JP2000347216A - Liquid crystal display device and method of manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid crystal panel used for a liquid crystal display device, an optical shutter, and the like, and a method for manufacturing the same.
It is an object of the present invention to obtain a bright and responsive liquid crystal panel. SOLUTION: A pair of substrates 1 and 2 and these substrates 1 and 2 are provided.
And a liquid crystal sealed between them, and the pixel electrode portions 8 of the pixel electrode body and the counter electrode portions 6 of the counter electrode body are alternately formed on the surface of one of the pair of substrates 1 and 2. In a liquid crystal display device having a liquid crystal panel that changes the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules by generating a horizontal electric field on the surface of the substrate 1, at least one of the pixel electrode portion 8 and the counter electrode portion 6 includes: The cross-sectional shape in the horizontal electric field direction has a taper and is transparent.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device used for a liquid crystal display device, an optical shutter, and the like, and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A liquid crystal panel used for a liquid crystal display element is used for a wristwatch, an electronic desk calculator, a personal computer, a personal word processor and the like because of its advantages such as thinness, light weight and low voltage drive.

[0003] Conventionally, TN (Twis
The ted Nematic) type liquid crystal panel is a method in which electrodes are formed on upper and lower substrates and liquid crystal is switched by a vertical electric field perpendicular to the substrates.

On the other hand, as a method for widening the viewing angle of a liquid crystal panel, a horizontal electric field method in which a pixel electrode body and a counter electrode body are formed on the same substrate and a liquid crystal molecule is operated by applying a horizontal electric field. Has been proposed. This method is also called an IPS (In-Plane-Swiching) method or a comb-shaped electrode method (liquid crystal display technology: Sangyo Tosho)
See p42).

FIGS. 22 and 23 show the configuration of a conventional IPS type liquid crystal panel. Here, the counter electrode portion 6 ...
The liquid crystal molecules are initially aligned in parallel with (or the pixel electrode portions 8) and the counter electrode portions 6 and the pixel electrode portions 8 are formed.
When a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal molecules, the liquid crystal molecules move to the opposite electrode portion 6.
(Or the pixel electrode portion 8 ...) is considered to be vertically oriented. Note that members having the same functions as the following embodiments of the invention are denoted by the same reference numerals.

However, in the conventional in-plane switching method, since the counter electrode portion 6 and the pixel electrode portion 8 are flat and have a rectangular cross section, the liquid crystal molecules on the counter electrode portion 6 and the pixel electrode portion 8 are horizontal. The electric field in the direction is not much. For this reason, as shown in FIG.
Did not work well. The conventional lateral electric field type opposing electrode portions 6 and pixel electrode portions 8 are A
Because both electrodes are formed of a metal such as
… No light is transmitted above. In other words, both electrode parts 6 ...
8 ... Even if the liquid crystal molecules above did not operate, light did not pass through the electrodes, and they were not seen much because they could not be seen.

In consideration of the above, in order to suppress reflection on electrodes in a reflection type liquid crystal panel, a method of forming both electrode portions with a transparent conductor (JP-A-9-6184).
However, since a sufficient lateral electric field is not applied to the liquid crystal molecules on both electrode portions as described above, the liquid crystal molecules do not operate in the horizontal direction, and both electrode portions are made transparent. Alone has no effect.

Further, a method has been devised in which the cross sections of the pixel electrode portion and the counter electrode portion are formed in a curved cross section (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H9-1997).
171194). This proposal aims at improving the rising characteristics of the liquid crystal by continuously applying an electric field. This is because the electric field in the vertical direction is strong and the electric field in the horizontal direction is not sufficient just by making the two electrode portions curved, and the operation of liquid crystal molecules on both electrode portions cannot be improved. Is not to make both electrode portions transparent, so that the aperture ratio cannot be improved. In addition, there is also a problem that it is difficult to manufacture both electrode portions themselves into a curved cross section as in the proposal.

Further, a method has been devised in which one of the pixel electrode portion and the counter electrode portion is formed in an inverted V-shape so that incident light is concentrated on the opening by reflection of the electrode surface (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 8-8).
However, since it is necessary to condense the light to the opening, the electrode cannot be formed of a transparent electrode, and conversely, a structure using Al, Cu, or the like having a high light reflectance is used. ing. Therefore, the aperture ratio cannot be improved, and the light must be incident from a V-shaped pointed direction, which poses many practical problems.

In addition, a method of forming a pixel electrode portion and a counter electrode portion on an upper surface and an inclined surface of an interlayer insulating film (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
JP-A-258265) has been proposed, but the proposal specifies that both electrode portions are not transparent. Also, this proposal does not mention improvement of response speed.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and aims to improve display characteristics by sufficiently applying a horizontal electric field to a liquid crystal even on an electrode. It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid crystal display element capable of obtaining a bright display by improving the rate and improving the response speed, and a method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display element capable of easily manufacturing the liquid crystal display element.

[0012]

Means for Solving the Problems In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 has a pair of substrates and a liquid crystal sealed between the substrates, and further comprises: The pixel electrode portion of the pixel electrode body and the counter electrode portion of the counter electrode body are alternately formed on one substrate surface, and a liquid crystal panel that changes the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules by generating a horizontal electric field on the substrate surface. In the provided liquid crystal display device, at least one of the pixel electrode portion and the counter electrode portion has a tapered cross-sectional shape in a horizontal electric field direction and is transparent.

With the above configuration, an electric field is applied to at least one of the electrode portions (ie,
Since a horizontal electric field is sufficiently applied), the liquid crystal molecules on the electrode portions also operate, and the display characteristics are improved. Further, since at least one of the two electrode portions is transparent, it is possible to prevent light from being blocked by the electrode portions, thereby greatly improving the aperture ratio and reducing the distance between the electrode portions. Since the aperture ratio does not decrease, the distance between the electrodes can be narrowed, whereby the response of the liquid crystal can be accelerated.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the electrode interval between the pixel electrode portion and the counter electrode portion is regulated to 6 μm or less.

By restricting in this way, since the electrode portion is transparent, light can be prevented from being blocked by the electrode portion, and the response time can be reduced by shortening the electrode interval while preventing a decrease in aperture ratio. , And moving image display can be sufficiently performed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the pixel electrode portion or the counter electrode portion has a triangular cross section in the horizontal electric field direction.

According to the above configuration, at least one of the electrode portions has a tapered triangular cross-section, and an electric field is applied on the electrode (ie, a lateral electric field is sufficiently applied). The liquid crystal molecules on the electrode portions also operate, and the display characteristics are improved. The apex angle of the apex of the above triangular shape is desirably 135 degrees or less, and particularly 11
It is desirable that it is 0 degrees or less.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the cross-sectional shape of the pixel electrode portion or the counter electrode portion in the horizontal electric field direction is trapezoidal.

With the above configuration, at least one of the electrode portions has a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape having a taper, and an electric field is applied to the electrodes (ie, a lateral electric field is sufficiently applied). The upper liquid crystal molecules also operate, and the display characteristics are improved. The smaller the A / B is, the better the display performance (contrast) is, and the A / B is 2/3 or less.
Preferably, it is desirable to make it １ ／ or less.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the pixel electrode portion and the counter electrode portion are formed on an insulating film so that the pixel electrode portion and the counter electrode portion are on the same plane. It is characterized by being located.

By forming the insulating film, the aperture ratio of the liquid crystal display panel can be increased, and at the same time,
The opposing area between the pixel electrode portion and the opposing electrode portion is increased, so that a horizontal electric field is easily applied,
The liquid crystal molecules move easily.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect of the invention, the thickness of the insulating film is 1 μm or more.

The reason for this restriction is that the surface of the substrate on which the insulating film is formed has irregularities, but the thickness of the insulating film is 1 μm.
m or more, the irregularities can be sufficiently absorbed, and the reason that the surface of the insulating film is smooth and that the insulating property of the insulating film is reliably exhibited is that the thickness of the insulating film is 1 μm. This is because it is desirable to be above.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect of the invention, the insulating film comprises a color filter layer.

With such a structure, it is not necessary to separately form a color filter, so that a margin for bonding the color filters is not required, and the aperture ratio is further increased.

The invention according to claim 8 has a pair of substrates and a liquid crystal sealed between these substrates, and further comprises a pixel electrode portion of a pixel electrode body on a surface of one of the pair of substrates. In a liquid crystal display element including a liquid crystal panel in which a counter electrode portion of a counter electrode body is formed alternately and a lateral electric field is generated on the surface of the substrate to change the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules, the pixel electrode portion and the counter electrode At least one of the portions has a tapered cross section in the transverse electric field direction.
And is formed on a transparent insulating layer having a transparent conductive film.

With the above configuration, an electric field is applied on at least one of the electrode portions (ie,
Since a horizontal electric field is sufficiently applied), the liquid crystal molecules on the electrode portions also operate, and the display characteristics are improved. In addition, since at least one of the two electrode portions is transparent, it is possible to prevent light from being blocked by the electrode portions, thereby greatly improving the aperture ratio. Further, since at least one of the pixel electrode portion and the counter electrode portion is formed in a film shape on the transparent insulating layer having a tapered cross section in the lateral electric field direction, the electric resistance is reduced, and accordingly, Thus, an electric field is easily applied, and the liquid crystal molecules are more easily moved.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the eighth aspect, an electrode interval between the pixel electrode portion and the counter electrode portion is regulated to 6 μm or less.

By regulating in this way, since the electrode portion is transparent, light can be prevented from being blocked by the electrode portion, and the response time can be reduced by shortening the electrode interval while preventing a decrease in aperture ratio. , And moving image display can be sufficiently performed.

The invention according to claim 10 is the same as the invention according to claim 8.
In the invention according to the ninth aspect, the transparent insulating layer has a triangular cross-sectional shape in a horizontal electric field direction.

According to the above configuration, since the transparent insulating layer has a triangular cross-sectional shape in the horizontal electric field direction, an electric field is applied to the electrode formed on the transparent insulating layer (ie, the horizontal electric field is applied). Since a sufficient electric field is applied), the liquid crystal molecules on the electrode portions also operate, and the display characteristics are improved. The apex angle of the top of the triangular shape is desirably 135 degrees or less, particularly desirably 110 degrees or less.

The invention according to claim 11 is the same as the invention according to claim 8.
In the invention described in Item 9, the cross-sectional shape of the transparent insulating layer in the horizontal electric field direction is a trapezoidal shape.

According to the above configuration, since the cross section of the transparent insulating layer in the horizontal electric field direction is trapezoidal, an electric field is applied to the electrode formed on the transparent insulating layer (ie, the horizontal electric field). ), The liquid crystal molecules on the electrode portions also operate, and the display characteristics are improved. A /
The smaller B is, the better the display performance (contrast) is.
It is desirable that B is ２ or less, preferably 好 ま し く or less.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus comprising:
The invention according to claim 1, wherein the transparent insulating layer is formed on an insulating film, and a pixel electrode portion and a counter electrode portion formed on the transparent insulating layer are located on the same plane.

By forming the insulating film, the aperture ratio of the liquid crystal display panel can be increased, and at the same time,
The opposing area between the pixel electrode portion and the opposing electrode portion is increased, so that a horizontal electric field is easily applied,
The liquid crystal molecules move easily.

According to a thirteenth aspect, in the twelfth aspect, the insulating film has a thickness of 1 μm or more.

The reason for this restriction is that the surface of the substrate on which the insulating film is formed has irregularities, but the thickness of the insulating film is 1 μm.
m or more, the irregularities can be sufficiently absorbed, and the reason that the surface of the insulating film is smooth and that the insulating property of the insulating film is reliably exhibited is that the thickness of the insulating film is 1 μm. This is because it is desirable to be above.

According to a fourteenth aspect, in the twelfth aspect, the insulating film comprises a color filter layer.

With such a structure, it is not necessary to separately form a color filter, so that a margin for bonding the color filters is not required, and the aperture ratio is further increased.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, a pair of substrates,
A liquid crystal sealed between these substrates, and a pixel electrode portion of a pixel electrode body and a counter electrode portion of a counter electrode body are alternately formed on the surface of one of the pair of substrates. A method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display element including a liquid crystal panel that changes the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules by generating a lateral electric field on a surface, wherein the pixel electrode body and the counter electrode portion forming the counter electrode body are formed. A first step of forming a pixel electrode portion, and a second step of forming at least one of the counter electrode portion and the pixel electrode portion such that a cross-sectional shape in a horizontal electric field direction has a taper. It is characterized by.

In the above method, an electrode having a tapered cross section in the direction of the horizontal electric field is formed, so that a liquid crystal display element having the function and effect described in claim 1 can be easily manufactured.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid crystal display device comprising: a pair of substrates; a liquid crystal sealed between the substrates; A method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display element including a liquid crystal panel in which a portion and a counter electrode portion of a counter electrode body are alternately formed, and a lateral electric field is generated on the surface of the substrate to change the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules. A first step of forming a transparent insulating layer at a position where at least one of a counter electrode portion forming the counter electrode body and a pixel electrode portion forming the pixel electrode body is formed; A second step of forming the cross-sectional shape in the direction to have a taper, and a third step of forming at least one of the counter electrode electrode portion and the pixel electrode portion in a film shape on the transparent insulating layer. Having It is characterized.

In the above method, a transparent insulating layer having a tapered cross section in the horizontal electric field direction is formed, and an electrode is formed on the transparent insulating layer. A liquid crystal display element can be easily manufactured.

[0044]

(Embodiment 1) Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a top view schematically showing a structure of a liquid crystal panel according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view schematically showing an operation state of the liquid crystal panel in the first embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, on a glass substrate 1 serving as an array substrate, a scanning signal line 4 extending in a horizontal direction (hereinafter referred to as an X direction) and a comb-shaped counter electrode body 22 are provided. . The opposing electrode body 22 includes opposing electrode portions 6 (extending in the Y direction) that are linear and parallel to each other.
And a lead 20 (extending in the X direction) connecting these opposed electrode portions 6. An insulating film 10a for protecting the wiring is formed on the scanning signal line 4 and the counter electrode body 22. On this insulating film 10a, a video signal line 7 and a comb-shaped pixel electrode body 2 extending in the vertical direction (hereinafter, referred to as Y direction)
3 are provided. The pixel electrode body 23 includes pixel electrode portions 8 (extending in the Y direction) that are linear and parallel to each other, and leads 21 that connect the pixel electrode portions 8.
(Extended in the X direction). An insulating film 10b for protecting the wiring is formed on the video signal line 7 and the pixel electrode body 23. A glass substrate 2 as a counter substrate is provided above the insulating film 10b, and a liquid crystal (not shown) is sealed between the glass substrate 2 and the insulating film 10b.

The pixel electrode portions 8 and the counter electrode portions 6 are formed so that the cross-sectional shape in the horizontal electric field direction has a taper (in the first embodiment, a triangular shape). The pixel electrode portions 8 are connected alternately to the leads 21, while the counter electrode portions 6 are connected to the leads 20.

Further, a semiconductor layer (TFT: Thin Film Transistor) 9 as an active element (switching element) is arranged at the intersection of the scanning signal line 4 and the video signal line 7. Is applied to the gate 4a and the semiconductor layer 9 is turned on, the video signal voltage from the video signal line 7 is applied to the source 7a and the drain 14a.
And is applied to the pixel electrode body 23 through

With such a structure, a horizontal electric field is generated between the pixel electrode portions 8 of the pixel electrode body 23 and the counter electrode portions 6. Is displayed.

Here, in the liquid crystal panel having the above structure, the video signal line 7 and the scanning signal line 4 are formed on the glass substrate 1 as metal wiring.
Are formed in a matrix, and the semiconductor layer 9 is formed through a process of forming a semiconductor layer 9 at the intersection thereof. Specifically, it is as follows.

First, the scanning signal lines 4 and the leads 20 of the counter electrode body 22 are formed on the surface of the glass substrate 1 with a metal such as Al. Thereafter, the counter electrode portions 6 made of a transparent conductive film (ITO: indium oxide-tin oxide) are linearly extended in the Y direction so as to be parallel to each other.
These opposing electrode portions 6 are connected to the leads 20. Thereafter, the counter electrode portions 6 are formed into a triangular cross section by taper etching. Next, an insulating film 10 made of SiO2 or the like is used to protect these wirings.
was formed, and a TFT was formed thereon as the semiconductor layer 9.

Next, after the video signal line 7, the source 7a and the drain 14 are formed of a metal such as Al / Ti,
Leads 21 are formed in the X direction, and are connected linearly and in parallel to each other so that the transparent conductive films (IT
Pixel electrode portions 8 made of O: indium oxide-tin oxide) extend in the Y direction, and the pixel electrode portions 8 are connected to the drains 14. The pixel electrode portions 8 are formed into a triangular cross section by taper etching. An insulating film 10b made of SiNx or the like was formed to protect these wirings.

The scanning signal line 4 and the video signal line 7 are also made of ITO.
However, if these signal lines 4.7 are formed of ITO, the wiring resistance becomes too large (Al resistance is about 4 μΩcm, whereas
The resistance value of O is 100 to 500 μΩcm), and the signal lines 4 and 7 are desirably formed of a metal having a low wiring resistance such as Al.

Next, an alignment film (AL5417: manufactured by JSR) is printed on the glass substrate 1 and the glass substrate 2 and subjected to a rubbing treatment. Then, a sealing resin (struct bond: Printed by Mitsui Toatsu. A spacer made of 4.0 μm glass fiber (manufactured by Nippon Electric Glass) was mixed into the sealing resin.

Thereafter, resin balls having a diameter of 3.5 μm (Eposter GP-HC: manufactured by Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.) were sprayed as spacers in the display area in order to maintain the substrate interval. Thereafter, the glass substrate 1 and the glass substrate 2 are bonded together,
The sealing resin was cured by heating at 150 ° C. for 2 hours.

Next, a liquid crystal (MT5087: manufactured by Chisso Corporation) was placed in the empty panel prepared as described above by a vacuum injection method (the empty panel was placed in a depressurized tank, and the inside of the panel was evacuated. Was brought into contact with the liquid crystal, and the inside of the tank was returned to normal pressure, whereby the liquid crystal was injected into the panel.

Finally, a photocurable resin (Loctite 352A: manufactured by Nippon Loctite) is applied to the entire injection port of the liquid crystal panel as a sealing resin, and light is applied at 10 mW / cm.
After irradiating with 5 for 5 minutes to cure the sealing resin, a polarizing plate (NPF-HEG1425DU: manufactured by Nitto Denko) was attached above and below the glass substrate 1 and the glass substrate 2 (outside the glass substrate). Thus, a liquid crystal panel is manufactured.

Here, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23,
As a comparative example, a liquid crystal panel in which the pixel electrode portions 8 of the pixel electrode body 23 and the counter electrode portions 6 of the counter electrode body 22 are rectangular as in the related art was also manufactured. The results of the comparison are shown below.

First, when a voltage was applied to both liquid crystal panels and observed using a microscope, the liquid crystal panel of the comparative example showed that:
As shown in FIG. 24, since a sufficient transverse electric field was not applied to the liquid crystal molecules 12 on the electrodes, the liquid crystal molecules 12 at the corresponding portions did not operate, and it was recognized that the brightness of the liquid crystal panel was not sufficient. On the other hand, in the liquid crystal panel of the present invention, since the pixel electrode portions 8 and the counter electrode portions 6 have a triangular cross-sectional shape, as shown in FIG. Since an intense horizontal electric field is applied, the liquid crystal molecules 12 at the relevant portion also operate, and a sufficiently bright liquid crystal panel is obtained. If the pixel electrode portions 8 and the counter electrode portions 6 are formed of transparent electrodes as in the present invention, the aperture ratio can be increased.

In addition, in the liquid crystal panel of the present invention, the pixel electrode portions 8 having a triangular cross section and the counter electrode portions 6 are formed. , And the upward portions of the counter electrode portions 6 are narrowed (that is, only the top portions are upward). Therefore, it becomes difficult to apply a vertical electric field, and a sufficient horizontal electric field is applied.

It is well known that the response time is proportional to the square of the distance between the pixel electrode portion 8 and the counter electrode portion 6. Therefore, the electrode interval between the pixel electrode portion 8 and the counter electrode portion 6 is known. It is clear that it is better to shorten. here,
In the current liquid crystal panel, the electrode spacing is about 12 μm,
Since the response time is as slow as about 60 msec, it is conceivable to improve the response speed by reducing the electrode interval between the pixel electrode portion 8 and the counter electrode portion 6. However, since the conventional pixel electrode portions 8 and the counter electrode portions 6 are not formed of transparent electrodes, if the electrode interval between the pixel electrode portions 8 and the counter electrode portions 6 is reduced, the number of electrodes is reduced accordingly. , The aperture ratio decreases.

On the other hand, if the pixel electrode portions 8 and the counter electrode portions 6 are formed of transparent electrodes as in the present invention,
Even if the electrode interval between the pixel electrode portions 8 and the counter electrode portions 6 is reduced to increase the number of electrodes, a decrease in the aperture ratio can be prevented. Therefore, the response time can be shortened by shortening the electrode interval while preventing a decrease in the aperture ratio. By setting the electrode interval to 6 μm, the response time can be reduced to 15 msec or less, and it has been confirmed that moving images can be sufficiently displayed.

In the first embodiment, the cross section of the electrode is triangular. However, the shape is not limited as long as the cross section has a taper shape. It is also possible.

(Embodiment 2) Embodiment 2 of the present invention
Will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4 is a top view schematically showing the structure of the liquid crystal panel according to the second embodiment, FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 4, and FIG.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an operation state of the liquid crystal panel according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, a scanning signal line 4 extending in the horizontal direction (hereinafter referred to as X direction) is provided on a glass substrate 1 which is an array substrate. Is formed with an insulating film 10a for wiring protection. On the insulating film 10a, a video signal line 7 extending in a vertical direction (hereinafter, referred to as a Y direction) is provided.
An insulating film 10b for wiring protection is formed thereon. An insulating film 15 is formed on the insulating film 10b, and a glass substrate 2 as an opposing substrate is provided above the insulating film 15;
A liquid crystal (not shown) is sealed between the two.

A pair of comb-shaped pixel electrode bodies 23 and a counter electrode body 22 are provided on the insulating film 15. The pixel electrode body 23 includes linearly parallel pixel electrode portions 8 (extending in the Y direction) and leads 21 connecting these pixel electrode portions 8 (extending in the X direction).
Consisting of On the other hand, the opposing electrode body 22 has opposing electrode portions 6 that are linear and parallel to each other (extend in the Y direction).
And a lead 20 (X
Extending in the direction). The pixel electrode portions 8 and the opposing electrode portions 6 have a triangular cross-section and are formed alternately. The pixel electrode portions 8 and the leads 21 are connected via contact holes 13b, while the counter electrode portions 6 and the leads 20 are connected via contact holes 13a. .

Further, a semiconductor layer (TFT: Thin Film Transistor) 9 as an active element (switching element) is disposed at the intersection of the scanning signal line 4 and the video signal line 7. Is applied to the gate 4a and the semiconductor layer 9 is turned on, the video signal voltage from the video signal line 7 is applied to the source 7a and the drain 14a.
And is applied to the pixel electrode body 23 through

With such a structure, a horizontal electric field is generated between the pixel electrode portions 8 of the pixel electrode body 23 and the counter electrode portions 6. Is displayed.

Here, the liquid crystal panel having the above structure is composed of a video signal line 7 and a scanning signal line 4 as metal wiring on a glass substrate 1.
Are formed in a matrix, and the semiconductor layer 9 is formed through a process of forming a semiconductor layer 9 at the intersection thereof. Specifically, it is as follows.

First, the scanning signal lines 4 and the leads 20 of the counter electrode body 22 are formed of metal such as Al on the surface of the glass substrate 1, and then SiO 2 is formed to protect these wirings.
An insulating film 10a made of 2 or the like was formed, and a TFT was formed thereon as the semiconductor layer 9. Next, the video signal line 7,
After the source 7a and the drain 14 are formed of a metal such as Al / Ti, SiO.
An insulating film 10b made of 2 or the like was formed. Next, a photosensitive acrylic resin (PC302: J
SR) and the insulating film 15 by the method described below.
Was formed on the insulating film 10b. That is, after applying the PC 302 on the array substrate by spin coating,
Pre-baking was performed for 1 minute, and further, exposure was performed at 300 mJ / cm 2 from the glass substrate 1 side. Thereafter, development is performed with a developing solution (CD702AD) at 25 ° C. for 1 minute, washed with running water, and post-baked at 200 ° C. for 1 hour (temperature is raised from room temperature) to form an insulating film 15 having a thickness of 1.5 μm. Formed.

Here, in order to obtain sufficient insulating properties and to form the pixel electrode body and the transparent electrode on a substantially flat surface,
The thickness of the insulating film is desirably 1 μm or more. In the case of irradiating light from the glass substrate 1 side, it is preferable that diffused light is incident (light is also incident from the lateral direction or light is irradiated through a diffusion plate).

After the insulating film 15 is formed as described above, the contact holes 13a, 13b, and 1 are formed in the insulating film 15.
3c was formed. Then, the pixel electrode portions 8 of the pixel electrode body 23 connected to the drain 14 are formed of a transparent conductive film (IT
O: indium oxide-tin oxide). On this occasion,
The drain 14 and the pixel electrode portion 8 of the pixel electrode body 23 are in contact with each other via the contact hole 13c, and the pixel electrode body 23 is connected via the contact hole 13b.
Are brought into contact with the pixel electrode portions 8.

Next, the pixel electrode portions 8 are formed by taper etching so that the cross-sectional shape becomes a triangular shape. Next, the opposing electrode portions 6 are formed of a transparent conductive film made of ITO. At this time, the contact holes 13a ...
Are brought into contact with the leads 20 of the opposing electrode body 22 and the opposing electrode portions 6. Similarly, the counter electrode portions 6 are also formed by taper etching so that the cross-sectional shape becomes a triangular shape.

The scanning signal line 4 and the video signal line 7 are also made of ITO.
However, if these signal lines 4.7 are formed of ITO, the wiring resistance becomes too large (Al resistance is about 4 μΩcm, whereas
The resistance value of O is 100 to 500 μΩcm), and the signal lines 4 and 7 are desirably formed of a metal having a low wiring resistance such as Al. In order to protect the pixel electrode portions 8 of the pixel electrode body 23 and the counter electrode portions 6 of the counter electrode body 22,
After forming the pixel electrode portions 8 and the counter electrode portions 6,
An insulating film made of iNx may be formed (not shown in this embodiment).

Next, after an orientation film (AL5417: manufactured by JSR) is printed on the glass substrates 1 and 2 and subjected to a rubbing treatment, a sealing resin (structural bond: Printed by Mitsui Toatsu. A spacer made of 4.0 μm glass fiber (manufactured by Nippon Electric Glass) was mixed into the sealing resin.

Thereafter, resin balls having a diameter of 3.5 μm (Eposter GP-HC: manufactured by Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.) were sprayed as spacers in the display area in order to keep the distance between the substrates. Thereafter, the glass substrate 1 and the glass substrate 2 are bonded together,
The sealing resin was cured by heating at 150 ° C. for 2 hours.

Next, a liquid crystal (MT5087: manufactured by Chisso Corporation) was placed in the empty panel prepared as described above by a vacuum injection method (the empty panel was placed in a depressurized tank, and the inside of the panel was evacuated. Was brought into contact with the liquid crystal, and the inside of the tank was returned to normal pressure, whereby the liquid crystal was injected into the panel.

Finally, a photocurable resin (Loctite 352A: manufactured by Nippon Loctite) is applied to the entire injection port of the liquid crystal panel as a sealing resin, and light is applied at 10 mW / cm.
After irradiating with 5 for 5 minutes to cure the sealing resin, a polarizing plate (NPF-HEG1425DU: manufactured by Nitto Denko) was attached above and below the glass substrate 1 and the glass substrate 2 (outside the glass substrate). Thus, a liquid crystal panel is manufactured.

Here, as a comparative example, a liquid crystal panel in which the pixel electrode portions 8 of the pixel electrode body 23 and the counter electrode portions 6 of the counter electrode body 22 are rectangular as in the related art was also manufactured.
The liquid crystal panel of the present invention was compared with various performances, and the results are shown below.

First, when a voltage was applied to both liquid crystal panels and observed using a microscope, the liquid crystal panel of the comparative example showed that:
As shown in FIG. 25, since a sufficient lateral electric field was not applied to the liquid crystal molecules 12 on the electrodes, the liquid crystal molecules 12 at the corresponding portions did not operate, and it was recognized that the brightness of the liquid crystal panel was not sufficient. On the other hand, in the liquid crystal panel of the present invention, FIG.
As shown in (2), since a sufficient transverse electric field is applied also to the liquid crystal molecules 12 on the electrodes, the liquid crystal molecules 12 at the corresponding portions also operate, and a sufficiently bright liquid crystal panel was obtained.

FIG. 8 is a graph showing an outline when an electric field applied to the liquid crystal panel according to the second embodiment is simulated, and FIG. 26 is an outline when an electric field applied to a conventional liquid crystal panel is simulated. It is a graph shown. Arrows indicate lines of electric force. In the conventional liquid crystal panel, almost only a vertical electric field is applied on the pixel electrode portion 8 and the counter electrode portion 6, whereas in the liquid crystal panel of the present invention, the pixel electrode portion 8. It can be seen that an electric field is applied to the opposing electrode portion 6 in the lateral direction. FIG. 10 shows the relationship between the aperture ratio and the pixel pitch of the liquid crystal panel manufactured as in the related art and the liquid crystal panels manufactured in Embodiments 1 and 2. FIG. 10 shows that the aperture ratios of the liquid crystal panels manufactured in Embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention are significantly improved as compared with the conventional liquid crystal panel, and the aperture ratio of the liquid crystal panel manufactured in Embodiment 2 is It can be seen that it is higher than the liquid crystal panel. Therefore, by forming the insulating film 15 as in the second embodiment, the aperture ratio can be increased, and at the same time, the pixel electrode portions 8 of the pixel electrode body 23 and the counter electrode portion 6 of the counter electrode body 22 can be formed. , The electric field in the horizontal direction is easily applied, and the liquid crystal molecules are easily moved.

In addition, in the liquid crystal panel of the present invention, since the pixel electrode portions 8 having a triangular cross section and the counter electrode portions 6 are formed, the pixel electrode portions are compared with the liquid crystal panel of the comparative example. 8 and the opposed portions of the counter electrode portions 6 are narrowed (that is, only the tops face upward). Therefore, it becomes difficult to apply a vertical electric field, and a sufficient horizontal electric field is applied.

Since it is well known that the response time is proportional to the square of the distance between the pixel electrode portions 8 and the counter electrode portions 6, the electrode distance between the pixel electrode portions 8 and the counter electrode portions 6 is known. It is clear that it is better to shorten. here,
In the current liquid crystal panel, the electrode spacing is about 12 μm,
Since the response time is as slow as about 60 msec, it is conceivable to improve the response speed by reducing the electrode interval between the pixel electrode portion 8 and the counter electrode portion 6. However, since the conventional pixel electrode portions 8 and the counter electrode portions 6 are not formed of transparent electrodes, if the electrode interval between the pixel electrode portions 8 and the counter electrode portions 6 is reduced, the number of electrodes is reduced accordingly. , The aperture ratio decreases.

On the other hand, if the pixel electrode portions 8 and the opposing electrode portions 6 are made of transparent electrodes as in the present invention, the electrode spacing between the pixel electrode portions 8 and the opposing electrode portions 6 can be reduced. Even if the number of electrodes is increased by making the electrode narrow, it is possible to prevent the aperture ratio from decreasing. Therefore, the response time can be shortened by shortening the electrode interval while preventing a decrease in the aperture ratio. By setting the electrode interval to 6 μm, the response time can be reduced to 15 msec or less, and it has been confirmed that moving images can be sufficiently displayed.

FIG. 9 shows the relationship between the apex angle of the apex of the triangular shape and the strength of the electric field in the lateral direction 2 μm inside the electrode end.
(The electric field in the lateral direction between the electrodes of the conventional configuration is 100%
And). From this result, it is recognized that when the apex angle is 135 degrees or less, a horizontal electric field of 50% or more is applied, and particularly when the apex angle is 110 degrees or less, a horizontal electric field of 70% or more is applied. Can be Therefore, the apex angle is desirably 135 degrees or less, particularly desirably 110 degrees or less.

The insulating film 15 used in the second embodiment
May be formed by a color filter, and by forming the color filter, the color filter is not required on the counter substrate side, so that the alignment accuracy of the upper and lower substrates is not required, and the aperture ratio can be increased. .

(Embodiment 3) Embodiment 3 of the present invention
Will be described below based on FIG. 11, FIG. 12, and FIG. FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing a structure of a liquid crystal panel according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing a structure of a liquid crystal panel according to another example of Embodiment 3, and FIG. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of a liquid crystal panel according to still another example of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the liquid crystal panel according to the third embodiment, the pixel electrode portions 8 of the pixel electrode body 23 and the counter electrode portions 6 of the counter electrode body 22 have a triangular cross section. The structure is the same as that of the first embodiment except that it is formed on the transparent insulating layers 16. A specific forming method will be described below.

First, the scanning signal lines 4 and the leads 20 of the counter electrode body 22 are formed on the surface of the glass substrate 1 with a metal such as Al. Next, a transparent insulating layer 16 is formed on the array substrate 1 by using a photosensitive acrylic resin (PC403: manufactured by JSR) as a photocurable resin by the method described below.
Are formed at positions where the counter electrode portions 6 are formed. That is, after the PC 403 is applied on the array substrate 1 by spin coating, prebaking is performed at 90 ° C. for 2 minutes.
Exposure was performed at 300 mJ / cm2. Thereafter, development is performed with a developer (PD523AD) at 25 ° C. for 1 minute, washed with running water, post-baked in an oven at 110 ° C. for 2 minutes, and post-baked at 220 ° C. for 1 hour to obtain a height of 1 μm. Then, a triangular transparent insulating layer 16 having a width of 5 μm was formed. By abrupt post-baking, a taper can be formed, and a triangular transparent insulating layer 16 can be manufactured.

Then, a counter electrode portion 6 made of a transparent conductive film (ITO: indium oxide-tin oxide) is formed on the transparent insulating layer 16. Next, an insulating film 10a made of SiO2 or the like is formed to protect these wirings.
Further, a TFT was formed thereon as the semiconductor layer 9.

Next, after the video signal line 7, the source 7a and the drain 14 are formed of a metal such as Al / Ti,
The lead 21 is formed in the X direction, and the triangular transparent insulating layer 16 is formed at the position where the pixel electrode portion 8 is formed in the same manner as described above.

A pixel electrode portion 8 made of a transparent conductive film (ITO: indium oxide-tin oxide) connected to the drain 14 is formed on the triangular transparent insulating layer 16. An insulating film 1 made of SiNx or the like for protecting these wirings
0b was formed. Thereafter, a liquid crystal display element was manufactured in the same manner as in Embodiment 1. Further, as shown in FIG. 12, after forming the insulating film 15 in the same manner as in the second embodiment, a triangular transparent insulating layer 16 is formed, and a pixel electrode portion is formed on the transparent insulating layer 16. 8 or the counter electrode portions 6 may be formed. Note that the insulating film 15 may be formed with a color filter.

With such a configuration, a sufficient transverse electric field is also applied to the liquid crystal molecules 12 on the electrodes. Therefore, the liquid crystal molecules 12 at the relevant portion also operate, and a sufficiently bright liquid crystal panel is obtained.

If the pixel electrode portions 8 and the counter electrode portions 6 are formed of transparent electrodes, the aperture ratio can be increased. Also, as shown in FIG. 12, by forming the pixel electrode portions 8 or the counter electrode portions 6 on the transparent insulating layers 16, the pixel electrode body 2 is formed.
3 and the opposing electrode portions 6 of the opposing electrode body 22 have a large opposing area, so that a horizontal electric field is easily applied and the liquid crystal molecules can move easily.

In addition, in the liquid crystal panel of the present invention, the pixel electrode portions 8 having a triangular cross section and the counter electrode portions 6 are formed. , And the upward portions of the counter electrode portions 6 are narrowed (that is, only the top portions are upward). Therefore, it becomes difficult to apply a vertical electric field, and a sufficient horizontal electric field is applied.

As shown in FIG. 13, when the pixel electrode portion 8 and the counter electrode portion 6 are formed on the transparent insulating layer 16, the edge forming a part of the pixel electrode portion 8 and the counter electrode portion 6 is formed. By simultaneously forming the portions 8a and 8a and the edges 6a and 6a, the pixel electrode portion 8 and the counter electrode portion 6 can be reliably formed in the manufacturing process.

(Embodiment 4) Embodiment 4 of the present invention
Will be described below with reference to FIG. 14 and FIG. FIG.
4 is a sectional view showing a structure of a liquid crystal panel according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a sectional view showing a structure of a liquid crystal panel according to another example of Embodiment 4.

As shown in FIG. 14, in the liquid crystal panel according to the fourth embodiment, the pixel electrode portions 8 of the pixel electrode body 23 and the counter electrode portions 6 of the counter electrode body 22 have a pentagonal cross section. The structure is the same as that of the first embodiment except that it is formed on the transparent insulating layers 17. A specific forming method will be described below.

First, the scanning signal lines 4 and the leads 20 of the counter electrode body 22 are formed on the surface of the glass substrate 1 with a metal such as Al. Next, a transparent insulating layer 17 is formed on the array substrate 1 by using a photosensitive acrylic resin (PC403: manufactured by JSR) as a photocurable resin by the method described below.
Are formed at positions where the counter electrode portions 6 are formed. That is, after the PC 403 is applied on the array substrate 1 by spin coating, prebaking is performed at 90 ° C. for 2 minutes.
Exposure was performed at 300 mJ / cm2. Thereafter, development is performed with a developer (PD523AD) at 25 ° C. for 1 minute, washed with running water, post-baked at 220 ° C. for 1 hour (temperature is raised from room temperature), and has a height of 0.2 μm and a width of 5 μm Formed a transparent insulating layer having a square cross section. A transparent insulating layer having a cross section of three shapes was formed on the transparent insulating layer having a square cross section by the following method.

After applying PC403 to the array substrate 1 by spin coating, prebaking was performed at 90 ° C. for 2 minutes, and exposure was performed at 300 mJ / cm 2. Thereafter, development is performed with a developer (PD523AD) at 25 ° C. for 1 minute, washed with running water, post-baked in an oven at 110 ° C. for 2 minutes, and post-baked at 220 ° C. for 1 hour to obtain a height of 1 μm. A triangular transparent insulating layer 17 having a width of 5 μm was formed. By suddenly post-baking,
A taper can be provided, and a transparent insulating layer having a triangular shape can be manufactured. The transparent insulating layer 17 having a pentagonal cross section was formed by the above method.

Then, a counter electrode portion 6 made of a transparent conductive film (ITO: indium oxide-tin oxide) is formed on the transparent insulating layer 17. Next, an insulating film 10a made of SiO2 or the like is formed to protect these wirings.
Further, a TFT was formed thereon as the semiconductor layer 9.

Next, after the video signal line 7, the source 7a and the drain 14 are formed of a metal such as Al / Ti,
A lead 21 is formed in the X direction, and a transparent insulating layer 17 having a pentagonal cross section is formed at a position where the pixel electrode portions 8 are formed in the same manner as described above.

The transparent insulating layer 17 having a pentagonal cross section
On the transparent conductive film (ITO:
Pixel electrode portion 8 made of indium oxide-tin oxide) ...
To form An insulating film 10b made of SiNx or the like was formed to protect these wirings. Then, the first embodiment
A liquid crystal display device was produced in the same manner as in the above. As shown in FIG. 15, similarly to the second embodiment, after forming the insulating film 15, a transparent insulating layer 17 is formed, and the pixel electrode portion 8 or the opposite is formed on the transparent insulating layer 17. Electrode part 6 ...
May be formed. Further, the insulating film 15 may be formed by a color filter.

With such a configuration, a sufficient lateral electric field is also applied to the liquid crystal molecules 12 on the electrodes, so that the liquid crystal molecules 12 at the relevant portions also operate, and a sufficiently bright liquid crystal panel is obtained.

The aperture ratio can be increased by forming the pixel electrode portions 8 and the counter electrode portions 6 from transparent electrodes. Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the pixel electrode body 2 is formed by forming the pixel electrode portions 8 or the counter electrode portions 6 on the transparent insulating layers 17.
3 and the opposing electrode portions 6 of the opposing electrode body 22 have a large opposing area, so that a horizontal electric field is easily applied and the liquid crystal molecules can move easily.

(Embodiment 5) Embodiment 5 of the present invention
Will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG.
6 is a sectional view showing a sectional shape of a pixel electrode portion or a counter electrode portion in Embodiment 5 of the present invention, FIG. 17 is a sectional view showing a structure of a liquid crystal panel in Embodiment 5, and FIG. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a liquid crystal panel according to another example, and FIG. 19 is a graph showing the relationship between the ratio of the upper side to the lower side of the cross-sectional shape of the pixel electrode portion or the counter electrode portion in Embodiment 5 and the contrast.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the liquid crystal panel according to the fifth embodiment has the pixel electrode portion 1 of the pixel electrode body 23.
9 and the opposing electrode portions 18 of the opposing electrode body 22 have the same configuration as in the first embodiment except that the cross-sectional shape is trapezoidal. The upper side A of the trapezoidal shape is 4 μm lower side B
Can be formed by changing the conditions of the tape etching to 6 μm.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view showing a structure of a liquid crystal panel according to the fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the sectional shapes of the pixel electrode portions 19 and the counter electrode portions 18 are tapered. Although it has a trapezoidal shape, the liquid crystal molecules on the electrodes are harder to move than in Embodiment 1 (FIG. 1), but are easier to move than in the conventional example (FIG. 23), and the display performance (contrast) is improved.

FIG. 19 shows the relationship between the ratio of the upper side to the lower side of the sectional shape of the pixel electrode portion or the counter electrode portion and the contrast in the fifth embodiment. It can be seen that the smaller the A / B, the better the contrast, and it is desirable to set the A / B to ２ or less, preferably １ ／ or less. Further, as shown in FIG. 18, similar to the second embodiment,
After the insulating film 15 is formed, the pixel electrode portions 19 or the counter electrode portions 18 may be formed on the insulating film 15. Further, the insulating film 15 may be formed by a color filter.

(Embodiment 6) Embodiment 6 of the present invention
Will be described below with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21. FIG.
0 is a sectional view showing the structure of the liquid crystal panel according to the sixth embodiment, and FIG. 21 is a sectional view showing the structure of a liquid crystal panel according to another example of the sixth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 20, in the sixth embodiment, a transparent insulating layer 20 having a trapezoidal cross section is formed, and a pixel electrode portion 8 and a counter electrode portion 6 are formed thereon. The upper side A of the trapezoidal shape was 4 μm, and the lower side B was 6 μm. The trapezoidal film can be formed by changing the post-baking conditions.

In the sixth embodiment, the liquid crystal molecules on the pixel electrode portions 8 and the counter electrode portions 6 are harder to move than in the third embodiment (FIG. 11), but are easier to move than in the conventional example (FIG. 23). And the contrast is improved. The smaller the A / B is, the better the display performance (contrast) is.
It is desirably 3 or less, preferably 1/2 or less.
Further, as shown in FIG. 21, after forming the insulating film 15,
The transparent insulating layers 20 having a trapezoidal cross section may be formed, and the pixel electrode portions 8 or the counter electrode portions 6 may be formed on the transparent insulating layer 20. Further, the insulating film 15 may be formed by a color filter.

(Other Matters Concerning Structure of First to Sixth Embodiments) (1) In the above embodiments, MT5087 (manufactured by Chisso Corporation) having a positive dielectric anisotropy was used as the liquid crystal. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and E-7 (manufactured by BDH) E-8 (B
DH), ZLI4792 (Merck) and TL202
(Manufactured by Merck & Co.), or a material having a negative dielectric anisotropy of Z
LI4788 (manufactured by Merck) or the like may be used. Further, the liquid crystal is not limited to a nematic liquid crystal, and a liquid crystal such as a ferroelectric liquid crystal or an antiferroelectric liquid crystal can be used. That is, the present invention is effective regardless of the liquid crystal material and the alignment film material.

(2) In each of the above embodiments, a three-terminal element TFT is used as an active element.
(Metal-Insulator-Metal), ZnO varistor and S
An iNx diode, an a-Si diode or the like may be used. Also, as a transistor structure, a-Si with a bottom gate structure
It is not limited to the above, it may be a top gate structure,
Alternatively, p-Si or the like may be used. In addition, a drive circuit may be formed around the substrate.

(3) In each of the above embodiments, a glass substrate is used for both substrates, but one or both substrates may be formed of a film, plastic, or the like. Further, a glass substrate with ITO, a substrate with a color filter, or the like may be used as the glass substrate 2 (counter substrate). Further, a substrate having a color filter formed on the glass substrate 1 (array substrate) side may be used.

(4) An alignment film having a large pretilt angle or a vertical alignment film may be used as the alignment film. Further, when an alignment method using no rubbing (for example, a method of aligning by light) is used, a more uniform alignment film can be obtained. Since the alignment can be obtained, the contrast is improved. Furthermore, a uniform cell thickness can be obtained by using a method other than the spacer spraying method (for example, a method of forming columns with resin) as the cell thickness forming method.

[0116]

As described above, according to the present invention, since a lateral electric field is sufficiently applied to both electrode bodies, the liquid crystal molecules on both electrode bodies also operate to improve display characteristics. Can be planned.

Further, it is possible to suppress the light from being blocked by the electrode portion, and thereby the aperture ratio is greatly improved, so that the display can be brightened.

In addition, since the aperture ratio does not decrease even if the interval between the electrode portions is narrowed, the interval between the electrode portions can be narrowed, thereby providing an excellent effect that the response of the liquid crystal can be accelerated.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a top view schematically showing a structure of a liquid crystal panel according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an operation state of the liquid crystal panel in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a top view schematically showing a structure of a liquid crystal panel in a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an operation state of the liquid crystal panel in the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a graph showing an outline when an electric field applied to the liquid crystal panel of the second embodiment is simulated.

FIG. 9 is a graph showing the relationship between the apex angle of the apex of the triangular shape and the strength of the electric field in the lateral direction 2 μm inside the electrode end.

FIG. 10 is a graph showing a relationship between an aperture ratio and a pixel pitch of a liquid crystal panel manufactured in a conventional manner and liquid crystal panels manufactured in Embodiments 1 and 2.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of a liquid crystal panel according to Embodiment 3.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of a liquid crystal panel according to another example of the third embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of a liquid crystal panel according to yet another example of the third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of a liquid crystal panel according to Embodiment 4.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of a liquid crystal panel according to another example of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional shape of a pixel electrode portion or a counter electrode portion in Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of a liquid crystal panel according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of a liquid crystal panel according to another example in the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a graph showing a relationship between a ratio of an upper side to a lower side of a cross-sectional shape of a pixel electrode portion or a counter electrode portion in Embodiment 5 and contrast.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of a liquid crystal panel according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of a liquid crystal panel according to another example of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a top view schematically showing the structure of a conventional liquid crystal panel.

FIG. 23 is a sectional view taken along line DD of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an operation state of a conventional liquid crystal panel.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an operation state of another conventional liquid crystal panel.

FIG. 26 is a graph showing an outline when an electric field applied to a conventional liquid crystal panel is simulated.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Glass substrate 2 Glass substrate 4 Scan signal line 6 Counter electrode part 7 Video signal line 7a Source 8 Pixel electrode part 9 Semiconductor layer 10a Insulating film 10b Insulating film 13a Contact hole 13b Contact hole 13c Contact hole 14 Drain 15 Insulating film 16 Transparent insulating Layer 17 Transparent insulating layer 18 Counter electrode part 19 Pixel electrode part 20 Lead 21 Lead 22 Counter electrode body 23 Pixel electrode body

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Hirofumi Yamakita 1006 Kazuma Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture F-term (reference) 2H092 GA14 JA26 JA29 JA38 JA42 JB11 JB13 JB23 JB32 JB51 JB57 JB63 JB69 KA05 KA07 KA07 KA16 KA16 KA16 KA18 KB25 MA05 MA08 MA14 MA15 MA16 MA18 MA19 MA20 MA35 MA37 MA41 NA07 NA25 PA06 PA12 QA06 QA18 5C094 AA06 AA13 BA43 CA19 CA24 DA13 EA04 EA07 ED03 FA10 GA10 GB01 HA03 HA08 JA08

Claims (16)

[Claims] An image display device comprising: a pair of substrates; a liquid crystal sealed between the substrates; and a pixel electrode portion of a pixel electrode body and a counter electrode of a counter electrode body on a surface of one of the pair of substrates. And a liquid crystal display element having a liquid crystal panel that changes the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules by generating a lateral electric field on the substrate surface, wherein at least one of the pixel electrode portion and the counter electrode portion is formed. A liquid crystal display device characterized in that the cross-sectional shape in the horizontal electric field direction is tapered and transparent. 2. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein an electrode interval between the pixel electrode portion and the counter electrode portion is restricted to 6 μm or less. 3. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein the pixel electrode portion or the counter electrode portion has a triangular cross section in the horizontal electric field direction. 4. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein the pixel electrode portion or the counter electrode portion has a trapezoidal cross section in the horizontal electric field direction. 5. The liquid crystal display according to claim 1, wherein the pixel electrode portion and the counter electrode portion are formed on an insulating film, and the pixel electrode portion and the counter electrode portion are located on the same plane. element. 6. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 5, wherein said insulating film has a thickness of 1 μm or more. 7. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 5, wherein said insulating film comprises a color filter layer. 8. A pixel electrode portion of a pixel electrode body and a counter electrode of a counter electrode body on a surface of one of the pair of substrates, the substrate including a pair of substrates and liquid crystal sealed between the substrates. And a liquid crystal display element having a liquid crystal panel that changes the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules by generating a lateral electric field on the substrate surface, wherein at least one of the pixel electrode portion and the counter electrode portion is formed. And a liquid crystal display element comprising a transparent conductive layer formed on a transparent insulating layer having a tapered cross section in a horizontal electric field direction. 9. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 8, wherein an electrode interval between the pixel electrode portion and the counter electrode portion is regulated to 6 μm or less. 10. The transparent insulating layer has a triangular cross section in the horizontal electric field direction.
The liquid crystal display element as described in the above. 11. A cross-sectional shape of the transparent insulating layer in a horizontal electric field direction is a trapezoidal shape.
The liquid crystal display element as described in the above. 12. The transparent insulating layer is formed on an insulating film, and a pixel electrode portion and a counter electrode portion formed on the transparent insulating layer are located on the same plane. The liquid crystal display element as described in the above. 13. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 12, wherein said insulating film has a thickness of 1 μm or more. 14. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 12, wherein said insulating film comprises a color filter layer. 15. A liquid crystal display device comprising: a pair of substrates; a liquid crystal sealed between the substrates; and a pixel electrode portion of a pixel electrode body and a counter electrode of a counter electrode body on a surface of one of the pair of substrates. And a liquid crystal display device having a liquid crystal panel that changes the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules by generating a horizontal electric field on the surface of the substrate. A first step of forming an electrode portion and a pixel electrode portion constituting the pixel electrode body; and forming at least one of the counter electrode portion and the pixel electrode portion such that a cross-sectional shape in a horizontal electric field direction has a taper. Forming a liquid crystal display element. 16. A liquid crystal display device comprising: a pair of substrates; a liquid crystal sealed between the substrates; and a pixel electrode portion of a pixel electrode body and a counter electrode of a counter electrode body on a surface of one of the pair of substrates. And a liquid crystal display device having a liquid crystal panel that changes the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules by generating a horizontal electric field on the surface of the substrate. A first step of forming a transparent insulating layer at a position where at least one of an electrode portion and a pixel electrode portion forming the pixel electrode body is formed; and a cross-sectional shape of the transparent insulating layer in a horizontal electric field direction having a taper. And a third step of forming at least one of the counter electrode portion and the pixel electrode portion in a film on the transparent insulating layer. Elemental Production method.