.

Further, there is a case where a third substrate is provided on the opposite side of the first substrate from the liquid crystal layer, and an outer surface of the third substrate is the inclined surface.

According to the present invention, since the light incident surface of the third substrate formed on the outer surface of the first substrate is inclined in the clear viewing direction with respect to the liquid crystal layer, incident light is transmitted by the third substrate. Since the light is refracted and more light from the clear viewing direction enters the liquid crystal layer, the contrast ratio of an image emitted from the liquid crystal device can be increased. Further, with the above configuration, the ratio of the amount of light obliquely incident from the reverse clear viewing direction side, which hinders the improvement of the contrast ratio, with respect to the amount of light obliquely incident from the clear viewing direction side, can be reduced. Improvement can be achieved. In addition, the third substrate formed on the outer surface of the first substrate can prevent dust from adhering to the outer surface of the first substrate, and has a defocus effect caused by separating the incident surface of the third substrate from the liquid crystal layer. It is possible to suppress a decrease in image quality due to dust adhering to the incident surface of the third substrate. Further, since the light incident surface of the third substrate is inclined, an increase in the number of components can be suppressed. In addition, the ratio of the amount of light obliquely incident from the reverse clear viewing direction to the amount of light obliquely incident from the clear viewing direction can be further reduced. Can be planned. In this case, it is preferable that the third substrate is surface-bonded to the outer surface of the first substrate via, for example, a transparent adhesive.

In the present invention, the refractive index of the third substrate is preferably larger than the refractive index of the first substrate.

According to the present invention, first, since the light incident surface of the third substrate formed on the outer surface of the first substrate is inclined with respect to the liquid crystal layer in the clear viewing direction, the light is incident on the third substrate. The light is refracted, and more light from the clear viewing direction can enter the liquid crystal layer. When the light is incident on the first substrate from the third substrate, the light is further refracted by the difference in the refractive index because the refractive index of the third substrate is larger than the refractive index of the first substrate. More light can enter the liquid crystal layer. Therefore, the contrast ratio of an image emitted from the liquid crystal device can be increased.

In the present invention, the third substrate is provided with the first substrate.
It is preferable that the surface of the substrate is surface-bonded via a transparent adhesive.

According to the present invention, the third substrate is surface-bonded to the outer surface of the first substrate via the transparent adhesive, so that the flaw formed on the outer surface of the first substrate is reflected in the image. Can be prevented.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the inclined surface is inclined such that light enters the liquid crystal layer from a direction inclined toward the clear viewing direction.

According to the present invention, since the light is incident on the liquid crystal layer from the direction inclined toward the clear viewing direction, both the inclination angle of the light incident surface and the inclination angle in the incident direction are improved. Thereby, more light from the clear viewing direction can be incident on the liquid crystal layer, and light incident on the liquid crystal layer from the opposite clear viewing direction, which hinders improvement in contrast, can be reduced, thereby improving the contrast. be able to. Therefore, even if the inclination angle of the light incident surface and the inclination angle of the incident direction are made smaller, a sufficient effect on image quality can be obtained. The thickness of the entire liquid crystal device can be reduced, and the configuration can be achieved only by adjusting the existing optical system by reducing the angle of inclination in the incident direction.

In the present invention, there is provided a pixel region in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix, and each of the pixels has a first region.
A first opening is provided on the substrate side, and a second opening is provided on the second substrate side, and the opening center position of the first opening is closer to the clear viewing direction than the opening center position of the second opening. It is preferable that they are shifted.

According to the present invention, since the center of the opening of the first opening of each pixel is shifted toward the clear viewing direction with respect to the center of the opening of the second opening, the liquid crystal layer is shifted from the clear viewing side. More light incident on the liquid crystal layer can be taken into the liquid crystal layer and emitted more, so that the light can be used more efficiently and the image can be brightened. Also,
Since the ratio of the amount of light obliquely incident from the reverse clear viewing direction to the amount of light obliquely incident from the clear viewing direction can be reduced, the contrast can be further increased.

In the present invention, there is provided a pixel region in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix, and each of the pixels has a first region.
A first opening is provided on the substrate side, and a second opening is provided on the second substrate side. A micro lens is formed on the first substrate corresponding to each pixel, and an optical center of the micro lens is formed. It is preferable that the position is shifted to the clear viewing direction side from the center position of the opening of the second opening.

According to this invention, the optical center position of the microlens formed on the incident side is shifted in the clear viewing direction from the opening center position of the second opening on the emission side.
When the light incident from the clear viewing direction is collected by the microlens, the collected light can be efficiently taken into the pixel, and the incident light enters the liquid crystal layer obliquely from the clear viewing direction Since the ratio of the amount of light obliquely incident from the reverse clear viewing direction side to the amount of light to be performed can be reduced, the contrast can be further improved.

In this case, the second microlens may be provided on the second substrate itself or on the emission side of the second substrate. In this case, the light condensed by the incident-side microlens passes through the liquid crystal layer, and is then converted into a substantially parallel light beam by the second microlens. It is more preferable from the viewpoint of image or display, for example, the same effect as in the case where the rate is improved can be obtained.

In the present invention, the first substrate and the second substrate
A switching element for driving the pixel is formed on one side of the substrate, and the switching element is disposed on the side of the first opening in the reverse viewing direction or on the side of the second opening in the clear viewing direction. Is preferred.

According to the present invention, an opening cannot be generally formed in a region where a switching element is to be formed, but when a switching element is formed in a first substrate on an incident side, the first opening is reversely brightened. By arranging the switching element on the viewing direction side, the first opening in the pixel can be widened and opened on the clear viewing direction side, and when the switching element is formed on the second substrate on the emission side, the first opening can be formed. By disposing the switching element on the clear viewing direction side of the two openings, it is possible to open the second opening on the pixel in the reverse clear viewing direction. Therefore, in any case, light that is obliquely incident on the liquid crystal layer from the clear viewing direction side can be efficiently taken into the pixel and emitted, and furthermore, the liquid crystal layer can be obliquely viewed from the reverse clear viewing direction side. Since the ratio of the amount of light incident on the substrate can be reduced, the contrast can be improved and the aperture ratio can be substantially improved, and the image can be formed clearly and brightly.

In the present invention, in each of the pixels, a scanning line and a capacitor line connected to the switching element are arranged on the opposite side of the first opening in the clear viewing direction or on the side of the second opening in the clear viewing direction. Are preferably arranged.

According to the present invention, similarly to the above-described switching element, an opening cannot be formed in the region where the scanning line and the capacitance line are formed, but the scanning line and the capacitance line are formed in the first substrate on the incident side. In the case where is formed, by arranging the scanning lines and the capacitance lines on the side opposite to the clear viewing direction of the first opening, it is possible to open the first opening in the pixel toward the clear viewing direction, and When a scanning line and a capacitance line are formed on the second substrate on the emission side, the scanning line and the capacitance line are arranged on the side of the second opening in the clear viewing direction, so that the second opening in the pixel is displayed in the reverse clear direction. It can be opened to the side. Therefore, in any case, light that is obliquely incident on the liquid crystal layer from the clear viewing direction side can be efficiently introduced into the pixel and emitted, and can be incident on the liquid crystal layer obliquely from the reverse clear viewing direction side. Since the light amount ratio can be reduced, the contrast can be improved and the aperture ratio can be substantially improved, and an image can be formed clearly and brightly.

In the present invention, it is preferable to have a light source, a condensing system for guiding light emitted from the light source to the liquid crystal device, and an expansion projection optical system for expanding and projecting light modulated by the liquid crystal device. .

According to the present invention, light can be incident on the liquid crystal layer of the liquid crystal device from the clear viewing direction side as described above, so that the contrast of a projected image projected on a screen or the like through the enlarged projection optical system is improved. Can be done.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the condensing optical system is configured to irradiate the liquid crystal device with light from a direction inclined toward the clear viewing direction with respect to the liquid crystal layer.

According to the present invention, since the light is incident on the liquid crystal layer from the direction inclined toward the clear viewing direction, the light can be determined by both the inclination angle of the inclined surface and the incident angle. More light from the clear viewing direction side can be incident on the liquid crystal layer, and light incident on the liquid crystal layer from the reverse clear viewing direction side, which hinders improvement in contrast, can be reduced. it can. Therefore,
Even if the inclination angle of the inclined surface and the inclination angle of the incident direction are made smaller, a sufficient effect on the image quality can be obtained. Therefore, by reducing the inclination angle of the inclined surface, the thickness of the entire liquid crystal device can be reduced. It is possible to reduce the inclination angle of the incident direction, and it is possible to configure the optical system only by adjusting the existing optical system.

In the present invention, the condensing optical system has a condensing lens, and the condensing lens irradiates the liquid crystal device with light from a direction inclined toward the clear viewing direction with respect to the liquid crystal layer. Are preferably arranged.

According to the present invention, by arranging the condenser lens so as to irradiate the liquid crystal device with light from a direction inclined toward the clear viewing direction with respect to the liquid crystal layer, the light from the clear viewing direction can be obtained. More light can enter the liquid crystal layer,
In addition, since light incident on the liquid crystal layer from the reverse clear viewing direction side, which hinders improvement in contrast, can be reduced, the contrast can be improved. Further, according to this configuration, it is possible to configure the optical system by only slightly changing the existing optical system without significantly changing the optical system.

In the present invention, the condensing optical system has a reflecting mirror, and the reflecting mirror irradiates the liquid crystal device with light from a direction inclined toward the clear viewing direction with respect to the liquid crystal layer. Preferably, they are arranged.

According to the present invention, the reflection mirror of the condensing optical system is arranged so as to irradiate the liquid crystal device with light from a direction inclined toward the clear viewing direction with respect to the liquid crystal layer. More light from the direction side can be incident on the liquid crystal layer, and light incident on the liquid crystal layer from the reverse clear viewing direction side, which hinders improvement in contrast, can be reduced, so that the contrast can be improved. Further, according to this configuration, it is possible to configure the optical system by only slightly changing the existing optical system without significantly changing the optical system.

In the present invention, when a plurality of liquid crystal devices are used, the angle at which the optical axis of incident light is inclined with respect to the normal direction of the liquid crystal device is set for each of the plurality of liquid crystal devices. It is preferable that each is set to a predetermined value.

In the present invention, a plurality of the liquid crystal devices are used, and for each of the plurality of liquid crystal devices, an optical axis of light incident on at least one of the condensing lens and the reflection mirror has a normal line to the liquid crystal device. It is preferable to have an adjusting means for adjusting the angle with respect to the direction.

As described above, the angle of the incident light at which the contrast ratio of the liquid crystal panel becomes a peak is inclined toward the clear viewing direction from the normal direction of the liquid crystal panel. This angle varies depending on the liquid crystal panel, and is usually about 2 to 8 degrees. Even in such a case, the angle of at least one of the condenser lens and the reflection mirror of the present invention is adjusted, and the optical axis of light incident on the liquid crystal panel is adjusted with respect to the normal direction, whereby each liquid crystal panel can be adjusted. It can be arranged at an optimal angle, and the contrast can be further improved.

It is preferable that the optical axis of the magnifying projection optical system is configured to be orthogonal to the liquid crystal layer.

According to the present invention, since the optical axis of the enlarged projection optical system is orthogonal to the liquid crystal layer, it is possible to reduce the keystone distortion caused by the difference in the magnification in the projected image.

In each of the above-mentioned inventions, the inclined surface inclined with respect to the liquid crystal layer is not parallel or perpendicular to a virtual plane in the spreading direction of the liquid crystal layer.
An optical surface (light modulation surface) that is inclined with respect to the normal of the virtual plane and that has a substantial light modulation action in the liquid crystal layer
It indicates that it is inclined with respect to.

The center of the opening of the first opening and the second opening of the pixel is defined as the intersection of the portion contributing to the display in the pixel area, or in the case where the intersection cannot be specified, the display in the pixel is displayed. Indicates the center of gravity of the contributing part. Further, the optical center position of the microlens does not mean the geometric center position of the microlens but means a position on a line connecting the optical axis, that is, the center of curvature of the optical surface of the lens.

Note that the above-mentioned “disposed in the clear viewing direction side”
“Shift toward the clear viewing direction” means not only simply disposing or shifting toward the clear viewing direction, but also disposing in any direction near the clear viewing direction along the liquid crystal layer. And shifting. For example, the shifting direction when the clear viewing direction is 1:30 includes the 12:00 or 3 o'clock direction, and the shifting direction when the clear viewing direction is 10:30 is 12:00 or 9 o'clock. The direction is included, and a display with high contrast can be performed by shifting in such a direction.

Further, the first opening and the second opening of the pixel region are provided.
The opening is preferably defined so as to be surrounded by a light shielding film formed on the inner surfaces of the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0050]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, with reference to the drawings, embodiments of a liquid crystal device of the present invention and a projection type display device using the same will be described. Note that the liquid crystal device according to each embodiment described below has the same basic configuration as the above-described conventional liquid crystal device, and therefore, portions having common functions are denoted by the same reference numerals. Before describing each embodiment, a configuration common to each embodiment will be described.

[Projection Display Apparatus] FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration example of a projection display apparatus as an example of electronic equipment including a liquid crystal device. As shown in FIG. 1, the projection display device 2001 has three liquid crystal display modules which are liquid crystal devices including the liquid crystal panel 10, and each of the three liquid crystal devices has an RGB light valve 2030R, 2030G, and 2030B. It is used as An optical unit is mounted in the housing of the liquid crystal projector 2001,
In this optical unit, a light source lamp 2011 (light source) is provided.
An illumination optical system 2015 including an integrator lens 2012 and 2014 formed of an aggregate of minute lenses, and a polarization conversion element 2016 formed of an aggregate of a polarization separation film and a λ / 4 wavelength plate; The white luminous flux emitted from the system 2015 is converted into red, green, and blue luminous fluxes R, G,
A prism unit including a color separation optical system 2020 for separating light into B light beams, the three light valves 2030R, 2030G, and 2030B for modulating each color light beam, and a dichroic prism as a color synthesis optical system for recombining the modulated color light beams. 2042 and a projection lens unit 2050 (enlarged projection optical system) that enlarges and projects the combined light beam onto a screen.

As the light source lamp 2011, a halogen lamp, a metal halide lamp, a xenon lamp, or the like can be used. In this optical unit, of the P-polarized light and the S-polarized light separated by each prism in the polarization conversion element 2016, this optical unit is equivalent to a configuration in which a λ / 2 plate is arranged at the position where P-polarized light is emitted. be able to.

The illumination optical system 2015 includes a reflection mirror 201.
7 so that the central optical axis of the illumination optical system 2015 is bent at a right angle toward the front of the apparatus. The color separation optical system 2020 includes a red-green reflecting dichroic mirror 2022, a green reflecting dichroic mirror 2024,
A reflection mirror 2026 is provided. Light source lamp 2
The white light beam emitted from the illumination optical system 201
After passing through No. 5, first, a red-green reflecting dichroic mirror 202
In 2, the red light flux R and the green light flux G contained therein are reflected at a right angle and directed toward the green reflection dichroic mirror 2024. The blue light beam B passes through the red-green reflecting dichroic mirror 2022, is reflected at a right angle by the rear reflecting mirror 2026, and is emitted from the emission part of the blue light beam to the prism unit 2042 side. Of the red and green luminous fluxes R and G reflected by the red-green reflective dichroic mirror 2022, only the green luminous flux G is reflected at a right angle by the green reflective dichroic mirror 2024. Is emitted. On the other hand, the red light flux R that has passed through the green reflection dichroic mirror 2024 is emitted from the emission part of the red light flux to the light guide system 2044 side. Condensing lenses 2027R, 2027G, and 2027B are arranged on the emission side of each color light beam in the color separation optical system 2020, respectively. Therefore, each color light beam emitted from each emission part is condensed by these condensing lenses 2027R, 2027G, and 2027.
27B and the light valves 2030R, 2030
G, 2030B. Thus, in the present embodiment, the illumination optical system 2015 and the color separation optical system 202
0, while condensing the light emitted from the light source lamp 2011 by the condenser lenses 2027R, 2027G, 2027B and the light guide system 2044, each light valve 2030R,
A condensing optical system for guiding to 2030G and 2030B is configured.

The light beams R, G, and B of the respective colors thus condensed
Of these, the blue and green luminous fluxes B and G are light valves 20
30B and 2030G, the light is modulated, and image information (video information) corresponding to each color light is added. That is, these light valves are switching-controlled by drive means (not shown) in accordance with image information, whereby each color light passing therethrough is modulated. As such a driving means, a known means can be used as it is.

On the other hand, the red light flux R is guided to the light valve 2030R via the light guide system 2044, where it is similarly modulated according to image information. Note that the light guide system 2044 includes an incident-side lens 2045, an incident-side reflecting mirror 2046, an exit-side reflecting mirror 2047, and an intermediate lens 2048 disposed therebetween.

Next, each light valve 2030R, 203
Each color light beam modulated through 0G and 2030B is incident on the prism unit 2042, where it is recombined. The recombined color image is enlarged and projected on a screen (projection surface) at a predetermined position via the projection lens unit 2050.

[Overall Structure of Liquid Crystal Panel] Next, the structure of a common liquid crystal panel will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the liquid crystal panel 10 of the liquid crystal device according to the present embodiment as viewed from a counter substrate side, and FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal panel 10 taken along line VI-VI in FIG. It is.

In FIG. 2 and FIG.
Is an active matrix substrate 11 in which a large number of pixel electrodes are formed in a matrix, a counter substrate 12 in which counter electrodes are formed, and sealed and sandwiched between the active matrix substrate 11 and the counter substrate 12. And a liquid crystal layer 10a composed of liquid crystal. The active matrix substrate 11 and the opposing substrate 12 are bonded to each other with a predetermined gap therebetween by a gap-containing sealing material 14 formed along the outer peripheral edge of the opposing substrate 12. The active matrix substrate 11 and the counter substrate 1
2, a liquid crystal enclosing region is defined by a sealing material 14 containing a gap material.
Are formed. As the sealing material 14, an epoxy resin, various ultraviolet curable resins, or the like can be used.
Further, as the gap material, an inorganic or organic fiber or sphere of about 2 μm to about 10 μm can be used.

The opposing substrate 12 is smaller than the active matrix substrate 11, and the peripheral portion of the active matrix substrate 11 is bonded so as to protrude from the outer peripheral edge of the opposing substrate 12. Therefore, the active matrix substrate 11
Drive circuit (scanning line drive circuit 17 and data line drive circuit 1)
8) and the input / output terminals 19 are exposed from the counter substrate 12. Here, the sealing material 14 is partially interrupted to form a liquid crystal injection port 14a. After the opposing substrate 12 and the active matrix substrate 11 are bonded to each other, liquid crystal is injected from the liquid crystal injection port 14a, and then the liquid crystal injection port 14a is closed with the sealing agent 15. The opposing substrate 12 is also provided with a light-shielding film 12a for separating an image display area and a non-display area inside the sealant. Also,
In each of the corners of the opposing substrate 12, a vertical conducting material for establishing electric conduction between the active matrix substrate 11 and the opposing substrate 12 is formed.

Note that one end of a flexible wiring board 16 is conductively connected to the input / output terminal 19 via an anisotropic conductive film (ACF) or the like, and the other end of the flexible wiring board 16 is connected to a projection display (to be described later). Connected to the connector installed inside the device.

[First Embodiment] Next, a first embodiment of the liquid crystal device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
In this embodiment, a liquid crystal panel 10 similar to that described above is provided, and a transparent substrate 5 is surface-bonded to the outer surface of a counter substrate 12 of the liquid crystal panel 10 via a transparent adhesive (not shown). Here, it is preferable that the transparent substrate 5 and the transparent adhesive have substantially the same refractive index as the counter substrate 12. Outer surface 5a of transparent substrate 5
Is inclined toward the clear viewing direction with respect to the liquid crystal layer 10a of the liquid crystal panel 10. Here, being inclined toward the clear viewing direction refers to a state where the outer surface 5a is inclined from the reverse clear viewing direction to the clear viewing direction so as to approach the liquid crystal layer 10a. Therefore, the outer surface 5a may be inclined in a direction orthogonal to the clear viewing direction, that is, a direction orthogonal to the paper surface of FIG. Note that the panel structure including the liquid crystal panel 10 and the transparent substrate 5 is housed inside a case body 30 having a light shielding property.

In this embodiment, the incident direction of the incident light I incident from the left side of the figure is substantially the same as the normal direction of the liquid crystal layer 10a of the liquid crystal panel 10. When the incident light I is incident, the light is refracted on the outer surface of the transparent substrate 5a, passes through the opposite substrate 12, and obliquely enters the liquid crystal layer 10a from the clear viewing direction. The light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 10a is transmitted through the active matrix substrate 11 and emitted to the right in the drawing.

In the present embodiment, since the outer surface 5a of the transparent substrate 5 as the inclined surface is inclined toward the clear viewing direction with respect to the liquid crystal layer 10a, the liquid crystal layer 10a is refracted by light.
Light obliquely enters from the clear viewing direction side, the contrast ratio of the liquid crystal panel 10 is improved, and a good image or display can be realized. Here, as the inclination angle of the outer surface 5a, an angle at which the contrast ratio viewed from the optical axis direction of the emitted light becomes the best may be selected. The selected angle is determined by the refractive index of the transparent substrate 5, the active matrix substrate 11, and the counter substrate 12, and the optical characteristics of the liquid crystal layer 10a.

In this embodiment, the liquid crystal panel 1
The transparent substrate 5 is adhered to the light incident side of
Of the transparent substrate 5 is inclined in the clear viewing direction.
May be inclined in the clear viewing direction using the outer surface of the counter substrate 12 itself as an inclined surface without surface bonding. Of course, in this case, a transparent substrate may be further adhered to the outer surface of the counter substrate 12, but the outer surface of the transparent substrate must be consequently inclined in the clear viewing direction with respect to the liquid crystal layer. Further, a plurality of transparent substrates may be surface-bonded to the counter substrate 12. In this case, it suffices that the outer surface of the outermost transparent substrate is finally inclined.

In the above embodiment, the transparent substrate 3 (shown by a dotted line in FIG. 1) similar to the conventional parallel flat plate is also surface-bonded to the outer surface of the active matrix substrate 11 via a transparent adhesive. Good. Also, instead of this transparent substrate 3,
The transparent substrate 6 (indicated by a broken line in FIG. 1) whose outer surface 6a is inclined in the reverse clear viewing direction may be surface bonded. By providing the transparent substrate 6, the light refracted by the transparent substrate 5 is refracted in the opposite direction on the outer surface 6a of the transparent substrate 6 as shown in the figure, thereby reducing the angle between the incident direction of the incident light and the emission direction of the emitted light. In particular, the direction of incidence and the direction of emission can be parallel.

[Modification of First Embodiment] A modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The modification of the first embodiment has a configuration similar to that of the first embodiment, and only different points will be described. In this modification, the transparent substrate 5 and the counter substrate 12 are provided on the light incident side as in the first embodiment.
The difference is that a member is used in which the refractive index of the transparent substrate 5 is larger than the refractive index of the counter substrate 12. According to such a configuration, when light is incident on the counter substrate 12 from the transparent substrate 5, the light is further refracted by the difference in the refractive index, and more light from the clear viewing direction can be incident on the liquid crystal layer 10a. .

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the liquid crystal device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
In this embodiment, the liquid crystal panel 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and only different points will be described. In the present embodiment, the transparent substrate 7 is surface-bonded to the outer surface of the counter substrate 12 of the liquid crystal panel 10 via a transparent adhesive. The outer surface 7a of the transparent substrate 7 is also inclined in the clear viewing direction with respect to the liquid crystal layer 10a. The panel structure including the liquid crystal panel 10 and the transparent substrate 7 is housed inside the case body 40.

In the present embodiment, the incident direction of the incident light I is disposed so as to be substantially orthogonal to the outer surface 7a of the transparent substrate 7, and the transparent substrate 7 has an inclined surface. Therefore, the liquid crystal panel 10 is inclined with respect to the incident direction. In this embodiment as well, the incident light I passes through the transparent substrate 7 and the counter substrate 12 and then obliquely extends from the clear viewing direction. 10a. Therefore, also in the present embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the contrast of the liquid crystal panel 10 is improved, and a good image or display can be formed.

Also in the present embodiment, as described in the first embodiment, the parallel plate-shaped transparent substrate 3 shown by dotted lines in the drawing is surface-bonded to the outer surface of the active matrix substrate 11 via a transparent adhesive. Good. Further, as shown by a broken line in the figure, instead of the transparent substrate 3, a transparent substrate 8 whose outer surface 8a is inclined in the reverse clear viewing direction with respect to the liquid crystal layer may be surface bonded. By providing this transparent substrate 8, the angle difference between the incident direction of the incident light and the exit direction of the exit light can be reduced as described above, and the incident direction and the exit direction can be made parallel. It is. Further, a plurality of transparent substrates may be surface-bonded to the counter substrate 12. In this case, it suffices that the outer surface of the outermost transparent substrate is finally inclined.
Also in the present embodiment, as in the modification of the first embodiment, the refractive index of the transparent substrate 5 is made larger than the refractive index of the opposing substrate 12, so that more light from the clear viewing direction is supplied to the liquid crystal layer. Can be incident.

Although the first embodiment and the second embodiment are different in the relation between the incident direction of the incident light I and the liquid crystal layer or the light incident surface (outer surfaces 5a, 7a), the basic structure in the liquid crystal device is different. The common configuration is common. The present invention is limited to the case where the incident direction is orthogonal to the liquid crystal layer as in the first embodiment and the case where the incident direction is orthogonal to the light incident surface (outer surface) which is an inclined surface as in the second embodiment. However, the effect can be obtained in any relationship between the incident direction, which is an intermediate state between the two, and the liquid crystal layer or the inclined surface.

Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the third embodiment,
The present invention relates to a preferable detailed structure of the liquid crystal panel 10 used in the liquid crystal device shown in the first and second embodiments.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan layout view showing an active matrix substrate 11, a counter substrate 12, and a bonding structure of these substrates used in the liquid crystal panel 10 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. Liquid crystal panel 1 according to form
Active matrix substrate 11 and counter substrate 1
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a state of cutting along a line VIII-VIII ′ shown in FIG. 7, which shows a bonding structure of the substrates 2 and these substrates in an enlarged manner.

7 and 8, in the liquid crystal panel 10, a light-shielding film 111 made of a metal film such as chromium is formed on the active matrix substrate 11 (in FIG. 7, the formation region is indicated by oblique lines extending to the upper right). The underlying layer is covered with a base protective film 112. The light-shielding film 111 is formed in a matrix at the boundary between adjacent pixels. For this reason, the light-shielding film 111 includes the data lines 118, the scanning lines 114,
The capacitor line 116, the TFT 119 formed at the intersection of the data line and the scanning line 114, the storage capacitor 115, and the like are formed in a region that overlaps with the plane. The light-shielding film 111 defines a second opening A2 shown in FIG. 8 in each pixel G of the active matrix substrate 11 in a matrix. A transparent pixel electrode 113 is formed on the underlying protective film 112 in a plane region corresponding to the second opening A2. Further, an alignment film 117 is formed on the above structure.

On the side of the opposing substrate 12, a light shielding film 121 (a region where the light shielding film 121 is formed by oblique lines extending to the upper left in FIG. 7 is formed in a matrix) so as to face the light shielding film 111 of the active matrix substrate 11. The light-shielding film 121 defines the first openings A1 in a matrix. Further, a transparent counter electrode 123 is formed on the light blocking film 121 on the counter substrate 12. further,
An alignment film 124 is formed on these structures. Then, the alignment film 117 on the active matrix substrate 11
The liquid crystal is filled between the substrate and the alignment film 124 on the counter substrate 12.

In each pixel G, the direction in which the pixel switching TFT 119 is located with respect to the pixel electrode 113 (the left side in the figure) is the clear viewing direction, and the opposite side is the reverse clear viewing direction.

In the present embodiment, the first pixel region G
The opening center position C1 of the opening A1 is configured to be shifted to the clear viewing direction side from the opening center position C2 of the second opening A2. That is, the light-shielding film 111 is configured to overlap the first opening A1 by W on the clear viewing direction side. For this reason, of the light incident from the counter substrate 12 side, the light incident from the direction inclined in the clear viewing direction and the first opening A1
Passing through the periphery of the active matrix substrate 1
The light is emitted from the first second opening A2 and is involved in display.
Light that has entered the counter substrate 12 from a direction inclined in the reverse clear viewing direction and that has passed through the peripheral portion of the first opening A1 on the clear viewing direction side is second light with respect to the active matrix substrate 11.
The light is not emitted from the active matrix substrate 11 because it is shielded by the light-shielding film 111 located on the side of the clear view direction of each pixel G outside the opening A2. Therefore, even if the light incident from the counter substrate 12 side includes light inclined in the clear viewing direction and the reverse clear viewing direction, the light inclined in the reverse clear viewing direction which causes a decrease in contrast is involved in display. To do less. Therefore, according to the liquid crystal panel 10 of the present embodiment, a display with high contrast can be performed.

In particular, in the present embodiment, as shown in the first and second embodiments, since more light is incident on the liquid crystal layer 10a from the clear viewing direction side, It is possible to efficiently transmit more light obliquely incident from the clear viewing direction side while reducing contribution of light obliquely incident from the clear viewing direction side. Therefore, the substantial aperture ratio can be increased, and both the improvement in contrast and the brightness of display can be achieved.

In the liquid crystal panel 10 of the present embodiment,
In each pixel G, a TFT 119 for pixel switching is used.
Since the scanning line 114 and the capacitor line 116 connected to the pixel electrode 113 are formed in the clear viewing direction with respect to the pixel electrode 113, light incident from a direction inclined in the reverse clear viewing direction can be effectively blocked. . That is, in the active matrix substrate 11, the second opening A2 is basically formed by a pixel switching TFT from a region rectangularly defined by the data lines 118, the scanning lines 114, and the capacitance lines 116.
Since it is configured as a region excluding a region where the pixel 119 and the storage capacitor 115 are formed, the pixel switching TFT 11
9, on the side where the scanning line 114 and the capacitor line connected thereto are formed, the light-shielding film 111 protrudes by that amount. For this reason, on the side where the pixel switching TFT 119 and the scanning line 114 and the capacitor line 116 connected to it are formed, the area through which light does not pass is widened by that much, so that it is inclined in the reverse clear viewing direction. Light incident from the direction can be blocked by using the region where the pixel switching TFT 119 and the scanning line 114 and the capacitor line 116 connected thereto are formed. In the present embodiment, the light-shielding film 111 is formed so as to define the second opening A2. However, if the light-shielding film 111 is not provided, or if there is, the light-shielding film 111 is formed to be wide enough to define the second opening A2. Not always. Even in such a case, the wiring such as the scanning line and the pixel switching TFT function as a substitute for the light shielding film 111, and the light incident from the direction inclined in the reverse clear viewing direction is the pixel switching TFT 119, It can be blocked by the connected scanning line 114 and capacitor line 116.

In the present embodiment, the light-shielding film 111 formed on the active matrix substrate 11 side is opposite to the first opening A1 formed on the counter substrate 12 side in the direction opposite to the clear vision direction. In contrast, the light-shielding film 121 overlaps with the second opening portion A2 of the active matrix substrate 11 on the side of the pixel G in the reverse clear-view direction. It may be configured to overlap wider than the side. Also, as described above, the light shielding film 12 is formed.
The configuration in which 1 overlaps the second opening A2 on the reverse clear viewing direction side is combined with the configuration in which the light shielding film 111 broadly overlaps the first opening A1 on the clear viewing direction side as in the present embodiment. You may. That is, the first opening A1 may be formed so as to be entirely shifted toward the clear viewing direction with respect to the second opening A2.

[Fourth Embodiment] Next, a liquid crystal device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is an enlarged plan view showing an active matrix substrate 11, a counter substrate 12, and a bonding structure of these substrates used in the liquid crystal panel 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. LCD panel 1
Active matrix substrate 11 and counter substrate 1
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state of being cut along the line XX ′ shown in FIG. 9, which shows the bonding structure of the substrates 2 and these substrates in an enlarged manner.

This embodiment relates to the structure of the liquid crystal panel 10 built in the liquid crystal devices of the first and second embodiments, as in the third embodiment described above, and similarly to the third embodiment. , On the active matrix substrate 11,
Light-shielding film 111, base protective film 112, pixel electrode 113, scanning line 114, storage capacitor 115, capacitor line 116, alignment film 1
17, a data line 118, a TFT 119, etc. are formed,
On the counter substrate 12, a light shielding film 121, a counter electrode 123, and an alignment film 124 are formed.

In this embodiment, the microlenses 125 (microlenses) are formed in a matrix on the opposing substrate 12 so as to oppose the pixel electrodes 113 of the active matrix substrate 11. Counter substrate 12 having such a structure
Is formed by, for example, laminating a thin glass 128 with a transparent synthetic resin 127 functioning as an adhesive to a lens array substrate 126 having an optical surface of a microlens 125 formed on the surface.
Since the refractive index of the synthetic resin 127 is different from that of the lens array substrate 126 (in FIG. 10, the refractive index is low).
A boundary surface on the curved surface between the lens array substrate 126 and the synthetic resin 127 becomes a microlens 125 for condensing light on the pixel G.

In each pixel G, the side (left side in the figure) where the pixel switching TFT 119 is located with respect to the pixel electrode 113 is in the clear viewing direction, and the opposite side (right side in the figure) is in the reverse clear direction. Has become.

In the present embodiment, the focal position L1 of the microlenses 125 formed on the counter substrate 12 is shifted toward the clear viewing direction by a distance d with respect to the opening center position C2 of the second opening A2 of the active matrix substrate 11. It is. For this reason, in the liquid crystal panel 10, of the light incident from the counter substrate 12 side, the light incident from the direction inclined to the clear viewing direction side is refracted by the microlens 125, and the second opening of the active matrix substrate 11 is formed. The light is emitted from the unit A2 and participates in display. On the other hand, the light incident on the counter substrate 12 from the direction inclined in the reverse clear viewing direction is the micro lens 125.
After that, the active matrix substrate 11 is irradiated to a position outside the second opening A2, and each pixel G
, Some of which are shielded by the light-shielding film 111 located on the clear viewing direction side. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the contribution of the emitted light due to the light obliquely incident from the reverse clear viewing direction side. Therefore, even if the light incident from the counter substrate 12 side includes light tilted in the clear viewing direction and the reverse clear viewing direction, the light tilted in the reverse clear viewing direction which causes a decrease in contrast is active. Since emission from the matrix substrate 11 can be suppressed, it is difficult to participate in display. Therefore, the liquid crystal panel 10 to which the present invention is applied
According to this, a display with high contrast can be performed.

In the liquid crystal panel 10 of the present embodiment,
As described in the third embodiment, in each pixel G, the pixel switching TFT 119 and the scanning line 114 and the capacitor line 116 connected thereto are formed on the clear viewing side with respect to the pixel electrode 113. Light incident from a direction inclined to the clear vision direction can be effectively blocked.

In this embodiment, the case where the microlenses are formed on the counter substrate 12 has been described. However, microlenses corresponding to each pixel G may be provided on the active matrix substrate 11 side. Further, micro lenses may be provided on both the opposing substrate 12 and the active matrix substrate 11.
In this case, since the microlenses formed on the active matrix substrate 11 can make the light incident on the liquid crystal panel obliquely from the clear viewing direction into diffused light, the aperture ratio of the pixel light is substantially increased. be able to. Further, it may be enlarged or converged according to the application.
Further, the optical center position L1 of the microlenses formed on the counter substrate 12 is shifted toward the clear viewing direction, and the optical center position of the microlenses formed on the active matrix substrate 11 is shifted toward the clear viewing direction. If the positions are matched, the light use efficiency can be increased.

Although the opposing substrate 12 and the active matrix substrate 11 may be provided with microlenses as described above, the opposing substrate 12 and the active matrix substrate 1 may be provided with microlenses.
A lens array substrate or the like having a separate microlens may be adhered on the outer surface of the device.

In this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the opening center position C1 of the first opening A1 formed on the counter substrate 12 side is formed on the active matrix substrate 11 side. Opening center position C of second opening A2
2 may be shifted toward the clear viewing direction. In such a configuration, the light-shielding film 121 formed on the side of the counter substrate 12 is compared with the second opening A2 formed on the side of the active matrix substrate 11 in the clear viewing direction. In addition to the configuration that overlaps wide on the reverse clear vision direction side,
A light-shielding film 111 formed on the side of the active matrix substrate 11 is
A configuration in which the opening A1 overlaps the width in the clear viewing direction side wider than in the reverse clear viewing direction side, or a configuration having both of these configurations may be used.

[Fifth Embodiment] Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the fifth embodiment, a liquid crystal device having the configuration of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, or a combination of the first and second embodiments with the third and fourth embodiments is used as a liquid crystal light valve. A more effective configuration when applied to a projection display device will be described.

FIG. 11 shows three liquid crystal light valves 2030R, 2030G, and 2 of the projection type display device described with reference to FIG.
030B, the liquid crystal light valve 2030B will be described as an example.
FIG. 13B is an explanatory diagram showing a tilt posture of the condenser lens 2027B and the reflection mirror 2026 as viewed from a lateral direction (3 o'clock-9 o'clock direction).

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, for the liquid crystal light valve 2030B, as described in the first and second embodiments, the outer surface 5a of the liquid crystal layer 10a is clearly visible with respect to the liquid crystal layer. In other words, the light is inclined toward the clear viewing direction with respect to the liquid crystal layer by the amount inclined in the direction. Accordingly, light is obliquely incident on the liquid crystal layer 10a from the clear viewing direction side, and the liquid crystal panel 10 (the liquid crystal light valve 2) is irradiated as described above.
030B) can be improved.
Further, in the present embodiment, for example, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 11, in the reflection mirror 2026 (see FIG. 1), the optical axis L of the light incident on the liquid crystal light valve 2030B is in relation to the normal M direction of the liquid crystal light valve 2030B. In order to further tilt the camera toward the clear visual direction, the camera is tilted slightly backward from the upright posture shown by the dashed line in FIG. 11 to the obliquely upward posture shown by the solid line. Further, in the present embodiment, also with respect to the condenser lens 2027B (see FIG. 1) used for the condenser optical system, the optical axis L of the light incident on the liquid crystal light valve 2030B is in relation to the normal M direction of the liquid crystal light valve 2030B. In order to further tilt the camera toward the clear visual direction, it is tilted slightly backward from the upright posture shown by the dashed line in FIG.

For this reason, the liquid crystal light valve of the projection type display device has any one of the configurations of the liquid crystal devices of the first to fourth embodiments. By combining the system with at least one arrangement of the reflection mirror, the contrast can be further improved.

In the present embodiment, even if the angle of the inclined surface with respect to the liquid crystal surface is limited and it is not possible to incline the inclined surface of the liquid crystal light valve 2030B to the optimum angle, such a shortage of the inclination can be eliminated. Converging optical system reflection mirror 202
6 and the inclination of the condenser lens 2027B. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the optical axis L of the light incident on the liquid crystal light valve 2030B is
It can be tilted toward the clear viewing direction side as viewed from the direction of the normal M to the light incident surface of 030B to an optimum condition in terms of contrast characteristics.

The inclination of the optical axis with respect to the liquid crystal light valve 2030B can be optimized by the condensing lens 2027B and the reflecting mirror 2026 as described above. Condensing lens 2027R and reflecting mirror 20
47 and the like.
The inclination of the optical axis with respect to 30G
027G, a green reflecting dichroic mirror 2024, or the like.

When a plurality of liquid crystal light valves (liquid crystal devices) are used as in the projection type display device of the present embodiment, each liquid crystal light valve 2030R, 203
For each of 0G and 2030B, it is preferable that the angle at which the optical axis of the incident light is inclined with respect to the normal direction of each liquid crystal light valve is set to an optimum angle. In such a configuration, each liquid crystal light valve 2030R, 2030G, 20
It is preferable to optimize the inclination of the condenser lens and the reflection mirror corresponding to 30B for each color. Also, the optimal angle is
There may be variations among liquid crystal devices. In such a case, when incorporating the liquid crystal device into the projection type display device, the angle of at least one of the condensing lens and the reflection mirror is adjusted by the adjusting means while measuring the contrast ratio of the liquid crystal device, and the liquid crystal device is set to the projection type. It may be fixed to a display device. According to such a configuration, if the angle of the condenser lens or the reflection mirror is finely adjusted, an optimum contrast ratio can be obtained for each liquid crystal device.

In the above embodiment, it is preferable that the optical axis of the lens unit 2050 (magnifying projection optical system) is orthogonal to the light modulation surface of the liquid crystal layer of the liquid crystal light valve. By doing so, when an image is projected on a screen (not shown) having a projection surface orthogonal to the optical axis of the lens unit 2050, an image with less keystone distortion can be obtained.

[0097]

As described above, in the liquid crystal device according to the present invention, the incident light can be obliquely incident on the liquid crystal layer from the clear viewing direction side, so that the incident light is obliquely incident from the clear viewing direction side. Since the ratio of the amount of light obliquely incident from the reverse clear viewing direction side to the amount of light can be reduced, a display with high contrast can be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a configuration of an optical system of a projector as an example of a projection display device using a liquid crystal device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a liquid crystal device common to each embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of a liquid crystal device common to each embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a liquid crystal device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a modification of the first embodiment of the liquid crystal device according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration sectional view illustrating a configuration of a second embodiment of the liquid crystal device according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a positional relationship between an opening formed in a counter substrate of a liquid crystal panel and an opening formed in an active matrix substrate in a third embodiment of the liquid crystal device according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic enlarged sectional view schematically showing an internal configuration of a liquid crystal panel in a liquid crystal device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a positional relationship between a microlens formed on a counter substrate of a liquid crystal panel and an opening formed on an active matrix substrate in a fourth embodiment of the liquid crystal device according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing an internal configuration of a liquid crystal panel in a liquid crystal device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a reflection mirror and a condenser lens are installed in an inclined posture with respect to a light valve formed of a liquid crystal device in the projector shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a schematic sectional view schematically showing a conventional liquid crystal device.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an orientation direction of liquid crystal and a direction of optical characteristics in a liquid crystal layer in a liquid crystal device.

14 is a graph showing a change in contrast ratio with respect to a viewing angle φ in the SZ plane shown in FIG. 13 in the liquid crystal device.

15 is a graph showing a change in contrast ratio with respect to a viewing angle θ in the LZ plane shown in FIG. 13 in the liquid crystal device.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between viewing angles φ and θ of emitted light of the liquid crystal device and a clear viewing direction.

[Explanation of symbols]

 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Transparent substrate 5a, 6a, 7a, 8a Outer surface 10 Liquid crystal panel 10a Liquid crystal layer 11 Active matrix substrate 12 Counter substrate 20, 30, 40 Case body 51, 61 Light source 52, 54, 62 , 64 Condensing lens 53, 63 Reflecting mirror 55, 65 Magnifying projection optical system 56, 66 Screen 111 Light shielding film 113 (on the side of the active matrix substrate) Pixel electrode 121 Light shielding film 123 (on the side of the opposing substrate) 123 Opposing electrode A1 (Opposing substrate) First opening A2 (on the side of the active matrix substrate) A2 Second opening C1, C2 Opening center position L1 Optical center position of microlens

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F-term (reference) 2H088 EA15 HA08 HA14 HA21 HA23 HA25 KA05 MA02 2H091 FA14Z FA21X FA21Z FA29X FA29Z FA34Y FD07 FD13 FD14 GA02 GA13 KA01 LA17 MA07 5C058 AA07 AA08 AB01 BA05 BC06 BA08 BA31 DA04 HC01 HC08 JA17 JB06

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A liquid crystal layer is sandwiched between a pair of a first substrate and a second substrate, and light enters from the first substrate side.
A liquid crystal device used so that light is emitted from the second substrate side, wherein the liquid crystal layer has an inclined surface on the first substrate side that is inclined with respect to the liquid crystal layer. Liquid crystal devices. 2. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein an outer surface of the first substrate is the inclined surface. 3. The liquid crystal according to claim 1, further comprising a third substrate on the opposite side of the first substrate from the liquid crystal layer, wherein an outer surface of the third substrate is the inclined surface. apparatus. 4. The liquid crystal device according to claim 3, wherein the refractive index of the third substrate is larger than the refractive index of the first substrate. 5. The liquid crystal device according to claim 3, wherein the third substrate is surface-bonded to an outer surface of the first substrate via a transparent adhesive. 6. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein the inclined surface is inclined such that light enters the liquid crystal layer from a direction inclined toward the clear viewing direction. A liquid crystal device characterized by the above-mentioned. 7. The pixel according to claim 1, further comprising a pixel region in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix, wherein each pixel has a first opening on the first substrate side. Wherein each of the second substrates has a second opening on the side of the second substrate, and the center of the opening of the first opening is shifted to the clear viewing direction side from the center of the opening of the second opening. Liquid crystal device. 8. The pixel according to claim 1, further comprising a pixel region in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix, wherein each pixel has a first opening on the first substrate side. Having a second opening on the side of the second substrate, a micro lens is formed on the first substrate corresponding to each pixel, and an optical center position of the micro lens is the second opening. Characterized in that the liquid crystal device is shifted from the center position of the opening in the clear viewing direction. 9. The switching device according to claim 7, wherein a switching element for driving the pixel is formed on one of the first substrate and the second substrate, and the switching element is connected to the first opening. A liquid crystal device, wherein the liquid crystal device is disposed on the side opposite to the clear viewing direction or on the side of the second opening portion in the clear viewing direction. 10. The pixel according to claim 7, wherein, in each of the pixels, a scanning line and a capacitor line connected to the switching element are located on the opposite clear viewing direction side of the first opening. Alternatively, the liquid crystal device is disposed on the clear viewing direction side of the second opening. 11. A projection type display device using the liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein a light source and light emitted from the light source are transmitted to the liquid crystal device. A projection display device, comprising: a condensing optical system for guiding light; and an enlarged projection optical system for enlarging and projecting light modulated by the liquid crystal device. 12. The liquid crystal device according to claim 11, wherein the condensing optical system is configured to irradiate the liquid crystal device with light from a direction inclined toward the clear viewing direction with respect to the liquid crystal layer. Projection type display device. 13. The liquid crystal device according to claim 12, wherein the condensing optical system has a condensing lens, and the condensing lens transmits light to the liquid crystal device from a direction inclined toward the clear viewing direction with respect to the liquid crystal layer. A projection display device, which is arranged to irradiate. 14. The liquid crystal device according to claim 12, wherein the condenser optical system has a reflection mirror, and the reflection mirror irradiates the liquid crystal device with light from a direction inclined toward the clear viewing direction with respect to the liquid crystal layer. A projection type display device, wherein the projection type display device is disposed on a display. 15. The liquid crystal device according to claim 11, wherein a plurality of the liquid crystal devices are used, and an optical axis of incident light is set for each of the plurality of liquid crystal devices. Wherein the angle of inclination with respect to the normal direction is set to a predetermined value. 16. The liquid crystal device according to claim 11, wherein a plurality of the liquid crystal devices are used, and at least one of the condenser lens and the reflection mirror is provided for each of the plurality of liquid crystal devices. 12. The projection display device according to claim 11, further comprising adjusting means for adjusting an angle of an optical axis of incident light with respect to a normal direction of the liquid crystal device. 17. The projection type according to claim 11, wherein an optical axis of said enlarged projection optical system is configured to be orthogonal to said liquid crystal layer. Display device.