JP2003057644A - Liquid crystal display and electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To effectively use both illumination light and external light as light contributing to brightness when an observer observes a display surface. An illumination device that irradiates light from the outer surface side of an upper substrate, and an illumination device that is provided on a lower substrate side of a liquid crystal layer and irradiates illumination light emitted from the illumination device in a direction substantially normal to the substrate surface. The liquid crystal display device includes a reflective layer 9 that reflects light and reflects external light incident from the outer surface side of the upper substrate 3 in a direction substantially normal to the substrate surface.

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 and electronic equipment, and more particularly, to effectively utilize both illumination light and external light as light that contributes to brightness when an observer observes a display surface. The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device capable of providing a bright display surface and an electronic apparatus including the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Liquid crystal display devices are widely used for display units of electronic devices such as touch panels and mobile phones. And, in such a liquid crystal display device, conventionally,
It is required to improve the brightness of the display surface. In order to meet this demand, there has been proposed a reflective plate for a reflective liquid crystal display device capable of concentrating reflected light in a specific angle range.

[0003]

However, even in the reflection type liquid crystal display device having the above-mentioned reflection plate, there are cases where a sufficiently bright display surface cannot be obtained. In particular, in the case of a reflective liquid crystal display device that visually recognizes the display by using only external light obtained from natural light or indoor illumination light, the display surface becomes dark when the surrounding brightness is insufficient, and therefore, in a dark place. It was difficult to see the display.

Further, as a liquid crystal display device, an illuminating device (front light) is provided on the front side of a liquid crystal panel constituting the liquid crystal display device, and in a bright place, only external light is emitted as in the reflection type liquid crystal display device. There is a device in which the display is visually recognized by utilizing the illumination light emitted from the illumination device in a dark place. That is, this liquid crystal display device uses external light and illumination light in accordance with the brightness of the surroundings, thereby reducing power consumption and enabling clear display even when the surroundings are dark. However, even in the liquid crystal display device provided with such an illuminating device, it is required to further improve the brightness of the display surface.

In order to meet this demand, for example, a liquid crystal display device including both the above-mentioned reflector and the illuminating device can be considered. However, the light that is effectively used by the reflector is light corresponding to the incident angle that is incident on the reflector that is set in the design stage, and therefore, the ambient light and the illumination light in the liquid crystal display device including the illumination device are different from each other. It is difficult to effectively use both of them as light that contributes to the brightness when an observer observes the display surface. That is, since the incident angles of the external light and the illumination light that are incident on the reflector are different,
Either the external light or the illuminating light is effectively used because it can be reflected by the reflector and concentrated in the direction in which the observer views the display surface, while the other light is reflected by the reflector. Even if it is reflected by, the observer cannot concentrate in the direction of observing the display surface, so that it is not effectively used.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and in a liquid crystal display device provided with an illuminating device, when an observer observes both illumination light and external light on a display surface. It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid crystal display device that can be effectively used as light that contributes to brightness and that provides a bright display surface. Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic apparatus including a liquid crystal display device which can obtain the bright display surface.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following constitutions. A liquid crystal display device of the present invention is a liquid crystal display device having a pair of substrates, an upper substrate and a lower substrate facing each other, and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the pair of substrates, the outer surface side of the upper substrate. An illumination device that emits light from the illumination device, and the illumination light that is provided on the lower substrate side with respect to the liquid crystal layer and that reflects the illumination light emitted from the illumination device in the substantially normal direction of the substrate surface, and the outer surface side of the upper substrate. And a reflection layer that reflects external light incident on the substrate in a direction substantially normal to the surface of the substrate.

In the present invention, "substantially normal direction of substrate surface"
Is ± 1 with respect to the direction normal to the surfaces of the pair of substrates.
It means a range of about 5 degrees.

Such a liquid crystal display device is provided with an illuminating device which emits light from the outer surface side of the upper substrate, and an illuminating light which is provided on the lower substrate side of the liquid crystal layer and is emitted from the illuminating device to the substrate. Since it is provided with a reflection layer that reflects in a substantially normal direction of the surface and reflects external light incident from the outer surface side of the upper substrate in a substantially normal direction of the substrate surface,
When both the illumination light and the external light are reflected by the reflective layer, they are emitted in a direction substantially normal to the substrate surface. The external light as referred to in the present invention means light that is incident from the outer surface side of the upper substrate of the liquid crystal display device at about 30 ° in the normal direction of the substrate. In general, the direction of the substantially normal line of the substrate surface is the direction in which the observer observes the display surface, so that according to the above-mentioned liquid crystal display device, after the illumination light and the external light are reflected by the reflective layer, the observer displays The light will be condensed in the direction of observing the surface. Therefore, both the illumination light and the external light can be effectively used as light that contributes to the brightness when the observer observes the display surface, and a bright display surface can be obtained.

Further, since the above-mentioned liquid crystal display device is provided with the illuminating device for irradiating the light from the outer surface side of the upper substrate, the difference between the incident angles of the external light and the illuminating light incident on the reflection layer is small. Will be things. Therefore, even if the reflection surface of the reflective layer that reflects the illumination light and the reflection surface that reflects the external light are the same, the illumination light and the external light can be reflected in substantially the same direction, and the illumination light also It is possible to easily form a reflective layer capable of reflecting external light in the direction substantially normal to the surface of the substrate.

Further, in the above liquid crystal display device, the reflection layer has an illumination light reflecting surface that reflects the illumination light in a direction normal to the substrate surface, and the external light in a direction normal to the substrate surface. It is desirable to have an external light reflecting surface for reflecting the light. By using such a liquid crystal display device, the emitted light obtained by reflecting the illumination light on the illumination light reflection surface and the emitted light obtained by reflecting the external light on the external light reflection surface are accurately measured on the substrate surface. The light can be condensed in a substantially normal direction, that is, in the direction in which the observer observes the display surface, and the amount of light emitted in a direction other than the direction in which the observer observes the display surface can be extremely reduced. Therefore, both illumination light and external light can be used more effectively, and a very bright display surface can be obtained.

Further, in the above liquid crystal display device, it is desirable that the reflection layer is provided on the inner surface side of the lower substrate. In the above liquid crystal display device, the reflective layer may be provided on the outer surface side of the lower substrate, but it is desirable that it be provided on the inner surface side of the lower substrate. In the liquid crystal display device in which the reflective layer is provided on the inner surface side of the lower substrate, illumination light and external light do not pass through the lower substrate before and after being reflected by the reflective layer.

Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the parallax caused by the illumination light or the external light passing through the lower substrate, and it is possible to realize a liquid crystal display device having excellent display quality. Further, since the light amount does not decrease due to the illumination light and the external light passing through the lower substrate, both the illumination light and the external light can be used more effectively, and a brighter display surface can be obtained. Furthermore, since the choice of materials for forming the lower substrate is widened, it is possible to select a more suitable material according to the application of the liquid crystal display device, and it is possible to realize a more excellent liquid crystal display device.

Further, in the above liquid crystal display device, the illumination light reflection surface and the external light reflection surface are provided in a region excluding a region that planarly overlaps between pixels constituting the display region. Is desirable. According to such a liquid crystal display device, the illumination light reflection surface and the external light reflection surface are areas (hereinafter,
It is called an "inter-pixel area". ) Will not be provided. Therefore, even if the reflective layer is provided also in the inter-pixel region and the illumination light or the external light is reflected by the reflective layer provided in the inter-pixel region, it is provided in the inter-pixel region. The emitted light reflected by the reflecting layer is a light amount in a direction that causes deterioration of display quality of the liquid crystal display device, that is, in a direction substantially normal to the substrate surface (direction in which an observer views the display surface). Will be less.
As a result, a bright liquid crystal display device having high display quality can be realized.

Further, as a general method for preventing illumination light or external light from entering the inter-pixel region, a light shielding film called a black stripe (BS) or a black matrix (B) is used.
There is a method of providing a light-shielding film called M) in the inter-pixel region of the liquid crystal display device. However, in the above-mentioned liquid crystal display device, the illumination light or the external light is reflected by the reflective layer in the inter-pixel region as described above. Even if the light-shielding film is not provided, a light-shielding film is provided even if the light-shielding film is not provided because the emitted light reflected by the reflective layer in the inter-pixel region has a small amount of light in the direction that causes deterioration of display quality. It is possible to obtain an effect comparable to that obtained when

Further, in the above-mentioned liquid crystal display device, it is desirable that the reflective layer is provided in a region excluding a region which overlaps with each pixel constituting the display region in a plane. According to such a liquid crystal display device, since the reflective layer is not provided in the inter-pixel region, the illumination light and the external light are not reflected by the reflective layer in the inter-pixel region, and the reflective layer is provided in the inter-pixel region. The display quality does not deteriorate due to the emitted light obtained by being reflected by. Therefore, it is possible to realize a liquid crystal display device having further excellent display quality. Even if the light-shielding film is not provided, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that obtained when the light-shielding film is provided.

In the above liquid crystal display device, the reflective layer is provided with a plurality of convex portions having a wedge shape in cross section, and the convex portions include the illumination light reflecting surface and the external light reflecting surface. It may have a two-step inclined surface. In the above liquid crystal display device, the reflective layer is provided with a plurality of wedge-shaped projections in cross section, and the projections have a two-step inclined surface including an illumination light reflection surface and an external light reflection surface. , When external light and illumination light are incident on the reflective layer at incident angles concentrated in a narrow range, respectively, the emitted light and external light obtained by reflecting the illumination light on the illumination light reflection surface are reflected on the external light reflection surface. The emitted light obtained by the reflection can be condensed very efficiently in the substantially normal direction of the substrate surface, that is, the direction in which the observer observes the display surface, and the direction in which the observer observes the display surface. The amount of light emitted in other directions can be extremely reduced, and both illumination light and external light can be used very efficiently and effectively.

In the above liquid crystal display device, the reflective layer is provided with a plurality of convex portions having a curved surface.
The convex portion reflects the illumination light emitted from the lighting device in a substantially normal direction of the substrate surface, and reflects the external light incident from the outer surface side of the upper substrate in a substantially normal direction of the substrate surface. It may be allowed to. In such a liquid crystal display device, when external light or illumination light is incident on the reflective layer over a wide range of incident angles, or when external light or illumination light is composed of a plurality of light sources having different incident angles incident on the reflective layer. It is especially suitable when there is.

In the liquid crystal display device described above, since the reflective layer is provided with a plurality of convex portions having a curved surface, the incident angle at which external light or illumination light is incident on the reflective layer is wide. When external light or illumination light is composed of a plurality of light sources with different incident angles incident on the reflective layer, the emitted light and the external light obtained by reflecting the illumination light on the reflective layer are reflected on the reflective layer. The emitted light obtained can be condensed very efficiently in the substantially normal direction of the substrate surface, that is, in the direction in which the observer observes the display surface, and in a direction other than the direction in which the observer observes the display surface. It is possible to extremely reduce the amount of light emitted to, and it is possible to effectively and effectively use both illumination light and external light.

In addition, it is preferable that the liquid crystal display device further includes an underlayer provided on the lower substrate side with respect to the reflective layer and having a convex portion having a wedge shape in cross section or a curved surface. In such a liquid crystal display device, by forming a reflection film on the underlayer, the above reflection layer provided with a convex portion having a wedge shape in cross section or a curved surface can be easily and accurately formed. .

Further, in the above liquid crystal display device, it is desirable that the area of the illumination light reflecting surface is set according to the light amount distribution of the illumination light within the display surface. In such a liquid crystal display device, since the area of the illumination light reflecting surface is set according to the light quantity distribution of the illumination light in the display surface, the light quantity distribution of the illumination light in the display surface and the area of the illumination light reflecting surface. By adjusting the ratio, it is possible to adjust the light amount distribution in the display surface of the emitted light obtained by reflecting the illumination light on the illumination light reflecting surface.

Therefore, according to the above-mentioned liquid crystal display device, even if the light quantity distribution of the illumination light in the display surface is non-uniform, the area of the illumination light reflecting surface of the portion where the light quantity of the illumination light is small is set to the illumination light. By making the area larger than the area of the illumination light reflection surface of the portion with a large amount of light, it is possible to average the light quantity distribution in the display surface of the emitted light that is obtained by reflecting the illumination light on the illumination light reflection surface, making it uniform. It is possible to obtain a display surface with various brightness. In addition, it is possible to obtain a display surface with partially different brightness depending on the application and design of the liquid crystal display device, so it is possible to realize various display surfaces corresponding to the application and design. is there.

Further, in the above liquid crystal display device, a color filter is provided which is provided on the upper substrate side with respect to the reflection layer and in which a plurality of dye layers of different colors that form a display area are arranged, and the illumination light is provided. The area of the reflecting surface may be different between a region of the dye layer that overlaps with a dye layer of at least one color in a plane and a region that overlaps with a dye layer of another color in a plane.

In such a liquid crystal display device, the color filter is changed by changing the area of the illuminating light reflecting surface and changing the light amount distribution in the display surface of the outgoing light obtained by reflecting the illuminating light reflecting surface. It is possible to adjust the color characteristics of the transmitted light obtained by transmission. Therefore, according to the liquid crystal display device described above, even if the illumination light is colored, it is possible to correct the color by transmitting the light through the color filter, so that the color reproducibility can be improved. Therefore, it is possible to realize a color liquid crystal display device which is bright and has good color development and excellent display quality.

Further, in the above liquid crystal display device, a color filter provided on the upper substrate side with respect to the reflection layer and in which a plurality of dye layers of different colors forming a display area are arranged is provided, and the external light is provided. The area of the reflecting surface may be different between a region of the dye layer that overlaps with a dye layer of at least one color in a plane and a region that overlaps with a dye layer of another color in a plane.

In such a liquid crystal display device, the color filter is changed by changing the area of the external light reflecting surface and changing the light amount distribution of the outgoing light obtained by reflecting the external light reflecting surface on the display surface. It is possible to adjust the color characteristics of the transmitted light obtained by transmission. Therefore, according to the liquid crystal display device described above, even if the external light is colored, it is possible to correct the color by transmitting the light through the color filter, thereby improving the color reproducibility. Therefore, it is possible to realize a color liquid crystal display device which is bright and has good color development and excellent display quality.

In the above liquid crystal display device, it is desirable that a light scattering means is provided between the reflective layer and the liquid crystal layer. Since such a liquid crystal display device is provided with a light scattering means between the reflective layer and the liquid crystal layer, the illumination light and the external light reflected by the reflective layer are scattered, and a brighter display surface is obtained. Is obtained.

Further, in the above liquid crystal display device, it is desirable that the illuminating device includes a line light source. Since such a liquid crystal display device is provided with the line light source, it is possible to align the direction in which the illumination light is irradiated with the direction orthogonal to the direction in which the line light source extends, and to reflect in the direction in which the line light source extends. The cross-sectional shapes of the layers can be the same, and an observer does not feel discomfort due to the shape of the reflective layer when observing the display surface, and an excellent display surface can be obtained.

In the above liquid crystal display device, it is preferable that the line light source includes a point light source and a light diffusing means for diffusing emitted light emitted from the point light source. Such a liquid crystal display device is provided with a point light source and a light diffusing means. For example, if a light emitting diode (LED) is used as the point light source and a prism is used as the light diffusing means, the power consumption is set to be small. Even so, a bright lighting device can be obtained.

Further, in the above liquid crystal display device, it is desirable that the linear light source is a cold cathode tube. Since such a liquid crystal display device includes a cold cathode tube, a uniform linear light source can be easily obtained.

In order to achieve the above object, an electronic apparatus of the present invention is equipped with any one of the above liquid crystal display devices. With such an electronic device, both the illumination light and the external light can be effectively used, and the electronic device can be provided with a liquid crystal display device that can obtain a bright display surface.

[0032]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment: Liquid Crystal Display Device) This embodiment is an example of an active matrix liquid crystal display device using a TFT as a switching element, and the incident angles at which external light and illumination light are incident on the reflective layer are respectively. It is particularly suitable when concentrated in a narrow range. FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing an example of the liquid crystal display device of the present invention. Also, FIG.
[FIG. 2] is a view for explaining a cross-sectional structure of a liquid crystal panel that constitutes the liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 1, and is a partial cross-sectional view showing a part of the liquid crystal panel in an enlarged manner. And in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a cross-sectional shape of a reflective electrode that constitutes the liquid crystal panel shown in FIG. 2, and is a partial cross-sectional view showing an enlarged part of a base layer and a reflective electrode. In the following drawings, in order to make the drawings easier to see, the film thickness and the dimensional ratio of each component are appropriately changed.

The liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 1 has a liquid crystal panel 1 and the front side of the liquid crystal panel 1 (the outer surface side of the upper substrate 3).
And a front light (illumination device) 5 arranged in the. In the liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 1, the front light 5 side is the side on which the observer observes the display surface (the upper side in FIG. 1), and the line light source 51 side forming the front light 5 is displayed by the observer. It is the upper side (the right side in FIG. 1) when observing the surface.

The front light 5 emits light from the outer surface side of the upper substrate 3, and includes a linear light source 51 and a light guide plate 52 as shown in FIG. The line light source 51 includes a light emitting diode (LED) (corresponding to a “point light source” in the claims) and a prism (“light diffusion” in the claims) for diffusing emitted light emitted from the light emitting diode (LED). Corresponding to "means"). Further, the liquid crystal panel 1 is provided with a TN (Twis) in a space sandwiched between a lower substrate 2 and an upper substrate 3 which are arranged to face each other.
ted Nematic) A liquid crystal layer 4 made of liquid crystal or the like is sandwiched between the liquid crystal layer 4 and the structure.

The upper substrate 3 is made of glass, resin, or the like. The inner surface of the upper substrate 3 is, as shown in FIG.
A color filter 20 in which a plurality of dye layers 21R and 21G forming a display area are arranged is laminated. The color filter 20 includes a red dye layer 21R, a green dye layer 21G, and a blue dye layer (not shown). A transparent flattening film 22 made of an inorganic film such as a resin film of acrylic or polyimide or a silicon oxide film for flattening the unevenness formed by the color filter 20 is laminated under the color filter 20. Has been done. Under the flattening film 22, a counter electrode 7 made of a transparent conductive film such as indium tin oxide (hereinafter abbreviated as “ITO”) is provided over the entire surface. An alignment film 25 made of polyimide or the like is provided on the lower side so as to cover the counter electrode 7.

The lower substrate 2 is made of glass, resin, or the like, and on the inner surface side of the lower substrate 2, as shown in FIG. 2, a pixel switching TFT 10, a base layer 6,
A reflective electrode 9 (corresponding to “reflection layer” in claims), a light scattering layer 8 (corresponding to “light scattering means” in claims), and an alignment film 15 are provided. There is.

The pixel switching TFT 10 is formed in each of a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix on the display surface and controls the switching of the reflective electrode 9 provided in each pixel. It is provided at 9 adjacent positions. Pixel switching TFT
As shown in FIG. 2, reference numeral 10 includes a scanning line 13, a semiconductor layer 11 in which a channel is formed by an electric field from the scanning line 13, an insulating thin film 12 that insulates the scanning line 13 from the semiconductor layer 11, and a data line 26. ing. In the case of the liquid crystal display device of the present embodiment, the data line 26 is electrically connected to the source region 11d of the semiconductor layer 11 made of, for example, a polysilicon film via the contact hole 17. Further, the reflective electrode 9 is the drain region 11e of the semiconductor layer 11.
Are electrically connected to each other via the drain electrode 16 in the contact hole 18. Further, in the semiconductor layer 11, the scanning line 13 arranged so as to face the channel region 11a functions as a gate electrode at a portion facing the channel region 11a.

A base layer 6 made of a photosensitive resist (photosensitive resin) is provided on the pixel switching TFT 10 and on the inner surface of the lower substrate 2. The cross-sectional shape of the base layer 6 has the same shape in the direction in which the linear light source 51 extends. As shown in FIG. 3, the base layer 6 has a plurality of convex portions 6a having a wedge shape in cross section. Also, the convex portion 6a
Is an inclined surface 6b for illumination light that is inclined in a direction that reflects the illumination light L1 in the normal direction H of the substrate surface, and an inclination for external light that is inclined in a direction that reflects the external light L2 in the normal direction H of the substrate surface. Face 6
It has a two-step inclined surface consisting of c and c. The angle of the illumination light inclined surface 6b is determined according to the irradiation direction of the illumination light L1, and the angle of the external light inclined surface 6c is determined according to the irradiation direction of the external light L2. The area of the illuminating light inclined surface 6b is set in the same manner as the illuminating light reflecting surface 9b of the reflective electrode 9 described later, and the area of the external light inclined surface 6c is set to the external light reflective surface of the reflective electrode 9 described later. It is set in the same manner as 9c.

Further, in FIG. 2, reference numeral A indicates an area (inter-pixel area) which overlaps with the pixels constituting the display area in a plane. The inter-pixel region A is a region for electrically connecting the drain region 11e of the pixel switching TFT 10 and the reflective electrode 9 (hereinafter, “contact region”).
Say. ) A2 and a region other than the contact region A2 in the inter-pixel region A, which is a pixel switching TFT
10 data lines 26 and scanning lines 13 are formed in the area (hereinafter referred to as "wiring area") A1.

As shown in FIG. 2, in a region on the underlayer 6 excluding the wiring region A1, a reflective electrode made of a metal film such as aluminum or silver having a high light reflectance so as to cover the surface of the underlayer 6. 9 is provided. The reflective electrode 9 functions as a pixel electrode that supplies an image signal to the liquid crystal layer 4, reflects the illumination light L1 emitted from the front light 5 in a direction H substantially normal to the substrate surface, and also serves as an outer surface of the upper substrate 3. It has a function as a reflection layer that reflects the external light L2 incident from the side in the substantially normal direction H of the substrate surface. The shape of the reflective electrode 9 is the same as that of the base layer 6, and the sectional shape of the reflective electrode 9 is the same in the direction in which the linear light source 51 extends. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of convex portions 9a having a wedge shape in cross section are provided in a region excluding the contact region A2 of the reflective electrode 9, that is, a region excluding all inter-pixel regions A. As shown in FIG. 3, the convex portion 9a has an illumination light reflection surface 9 that reflects the illumination light L1 in the normal direction H of the substrate surface.
b, and an external light reflection surface 9c that reflects the external light L2 in the normal direction H of the substrate surface.

Area B of the illumination light reflecting surface 9b of the reflecting electrode 9
Is set according to the light amount distribution of the illumination light L1 on the display surface. Specifically, the area of the illumination light reflection surface 9b is larger than the area of the illumination light reflection surface 9b in the portion where the light quantity of the illumination light L1 is large in the portion where the light quantity of the illumination light L1 is small. Further, the illumination light reflection surface 9b of the reflection electrode 9
The area B of the area is a region R that overlaps with the red dye layer 21R in a plane and a region G that overlaps with the green dye layer 21G in a plane.
Areas (not shown) that overlap with the blue dye layer in a plane are set to be different from each other. The area C of the external light reflection surface 9c is also the same as the area B of the illumination light reflection surface 9b.
A region R that planarly overlaps the red dye layer 21R, a region G that planarly overlaps the green dye layer 21G, and a region (not shown) that planarly overlaps the blue dye layer are set to be different from each other. Has been done.

An alignment film 15 made of polyimide or the like is provided on the reflective electrode 9.

Next, a method of manufacturing the liquid crystal display device shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 will be described. First, a method of manufacturing the liquid crystal panel 1 that constitutes the liquid crystal display device will be described. LCD panel 1
As a method for manufacturing the lower substrate 2, for example, a substrate made of glass, resin, or the like to be the lower substrate 2 is prepared, and the pixel switching TFT 10 is formed in the same manner as the conventional manufacturing method. After that, a positive type photosensitive resist OFPR-800 (trade name, manufactured by Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd.) is applied on the pixel switching TFT 10 and the inner surface of the lower substrate 2 by using, for example, a spin coater. Then, calcination is performed at a temperature of 90 ° C. for 10 minutes.

Next, for example, after exposing using a gray mask, a convex portion made of a photosensitive resist is formed by a method of developing using a developing solution NMD-W (trade name, manufactured by Tokyo Ohka). The area of the illumination light inclined surface 6b and the illumination light reflection surface 9b is controlled by controlling the formation position and shape of the convex portion 6a in the underlayer 6 by the pattern shape and the light transmittance of the gray mask used at this time. And the areas of the external light inclined surface 6c and the external light reflecting surface 9c are set. After that, main baking is performed at a temperature of 250 ° C. to completely cure the photosensitive resist, thereby having a convex portion 6a having a wedge shape in cross-section, and the convex portion 6a has an illuminating light inclined surface 6b and an external light inclined surface. Underlayer 6 having a two-step inclined surface composed of 6c
Is formed.

Subsequently, the underlying layer 6 is locally removed by photolithography, and the pixel switching TFT 1
A contact hole 18 for electrically connecting the 0 drain region 11e and the reflective electrode 9 is formed.

Then, a metal film having a high light reflectance such as aluminum or silver is formed on the surface of the underlayer 6 and patterned to form a metal film in the inter-pixel region A except for the wiring region A1. A reflection electrode 9 having a two-stage inclined surface having a wedge-shaped convex portion 9a in cross-sectional view in the area excluding the inter-area A, and the convex portion 9a including an illumination light reflecting surface 9b and an external light reflecting surface 9c is formed. It At this time, the metal film provided on the illumination light inclined surface 6b of the underlayer 6 becomes the illumination light reflecting surface 9b, and the metal film provided on the outside light inclined surface 6c of the underlayer 6 is the outside light reflecting surface. 9c.

Thereafter, similarly to the conventional manufacturing method, a polyimide film or the like is formed on the upper side of the light scattering layer 8 and subjected to a rubbing treatment to form the alignment film 15.

On the other hand, as a method of manufacturing the upper substrate 3 side of the liquid crystal panel 1, for example, a substrate made of glass, resin or the like to be the upper substrate 3 is prepared, and the same method as the conventional manufacturing method is used.
After forming the color filter 20, a flattening film 22 made of a resin film such as acrylic or polyimide or an inorganic film such as a silicon oxide film is formed. Next, the flattening film 2
The light scattering layer 8 is formed by providing a layer in which beads are mixed on the layer 2.

Then, similarly to the conventional manufacturing method, a transparent conductive film such as an ITO film is formed on the flattening film 22 and patterned to form the counter electrode 7. Then, an alignment film 25 made of polyimide or the like that has been rubbed is formed by the same method as that for the alignment film 15 on the lower substrate 2 side.

After that, the upper substrate 3 and the lower substrate 2 are attached to each other with a sealing material interposed therebetween, and the TN is provided between the upper substrate 3 and the lower substrate 2.
The liquid crystal layer 4 is formed by injecting liquid crystal such as liquid crystal. The liquid crystal panel 1 is completed through the above steps. A front light including a linear light source 51 including a light emitting diode (LED) and a prism and a light guide plate 52 on the front surface side (outer surface side of the upper substrate 3) of the liquid crystal panel 1 thus obtained. By disposing the liquid crystal display device 5, the liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 1 is completed.

In such a liquid crystal display device, the illumination light L1 emitted from the front light 5 is emitted in the substantially normal direction H of the substrate surface when reflected by the reflective electrode 9. Further, external light L2 incident from the outer surface side of the upper substrate 3 is also emitted in a substantially normal direction H of the substrate surface when reflected by the reflective electrode 9. Generally, the substantially normal direction H of the substrate surface is the direction in which the observer views the display surface. Therefore, according to the liquid crystal display device of the present embodiment, both the illumination light L1 and the external light L2 are reflected by the reflective electrode 9. After that, the light is focused in the direction in which the viewer views the display surface. Therefore, both the illumination light L1 and the external light L2 can be effectively used as light that contributes to the brightness when the observer observes the display surface, and a bright display surface can be obtained.

Further, in such a liquid crystal display device, the reflection electrode 9 has an illumination light reflecting surface 9b for reflecting the illumination light L1 in the normal direction H of the substrate surface, and the external light L2 in the normal direction H of the substrate surface.
Since the external light reflecting surface 9c that reflects the external light is provided, the outgoing light obtained by reflecting the illumination light L1 on the illumination light reflecting surface 9b and the outgoing light obtained by reflecting the external light L2 on the external light reflecting surface 9c. And can be accurately focused in the direction H substantially normal to the substrate surface, that is, the direction in which the observer observes the display surface, and the amount of light emitted in a direction other than the direction in which the observer observes the display surface. Can be very small. Therefore, both the illumination light L1 and the outside light L2 can be used more effectively, and a very bright display surface can be obtained.

Furthermore, since the reflective electrode 9 is provided on the inner surface side of the lower substrate 2, the illumination light L1 and the external light L2 do not pass through the lower substrate 2 before and after being reflected by the reflective electrode 9. Therefore, the parallax caused by the illumination light L1 and the external light L2 passing through the lower substrate 2 can be eliminated, and a liquid crystal display device having excellent display quality can be realized. Moreover, since the illumination light L1 and the external light L2 do not decrease in the amount of light due to transmission through the lower substrate 2, the illumination light L1 and the external light L2
Both can be utilized more effectively, and a brighter display surface can be obtained.

In the area excluding the contact area A2 of the reflective electrode 9, that is, in the area excluding all the inter-pixel areas A,
Since the plurality of convex portions 9a having a wedge shape in cross section are provided, the illumination light reflecting surface 9b and the external light reflecting surface 9c are not provided in the inter-pixel region A. Therefore, even if the illumination light L1 and the external light L2 are reflected by the reflective electrode 9 provided in the contact area A2 of the inter-pixel area A, the reflective electrode 9 provided in the contact area A2.
The emitted light that is obtained by being reflected by the liquid crystal display device has a small amount of light in the direction that causes the deterioration of the display quality of the liquid crystal display device, that is, in the substantially normal direction H of the substrate surface (the direction in which the viewer views the display surface). Becomes As a result, a bright liquid crystal display device having high display quality can be realized. Even if the light-shielding film is not provided, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that obtained when the light-shielding film is provided.

Further, the reflecting electrode 9 is provided with a plurality of convex portions 9a having a wedge-shaped cross section, and the convex portions 9a have a two-step inclined surface composed of an illumination light reflecting surface 9b and an external light reflecting surface 9c. Therefore, in particular, when the incident angles of the external light L1 and the illumination light L2 entering the reflective electrode 9 are concentrated in narrow ranges, respectively, the emitted light obtained by reflecting the illumination light L1 on the illumination light reflecting surface 9b is obtained. And the emitted light obtained by reflecting the external light L2 on the external light reflection surface 9c can be condensed very efficiently in the substantially normal direction H of the substrate surface, that is, in the direction in which the observer views the display surface. In addition, the amount of light emitted in a direction other than the direction in which the observer views the display surface can be extremely reduced, and both the illumination light L1 and the external light L2 can be used very efficiently and effectively.

Further, since this liquid crystal display device is provided with the underlayer 6 having the convex portion 6a having a wedge-shaped cross section on the lower substrate 2 side of the reflective electrode 9, a metal film is formed on the underlayer 6. The reflective electrode 9 provided with the convex portion 9a having a wedge shape in cross section can be easily and accurately formed.

Further, in this liquid crystal display device, the area B of the illumination light reflection surface 9b is equal to the illumination light L1 in the display surface.
Is set according to the light intensity distribution of the illumination light L1 and the area of the illumination light reflection surface 9b is larger than the area of the illumination light reflection surface 9b in the portion where the light intensity of the illumination light L1 is large. Therefore, even if the light quantity distribution of the illumination light L1 on the display surface is not uniform, the light quantity distribution on the display surface of the emitted light obtained by reflecting the illumination light L1 on the illumination light reflecting surface 9b is averaged. It is possible to obtain a display surface with uniform brightness.

In this liquid crystal display device, the reflective electrode 9
A color filter 20 in which a red dye layer 21R, a green dye layer 21G, and a blue dye layer are arranged is provided on the upper substrate 3 side, and the area B of the illumination light reflection surface 9b is the red dye layer 21R. A region R that overlaps with the green in a plane and the green dye layer 21.
Since the area G that planarly overlaps with G and the area that planarly overlaps with the blue dye layer are set to be different from each other, the area B of the illumination light reflection surface 9b is changed to change the illumination light reflection surface 9b. By changing the light amount distribution in the display surface of the emitted light obtained by being reflected by 9b, it is possible to adjust the color characteristics of the transmitted light obtained by passing through the color filter 20. Therefore, even if the illumination light L1 is colored, the color can be corrected by passing through the color filter 20, and the color reproducibility can be improved. Thus, it is possible to realize a color liquid crystal display device having excellent display quality.

Further, in this liquid crystal display device, the area C of the external light reflection surface 9c has a region R that planarly overlaps the red dye layer 21R and a region G that planarly overlaps the green dye layer 21G. The area that overlaps with the blue dye layer in a plane is set to be different from each other.
By changing the area C of c and changing the light amount distribution in the display surface of the outgoing light obtained by reflecting it on the external light reflecting surface 9c, the color characteristics of the transmitted light obtained by passing through the color filter 20 can be obtained. Can be adjusted. Therefore,
Even if the external light L2 is colored, the color can be corrected by passing through the color filter 20, and the color reproducibility can be improved.
It is possible to realize a color liquid crystal display device which is bright and has good color development and excellent display quality.

Further, in this liquid crystal display device, since the light scattering layer 8 is provided between the color filter 20 and the flattening film 22, the illumination light L1 and the external light L2 reflected by the reflective electrode 9 are scattered. And a brighter display surface can be obtained.

Further, in this liquid crystal display device, since the front light 5 is provided with the line light source 51, the direction in which the illumination light L1 is irradiated is orthogonal to the direction in which the line light source 51 extends (observer). Can be aligned in the vertical direction when observing the display surface), and the cross-sectional shape of the reflective electrode 9 is the same shape in the direction in which the linear light source 51 extends (the left-right direction when the observer observes the display surface). Therefore, an observer does not feel a sense of discomfort due to the shape of the reflective electrode 9 when observing the display surface, and an excellent display surface can be obtained.

Further, since the line light source 51 is provided with a light emitting diode (LED) and a prism for diffusing the emitted light emitted from the light emitting diode (LED), the power consumption is set to be small. It is possible to obtain a bright front light 5.

Further, in this liquid crystal display device, the reflection electrode 9 has a function as a pixel electrode and a function as a reflection layer, and also serves as a pixel electrode and a reflection layer. The manufacturing process can be simplified as compared with the case where and are provided separately.

(Second Embodiment: Liquid Crystal Display Device) This embodiment is an example of an active matrix type liquid crystal display device using a TFT as a switching element, as in the first embodiment. It is particularly suitable when the incident angle of the illumination light incident on the reflective layer is in a wide range, or when the external light or the illumination light is composed of a plurality of light sources having different incident angles incident on the reflective layer. The overall configuration of the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIGS.
Since it is the same as the embodiment described above, detailed description will be omitted.
Further, the liquid crystal display device of the present embodiment is different from the liquid crystal display device of the first embodiment only in the shapes of the underlayer and the reflective electrode. Therefore, regarding the shapes of the underlayer and the reflective electrode, FIG. This will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing only a part of the base layer and the reflective electrode in the liquid crystal display device of the second embodiment. In FIG. 4, similarly to the liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 1, the upper side is the side where the observer observes the display surface, and the right side is the upper side when the observer observes the display surface. Further, FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a part of the reflective electrode in the liquid crystal display device of the second embodiment. In FIG. 5, the front side is the side where the observer observes the display surface, and the upper side is the upper side when the observer observes the display surface.

In the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment, the underlayer 36 has a plurality of convex portions 3 each having a curved surface and a circular shape in plan view.
6a. As shown in FIG. 4, the convex portion 36a is
An illumination light inclined surface 36b that is inclined in a direction that reflects the illumination light L3 in the normal direction H of the substrate surface, and an external light inclined surface 36 that is inclined in a direction that reflects the external light L4 in the normal direction H of the substrate surface.
It has c.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, aluminum is formed on the underlayer 36 so as to cover the surface of the underlayer 36.
A reflective electrode 39 made of a metal film having a high light reflectance such as silver is provided. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the reflective electrode 39 has a plurality of convex portions 39 each having a curved surface and a circular shape in plan view.
a and the convex portion 39a has the illumination light L as shown in FIG.
Illumination light reflecting surface 39 for reflecting 3 in the normal direction H of the substrate surface
b and an external light reflecting surface 39c that reflects the external light L4 in the normal direction H of the substrate surface. Further, in FIG. 5, the arrow indicates the direction of inclination from the upper side to the lower side of the illumination light reflection surface 39b. As shown in FIG. 5, the illumination light reflection surface 39b is aligned in one direction from the bottom to the top of the display surface when viewed by an observer who observes the display surface.

Next, a method of manufacturing the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment will be described. As described above, the overall configuration of the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and therefore only the method of forming the underlayer and the reflective electrode will be described with reference to the drawings. And explain in detail. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the step of forming the underlayer, and illustrates only the underlayer that will be one of the plurality of protrusions of the reflective electrode. First, a positive type photosensitive resist OFPR-800 (trade name, manufactured by Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd.) is applied onto a glass substrate to be the lower substrate 2 by using, for example, a spin coater. Then, the photosensitive resist layer 42 is formed by performing calcination at 90 ° C. for 10 minutes.

Next, as shown in FIG.
The first exposure is performed using the mask 40 shown in (a).
Then, the photosensitive resist layer 42 is developed using the developing solution NMD-W (trade name, manufactured by Tokyo Ohka). As a result, the exposed photosensitive resist layer 42 is removed, and as shown in FIG. 6B, the convex portion 43 made of the photosensitive resist is formed. Next, as shown in FIG. 6C, a second exposure is performed using a mask 41 shown in FIG. 7B different from that used in the first exposure. The light shielding area 41a of the mask 41 used here is smaller than the light shielding area 40a of the mask 40 used in the first exposure.

Next, the convex portion 43 is developed using the developing solution NMD-W (trade name, manufactured by Tokyo Ohka). As a result, the exposed resist portion is removed, and as shown in FIG. 6D, a convex portion 44 made of a photosensitive resist having two steps is formed on the lower substrate 2. Although the example in which the development is performed every exposure is shown here, the development may be performed once after the exposure is performed twice.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6 (e), 140 ° C.
By performing heat treatment for 30 minutes at the temperature of, the convex portions 44 made of the photosensitive resist are reflowed, and the steps of the convex portions 44 are blunted to form convex portions having a gently curved surface.
After that, main baking is performed at a temperature of 250 ° C. to completely cure the photosensitive resist, thereby having a convex portion 36a having a curved surface and a circular shape in plan view, and the convex portion 36a serves as an illumination light inclined surface 36b. The underlying layer 36 shown in FIG. 4 having the inclined surface 36c for external light is formed.

Then, a metal film having a high light reflectance such as aluminum or silver is formed on the surface of the underlayer 36 and patterned in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
The surface has a curved convex portion 39a having a circular shape in plan view, and the convex portion 3a
The reflection electrode 39 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 having the illumination light reflection surface 39b and the external light reflection surface 39c is formed at 9a. At this time, the metal film provided on the illumination light inclined surface 36b of the underlayer 36 becomes the illumination light reflection surface 39b, and the metal film provided on the outside light inclined surface 36c of the underlayer 36 is the outside light reflection surface. It becomes 39c.

Also in the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment, the illumination light L3 emitted from the front light 5 is emitted in the substantially normal direction H of the substrate surface when reflected by the reflective electrode 39. In addition, external light L4 incident from the outer surface side of the upper substrate 3 is also
When reflected by the reflective electrode 9, the light is emitted in the direction H substantially normal to the surface of the substrate. That is, both the illumination light L3 and the external light L4 are reflected by the reflective electrode 3
After being reflected at 9, the light is focused in the direction in which the viewer views the display surface. Therefore, also in the liquid crystal display device of the present embodiment, both the illumination light L3 and the external light L4 can be effectively used as light that contributes to the brightness when an observer observes the display surface, and a bright display surface is obtained. can get.

Further, since the reflective electrode 39 is provided with a plurality of convex portions 39c having a curved surface, the incident angle at which the external light L4 and the illumination light L3 are incident on the reflective electrode 39 is particularly wide. In the case, or when the external light L4 and the illumination light L3 are formed by a plurality of light sources having different incident angles incident on the reflection electrode 39, the illumination light L3 is reflected by the reflection electrode 3
The outgoing light and the external light L4 obtained by being reflected by the reflection electrode 9 are reflected by the reflection electrode 3
The emitted light obtained by being reflected by 9 can be condensed very efficiently in the substantially normal direction H of the substrate surface, that is, the direction in which the observer observes the display surface, and The amount of light emitted in a direction other than the observation direction can be extremely reduced, and both the illumination light L3 and the external light L4 can be used very efficiently and effectively.

Further, in this liquid crystal display device, the reflective electrode 39
Since the lower substrate 2 side is provided with the base layer 36 having the convex portion 36a having a curved surface, the convex portion 39a having a curved surface is provided by forming a metal film on the base layer 36. The reflective electrode 39 can be formed easily and accurately.

Also in this liquid crystal display device, since the front light 5 is provided with the line light source 51, the direction in which the illumination light L3 is emitted is orthogonal to the direction in which the line light source 51 extends (observation). By arranging the illumination light reflecting surface 39b in one direction from the bottom to the top of the display surface when seen by an observer who observes the display surface, When an observer observes the display surface, the observer does not feel uncomfortable due to the shape of the reflective electrode 39, and an excellent display surface can be obtained.

The liquid crystal display device of the present invention is not limited to the examples shown in the above-mentioned embodiments, but can be applied to a passive matrix type liquid crystal display device, for example. Further, in the liquid crystal display device of the present invention, the reflective layer may be a reflective electrode having a function as a pixel electrode as in the example described in the above-mentioned embodiment, but the reflective layer and the pixel electrode are separately provided. It may be provided. In this case, since the reflective layer does not need to be electrically connected to the drain region of the pixel switching TFT, it may be provided in a region excluding all interpixel regions or on the outer surface side of the lower substrate. It is possible.

When the reflective layer and the pixel electrode are separately provided,
It is desirable to provide the reflective layer in a region excluding all inter-pixel regions. In such a liquid crystal display device, since the reflective layer is provided in a region excluding all inter-pixel regions, illumination light and external light are not reflected by the reflective layer in the inter-pixel region, and the inter-pixel region is not reflected. Therefore, the display quality does not deteriorate due to the emitted light reflected by the reflective electrode. Therefore, it is possible to realize a liquid crystal display device having further excellent display quality. Further, even if the light shielding film is not provided, it is possible to realize a liquid crystal display device having excellent display quality that is comparable to the effect obtained when the light shielding film is provided.

Furthermore, in the liquid crystal display device of the present invention,
The reflective layer may also be formed in the contact region in the inter-pixel region. In this case, since the reflective layer is formed over the entire area of the underlying layer, the reflective layer can be formed more easily than in the case where the reflective layer is provided in a region other than the contact region in the inter-pixel region. Even when the reflective layer is formed on the entire area of the underlayer, the illumination light reflection surface and the external light reflection surface forming the reflection layer exclude the inter-pixel region, as in the example described in the above embodiment. It is desirable to be provided in the area. According to such a liquid crystal display device, even if the illumination light or the external light is reflected by the reflective layer provided in the inter-pixel region, it can be reflected by the reflective layer provided in the inter-pixel region. The emitted light thus obtained has a small amount of light in the direction that causes the deterioration of the display quality of the liquid crystal display device, that is, in the substantially normal direction of the substrate surface (the direction in which the observer observes the display surface), so that it is bright and A liquid crystal display device having high display quality can be realized.

In the liquid crystal display device of the present invention,
As in the example shown in the above-described embodiment, a light scattering layer may be provided as the light scattering means.

Further, in the liquid crystal display device of the present invention, as in the example shown in the above-described embodiment, a light shielding film called a black stripe (BS) or a light shielding film called a black matrix (BM) is used in the liquid crystal display device. Even if the light-shielding film is not provided in the inter-pixel region, the same effect as that obtained when the light-shielding film is provided can be obtained, but the light-shielding film may be provided, and there is no particular limitation. In particular, when the reflective layer is formed over the entire underlayer, the display quality can be improved by providing the light-shielding film in the inter-pixel region of the liquid crystal display device.

In the liquid crystal display device of the present invention,
As in the example shown in the above-described embodiment, the lighting device may have a line light source including a light emitting diode (LED) and a prism, but the present invention is not limited to this example. A cold cathode tube may be used as the linear light source. With such a liquid crystal display device, a uniform linear light source can be easily obtained.

In the liquid crystal display device of the present invention,
As in the example shown in the above-described embodiment, the reflective electrode can be configured such that the illumination light reflection surface and the external light reflection surface are separate inclined surfaces. The illumination light reflection surface and the external light reflection surface may be the same inclined surface as long as they can be reflected in the direction substantially normal to the substrate surface. That is, since the liquid crystal display device of the present invention is provided with an illuminating device that irradiates light from the outer surface side of the upper substrate, the difference between the incident angles of the illuminating light and the external light entering the reflective electrode is small. Therefore, even if the illumination light reflection surface and the external light reflection surface provided in the reflective electrode are the same, the illumination light and the external light can be reflected in substantially the same direction, and both the illumination light and the external light can be reflected on the substrate. It is possible to easily form a reflective layer capable of reflecting light in a direction substantially normal to the surface. Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, in the same convex portion, the inclination angle has a distribution, and the illumination light reflection surface and the external light reflection surface are formed in the same convex portion, but the illumination light reflection surface and the diplomatic reflection surface are formed. It may be formed individually. Further, it may have a concave shape instead of the convex shape.

(Electronic Equipment) Next, examples of electronic equipment provided with the liquid crystal display device of the above embodiment will be described. Figure 8
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a touch panel. 8, reference numeral 70 indicates a touch panel, and reference numeral 1 indicates FIG.
The liquid crystal panel shown in FIG. 1 is shown, and the reference numeral 5 shows the illuminating device 5 shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an example of a mobile phone. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 1000 indicates a mobile phone main body, and reference numeral 1001 indicates a liquid crystal display unit using the above liquid crystal display device.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a wrist watch type electronic device. In FIG. 10, reference numeral 1100 indicates a watch body, and reference numeral 1101 indicates a liquid crystal display unit using the above liquid crystal display device.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of a portable information processing device such as a word processor and a personal computer. In FIG. 11, reference numeral 1200 is an information processing apparatus, reference numeral 1202 is an input unit such as a keyboard, reference numeral 1204 is the information processing apparatus main body, and reference numeral 1206 is a liquid crystal display unit using the above liquid crystal display device.

Since the electronic equipment shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 is equipped with the liquid crystal display section using the liquid crystal display device of the above-described embodiment, the observer observes both the illumination light and the outside light on the display surface. The light can be effectively used as light that contributes to the brightness at the time of lighting, and an electronic device having a bright display surface can be realized.

[0089]

As described above in detail, the liquid crystal display device of the present invention is provided with an illuminating device which emits light from the outer surface side of the upper substrate and a illuminating device which is provided on the lower substrate side of the liquid crystal layer. Since it is provided with a reflection layer that reflects the illuminating light to be irradiated in a direction substantially normal to the surface of the substrate and also reflects external light incident from the outer surface side of the upper substrate in a direction substantially normal to the surface of the substrate. When both the illumination light and the external light are reflected by the reflective layer, they are emitted in a direction substantially normal to the substrate surface. That is, after the illumination light and the external light are reflected by the reflective layer, they are condensed in the direction in which the observer views the display surface. Therefore, both the illumination light and the external light can be effectively used as light that contributes to the brightness when the observer observes the display surface, and a bright display surface can be obtained.

Further, since the liquid crystal display device of the present invention is provided with the illuminating device for irradiating the light from the outer surface side of the upper substrate, the difference between the incident angles of the external light and the illuminating light incident on the reflection layer may be reduced. It will be few. Therefore, even if the reflection surface of the reflective layer that reflects the illumination light and the reflection surface that reflects the external light are the same, the illumination light and the external light can be reflected in substantially the same direction, and the illumination light also It is possible to easily form a reflective layer capable of reflecting external light in the direction substantially normal to the surface of the substrate.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a liquid crystal display device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a cross-sectional configuration of a liquid crystal panel that constitutes the liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 1, and is a partial cross-sectional view showing an enlarged part of the liquid crystal panel.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a cross-sectional shape of a reflective electrode which constitutes the liquid crystal panel shown in FIG. 2, and is a partial cross-sectional view showing an enlarged part of a base layer and a reflective electrode.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing only a part of a base layer and a reflective electrode in the liquid crystal display device of the second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a part of a reflective electrode in the liquid crystal display device of the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a step of forming a base layer.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an example of a mask used when forming a base layer.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an example of a touch panel.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an example of a mobile phone.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a wristwatch type electronic device.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of a portable information processing device such as a word processor and a personal computer.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 LCD panel 2 Lower substrate 3 Upper substrate 4 Liquid crystal layer 5 Front light (lighting device) 6,36 Underlayer 6b, 36b Illumination light inclined surface 6c, 36c Outside light Inclined surface for external light 7 Counter electrode 8 Light scattering layer 9, 39 Reflective electrode (reflection layer) 9b, 39b Illuminating light reflecting surface 9c, 39c External light reflection surface 10 Pixel switching TFT 11 Semiconductor layer 11a channel region 11d source area 11e drain region 12 Insulating thin film 13 scan lines 15, 25 Alignment film 16 drain electrode 17,18 Contact hole 20 color filters 21 Dye layer 22 Flattening film 26 data lines 51 line light source 52 Light guide plate Area between A pixels A1 wiring area A2 contact area L1, L3 illumination light L2, L4 outside light

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued Front Page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification Code FI Theme Coat (Reference) G02F 1/1343 G02F 1/1343

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A liquid crystal display device comprising a pair of substrates, which are an upper substrate and a lower substrate facing each other, and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the pair of substrates, wherein light is emitted from the outer surface side of the upper substrate. An illuminating device for irradiating, and illumination light emitted from the illuminating device, which is provided on the lower substrate side with respect to the liquid crystal layer, reflects the illumination light in a direction substantially normal to the substrate surface and is incident from the outer surface side of the upper substrate. A liquid crystal display device comprising: a reflection layer that reflects outside light in a direction substantially normal to the surface of the substrate. 2. The reflection layer has an illumination light reflection surface that reflects the illumination light in a direction normal to the substrate surface and an external light reflection surface that reflects the outside light in a direction normal to the substrate surface. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal display device is provided. 3. The reflection layer is provided on the inner surface side of the lower substrate, according to claim 1 or 2.
The liquid crystal display device according to item 1. 4. The illumination light reflection surface and the outside light reflection surface are provided in an area excluding an area that overlaps with each pixel forming a display area in a plane. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 3. 5. The reflective layer is provided in a region excluding a region that planarly overlaps between the pixels forming the display region, according to any one of claims 1 to 4. Liquid crystal display device. 6. The reflection layer is provided with a plurality of convex portions having a wedge shape in cross section, and the convex portions have a two-step inclined surface composed of the illumination light reflecting surface and the external light reflecting surface. Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned.
The liquid crystal display device according to claim 5. 7. The reflective layer is provided with a plurality of convex portions having a curved surface, and the convex portions reflect illumination light emitted from the illumination device in a substantially normal direction of the substrate surface. At the same time, the liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein external light incident from the outer surface side of the upper substrate is reflected in a substantially normal direction of the substrate surface. 8. The underlayer provided on the lower substrate side with respect to the reflective layer and having a convex portion having a wedge shape in cross section or a curved surface in cross section. The liquid crystal display device according to any one of claims. 9. The area of the illumination light reflecting surface is set according to a light amount distribution of the illumination light in a display surface, according to any one of claims 1 to 8. Liquid crystal display device. 10. A color filter provided on the upper substrate side with respect to the reflective layer, in which a plurality of dye layers of different colors forming a display area are arranged, and the area of the illumination light reflection surface is the dye. 10. An area that overlaps with a dye layer of at least one color in a plane and an area that overlaps with a dye layer of another color in a plane are different from each other, according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The liquid crystal display device according to item 1. 11. A color filter provided on the upper substrate side with respect to the reflective layer, in which a plurality of dye layers of different colors forming a display region are arranged, wherein the area of the external light reflection surface is the dye. 10. An area that overlaps with a dye layer of at least one color in a plane and an area that overlaps with a dye layer of another color in a plane are different from each other, according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The liquid crystal display device according to item 1. 12. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, further comprising a light scattering means between the reflective layer and the liquid crystal layer. 13. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein the lighting device includes a line light source. 14. The linear light source comprises a point light source and a light diffusing means for diffusing emitted light emitted from the point light source.
The liquid crystal display device according to any one of 1. 15. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein the linear light source is a cold cathode tube. 16. An electronic apparatus comprising the liquid crystal display device according to claim 1. Description: