JP2003140141A - Liquid crystal display and electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively utilize both illumination light and external light as light contributing of a display screen when observed by an observer. SOLUTION: The liquid crystal display device is provided with an illuminator to make light irradiate a lower substrate from the exterior surface side and a reflection layer 9 disposed on the lower side of the illuminator reflecting the illumination light L1 from the illuminator to a direction H nearly normal to the substrate surface and simultaneously reflecting the external light L2 made incident from the exterior surface side of an upper substrate to a direction H nearly 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 illumination device (backlight) is provided on the back side of a liquid crystal panel constituting the liquid crystal display device, and a reflector for illumination light that reflects the illumination light emitted from the illumination device. There is also a liquid crystal display device. In a bright place, this liquid crystal display device, like the above-mentioned reflection type liquid crystal display device, reflects only external light on a reflection plate (a reflection plate for external light) provided in a liquid crystal panel. The display is visually confirmed by utilizing it, and the display is visually confirmed by utilizing the light obtained by reflecting the illumination light on the reflection plate for the illumination light in a dark place. In other words, this liquid crystal display device uses external light and illumination light according to the brightness of the surroundings, thereby enabling a clear display even in the dark surroundings while reducing power consumption. 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.

Further, in the above-mentioned liquid crystal display device utilizing the external light and the illuminating light, in order to utilize both the external light and the illuminating light, two reflectors for the external light and the illuminating light are used. Therefore, it is difficult to effectively use both the illumination light and the outside light as the light that contributes to the brightness when the observer observes the display surface. That is, in the case where two reflectors are provided, part of the light reflected by the reflector farther from the observer, that is, the reflector for illumination light, is closer to the observer, that is, the outside. Since it is reflected toward the back side of the liquid crystal panel by the light reflection plate, it is difficult to effectively use the illumination light as light that contributes to the brightness when the observer observes the display surface. However, in order to effectively use the illumination light, if the light transmittance of the external light reflection plate is increased, not only the proportion of the illumination light that passes through the external light reflection plate but also the external light reflection plate is transmitted. Since the ratio of the external light to be emitted increases, the ratio of the external light reflected by the reflection plate for the external light also decreases.

Further, it is conceivable that the above-mentioned reflector is used as the reflector of the liquid crystal display device utilizing the above-mentioned outside light and illumination light. However, even in such a liquid crystal display device, in order to use both external light and illumination light, two reflectors for external light and illumination light are necessary, and as described above, It is difficult to effectively use both illumination light and external light.

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.

[0008]

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

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 lower substrate, and an illuminating light which is provided below the illuminating device and which is emitted from the illuminating device on the substrate surface. Since it is provided with a reflection layer that reflects the light in the substantially normal direction and reflects the external light incident from the outer surface side of the upper substrate in the substantially normal direction of the substrate surface, both the illumination light and the external light are reflected. When reflected by the layer, the light is emitted in a direction substantially normal to the substrate surface. 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, in the above liquid crystal display device, both the illumination light and the external light can be effectively used as the light contributing to the brightness when the observer observes the display surface.
The number of reflectors can be one. The conventional reflection plate described above is capable of concentrating the reflected light in a specific angle range, but the light effectively used by this reflection plate is incident on the reflection plate set at the design stage. Since the light corresponds to the angle, it is not possible to effectively use both the external light and the illumination light as the light that contributes to the brightness when the observer observes the display surface by providing only one reflector. Have difficulty. 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 illumination light is reflected by the reflector to observe the display surface. However, the other light is not effectively used because it cannot be concentrated in the direction in which the viewer views the display surface even if it is reflected by the reflector. On the other hand, according to the liquid crystal display device of the present invention, since both the illumination light and the external light are reflected by the reflective layer and then are condensed in the direction in which the observer views the display surface, the number of reflectors should be one. You can Therefore, the structure is simpler and the manufacturing process can be simplified as compared with the case where two reflectors are provided.

Further, in the above liquid crystal display device, since the reflecting plate is arranged on the back surface of the illuminating device, the polarizing plate arranged between the lower substrate and the illuminating device is separated from the reflecting plate. Therefore, it is difficult to identify the shadow generated when the liquid crystal display device is displayed, and the parallax can be reduced.

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, 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 or concave portions having a wedge shape in cross section, and the convex portions or concave portions are the illumination light reflecting surface and the external light reflecting portion. It can have a two-stage inclined surface composed of a surface and a surface. Such a liquid crystal display device is particularly suitable when the incident angles of the external light and the illumination light incident on the reflective layer are concentrated in narrow ranges. In the liquid crystal display device described above, a plurality of convex portions or concave portions having a wedge shape in cross section are provided in the reflective layer, and the convex portions or concave portions have a two-step inclined surface composed of an illumination light reflecting surface and an external light reflecting surface. Therefore, when the incident angle where the external light and the illumination light are incident on the reflection layer is concentrated in a narrow range, respectively, the emitted light and the external light obtained by reflecting the illumination light on the illumination light reflecting surface are reflected. The emitted light reflected by the light reflecting surface 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 amount of light emitted in a direction other than the observation direction can be extremely reduced, and both illumination light and external light can be used very efficiently and effectively.

Further, in the above liquid crystal display device, the reflection layer is provided with a plurality of convex portions or concave portions having a curved surface, and the convex portions or concave portions are illumination light emitted from the illuminating device. May be reflected in the substantially normal direction of the substrate surface, and external light incident from the outer surface side of the upper substrate may be reflected in the substantially normal direction of the substrate surface.
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 above liquid crystal display device, since the reflective layer is provided with a plurality of convex portions or concave portions having a curved surface, the incident angle at which external light or illumination light is incident on the reflective layer is wide. In the case where external light or illumination light is composed of multiple light sources with different incident angles incident on the reflective layer, the emitted light and external light obtained by reflecting the illumination light on the reflective layer are reflected on the reflective layer. The emitted light thus 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 other than the direction in which the observer observes the display surface. The amount of light emitted in the direction can be extremely reduced, and both illumination light and external light can be effectively used effectively.

Further, it is preferable that the above-mentioned liquid crystal display device is provided with an underlayer which is provided below the reflection layer and has a convex portion or a concave portion having a wedge shape in cross section or a curved surface. In such a liquid crystal display device, it is possible to easily and accurately form the above-mentioned reflective layer provided with a convex portion or a concave portion having a wedge shape or a curved surface in cross section by forming a reflective film on the underlayer. You can Further, in the above liquid crystal display device, a reflective hologram may be used for the reflective layer. In such a liquid crystal display device, external light and illumination light incident on the reflective layer can be condensed in a direction substantially normal to the surface of the substrate, that is, a direction in which the observer views the display surface, and the observer displays the light. The amount of light emitted in a direction other than the direction of observing the surface can be extremely reduced, and both illumination light and external light can be used very efficiently and effectively.

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 reflective layer and the illuminating device are optically bonded. With such a liquid crystal display device, the light reflected by the reflective layer can be emitted toward the observer without being reflected by the surface of the illumination device. Therefore, both the illumination light and the external light can be used further, and a very bright display surface can be obtained. Also,
In the above liquid crystal display device, it is desirable that the lighting 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.

Further, in the above liquid crystal display device, it is desirable that the light source of the illumination device is arranged at a position which is an upper direction when an observer observes the screen area.
In general, external light that enters a liquid crystal display device generally enters from a direction that is an upper direction when an observer observes a screen area. Therefore, according to the liquid crystal display device described above, by making the incident direction of the external light and the illumination light incident on the reflective layer from the illuminating device substantially the same, both the external light and the illuminating light are efficiently emitted from the substrate. Since the light can be reflected in the direction substantially normal to, a very bright display surface can be obtained. Further, in the above liquid crystal display device, the thickness of the lower substrate is preferably 0.5 mm to 0.4 mm. In such a liquid crystal display device, since the lower substrate has a thickness of 0.5 mm to 0.4 mm, the distance between the liquid crystal layer and the lower polarizing plate is short, and the distance between the liquid crystal layer and the lower polarizing plate is small. It is possible to prevent the deterioration of the display quality due to the above, obtain a bright, high display quality, and obtain a liquid crystal display device having sufficient strength.

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.

[0033]

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 TFTs as switching elements. 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.
It is a figure for demonstrating the cross-sectional shape of the reflection plate which comprises the liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 1, and is a fragmentary sectional view which expanded and showed a part of reflection plate. In the following drawings,
In order to make the drawings easier to see, the film thicknesses and dimensional ratios of the respective constituent elements are appropriately changed.

The liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 1 is sandwiched between a pair of substrates consisting of an upper substrate 3 and a lower substrate 2 facing each other, and an upper substrate 3 and a lower substrate 2, and a TN (Twisted Nema
tic) A liquid crystal panel 1 having a liquid crystal layer 4 made of liquid crystal and the like, and an upper polarizing plate 61 provided on the outer surface side of the upper substrate 3.
A lower polarizing plate 62 provided on the outer surface side of the lower substrate 2,
The backlight (illumination device) 5 that irradiates light from the outer surface side of the lower substrate 2 and the reflector 80 that is provided below the backlight 5 are configured roughly. In the liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 1, the backlight 5 side is the side opposite to the side where the observer observes the display surface (lower side in FIG. 1), and the line light source 51 side forming the backlight 5 is It is the upper side (the right side in FIG. 1) when the observer observes the display surface.

The backlight 5 emits light from the outer surface side of the lower substrate 2, and as shown in FIG.
1 and the light guide plate 52. 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").

The upper substrate 3 which constitutes the liquid crystal panel 1
Is made of glass, resin, or the like, and on the inner surface side of the upper substrate 3, as shown in FIG. 2, a color filter 20 in which a plurality of dye layers 21 forming a display area are arranged.
Are stacked. 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. Then, the flattening film 22
Indium tin oxide (Indium Tin Oxide,
A counter electrode 7 made of a transparent conductive film such as “ITO” is provided over the entire surface, and an alignment film 25 made of polyimide or the like is provided below the counter electrode 7 so as to cover the counter electrode 7. Has been.

The lower substrate 2 is made of glass or resin, and the inner surface of the lower substrate 2 has a pixel switching TFT 10 and an interlayer insulating film 1 as shown in FIG.
4, the pixel electrode 19, and the alignment film 15 are provided. The thickness of the lower substrate 2 is preferably in the range of about 0.5 mm to 0.4 mm. In addition, the thickness of the lower substrate 2 is
If it exceeds 0.5 mm, the distance between the liquid crystal layer 4 and the lower polarizing plate 62 becomes long, and the display quality may deteriorate due to the distance between the liquid crystal layer 4 and the lower polarizing plate 62. Not preferable.

The pixel switching TFT 10 is formed in each of a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix forming the display surface, and the pixel electrode 19 provided in each pixel.
For switching control, and is provided at a position adjacent to each pixel electrode 19. Pixel switching T
As shown in FIG. 2, the FT 10 includes the scanning line 13 and the scanning line 1.
A semiconductor layer 1 in which a channel is formed by an electric field from 3
1. Insulating thin film 1 that insulates the scanning line 13 from the semiconductor layer 11
2. The data line 26 is provided. 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, polysilicon via the contact hole 17. The pixel electrode 19 is the drain electrode 1 in the contact hole 18 in the drain region 11e of the semiconductor layer 11.
It is electrically connected via 6. 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.

An interlayer insulating film 14 made of resin or the like is provided on the pixel switching TFT 10 and on the inner surface of the lower substrate 2, and ITO is provided on the interlayer insulating film 14.
A pixel electrode 19 made of a transparent conductive film such as is provided. Further, an alignment film 15 made of polyimide or the like is provided on the upper side of the pixel electrode 19.

Further, as shown in FIG.
The base material 23, the base layer 6, the reflective layer 9, and the light-scattering layer 8 (equivalent to the "light-scattering means" in the claims) are provided. The base material 23 is made of glass or resin, and the base layer 6 made of a photosensitive resist (photosensitive resin) is provided on the surface of the base material 23 on the liquid crystal panel 1 side. 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. Further, the convex portion 6a has an inclined surface 6b for illumination light which is inclined in a direction in which the illumination light L1 is reflected in the normal direction H of the substrate surface.
And an external light inclined surface 6c inclined in a direction in which the external light L2 is reflected in the normal direction H of the substrate surface. The angle of the inclined surface 6b for illumination light is the illumination light L1.
Is determined according to the irradiation direction of the external light, 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 illumination light inclined surface 6b is set in the same manner as the illumination light reflection surface 9b of the reflection layer 9 described later, and the area of the external light inclined surface 6c is set to the external light reflection surface of the reflection layer 9 described later. It is set in the same manner as 9c.

2 and 3, reference numeral A
Indicates an area (inter-pixel area) that planarly overlaps between the pixels forming the display area. A reflective layer 9 made of a metal film having a high light reflectance such as aluminum or silver is provided so as to cover the surface of the underlayer 6 in a region other than the inter-pixel region A on the underlayer 6. The reflection layer 9 reflects the illumination light L1 emitted from the backlight 5 in the substantially normal direction H of the substrate surface, and reflects the external light L2 incident from the outer surface side of the upper substrate 3 in the substantially normal direction H of the substrate surface. It is what is reflected in. The shape of the reflective layer 9 is the same as that of the base layer 6, and the sectional shape of the reflective layer 9 is the same shape in the direction in which the linear light source 51 extends. As shown in FIG. 3, the reflection layer 9 has a plurality of convex portions 9 a having a wedge shape in cross section,
a is a two-step inclination composed of an illumination light reflection surface 9b that reflects the illumination light L1 in the normal direction H of the substrate surface and an external light reflection surface 9c that reflects the external light L2 in the normal direction H of the substrate surface. It has a face.

The area B of the illumination light reflection surface 9b of the reflection layer 9 is
It 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, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the area B of the illumination light reflection surface 9b of the reflection layer 9 has a red pigment layer 21.
The region R that overlaps with R in a plane, the region G that overlaps with the green dye layer 21G in a plane, and the region that overlaps with the blue dye layer in a plane (not shown) are set to be different from each other. Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the area C of the external light reflection surface 9c is 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.

Further, on the reflection layer 9, a light scattering layer 8 composed of a layer in which beads having a refractive index different from that of the resin layer are mixed in the resin layer, a resin layer having irregularities formed on the surface thereof, or the like. Is provided.

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, the interlayer insulating film 14 is formed on the pixel switching TFT 10 and on the inner surface of the lower substrate 2 in the same manner as in the conventional manufacturing method.

Subsequently, the interlayer insulating film 14 is locally removed by photolithography, and the pixel switching T
A contact hole 18 for electrically connecting the drain region 11e of the FT 10 and the pixel electrode 19 is formed.

Then, a pixel electrode 19 is formed by forming and patterning a transparent conductive film such as ITO on the surface of the interlayer insulating film 14 in the same manner as in the conventional manufacturing method. Then, an alignment film 15 is formed by forming a polyimide film or the like on the upper side of the pixel electrode 19 and performing a rubbing process.

On the other hand, as a method for 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. 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. After that, the alignment film 1 on the lower substrate 2 side
An alignment film 25 made of polyimide or the like that has been subjected to a rubbing treatment is formed by the same method as in 5.

After that, the upper substrate 3 and the lower substrate 2 are bonded 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.

Next, a method of manufacturing the reflector 80 will be described. First, a base material 23 made of glass or resin is prepared, and a positive photosensitive resist OFPR-800 (trade name, manufactured by Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd.) is applied 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 with 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.

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 a region other than the inter-pixel region A, which is wedge-shaped in cross section. The reflection layer 9 having the two portions of the inclined surface having the portion 9a and the convex portion 9a including the illumination light reflection surface 9b and the external light reflection surface 9c is formed. 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.

Next, a layer in which beads having a refractive index different from that of the resin layer are mixed is provided on the reflective layer 9 by a method of coating a resin containing beads and curing the resin. Thus, the light scattering layer 8 is formed. Also,
The light-scattering layer 8 is formed by applying a resin to a mold having irregularities on its surface and then pressing the mold to cure it.
It may be formed by providing a resin layer having unevenness on the surface. The reflector 80 is completed through the above steps.

Then, a lower polarizing plate 62 is formed on the outer surface side of the lower substrate 2 of the liquid crystal panel 1 thus obtained,
An upper polarizing plate 61 is formed on the outer surface side of the upper substrate 3. Further, a light emitting diode (LED) is provided below the lower polarizing plate 62.
By arranging the backlight 5 including the linear light source 51 including the light guide plate 52 and the prism, and arranging the reflection plate 80 obtained by the above method below the backlight 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 backlight 5 is emitted in the substantially normal direction H of the substrate surface when reflected by the reflective layer 9. 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 layer 9. In general, 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 layer 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.

In this liquid crystal display device, the illumination light L1
Both the external light L2 and the external light L2 can be effectively used as light that contributes to the brightness when the observer observes the display surface.
The number of reflectors can be one.

Further, in such a liquid crystal display device, the reflection layer 9 has an illumination light reflecting surface 9b for reflecting the illumination light L1 in the normal direction H of the substrate surface and an external light L2 for 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.

Further, since the reflective layer 9 is provided in the area excluding the inter-pixel area A, the illumination light L1 and the external light L2 are not reflected by the reflective layer 9 in the inter-pixel area A, and The display quality does not deteriorate due to the emitted light that is obtained by being reflected by the reflective layer 9 in the area A. Therefore, it is possible to realize a liquid crystal display device having further excellent display quality. Further, in the liquid crystal display device of the present embodiment, since the reflective layer 9 is formed in the region excluding the inter-pixel region A, the effect obtained when the light-shielding film is provided is comparable to that without the light-shielding film. It is possible to realize a liquid crystal display device having excellent display quality.

Further, the reflection layer 9 is provided with a plurality of convex portions 9a having a wedge shape in 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 reflection layer 9 are concentrated in narrow ranges, respectively, the emitted light obtained by reflecting the illumination light L1 on the illumination light reflection 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 base layer 6 having the convex portion 6a having a wedge-shaped cross section in the lower side of the reflective layer 9, the cross section is formed by forming a metal film on the base layer 6. It is possible to easily and accurately form the reflection layer 9 provided with the wedge-shaped convex portion 9a.

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.

Further, in this liquid crystal display device, the color filter 2 in which the red dye layer 21R, the green dye layer 21G and the blue dye layer are arranged on the upper substrate 3 side of the reflective layer 9 is arranged.
0, and the area B of the illumination light reflection surface 9b has a region R that planarly overlaps the red dye layer 21R and a green dye layer 21G.
The area G of the illumination light reflection surface 9b is changed by changing the area B of the illumination light reflection surface 9b because the area G of the illumination light reflection surface 9b and the area G of the blue dye layer that are overlapped in the plane are differently set. By changing the light amount distribution of the emitted light obtained by reflecting the light on the display surface,
It is possible to adjust the color characteristics of the transmitted light obtained by transmitting 0. 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 reflecting 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, since this liquid crystal display device is provided with the light scattering layer 8 between the reflection layer 9 and the liquid crystal layer 4,
The illumination light L1 and the external light L2 reflected by the reflection layer 9 are scattered, and a brighter display surface can be obtained.

In this liquid crystal display device, the lower substrate 2 constituting the liquid crystal panel 1 has a thickness of 0.5 mm to
By setting the range to about 0.4 mm, the distance between the liquid crystal layer 4 and the lower polarizing plate 62 becomes short, and the deterioration of the display quality due to the distance between the liquid crystal layer 4 and the lower polarizing plate 62 is prevented. It is possible to obtain a liquid crystal display device which is bright, has high display quality, and has sufficient strength.

Further, in this liquid crystal display device, since the backlight 5 is provided with the line light source 51, the illumination light L
1 is a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the linear light source 51 extends (vertical direction when the observer observes the display surface)
The cross-sectional shape of the reflective layer 9 can be made the same in the direction in which the linear light source 51 extends (the horizontal direction when the observer observes the display surface). When observing, no discomfort due to the shape of the reflective layer 9 is felt, 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), a bright back light is obtained even if the power consumption is set low. Light 5
Can be obtained. Although the convex type is shown as the embodiment of the present invention, the concave type may be used.
A passive matrix type liquid crystal display device may be used instead of the active matrix type liquid crystal display device using the T element.

(Second Embodiment: Liquid Crystal Display Device) This embodiment is an example of an active matrix type liquid crystal display device using TFTs as switching elements, as in the first embodiment. 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 detailed description thereof is 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 base layer and the reflection layer of the reflection plate. Therefore, the shapes of the base layer and the reflection layer of the reflection plate are different. About Figure 4
And it demonstrates in detail using FIG.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing only a part of the base layer and the reflection layer of the reflection plate constituting 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 layer of the reflective plate that constitutes 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 the present embodiment, the base layer 36 forming the reflector 81 has a plurality of convex portions 36a each having a curved surface and a circular shape in plan view. Convex portion 36a
As shown in FIG. 4, the illumination light inclined surface 36b is inclined in a direction in which the illumination light L3 is reflected in the normal direction H of the substrate surface.
And an inclined surface 36c for outside light that is inclined in a direction in which the outside light L4 is reflected in the normal direction H of the substrate surface.

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 layer 39 made of a metal film such as silver having a high light reflectance is provided. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the reflective layer 39 has a plurality of convex portions 39a each having a curved surface and a circular shape in plan view, and the convex portions 39a serve to illuminate the illumination light L3 on the substrate as shown in FIG. Illumination light reflecting surface 39b for reflecting in the normal direction H of the surface
And an external light reflection 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 for forming the base layer of the reflector and the reflection layer will be described. Will be described in detail with reference to. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the step of forming the underlayer, and illustrates only the underlayer serving as one of the plurality of convex portions of the reflective layer. First, a base material 23 made of glass or resin is prepared, and a positive photosensitive resist OFPR-800 (trade name, manufactured by Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd.) is applied using, for example, a spin coater. Then, the photosensitive resist layer 4 is pre-baked at a temperature of 90 ° C. for 10 minutes.
Form 2.

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 a 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 base material 23. 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 layer 39 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 in which 9a has an illumination light reflection surface 39b and an external light reflection surface 39c is formed. 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. Three
9c.

Also in the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment, the illumination light L3 emitted from the backlight 5 is reflected by the reflection layer 39.
When the light is reflected by, the light is emitted in the direction H substantially normal to the substrate surface. Further, external light L4 incident from the outer surface side of the upper substrate 3 is also emitted in the substantially normal direction H of the substrate surface when reflected by the reflective layer 9.
That is, after the illumination light L3 and the external light L4 are both reflected by the reflective layer 39, they are condensed in the direction in which the observer 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.

Since the reflective layer 39 is provided with a plurality of convex portions 39c having a curved surface, the external light L
4 and the illumination light L3 are incident on the reflective layer 39 over a wide range of angles, or when the external light L4 and the illumination light L3 are configured by a plurality of light sources having different incident angles incident on the reflective layer 39, The emitted light obtained by reflecting the illumination light L3 on the reflective layer 39 and the emitted light obtained by reflecting the external light L4 on the reflective layer 39 are very efficiently in the substantially normal direction H of the substrate surface, that is, the observer. Can be condensed in the direction of observing the display surface, and the amount of light emitted by the observer in a direction other than the direction of observing the display surface can be extremely reduced, and the illumination light L3 and the external light L4 can be reduced. Both can be effectively utilized effectively.

Further, since this liquid crystal display device is provided with the underlayer 36 having the convex portion 36a having a curved surface on the lower side of the reflection layer 39, by forming a metal film on the underlayer 36, It is possible to easily and accurately form the reflective layer 39 provided with the convex portion 39a having a curved surface.

Also in this liquid crystal display device, since the backlight 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 viewer does not feel discomfort due to the shape of the reflective layer 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, and can be applied to, for example, a passive matrix type liquid crystal display device.

Further, in the liquid crystal display device of the present invention,
As in the example shown in the above-described embodiment, it is desirable that the reflective layer is formed in the region excluding the inter-pixel region, but it may be formed in the inter-pixel region. In this case, since the reflective layer is formed on the entire area of the underlayer, the reflective layer can be easily formed as compared with the case where the reflective layer is provided on the area excluding the inter-pixel area. When the reflective layer is formed on the entire area of the underlayer, it is desirable that the illumination light reflection surface and the external light reflection surface that form the reflection layer are provided in the area excluding the inter-pixel 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 the example shown in the above-described embodiment, the light scattering means may be provided with a light scattering layer, for example, the surface of the reflective layer may be roughened to provide a scattering function, There is no particular limitation.

Further, in the liquid crystal display device of the present invention, as in the examples shown in the above-described embodiments, 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. (Third Embodiment: Liquid Crystal Display Device) This embodiment is based on the first embodiment.
Similar to the above embodiment, this is an example of an active matrix type liquid crystal display device using TFTs as switching elements. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the liquid crystal display device of the present invention. The liquid crystal panel of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted. The liquid crystal display device of the present embodiment is different from the liquid crystal display device of the first embodiment only in that the reflection plate is a reflection hologram, and therefore FIG. 9 is used for the structure of the reflection hologram. explain in detail. In the liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 8, a reflection hologram 90 is arranged below the backlight 5. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the structure of the reflection hologram that constitutes the liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 8, and is a partial cross-sectional view showing a part of the reflection hologram in an enlarged manner. Reflective hologram 90
Includes a substrate 95, a reflection layer 92, and a volume phase transmission hologram layer 91. Next, a method for manufacturing the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment will be described. As described above, since the liquid crystal panel 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2, only the method of forming the reflection hologram will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, a base material 95 made of a polyester film or the like is prepared, and a reflective layer 92 of aluminum, silver or the like is formed by using, for example, vapor deposition. Next, a volume phase hologram photosensitive material is applied to the upper portion of the reflective layer 92 using, for example, a slit coater. Subsequently, exposure is performed using the two-beam hologram exposure optical system to form the volume phase transmission hologram 91. Also in the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment, the illumination light emitted from the backlight 5 is emitted in the substantially normal direction H of the substrate surface when reflected by the reflection hologram 90. In addition, external light incident from the outer surface side of the upper substrate 3 is also emitted in the substantially normal direction H of the substrate surface when reflected by the reflection hologram 90. That is, both the illumination light and the external light are reflected by the reflection hologram 90, and then condensed in the direction in which the observer views the display surface. Therefore, also in the liquid crystal display device of the present embodiment, 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 is obtained. . Further, since the reflection hologram 90 is optically adhered to the backlight 5 by the light-scattering adhesive layer 85, the illumination light or the external light reflected by the reflection hologram 90 is reflected on the surface of the backlight 5. Since the light can be emitted to the observer side, the illumination light and the external light can be used more effectively. The liquid crystal display device of the present invention is not limited to the examples shown in the above-described embodiments, and is applicable to, for example, a passive matrix liquid crystal display device.

(Electronic Device) Next, an example of an electronic device equipped with the liquid crystal display device of the above embodiment will be described. Figure 1
0 is a perspective view showing an example of the touch panel. Figure 1
In 0, reference numeral 70 indicates a touch panel, reference numeral 1 indicates the liquid crystal panel shown in FIG. 1, reference numeral 5 indicates the illuminating device shown in FIG. 1, and reference numeral 80 indicates the reflector shown in FIG. In FIG. 10, the upper polarizing plate 6 shown in FIG.
1 and the lower polarizing plate 62 are omitted.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of a mobile phone. In FIG. 11, reference numeral 1000 denotes a mobile phone main body, and reference numeral 1001 denotes a liquid crystal display unit using the above liquid crystal display device.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an example of a wrist watch type electronic device. In FIG. 12, 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. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of a portable information processing device such as a word processor and a personal computer. In FIG. 13, reference numeral 1200 is an information processing apparatus, reference numeral 1202 is an input unit such as a keyboard, reference numeral 1204 is an 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. 10 to 13 is equipped with the liquid crystal display section using the liquid crystal display device of the above 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.

[0090]

As described above in detail, the liquid crystal display device of the present invention is provided with an illuminating device for radiating light from the outer surface side of the lower substrate, and the illuminating device provided below the illuminating device. And a reflection layer that reflects the illumination light emitted from the substrate in a direction substantially normal to the substrate surface and reflects the external light incident from the outer surface side of the upper substrate in a direction substantially normal to the substrate surface. Therefore, when both the illumination light and the external light are reflected by the reflective layer, they are emitted in the 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.

In the liquid crystal display device of the present invention,
Since both the illumination light and the external light are reflected by the reflective layer and then are condensed in the direction in which the observer views the display surface, both the illumination light and the external light can be effectively used and only one reflector plate is used. be able to. Therefore, the structure is simpler and the manufacturing process can be simplified as compared with the case where two reflectors are provided. Furthermore, since the illumination light can be effectively used as light that contributes to the brightness when the observer observes the display surface, the effect of reducing parallax can be obtained.

[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 reflection plate that constitutes the liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 1, and is a partial cross-sectional view showing a part of the reflection plate in an enlarged manner.

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

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a part of a reflection layer of a reflection plate which constitutes 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 schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the liquid crystal display device of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged view showing only a part of a reflection hologram that constitutes the liquid crystal display device of the third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a touch panel.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of a mobile phone.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an example of a wrist watch type electronic device.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of a portable information processing device such as a word processor or a personal computer.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 LCD panel 2 Lower substrate 3 Upper substrate 4 Liquid crystal layer 5 Backlight (illumination 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 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 14 Interlayer insulation film 15, 25 Alignment film 16 drain electrode 17,18 Contact hole 19 pixel electrodes 20 color filters 21 Dye layer 22 Flattening film 26 data lines 51 line light source 52 Light guide plate 61 Upper polarizing plate 62 lower polarizing plate 80, 81 reflector 85 Light-scattering adhesive layer 90 Reflective hologram 91 Volume Phase Transmission Hologram Layer Area between A pixels L1, L3 illumination light L2, L4 outside light

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G02B 5/08 G02B 5/08 C 5/32 5/32 G02F 1/13357 G02F 1/13357 G03H 1/04 G03H 1/04 // F21Y 103: 00 F21Y 103: 00 F term (reference) 2H042 BA01 BA20 DA02 DA04 DA11 DA12 DA14 DB08 DC02 DC08 DD01 DE00 2H049 CA05 CA11 CA28 2H091 FA02Y FA14Z FA19Z FA23Z FA42Z FA45Z FB04 FB08 FC02 FC19 FC19 FD23 GA01 LA30 2K008 AA00 BB04 DD11 EE04 HH01

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. A pair of substrates consisting of an upper substrate and a lower substrate facing each other, a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the pair of substrates, an upper polarizing plate provided on an outer surface side of the upper substrate, A liquid crystal display device having a lower polarizing plate provided on an outer surface side of a lower substrate, an illuminating device that emits light from the outer surface side of the lower substrate, and the illumination device provided below the illuminating device. A reflection layer that reflects the illumination light emitted from the device in a direction substantially normal to the substrate surface, and reflects the external light incident from the outer surface side of the upper substrate in a direction substantially normal to the substrate surface. A liquid crystal display device characterized by the above. 2. The reflection layer includes 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 illumination light reflection surface and the outside light reflection surface are provided in a region excluding a region that planarly overlaps between pixels forming a display region. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 2. 4. The reflection 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 3. Liquid crystal display device. 5. The reflection layer is provided with a plurality of protrusions or recesses each having a wedge shape in cross section, and the protrusions or recesses are inclined in two steps including the illumination light reflection surface and the external light reflection surface. 5. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, which has a surface. 6. The reflective layer is provided with a plurality of convex portions or concave portions each having a curved surface, and the convex portions or concave portions allow illumination light emitted from the illumination device to be substantially normal to the substrate surface. While reflecting in the direction,
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 direction substantially normal to the surface of the substrate. 7. The underlayer, which is provided below the reflection layer and has a convex portion or a concave portion having a wedge shape in cross section or a curved surface when viewed in cross section, according to claim 1. The liquid crystal display device according to any one of claims. 8. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein the reflective layer is a reflective hologram. 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 7. 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 of a layer that overlaps with a dye layer of at least one color in a plane and an area of a layer that overlaps with a dye layer of another color in a plane are different from each other. Either one
The liquid crystal display device according to item. 11. A color filter provided on the upper substrate side with respect to the reflection layer, in which a plurality of dye layers of different colors forming a display region are arranged, and the area of the external light reflection surface is the dye. 10. A region 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 are different from each other. Claim 1
0. The liquid crystal display device according to any one of 0. 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 reflective layer is optically adhered to the lighting device. 14. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein the lighting device includes a line light source. 15. 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. 16. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein the linear light source is a cold cathode tube. 17. The light source of the illumination device is arranged at a position which is an upper direction when an observer observes a screen area. The liquid crystal display device according to item 1. 18. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein the lower substrate has a thickness of 0.5 mm to 0.4 mm. 19. An electronic apparatus comprising the liquid crystal display device according to claim 1. Description: