JP2008129307A - Liquid crystal device, driving method of liquid crystal device, and electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An OCB mode liquid crystal device capable of initial transition in a short time at a low voltage is provided.
A liquid crystal layer 50 sandwiched between an element substrate 10 and a counter substrate 20 which are arranged to face each other and a plurality of pixel regions, and the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer is changed from a splay alignment to a bend alignment. In the liquid crystal device that performs display, the pixel electrode 15 is formed on the element substrate 10, and the first common electrode 121 and the second common electrode 122 are formed on the second substrate.
[Selection] Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid crystal device, a driving method of the liquid crystal device, and an electronic apparatus.

As a liquid crystal device, an OCB (Optical Compensated Bend) mode having a high response speed is known (see Patent Document 1). As described in Patent Document 1, an OCB mode liquid crystal device requires an initial transition operation of the liquid crystal layer when the power is turned on, and a high voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer using wiring formed in the image display area. Applied.
JP 2001-296519 A

  In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, a convex shape or a notch is provided in the pixel electrode or the wiring to form a distortion of the electric field at the location, thereby facilitating the formation of the transition nucleus in the initial transition operation. However, in such a configuration, it is necessary to apply a voltage of about several tens of volts to form a transition nucleus at a predetermined position of the pixel electrode or wiring to form a high lateral electric field. However, there is a problem that a uniform and reliable initial transfer operation cannot be performed with a small capacity power source.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and has as its object to provide an OCB mode liquid crystal device capable of performing an initial transition in a short time at a low voltage and a driving method thereof. Yes.

In order to solve the above problems, a liquid crystal device of the present invention has a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between a first substrate and a second substrate that are arranged to face each other, and a plurality of pixel regions, and the alignment of the liquid crystal layer A liquid crystal device that performs display by changing a state from a splay alignment to a bend alignment, wherein a pixel electrode is formed on the first substrate, and a first electrode and a second electrode are formed on the second substrate. It is characterized by being.
In the prior art, an initial transition structure such as protrusions for forming initial transition nuclei that trigger the initial transition of a liquid crystal layer from a splay alignment to a bend alignment is formed on one substrate. Therefore, this initial transition structure alone is insufficient to easily generate initial transition nuclei. In contrast, in the present invention, the first electrode and the second electrode are formed on the second substrate facing the first substrate on which the pixel electrode is formed, and the first electrode and the second electrode are interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. By forming an electric field, a transition nucleus that is the starting point of the initial transition is formed. According to this configuration, since the starting point of the initial transition is formed in a wide region between the first electrode and the second electrode, propagation of the initial transition can be performed uniformly and at a high speed. The initial transition can be performed in a short time.

  The second electrode is preferably formed on the first electrode with an insulating layer interposed therebetween. According to this configuration, an electric field including components in the substrate thickness direction and the substrate surface direction can be formed in the boundary region between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the liquid crystal molecules are tilted in the boundary region to initially Can promote metastasis. As a result, the time required for the initial transition can be shortened, and the voltage applied to the first electrode or the second electrode during the initial transition operation can be reduced.

  It is preferable that the second electrode partially overlaps the first electrode. By adopting such a configuration, there is no region where no electrode is formed in the region facing the first substrate, so that no trouble occurs in image display. In addition, since the second electrode is formed on the planar first electrode, it becomes possible to widen (longen) the boundary region between the first electrode and the second electrode that is the starting point of the initial transition, Smooth initial transition.

  The second electrode is preferably formed in a stripe shape. By forming the stripes in this way, the initial transition can be propagated in a band shape from the boundary region between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the initial transition can be advanced without causing unevenness of alignment.

  The first electrode may be formed between two second electrodes adjacent to the first electrode. With such a configuration, an electric field in the direction of the substrate surface is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode to act on the liquid crystal layer, thereby allowing the initial transition to proceed. Also in this case, since a wide range of liquid crystals are the starting point of the initial transition, the initial transition can be performed in a short time at a low voltage.

  At least a part of the edge of the second electrode may be arranged so as to overlap with a pixel boundary region between adjacent pixel regions. According to this configuration, since only the first electrode or the second electrode formed on the first electrode is opposed to the pixel electrode, there is a step at the edge of the first electrode or the second electrode. In addition, it is possible to prevent the aperture ratio and the contrast from being lowered due to the alignment disorder of the liquid crystal caused by the step, and a high-quality display can be obtained.

  Transition nucleus forming means is provided on the liquid crystal layer side of the first substrate or on the liquid crystal layer side of the second substrate, and at least a part of the edge of the second electrode is formed with the transition nucleus forming means. It can also be set as the structure arrange | positioned overlapping. According to this configuration, it is possible to realize a liquid crystal device including transition nucleus forming means on both the first substrate and the second substrate, and initial transition can be performed at a low voltage in a short time.

  The second electrode may have a bent portion. That is, the second electrode may further include a transition nucleus forming unit that generates a transition nucleus serving as a starting point of initial transition locally. According to this, transition nuclei can be generated more reliably, and the uniformity and high speed of initial transition can be further improved.

  The first electrode formed along the second electrode may have a bent portion corresponding to the bent portion of the second electrode. Thus, the transition nucleus forming means may be provided on the first electrode.

  It is preferable that the transition nucleus forming means and the bent portion of the second electrode are arranged so as to overlap at least partially in a plane. In the case where a bent portion serving as transition nucleus forming means is provided on the second substrate side, it is preferably disposed at a position overlapping the transition nucleus forming means on the first substrate side in plan view. With such a configuration, the generation of transition nuclei by the transition nucleation means (bending portion) can be further ensured, and the uniformity and high speed of the initial transition can be further improved.

  A configuration may be adopted in which at least a part of a boundary region between the first electrode and the second electrode overlaps the pixel electrode. With such a configuration, since the boundary region that is the starting point of the initial transition is disposed on the pixel electrode, the uniformity of the initial transition in the pixel region can be improved.

The liquid crystal device driving method according to the present invention includes a first substrate and a second substrate which are disposed to face each other, a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the plurality of pixel regions, a pixel electrode formed on the first substrate, A driving method of a liquid crystal device having a first electrode and a second electrode formed on a second substrate and performing display by changing the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer from splay alignment to bend alignment, The transition operation of the liquid crystal layer is performed by an electric field generated between one electrode and the second electrode.
According to this driving method, since the starting point of the initial transition can be formed in a wide region between the first electrode and the second electrode, propagation of the initial transition can be performed uniformly and at a high speed. The initial transition can be performed in a short time.

A driving method of a liquid crystal device according to the present invention includes a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between a first substrate and a second substrate that are arranged to face each other, and a plurality of pixel regions, and the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer is changed from a splay alignment. A driving method of a liquid crystal device that performs display by transitioning to bend alignment, wherein an electric field including a component in a substrate surface direction is applied to the liquid crystal layer positioned in the vicinity of the second substrate, and the first The liquid crystal layer is moved by applying an electric field in the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer to the liquid crystal layer located in the vicinity of the substrate.
As described above, by applying electric fields in different directions to the liquid crystal layer on the first substrate side and the second substrate side of the liquid crystal layer, the alignment disorder of the liquid crystal, which is the starting point of the initial transition, is formed quickly and reliably. Therefore, the initial transition can be performed in a short time at a low voltage.

A driving method of a liquid crystal device according to the present invention includes a first substrate and a second substrate which are disposed to face each other, a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first and second substrates, a plurality of pixel regions, and the first substrate. A liquid crystal device that has a pixel electrode formed on the first substrate, a first electrode formed on the second substrate, and a second electrode, and performs display by changing the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer from a splay alignment to a bend alignment In this driving method, when the image is displayed, the same potential is supplied to the first electrode and the second electrode.
With such a driving method, it is possible to prevent the image display from being adversely affected and to obtain a high-quality image display.

  An electronic apparatus according to the present invention includes the liquid crystal device according to the present invention described above. According to this configuration, it is possible to provide an electronic apparatus including a high-quality and high-speed display unit.

(First embodiment)
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
In each drawing used in the following description, the scale is appropriately changed to make each member a recognizable size.
FIG. 1A is a plan view showing the liquid crystal device of the present embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line HH ′ of FIG. 2 is an equivalent circuit diagram showing the liquid crystal device, FIG. 3 is a plan view of the subpixel region, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal device along the line AA ′ in FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the alignment state of liquid crystal molecules.

  The liquid crystal device 100 of the present embodiment is an active matrix transmissive liquid crystal device, and includes three sub-pixels that output light of each color of R (red), G (green), and B (blue). It constitutes a pixel. Here, the display area which is the minimum unit constituting the display is referred to as a “sub-pixel area (pixel area)”.

As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid crystal device 100 is sandwiched between an element substrate (first substrate) 10, a counter substrate (second substrate) 20 disposed to face the element substrate 10, and the element substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20. And a liquid crystal layer 50. In the liquid crystal device 100, the element substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20 are bonded together with a sealing material 52, and the liquid crystal layer 50 is sealed in an area partitioned by the sealing material 52. A peripheral parting line 53 is formed along the inner periphery of the sealing material 52, and a rectangular area is displayed as an image display area in a plan view surrounded by the peripheral parting part 53 (when the element substrate 10 is viewed from the counter substrate 20 side). 10a.
In addition, the liquid crystal device 100 includes a data line driving circuit 101 and a scanning line driving circuit 104 provided in an outer region of the sealant 52, a connection terminal 102 that is electrically connected to the data line driving circuit 101 and the scanning line driving circuit 104, and scanning. Wiring 105 for connecting the line driving circuit 104 is provided.

  In the image display area 10a of the liquid crystal device 100, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of sub-pixel areas are arranged in a matrix in plan view. Corresponding to each sub-pixel region, a pixel electrode 15 and a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) 30 that controls switching of the pixel electrode 15 are provided. In the image display area 10a, a plurality of data lines 6a and scanning lines 3a are formed extending in a grid pattern.

  The data line 6a is connected to the source of the TFT 30, and the scanning line 3a is connected to the gate. The drain of the TFT 30 is connected to the pixel electrode 15. The data line 6a is connected to the data line driving circuit 101, and supplies image signals S1, S2,..., Sn supplied from the data line driving circuit 101 to each sub-pixel region. The scanning line 3a is connected to the scanning line driving circuit 104, and supplies scanning signals G1, G2,..., Gm supplied from the scanning line driving circuit 104 to each sub-pixel region. The image signals S1 to Sn supplied from the data line driving circuit 101 to the data line 6a may be supplied line-sequentially in this order, or may be supplied for each of a plurality of adjacent data lines 6a for each group. Good. The scanning line driving circuit 104 supplies the scanning signals G1 to Gm to the scanning line 3a in a pulse-sequential manner at a predetermined timing.

In the liquid crystal device 100, the TFT 30 serving as a switching element is turned on for a certain period by the input of the scanning signals G1 to Gm, so that the image signals S1 to Sn supplied from the data line 6a are at the pixel electrode 15 at a predetermined timing. It is the structure written in. A predetermined level of the image signals S1 to Sn written to the liquid crystal via the pixel electrode 15 is held for a certain period between the pixel electrode 15 and a common electrode (described later) disposed opposite to each other via the liquid crystal layer 50. .
Here, in order to prevent the retained image signals S1 to Sn from leaking, a storage capacitor 17 is connected in parallel with a liquid crystal capacitor formed between the pixel electrode 15 and the common electrode. The storage capacitor 17 is provided between the drain of the TFT 30 and the capacitor line 3b.

  Next, a detailed configuration of the liquid crystal device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. In FIG. 3, the major axis direction of the sub-pixel region substantially rectangular in plan view, the major axis direction of the pixel electrode 15, and the extending direction of the data line 6a are the X-axis direction, the minor axis direction of the sub-pixel region, and the pixel electrode. The minor axis direction of 15 and the extending direction of the scanning line 3a and the capacitor line 3b are defined as the Y-axis direction.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the liquid crystal device 100 includes an element substrate 10 and an opposite substrate 20 that are opposed to each other with the liquid crystal layer 50 interposed therebetween, and a retardation plate disposed outside the element substrate 10 (on the opposite side to the liquid crystal layer 50). 33 and the polarizing plate 36, the retardation plate 34 and the polarizing plate 37 disposed on the outer side of the counter substrate 20 (on the side opposite to the liquid crystal layer 50), and the outer side of the polarizing plate 36. And an illumination device that emits illumination light. The liquid crystal layer 50 is configured to operate in the OCB mode, and exhibits a bend alignment in which the liquid crystal molecules 51 are aligned in a generally arcuate shape as illustrated in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a pixel electrode 15 having a rectangular shape in plan view is formed in each sub-pixel region. The data line 6a extends along the long side extending in the Y-axis direction among the side edges of the pixel electrode 15, and the scanning line 3a extends along the short side (X-axis direction) of the pixel electrode 15. Yes. On the pixel electrode 15 side of the scanning line 3a, a capacitor line 3b extending in parallel with the scanning line 3a is formed.

  A TFT 30 as a switching element is formed on the scanning line 3a. The TFT 30 includes a semiconductor layer 35 made of an island-shaped amorphous silicon film, and a source electrode 6b and a drain electrode 32 disposed so as to partially overlap the semiconductor layer 35 in a planar manner. The scanning line 3 a functions as a gate electrode of the TFT 30 at a position overlapping the semiconductor layer 35 in plan view.

  The source electrode 6 b is connected to the data line 6 a at the end opposite to the semiconductor layer 35. The drain electrode 32 is connected to the capacitor electrode 31 having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view at the end opposite to the semiconductor layer 35. The capacitor electrode 31 is disposed in the plane region of the capacitor line 3b, and constitutes a storage capacitor 17 having the capacitor electrode 31 and the capacitor line 3b as electrodes. The pixel electrode 15 and the capacitor electrode 31 are electrically connected via the pixel contact hole 25 formed in the planar region of the capacitor electrode 31 so that the drain of the TFT 30 and the pixel electrode 15 are electrically connected. In FIG. 3, a flat first solid common electrode (first electrode) 121 and a dielectric film 123 are formed so as to cover a plurality of subpixel regions. Further, two second common electrodes (second electrodes) 122 extending in parallel with the scanning line 3 a extend so as to cross the planar region of the pixel electrode 15.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the element substrate 10 includes a substrate body 11 made of a translucent material such as glass, quartz, or plastic as a base. Inside the substrate body 11 (on the liquid crystal layer 50 side), the scanning lines 3a and the capacitor lines 3b, a gate insulating film 12 covering the scanning lines 3a and the capacitor lines 3b, and the scanning lines 3a are opposed to each other through the gate insulating film 12. A semiconductor layer 35 to be connected, a source electrode 6b (data line 6a) connected to the semiconductor layer 35, a drain electrode 32, and a capacitor connected to the drain electrode 32 and facing the capacitor line 3b through the gate insulating film 12. Electrode 31 is formed. That is, the TFT 30 and the storage capacitor 17 connected to the TFT 30 are formed.

  A flattening film 13 is formed to cover the TFT 30 and flatten unevenness on the substrate caused by the TFT 30 or the like. The pixel electrode 15 formed on the planarizing film 13 and the capacitor electrode 31 are electrically connected through the pixel contact hole 25 that penetrates the planarizing film 13 and reaches the capacitor electrode 31. An alignment film 18 is formed so as to cover the pixel electrode 15. The alignment film 18 is made of, for example, polyimide, and is subjected to a rubbing process in the major axis direction (arrow R1 direction shown in FIG. 3) of the sub-pixel region.

  The counter substrate 20 is made of a translucent material such as glass, quartz, or plastic, and includes a substrate body 21 as a base. Inside the substrate body 21 (on the liquid crystal layer 50 side), a color filter 22 made of a color material layer corresponding to each sub-pixel region, a first common electrode 121, a dielectric film 123, and a second A common electrode 122 and an alignment film 29 are stacked.

  The first common electrode 121 is made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO, and has a flat solid shape covering a plurality of sub-pixel regions as shown in FIG. The dielectric film 123 is a transparent insulating film made of a silicon oxide film, a silicon nitride film, or the like, and is formed so as to cover the first common electrode 121. The second common electrode 122 is made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO, and is partially formed in the plane region of the first common electrode 121 as shown in FIG. The second common electrodes 122 are arranged in a stripe shape in plan view in the image display region 10a, and are arranged so that the two second common electrodes 122 cross over the pixel electrodes 15 in the sub-pixel region. A flattening film for flattening unevenness on the color filter 22 may be formed between the first common electrode 121 and the color filter 22.

  The alignment film 29 is made of polyimide, for example, and is formed so as to cover the second common electrode 122 and the dielectric film 123. The surface of the alignment film 29 is subjected to a rubbing process in a direction parallel to the alignment direction R1 of the alignment film 18 (the arrow R2 direction shown in FIG. 3).

Next, an initial transition operation of the OCB mode liquid crystal device 100 will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules in the OCB mode.
In the OCB mode liquid crystal device, in its initial state (non-operation), the liquid crystal molecules 51 are in an alignment state (splay alignment) that is open in a splay shape as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5A, the liquid crystal molecules 51 are in an alignment state bent in a bow shape (bend alignment). The liquid crystal device 100 is configured to realize high-speed response of the display operation by modulating the transmittance with the degree of bending of the bend alignment during the display operation.

  In the case of the liquid crystal device 100 in the OCB mode, since the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules at the time of power-off is the splay alignment shown in FIG. 5B, by applying a voltage higher than a certain threshold at the time of power-on to the liquid crystal molecules 51, A so-called initial transition operation is required in which the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules is transferred from the initial splay alignment shown in FIG. 5B to the bend alignment during the display operation shown in FIG. Here, when the initial transition is not sufficiently performed, display failure and desired high-speed response may not be obtained.

  Since the liquid crystal device 100 of the present embodiment includes the first common electrode 121 and the second common electrode 122 formed on the counter substrate 20 side, the liquid crystal layer 50 is applied by applying a voltage between these electrodes. The initial transfer operation can be performed. Here, FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of the liquid crystal device 100 for explaining a voltage application mode to each electrode during the initial transition operation and the display operation.

As shown in FIG. 6, the liquid crystal device 100 includes a control unit 200 that controls driving of the liquid crystal panel, and the control unit 200 controls the potentials of the first common electrode 121 and the second common electrode 122. The control unit 201 includes a pixel electrode control unit 202 that controls the potential of the pixel electrode 15 via the TFT 30.
The common electrode control unit 201 is electrically connected to the first common electrode 121 and the second common electrode 122, and is driven to the first common electrode 121 and the second common electrode 122 according to the operating state of the liquid crystal device 100, respectively. Signals Vc1 and Vc2 are supplied.
Note that the common electrode control unit 201 only needs to be able to control at least the potential difference between the first common electrode 121 and the second common electrode 122, and therefore, the potential of at least one of the first common electrode 121 and the second common electrode 122 is set. What is necessary is just to be comprised so that control is possible. If the potential of the first common electrode 121 and the second common electrode 122 can be controlled independently of each other as in the present embodiment, detailed potential control can be performed both during the initial transition operation and during image display.

As an initial transition operation of the liquid crystal layer 50 in the liquid crystal device 100 having the above-described configuration, a direct current or an alternating voltage is applied to the second common electrode 122 provided corresponding to each subpixel region. As shown in FIG. 4, an oblique electric field E2 is generated between the first common electrode 121 and the second common electrode 122, and an electric field E2 including an electric field component in the substrate normal direction and an electric field component in the substrate surface direction is generated. It acts on the liquid crystal layer 50.
Then, in the boundary region between the first common electrode 121 and the second common electrode 122, the liquid crystal molecules 51 are tilted by the electric field E2 in the oblique direction, so that a plurality of liquid crystal regions having different alignment states in the liquid crystal layer 50 near the counter substrate 20 Is formed. Then, the initial transition of the liquid crystal layer 50 propagates around the boundary of such a liquid crystal region. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the second common electrode 122 extends over a plurality of sub-pixel regions, and the initial transition propagates in a band shape from the end of the second common electrode 122. The initial transition can be progressed uniformly in a short time as compared with the case where a structure (electrode bent portion, protrusion, etc.) that locally promotes the initial transition is provided.
As described above, in the liquid crystal device according to the present embodiment, since the alignment transition proceeds by the bulk liquid crystal during the initial transition operation, the initial transition operation can be performed at a lower voltage than in the conventional case. For example, the first common electrode 121 Is 0 V, the second common electrode 122 is 10 V, and the potential difference between the second common electrode 122 and the first common electrode 121 is about 10 V, the uniform initial transition can proceed in a sufficiently short time.

  In addition, when a voltage difference is generated between the second common electrode 122 and the pixel electrode 15 due to the voltage application to the second common electrode 122, as shown in FIG. The electric field E1 will also act. Then, the liquid crystal molecules 51 located in the region where the second common electrode 122 and the pixel electrode 15 overlap with each other are tilted in the layer thickness direction, and the initial transition of the liquid crystal located in the formation region of the second common electrode 122 is promoted. Thereby, even if the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer 50 is lowered, uniform initial transition can be advanced in a short time.

  Further, in the present embodiment, at the time of the initial transition operation, a signal is input to the data line 6a while the scanning line 3a is turned on line-sequentially, a voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 15, and the first common electrode 121 or the second common electrode is applied. A pulse voltage may be applied between the pixel electrode 15 and the pixel electrode 15. For example, by holding the pixel electrode 15 at a potential of about 5V during the initial transition operation, the pixel electrode 15 and the first common electrode are connected between the pixel electrode 15 (5V) and the second common electrode 122 (10V). A potential difference can be generated with respect to 121 (0 V), and the liquid crystal is driven by the electric field generated between these electrodes, thereby promoting the propagation of the initial transition and allowing the initial transition to proceed in a short time. .

In the above case, the signal may be supplied only to the data line 6a without inputting the signal to the scanning line 3a.
With such a driving method, as shown in FIG. 3, an electric field E3 in the extending direction (X-axis direction) of the scanning line 3a is generated between the data line 6a and the edge of the pixel electrode 15. The liquid crystal molecules 51 can be aligned in a direction different from the initial alignment direction (R1, R2) of the liquid crystal. This also allows the initial transition to propagate from the side edge of the pixel electrode 15 in the direction along the data line 6a.
Further, since the liquid crystal molecules 51 are driven on the counter substrate 20 side by the electric field E2 in the direction along the data line 6a (Y-axis direction), the alignment directions of the liquid crystal molecules 51 are on the element substrate 10 side and the counter substrate 20 side. Since the liquid crystal molecules 51 are twisted in different directions, the initial transition proceeds more smoothly.

  By the way, at the time of image display in the liquid crystal device 100 of the present embodiment, if there is a potential difference between the first common electrode 121 and the second common electrode 122, the liquid crystal molecules 51 are tilted at the end of the second common electrode 122. The orientation is disturbed. Therefore, when displaying an image in the liquid crystal device 100, the common electrode control unit 201 drives the common electrode with the voltages Vc1 and Vc2 applied to the first common electrode 121 and the second common electrode 122 being the same voltage. The potential of the common electrode facing the pixel electrode 15 can be kept constant, and there is no inconvenience in image display.

  In the present embodiment, the rubbing direction of the alignment films 18 and 29 is the long side direction (Y-axis direction) of the pixel electrode 15. The rubbing direction (the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal) is shown in FIG. It is not limited to the direction. For example, the rubbing direction of the alignment film may be the short side direction of the pixel electrode 15 (X-axis direction; the extending direction of the scanning line 3a), and the direction oblique to the extending direction of the data line 6a and the scanning line 3a. It is good.

  When a voltage is applied to the data line 6a or the scanning line 3a on the element substrate 10 side during the initial transfer operation, the direction of the electric field formed between the pixel electrode 15 and the wiring to which the voltage is applied is the rubbing direction (initial alignment). Select the wiring so that the direction intersects the direction. For example, in the configuration shown in FIG. 3, a voltage for initial transition operation is applied to the data line 6a. The second common electrode 122 on the counter substrate 20 side is formed in a direction along the scanning line 3a so as to form an electric field E2 that intersects the electric field E3 formed between the data line 6a and the pixel electrode 15. It is formed to extend. Therefore, when the rubbing direction is changed as described above, it is preferable to change the extending direction of the second common electrode 122 so that the direction intersects (preferably orthogonally) the rubbing direction. .

[Example of common electrode configuration]
Next, a configuration example of the electrode structure of the counter substrate 20 in the liquid crystal device 100 of the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 are plan configuration diagrams showing a plurality of configuration examples of the first common electrode 121 and the second common electrode 122 together with the arrangement structure of the pixel electrodes 15. FIG. 9 is a plan configuration diagram and a cross-sectional configuration diagram illustrating a configuration example of the first common electrode 121 and the second common electrode 122 together with the arrangement structure of the pixel electrodes 15.

  In the first configuration example shown in FIG. 7A, the planar configuration of the first common electrode 121 and the second common electrode 122 in the liquid crystal device 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is shown for a larger number of subpixel regions. It is. As shown in FIG. 7A, in the liquid crystal device according to the first embodiment, a flat solid first common electrode 121 is formed so as to cover the entire pixel electrodes 15 arranged in a matrix in plan view. In addition, two strip-like second common electrodes extending in the short side direction (X-axis direction) of the pixel electrode 15 are disposed in each planar region of the pixel electrode 15. By arranging the second common electrode 122 corresponding to each pixel electrode 15 in this way, the initial transition in each sub-pixel region can proceed smoothly and uniformly, and the bend alignment state between the sub-pixels can be increased. Nonuniformity can be effectively prevented.

The second configuration example shown in FIG. 7B is a configuration in which the second common electrode 122 that is wider than the first configuration example is arranged in the image display region. A first common electrode 121 is formed so as to cover the entire pixel electrodes 15 arranged in a matrix in plan view, and a strip-like second common electrode 122 extending along the short side direction of the pixel electrode 15 is in a stripe shape in plan view. This is the same as the first configuration example in that they are arranged in the above. The second common electrode 122 according to the second configuration example is disposed so as to straddle the two pixel electrodes 15 disposed adjacent to each other in the long side direction (Y-axis direction) of the pixel electrode 15.
Then, the first common electrode 121 located in the region between the adjacent second common electrodes 122 is disposed in the planar region of each pixel electrode 15. Even in such a configuration, a boundary region between the first common electrode 121 and the second common electrode 122 is arranged corresponding to each sub-pixel region. When the plane area of the pixel electrode 15 is smaller than that of the first configuration example, the initial transition can be sufficiently smoothly advanced even with such a configuration.

  The third configuration example shown in FIG. 7C is the same as the first configuration example in that the strip-shaped second common electrodes 122 extending along the short side direction of the pixel electrode 15 are arranged in a stripe shape in plan view. However, a region between adjacent second common electrodes 122 is disposed in a region (non-pixel region) between adjacent pixel electrodes 15 in the long side direction (Y-axis direction) of the pixel electrode 15. When the plane area of the pixel electrode 15 is smaller than that of the first and second configuration examples, the end portion of the second common electrode 122 may be arranged outside the pixel electrode 15 as described above. The initial transition can proceed sufficiently smoothly.

In the fourth configuration example shown in FIG. 8A, the width of the second common electrode 122 is made wider than that in the third configuration example. The second common electrode 122 according to the fourth configuration example is formed so as to straddle the three pixel electrodes 15 arranged along the long side direction of the pixel electrode 15. Therefore, the boundary region between the second common electrode 122 and the first common electrode 121 is not arranged corresponding to each pixel electrode 15 but is related to the pixel electrode 15 arranged in the long side direction of the pixel electrode 15. Every other one is arranged. In the case where the plane area of the pixel electrode 15 is smaller than that of the previous configuration example, for example, when a liquid crystal device used as a light valve of a projector is configured, the second common electrode 122 and the first common electrode 121 are thus formed. Even if the boundary region is arranged for each of the plurality of sub-pixels, the initial transition can proceed sufficiently smoothly.
In this example, the case where the second common electrode 122 is formed to have a width across three sub-pixel regions has been described as an example. However, as long as the initial transition can be sufficiently smoothly advanced. Of course, the width of the second common electrode 122 may be further increased.

The fifth configuration example shown in FIG. 8B shows an electrode structure when the extending direction of the second common electrode 122 with respect to the pixel electrode 15 is different. That is, the second common electrodes 122 are arranged in a stripe shape in a plan view in a strip shape extending along the long side direction (Y-axis direction) of the pixel electrode 15. Then, one second common electrode 122 is disposed so as to cross the planar area corresponding to each pixel electrode 15.
Even in such a configuration, since the boundary region between the first common electrode 121 and the second common electrode 122 that is the starting point of the initial transition is located in the plane region of the pixel electrode 15, each subpixel The initial transition can proceed uniformly and rapidly in the region.
When the second common electrode 122 is arranged as in this example, a pulse is input to the scanning line 3a instead of the data line 6a during the initial transition operation, and an electric field is generated between the scanning line 3a and the pixel electrode 15. It is preferable to form a starting point of initial transition. With such a configuration, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 51 on the element substrate 10 side and the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 51 on the counter substrate 20 side intersect with each other, so that the propagation of the initial transition is further smoothed. Can be.

The sixth configuration example shown in FIG. 8C is obtained by increasing the width of the second common electrode 122 in the fifth configuration example. The second common electrode 122 according to the sixth configuration example is disposed so as to straddle the three pixel electrodes 15 that are continuous along the short side direction (X-axis direction) of the pixel electrode 15. In other words, the boundary region between the first common electrode 121 and the second common electrode 122 is arranged on every other pixel electrode 15 in the short side direction of the pixel electrode 15. When the plane area of the pixel electrode 15 is smaller than that of the fifth configuration example, the initial transition is sufficiently performed even if the end portions of the second common electrode 122 are not arranged on all the pixel electrodes 15 in this way. Can smoothly proceed.
Note that, similarly to the fourth configuration example, the width of the second common electrode 122 relative to the pixel electrode 15 may be further increased depending on the plane area of the pixel electrode 15.

  The seventh configuration example shown in FIG. 9 is an example in which the first common electrode 121 is formed in a band shape (wiring shape) instead of a flat solid shape. That is, as shown in FIG. 9A, the strip-shaped first common electrode 121 and second common electrode 122 extending in the long side direction (Y-axis direction) of the pixel electrode 15 are arranged in the short side direction ( (X-axis direction) are arranged alternately. In the case of this configuration example, the second common electrode 122 is formed in a region covering the pixel electrode 15 in plan view, and the first common electrode 121 is a region between the pixel electrodes 15 in the short side direction of the pixel electrode 15. Is formed.

In the case of this configuration, as shown in FIG. 9B, the first common electrode 121 and the second common electrode 122 are formed on the color filter 22 of the counter substrate 20, and the dielectric film is not provided. . Then, by generating a potential difference between the first common electrode 121 and the second common electrode 122 formed on the same layer on the counter substrate 20, an electric field (lateral By applying an electric field, an initial transition start point can be formed in a region between the first common electrode 121 and the second common electrode 122.
A dielectric film that separates the first common electrode 121 and the second common electrode 122 in the substrate thickness direction can also be formed. Specifically, after the first common electrode 121 is formed on the color filter 22, a dielectric film covering the first common electrode 121 is formed, and the second common electrode 122 is formed on the dielectric film. it can.

  In the seventh configuration example shown in FIG. 9, at the time of the initial transition operation, a pulse is input to the scanning line 3a instead of the data line 6a, and an electric field is formed between the scanning line 3a and the pixel electrode 15 so that the origin of the initial transition is set. It is preferable to make it occur. With such a configuration, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 51 on the element substrate 10 side and the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 51 on the counter substrate 20 side intersect with each other, so that the propagation of the initial transition is further smoothed. Can be.

  Further, in the seventh configuration example, as shown in FIG. 9, a region where the electrode between the first common electrode 121 and the second common electrode 122 is not provided is disposed in a region outside the pixel electrode 15. Is preferred. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a region in which the electrode on the counter substrate 20 side is not formed from being disposed in the planar region of the pixel electrode 15, and it is possible to prevent a decrease in aperture ratio and contrast.

In the seventh configuration example, the case where the first common electrode 121 has a wiring shape extending along the long side direction (the Y-axis direction; the data line 6a direction) of the pixel electrode 15 has been described. May be formed in a region overlapping the scanning line 3a in plan view. That is, the wiring-shaped first common electrode 121 extending along the short side direction of the pixel electrode 15 may be disposed in a region between the pixel electrodes 15 in the long side direction of the pixel electrode 15. At this time, the second common electrode 122 is formed in a strip shape having a width corresponding to the long side of the pixel electrode 15 and extending in the short side direction (X-axis direction) of the pixel electrode 15.
Even in such a configuration, the same operational effects as the configuration shown in FIG. 9 can be obtained. In the initial transition operation, it is preferable to apply a voltage to the data line 6a instead of the scanning line 3a.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a plan configuration diagram showing an image display area of the liquid crystal device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a plan configuration diagram showing a second configuration example of the common electrode.
The liquid crystal device of the present embodiment is a TFT active matrix type transmissive liquid crystal device, similar to the liquid crystal device 100 of the first embodiment, and is characterized by the shape of the second common electrode 122. Accordingly, since the basic configuration of the liquid crystal device of the present embodiment is the same as that of the liquid crystal device of the first embodiment, common constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the first configuration example of the second embodiment, two strip-shaped second common electrodes 122 are formed in the planar region of the pixel electrode 15. The edge of each second common electrode 122 is formed in a partially bent shape. That is, the convex part 122a which forms the bending part of the planar view triangle shape which protrudes the width direction outer side of the 2nd common electrode 122, and the recessed part 122b which forms the bending part of the shape dented in the width direction inner side are formed.
On one edge of the second common electrode 122, a plurality of convex portions 122a arranged corresponding to the region between the data line 6a and the pixel electrode 15 are formed, and on the other edge, Similarly, a plurality of recesses 122b arranged corresponding to the region between the data line 6a and the pixel electrode 15 are formed. In the extending direction of the data line 6a, the convex portions 122a and the concave portions 122b of the two second common electrodes 122 are alternately arranged. More specifically, in the region between the pixel electrode 15 and the data line 6a connected to the pixel electrode 15 via the TFT 30, the apexes of the triangular convex portion 122a and the concave portion 122b are arranged.

  In the liquid crystal device according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration, for example, a voltage is applied to the second common electrode 122 to apply a voltage between the first common electrode 121 and the second common electrode 122 as in the liquid crystal device 100 according to the first embodiment. By applying the electric field formed on the liquid crystal layer 50, the initial transition operation can be performed. Further, at the side edges of the convex portions 122a and the concave portions 122b formed on the second common electrode 122, an electric field in a direction different from that of other portions of the second common electrode 122 is formed, and the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules is disturbed. Transition nuclei serving as starting points of initial transition can be generated at the positions where the portions 122a and the recesses 122b are formed. That is, the convex part 122a and the concave part 122b function as transition nucleus forming means of the liquid crystal device.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when a voltage is applied to the data line 6a, the vertices of the convex portions 122a and the concave portions 122b are arranged in a region where an electric field is formed between the data line 6a and the pixel electrode 15. Therefore, the origin of the initial transition is surely generated in the vicinity of the pixel electrode 15 by the action of the electric field formed between the data line 6a and the pixel electrode 15 and the electric field formed in the vicinity of the convex portion 122a and the concave portion 122b. Can be generated. In addition, since the electric field formed at the positions where the convex portions 122a and the concave portions 122b are formed and the electric field formed between the data line 6a and the pixel electrode 15 are in a direction crossing each other, the liquid crystal layer 50 in this region. Then, the liquid crystal molecules are twisted and aligned. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the initial transition can be propagated more efficiently than in the first embodiment, and the uniform initial transition can be advanced in a short time.

  Next, in the second configuration example shown in FIG. 11, instead of the convex portions 122a and the convex portions 122b of the first configuration example shown in FIG. The second common electrode 122 is provided. As shown in FIG. 11, the rectangular convex portion 122c and concave portion 122d are provided corresponding to the formation region of the data line 6a. Specifically, the convex portion 122c and the concave portion 122d are formed such that the width in the short side direction (X-axis direction) of the pixel electrode 15 is slightly larger than the interval between the adjacent pixel electrodes 15 across the data line 6a. The ends of the convex portions 122c and the concave portions 122d in the short side direction (X-axis direction) of the pixel electrode 15 are located on different pixel electrodes 15, respectively.

In the liquid crystal device of the second configuration example having the above-described configuration, the convex portion 122c and the concave portion 122d having side edges extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the extending direction of the data line 6a are arranged on the data line 6a. Therefore, when a voltage is applied to the second common electrode 122 and the data line 6a during the initial transition operation, liquid crystal molecules can be aligned in different directions on the element substrate 10 side and the counter substrate 20 side of the liquid crystal layer 50, An orientation state advantageous for the initial transition can be generated.
In addition, since the portion where the side edge of the second common electrode 122 is bent is disposed on the pixel electrode 15, the initial transition can be propagated starting from the alignment disorder generated in the bent portion. Therefore, also in this configuration example, the initial transition can be efficiently propagated, and the uniform initial transition can be advanced in a short time.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14, third to fifth configuration examples of the second embodiment will be described. The configuration examples shown in FIGS. 12 to 14 are configurations in which transition nucleus forming means is arranged on the element substrate 10 side in the configuration examples shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.
Note that FIGS. 12 to 14 show only the components necessary for the description. In practice, the TFT 30, the first common electrode 121, the dielectric film 123, and the like are formed as in the pixel region shown in FIG. Has been.

  In the third configuration example shown in FIG. 12, a band-shaped second common electrode 122 extending across the plurality of pixel electrodes 15 in the short side direction (X-axis direction) of the pixel electrode 15 is provided at the center in the long side direction of the pixel electrode 15. Has been placed. Convex portions 122 a and concave portions 122 b similar to those in the first configuration example are formed at the side edges on both sides of the second common electrode 122.

In the third configuration example, a plurality of bent portions 16a are formed on the data line 6a. Further, the pixel electrode 15 has an uneven convex portion 15a corresponding to the bent portion 16a of the data line 6a located in the vicinity. And a recess 15b are formed. That is, a concave portion 15b is formed by partially cutting out the pixel electrode 15 at a position facing the portion where the bent portion 16a of the data line 6a protrudes toward the pixel electrode 15 in the width direction of the data line. A convex portion 15a is formed by projecting the pixel electrode 15 outward at a position facing a portion where 16a is recessed inward in the width direction of the data line.
Furthermore, in this example, the apex of the convex part 122a and the apex of the concave part 122b of the second common electrode 122 are arranged at a position substantially overlapping the apex of the bent part 16a of the data line 6a in plan view.

  In the liquid crystal device of the third configuration example having the above-described configuration, the bent portion 16a formed on the data line 6a on the element substrate 10, and the convex portion 15a and the concave portion 15b formed on the pixel electrode 15 are formed during the initial transition operation. When a voltage is applied to the data line 6a or the pixel electrode 15, it functions as a transition nucleus forming means for generating a transition nucleus that becomes the starting point of the initial transition. Therefore, according to the present configuration example, the initial transition start points are formed on the counter substrate 20 side and the element substrate 10 side of the liquid crystal layer 50 by the initial transition operation, so that the uniform initial transition can proceed in a short time. Is possible. Further, in this configuration example, the convex portion 122a and the concave portion 122b that are the transition nucleus forming means on the counter substrate 20 side are disposed at a position that substantially overlaps the bent portion 16a that is the transition nucleus forming means on the element substrate 10 side in plan view. Therefore, the starting point of the initial transition can be reliably formed at a plurality of locations in the sub-pixel region, and the progress of the initial transition can be made smoother.

  In the fourth configuration example shown in FIG. 13, instead of the second common electrode 122 in the third configuration example shown in FIG. 12, a second common electrode having the same rectangular convex portion 122c and concave portion 122d as in the second configuration example. An electrode 122 is provided. Also in this configuration example, the convex portion 122c and the concave portion 122d of the second common electrode 122 that is the transition nucleus forming means on the counter substrate 20 side, the bent portion 16a that is the transition nucleus forming means on the element substrate 10 side, and the pixel The convex portion 15a and the concave portion 15b of the electrode 15 are arranged so as to substantially overlap in a plan view. Specifically, the tip of the convex part 122c and the apex of the bent part 16a, the convex part 15a, and the concave part 15b are arranged so as to overlap in a plan view.

  Also in the liquid crystal device of the fourth configuration example having the above-described configuration, the bent portion 16a, the convex portion 15a, and the concave portion 15b, which are transition nucleus forming means, are formed on the element substrate 10 side, and further substantially overlap these in plan view. Since the convex portion 122c or the concave portion 122d, which is a transition nucleus forming means on the counter substrate 20 side, is disposed at the position, as in the third configuration example shown in FIG. Can do.

  Next, in the fifth configuration example shown in FIG. 14, instead of changing the shape of the pixel electrode 15 and the data line 6 a as in the third and fourth configuration examples shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, an element substrate is used. 10 is provided with a protrusion 19 as a transition nucleus forming means. Such protrusions can be formed, for example, by patterning an insulating resin material. The protrusion 19 can be formed on any layer on the substrate body 11 as long as it protrudes from the surface of the element substrate 10 toward the liquid crystal layer 50. Typically, it is formed using a photosensitive resin material on the substrate body 11 on which the pixel electrode 15 is formed.

The protrusion 19 functions as a transition nucleus forming means because it causes alignment disorder in the liquid crystal molecules around it during the initial transition operation. Also in the liquid crystal device of the fifth configuration example having such a configuration, the protrusions 19 serving as transition nucleus forming means are formed on the element substrate 10 side, and further on the counter substrate 20 side at a position almost overlapping with these in a plan view. Since the convex portion 122c or the concave portion 122d, which is the transition nucleus forming means, is arranged, uniform initial transition can be advanced in a short time as in the fourth configuration example shown in FIG.
Of course, the rectangular convex portions 122c and the concave portions 122d shown in FIG. 14 may be formed on the second common electrode 122 instead of the convex portions 122a and the concave portions 122b having a triangular shape in plan view.

(Electronics)
FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing an example of an electronic apparatus according to the invention. A cellular phone 1100 illustrated in FIG. 15 includes the liquid crystal device of the above embodiment as a small-sized display unit 1101, and includes a plurality of operation buttons 1102, an earpiece 1103, and a mouthpiece 1104.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an in-vehicle navigation device that is an example of an electronic apparatus according to the invention. The navigation device 1200 includes a display unit (display means) 1201 using the liquid crystal device of the above embodiment.
Since the liquid crystal device of the above embodiment can smoothly perform the initial transition operation in the OCB mode while minimizing the deterioration of the display quality, the mobile phone 1100 including the liquid crystal display unit having excellent display quality or the navigation can be performed. An apparatus 1200 can be provided.

FIG. 17 is a front view (a) and a side sectional view (b) showing a schematic configuration of a rear projector that is an example of the electronic apparatus according to the invention. The rear projector 1300 includes a housing 1302 and a screen 1303. A front panel 1304 is provided below the screen 1303 on the front surface of the housing 1302, and speakers 1305 are provided on the left and right sides of the front panel 1304. A projection engine 1307 that projects light modulated by a liquid crystal light valve is disposed below the housing 1302. A reflection mirror 1308 and a reflection mirror 1309 are installed on the optical path between the projection engine 1307 and the screen 1303.
Since the liquid crystal device of the above embodiment can smoothly perform the initial transition operation in the OCB mode while minimizing the deterioration of the display quality, a liquid crystal light valve excellent in display quality can be used as the light modulation means of the projection engine 1307. The rear projector 1300 provided as can be provided.

  The liquid crystal device of each of the above embodiments is not limited to the electronic device described above, but an electronic book, a personal computer, a digital still camera, a liquid crystal television, a viewfinder type or a monitor direct view type video tape recorder, pager, electronic notebook, calculator, word processor It can be suitably used as image display means for devices such as workstations, videophones, POS terminals, touch panels, etc., and any electronic device can display bright and high contrast images.

  The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention can be applied to various types of liquid crystal devices regardless of transflective / transmissive / reflective, active matrix / passive matrix, and the like.

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a liquid crystal device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the liquid crystal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a pixel configuration of the liquid crystal device according to the first embodiment. 4 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram taken along the line A-A ′ of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing the alignment state of liquid crystal molecules. FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a liquid crystal device including a control unit. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a plurality of configuration examples of a common electrode structure. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a plurality of configuration examples of a common electrode structure. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a plurality of configuration examples of a common electrode structure. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a pixel configuration of the liquid crystal device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a pixel configuration of the liquid crystal device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a pixel configuration of the liquid crystal device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a pixel configuration of the liquid crystal device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a pixel configuration of the liquid crystal device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 illustrates a mobile phone which is an example of an electronic device. FIG. 16 illustrates an in-vehicle navigation device that is an example of an electronic device. FIG. 17 is a rear projector which is an example of an electronic apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Liquid crystal device, 200 Control part, 201 Common electrode control part, 202 Pixel electrode control part, 10 Element board | substrate (1st board | substrate), 10a Image display area, 15 Pixel electrode, 15a Convex part (transition nucleus formation means), 15b Concave part (Transition nucleus forming means), 16a Bent part (Transition nucleus forming means), 20 Counter substrate (second substrate), 50 Liquid crystal layer, 51 Liquid crystal molecules, 121 First common electrode (first electrode), 122 Second common electrode (Second electrode), 123 dielectric film, 122a, 122c convex part (bent part), 122b, 122d concave part (bent part), 200 control part

Claims (15)

A liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate disposed opposite to each other and a plurality of pixel regions, and display is performed by changing the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer from the splay alignment to the bend alignment. A liquid crystal device,
A pixel electrode is formed on the first substrate,
A liquid crystal device, wherein a first electrode and a second electrode are formed on the second substrate.   The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the second electrode is formed on the first electrode via an insulating layer.   The liquid crystal device according to claim 2, wherein the second electrode partially overlaps the first electrode.   4. The liquid crystal device according to claim 2, wherein the second electrode is formed in a stripe shape.   The liquid crystal device according to claim 4, wherein the first electrode is formed between two second electrodes adjacent to the first electrode.   6. The liquid crystal according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the edge of the second electrode overlaps with a pixel boundary region between adjacent pixel regions. 6. apparatus. Transition nucleus forming means is provided on the liquid crystal layer side of the first substrate or the liquid crystal layer side of the second substrate,
6. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of a side edge of the second electrode overlaps with the transition nucleus forming means.   The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein a bent portion is formed in the second electrode.   The liquid crystal device according to claim 8, wherein a bent portion corresponding to a bent portion of the second electrode is formed in the first electrode formed along the second electrode.   10. The liquid crystal device according to claim 8, wherein the transition nucleus forming means and the bent portion of the second electrode are arranged so as to overlap at least partially in a plane.   11. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of a boundary region between the first electrode and the second electrode overlaps with the pixel electrode.   An electronic apparatus comprising the liquid crystal device according to claim 1. A liquid crystal layer sandwiched between a first substrate and a second substrate disposed to face each other, a plurality of pixel regions, a pixel electrode formed on the first substrate, and a first electrode formed on the second substrate And a second electrode, and a liquid crystal device driving method for performing display by changing the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer from splay alignment to bend alignment,
A method for driving a liquid crystal device, comprising performing a transition operation of the liquid crystal layer by an electric field generated between the first electrode and the second electrode. A liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate disposed opposite to each other and a plurality of pixel regions, and display is performed by changing the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer from the splay alignment to the bend alignment. A method of driving a liquid crystal device,
An electric field including a component in the substrate surface direction is applied to the liquid crystal layer located in the vicinity of the second substrate, and the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer is applied to the liquid crystal layer located in the vicinity of the first substrate. A method for driving a liquid crystal device, wherein a transition operation of the liquid crystal layer is performed by applying an electric field. A first substrate and a second substrate arranged to face each other, a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first and second substrates, a plurality of pixel regions, a pixel electrode formed on the first substrate, and the first substrate A driving method of a liquid crystal device having a first electrode and a second electrode formed on two substrates, and performing display by changing the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer from splay alignment to bend alignment,
A method of driving a liquid crystal device, wherein the same potential is supplied to the first electrode and the second electrode when performing image display.

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