U.S. patent application number 15/292216 was filed with the patent office on 2017-02-02 for liquid crystal display.
The applicant listed for this patent is Japan Display Inc.. Invention is credited to Morikazu NOMURA.
Application Number | 20170031197 15/292216 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54334634 |
Filed Date | 2017-02-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170031197 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NOMURA; Morikazu |
February 2, 2017 |
LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY
Abstract
To prevent or inhibit, even if an array substrate and an
opposite substrate shift from each other, a spacer section from
coming close to the array substrate inside each of pixels, a liquid
crystal display includes an auxiliary wiring provided to project
toward the side of the opposite substrate from a surface of the
array substrate, and the spacer section provided to project toward
the side of the array substrate from a surface of the opposite
substrate. The auxiliary wiring is arranged within a region
provided with an extension portion in a liquid shielding section,
and extends in an X-axis direction in a plan view, and a length in
a Y-axis direction of the spacer section is larger than a width in
the X-axis direction of the spacer section. The spacer section
crosses the auxiliary wiring in a crossing region where the
extension portion and an extension portion cross each other in a
plan view.
Inventors: |
NOMURA; Morikazu; (Tokyo,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Japan Display Inc. |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
54334634 |
Appl. No.: |
15/292216 |
Filed: |
October 13, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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14686040 |
Apr 14, 2015 |
9494835 |
|
|
15292216 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02F 2001/134372
20130101; G02F 2201/121 20130101; G02F 1/136286 20130101; G02F
1/13439 20130101; G02F 1/133345 20130101; G02F 1/13394 20130101;
G02F 2201/123 20130101; G02F 1/134363 20130101; G02F 2001/136295
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G02F 1/1339 20060101
G02F001/1339; G02F 1/1333 20060101 G02F001/1333; G02F 1/1343
20060101 G02F001/1343; G02F 1/1362 20060101 G02F001/1362 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 14, 2014 |
JP |
2014-082754 |
Claims
1. A liquid crystal display comprising: a first substrate; a second
substrate; a liquid crystal between the first substrate and the
second substrate; a first wiring and a first layer between the
first substrate and the liquid crystal; and a spacer which is
between the second substrate and the liquid crystal, and includes a
first length in a first direction and a second length in a second
direction which is crossing the first direction, wherein the first
length is larger than the second length, and wherein the first
wiring is projected from the first layer and extends the second
direction, and the spacer overlaps the first wiring.
2. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, further
comprising a light shielding member which is between the second
substrate and the liquid crystal, and includes a potion extending
in the second direction, wherein the portion overlaps the first
wiring.
3. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 2, further
comprising a gate wiring and a source wirings crossing the gate
wiring, wherein the gate wiring extend the first wiring.
4. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 3, wherein
the first wiring and the source wiring are parallel, and extend the
second direction.
5. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 2, wherein
the first layer is an insulation layer.
6. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 5, wherein
the insulation layer is a transparent resin film
7. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 6, further
comprising a transparent conductive layer, wherein the first wiring
is disposed between the first layer and the transparent conductive
layer, and the first wiring contacts the transparent conductive
layer.
8. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 7, further
comprising a transparent pixel electrode between the transparent
conductive layer and the liquid crystal, wherein the transparent
conducive layer is a common electrode, and the liquid crystal is
driven by an electric field generated between the pixel electrode
and the common electrode.
9. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 2, wherein
the first layer is a transparent conductive layer, and the first
wiring contacts the transparent conductive layer.
10. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 9, further
comprising a transparent pixel electrode between the transparent
conductive layer and the liquid crystal, wherein the transparent
conducive layer is a common electrode, and the liquid crystal is
driven by an electric field generated between the pixel electrode
and the common electrode.
11. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, further
comprising a second wiring projected from the first layer and
extends the second direction, wherein the second wiring is
separated from the first wiring.
12. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 11,
further comprising a light shielding member which is between the
second substrate and the liquid crystal, and includes a potion
extending in the second direction, wherein the portion overlaps the
first wiring and the second wiring.
13. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 12,
further comprising a gate wiring and a source wirings crossing the
gate wiring, wherein the gate wiring extend the first wiring.
14. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 13,
wherein the first layer is an insulation layer.
15. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 14,
wherein the insulation layer is a transparent resin film
16. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 6, further
comprising a transparent conductive layer, wherein the first wiring
is disposed between the first layer and the transparent conductive
layer, and the first wiring and the second wiring contact the
transparent conductive layer.
17. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 16,
further comprising a transparent pixel electrode between the
transparent conductive layer and the liquid crystal, wherein the
transparent conducive layer is a common electrode, and the liquid
crystal is driven by an electric field generated between the pixel
electrode and the common electrode.
18. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 13,
wherein the first layer is a transparent conductive layer, and the
first wiring and the second wiring contact the transparent
conductive layer.
19. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 18,
further comprising a transparent pixel electrode between the
transparent conductive layer and the liquid crystal, wherein the
transparent conducive layer is a common electrode, and the liquid
crystal is driven by an electric field generated between the pixel
electrode and the common electrode.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent
Application No. 2014-082754 filed on Apr. 14, 2014, the content of
which is hereby incorporated by reference into this
application.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display,
and more particularly to a liquid crystal display including a
plurality of pixels.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A liquid crystal display includes an array substrate, an
opposite substrate arranged to oppose the array substrate, and a
liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the array substrate and the
opposite substrate, for example. The array substrate or the
opposite substrate includes a light shielding section having a
lattice shape in a plan view. The light shielding section defines a
plurality of pixels. The array substrate includes a thin film
transistor (TFT) serving as a switching element.
[0004] In this liquid crystal display, an electric field is formed
in the liquid crystal layer by applying a voltage between a pixel
electrode provided in each of a plurality of pixels and a common
electrode provided to be common to the plurality of pixels. Thus,
in each of the pixels, display is performed based on image data.
For example, an image is displayed outside the opposite
substrate.
[0005] In this liquid crystal display, a spacer section is formed
between the array substrate and the opposite substrate in order to
maintain a spacing between the array substrate and the opposite
substrate and maintain the thickness of the liquid crystal layer
constant. The spacer section is fixed to the opposite substrate,
for example. The spacer section is arranged to overlap the light
shielding section in a plan view.
[0006] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-186148
(Patent Literature 1) and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2010-181786 (Patent Literature 2), for example, discuss a liquid
crystal display in which a spacer section formed between an array
substrate and an opposite substrate is arranged to overlap a light
shielding section in a plan view.
[0007] In this liquid crystal display, the array substrate or the
opposite substrate may be deflected by application of a force from
the outside, so that the array substrate and the opposite substrate
may shift from each other in a transverse direction, i.e., in a
direction parallel to a surface of the array substrate or a surface
of the opposite substrate. In such a case, a spacer section may
come close to the surface of the array substrate in apart arranged
inside each of pixels in a plan view, and an oriented film formed
on the surface of the array substrate in the part arranged inside
each of the pixels in a plan view may be damaged. As a result,
light may leak from a damaged part of the oriented film.
[0008] The present invention has been made to solve a problem in
the above-described conventional technique and is directed to
providing a liquid crystal display capable of preventing or
inhibiting, even if an array substrate and an opposite substrate
shift from each other, a spacer section from coming close to a
surface of the array substrate in a part arranged inside each of
pixels.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The following is a brief description of an outline of the
typical invention disclosed in the present application.
[0010] A liquid crystal display as an aspect of the present
invention includes: a first substrate having a first main surface;
a second substrate having a second main surface and arranged to
oppose the first substrate so that the second main surface and the
first main surface of the first substrate oppose each other; and a
liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first main surface of
the first substrate and the second main surface of the second
substrate. Further, the liquid crystal display includes a light
shielding section provided to overlap the first substrate and the
second substrate in a plan view and including a plurality of first
extension portions extending in a first direction and a plurality
of second extension portions extending in a second direction
crossing the first direction in a plan view. Further, the liquid
crystal display includes a plurality of pixels defined by the
plurality of first extension portions and the plurality of second
extension portions in a plan view. Further, the liquid crystal
display includes: a first wiring provided to project toward a side
of the second substrate from the first main surface of the first
substrate; and a spacer section provided to project toward a side
of the first substrate from the second main surface of the second
substrate. The first wiring is arranged within a region provided
with any one of the plurality of first extension portions, and
extends in the first direction in a plan view, and a length of the
spacer section in the second direction is larger than a width of
the spacer section in the first direction. The spacer section is
arranged to cross the first wiring in a crossing region where any
one of the plurality of second extension portions and any one of
the first extension portions cross each other in a plan view.
[0011] As another aspect of the present invention, the spacer
section may be arranged within a region provided with any one of
the second extension portions in a plan view. Further, as another
aspect of the present invention, the light shielding section may
include a light shielding portion for spacer section that shields
the spacer section from light, and the spacer section may be
arranged within a region provided with the light shielding portion
for spacer section in a plan view. Furthermore, as another aspect
of the present invention, the liquid crystal display may include a
second wiring provided to project toward a side of the second
substrate from the first main surface of the first substrate, and
the second wiring may be arranged to cross the first wiring in the
crossing region, and extend in the second direction in a plan
view.
[0012] Further, as another aspect of the present invention, the
liquid crystal display may include: each of a plurality of first
electrodes, provided on the side of the first main surface of the
first substrate, inside each of a plurality of pixels arranged in
the first direction among the plurality of pixels; and a second
electrode provided on the side of the first main surface of the
first substrate to overlap each of the plurality of first
electrodes in a plan view. At this time, the first wiring may be
electrically connected to the second electrode, and an electric
field may be formed between each of the plurality of first
electrodes and the second electrode, so that an image is
displayed.
[0013] Further, as another aspect of the present invention, the
liquid crystal display may include: a plurality of gate wirings
provided on the side of the first main surface of the first
substrate, and extending in the first direction in a plan view; a
plurality of source wirings provided on the side of the first main
surface of the first substrate, and extending in the second
direction in a plan view; and a plurality of transistors
respectively arranged in a plurality of crossing parts where the
plurality of gate wirings and the plurality of source wirings cross
each other. At this time, the light shielding section may be
provided in the second substrate.
[0014] Further, as another aspect of the present invention, the
liquid crystal display may include: a plurality of gate wirings
provided on the side of the first main surface of the first
substrate, and extending in the second direction in a plan view; a
plurality of source wirings provided on the side of the first main
surface of the first substrate, and extending in the first
direction in a plan view; and a plurality of transistors
respectively arranged in a plurality of crossing parts where the
plurality of gate wirings and the plurality of source wirings cross
each other. At this time, the light shielding section is provided
in the second substrate.
[0015] Further, as another aspect of the present invention, the
liquid crystal display may include a third electrode extending in
the second direction in a plan view, and an input position is
detected based on a capacitance between the third electrode and the
first wiring.
[0016] Further, as another aspect of the present invention, the
liquid crystal display may include: a plurality of gate wirings
provided on the side of the first main surface of the first
substrate, and extending in the second direction in a plan view;
and a first insulating film provided on the side of the first main
surface of the first substrate to cover the plurality of gate
wirings. Further, the liquid crystal display may include a
plurality of source wirings provided on the first insulating film,
and extending in the first direction in a plan view. At this time,
the plurality of gate wirings may be respectively arranged within
regions provided with each of the plurality of second extension
portions in a plan view, and the plurality of source wirings may be
respectively arranged within regions provided with each of the
plurality of first extension portions in a plan view. Further, the
liquid crystal display may include: a plurality of openings
respectively provided by penetrating the first insulating film in
parts overlapping the plurality of pixels in a plan view; and a
second insulating film provided to be embedded in each of the
plurality of openings and to cover the first insulating film and
the plurality of source wirings. Further, the liquid crystal
display may include a plurality of recesses respectively formed on
an upper surface of the second insulating film in parts overlapping
each of the plurality of openings in a plan view.
[0017] Further, as another aspect of the present invention, the
liquid crystal display may include: each of a plurality of first
electrodes, provided on the side of the first main surface of the
first substrate, inside each of a plurality of pixels arranged in
the first direction among the plurality of pixels; and a second
electrode provided on the side of the first main surface of the
first substrate to overlap each of the plurality of pixels arranged
in the first direction in a plan view. At this time, the second
electrode may be provided apart from each of the plurality of first
electrodes in a plan view, the first wiring may be may be formed
between each of the plurality of first electrodes and the second
electrode, so that an image is displayed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating an example of a liquid
crystal display according to a first embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating an example of the liquid
crystal display according to the first embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of
the liquid crystal display according to the first embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another
example of the liquid crystal display according to the first
embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a first modification
example of the liquid crystal display according to the first
embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a second modification
example of the liquid crystal display according to the first
embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating a third modification
example of the liquid crystal display according to the first
embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 8 is explanatory view illustrating a state where a
finger has contacted and come close to a touch panel;
[0026] FIG. 9 is explanatory view illustrating an example of an
equivalent circuit of a state where a finger has contacted and come
close to the touch panel;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a
driving electrode and a detection electrode;
[0028] FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating an example of a liquid
crystal display according to a second embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating an example of the liquid
crystal display according to the second embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of
the liquid crystal display according to the second embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 14 is across-sectional view illustrating another
example of the liquid crystal display according to the second
embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 15 is a plan view illustrating an example of a liquid
crystal display according to a third embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 16 is a plan view illustrating an example of the liquid
crystal display according to the third embodiment;
[0034] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of
the liquid crystal display according to the third embodiment;
[0035] FIG. 18 is across-sectional view illustrating another
example of the liquid crystal display according to the third
embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 19 is a plan view illustrating a first modification
example of the liquid crystal display according to the third
embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 20 is a plan view illustrating the first modification
example of the liquid crystal display according to the third
embodiment;
[0038] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the first
modification example of the liquid crystal display according to the
third embodiment;
[0039] FIG. 22 is a plan view illustrating an example of a liquid
crystal display according to a fourth embodiment;
[0040] FIG. 23 is a plan view illustrating an example of a liquid
crystal display according to the fourth embodiment; and
[0041] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of
the liquid crystal display according to the fourth embodiment.
DESCRIPTIONS OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0042] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be
described with reference to drawings.
[0043] Note that the disclosures are provided by way of example,
and any suitable variations easily conceived by a person with
ordinary skill in the art while pertaining to the gist of the
invention are of course included in the scope of the present
invention. Further, in the drawings, widths, thicknesses and shapes
of respective components may be schematically illustrated in
comparison with the embodiments for the purpose of making the
description more clearly understood, but these are merely examples,
and do not limit the interpretations of the present invention.
[0044] Further, in the specification and drawings, elements which
are similar to those already described with respect to previous
drawings are denoted by the same reference characters, and detailed
descriptions thereof will be suitably omitted.
[0045] Further, in some drawings used in the embodiments, hatching
is omitted in some cases even in a cross-sectional view so as to
make the drawings easy to see. Still further, hatching is used in
some cases even in a plan view so as to make the drawings easy to
see.
First Embodiment
Liquid Crystal Display
[0046] A liquid crystal display 100 according to a first embodiment
of the present invention will be described with reference to the
drawings. A Fringe Field Switching (FFS)-mode liquid crystal
display serving as a color-display transverse electric field system
will be described as an example of the liquid crystal display. The
transverse electric field system is a system in which a pair of
electrodes is provided while being insulated from each other on the
side of a liquid crystal layer of either one of an array substrate
and an opposite substrate, and an electric field in a substantially
transverse direction is formed in the liquid crystal layer. An FFS
mode is one transverse electric field system in which the pair of
electrodes is arranged to overlap each other in a plan view.
[0047] First, a schematic configuration of the liquid crystal
display 100 according to the first embodiment will be described
with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.
[0048] FIGS. 1 and 2 are plan views illustrating an example of the
liquid crystal display according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is
a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the liquid
crystal display according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a
cross-sectional view illustrating another example of the liquid
crystal display according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 3 and 4
are cross-sectional views along a line A-A illustrated in FIG. 1.
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a state where the liquid crystal display
100 is seen through by removing a part, other than a light
shielding section 5 and a spacer section 7, of an opposite
substrate 3, and a liquid crystal layer 4 for ease of
understanding. In FIGS. 1 and 2, illustration of a part of an array
substrate 1 is omitted for ease of understanding.
[0049] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the liquid crystal display
100 according to the first embodiment includes the array substrate
1, the opposite substrate 3, and the liquid crystal layer 4. The
array substrate 1 has a surface 1a serving as a main surface, and
the opposite substrate 3 has a surface 3a serving as a main
surface. The opposite substrate 3 is arranged to oppose the array
substrate 1 so that the surface 3a of the opposite substrate 3 and
the surface 1a of the array substrate 1 oppose each other. The
liquid crystal layer 4 is sandwiched between the surface 1a of the
array substrate 1 and the surface 3a of the opposite substrate
3.
[0050] The liquid crystal display 100 according to the first
embodiment includes the light shielding section 5. The light
shielding section 5 is provided to overlap the array substrate 1
and the opposite substrate 3 in a plan view, and has alight
shielding property for blocking light. That is, the light shielding
section 5 blocks incident light, which has been incident on the
liquid crystal layer 4 from a light source, for example, so that
the incident light does not reach the liquid crystal layer 4.
Alternatively, the light shielding section 5 blocks transmitted
light, which has been transmitted through the liquid crystal layer
4 after being incident thereon from a light source, for example, so
that the transmitted light does not reach a viewer. The light
shielding section 5 can include a light shielding film referred to
as a black matric, which is provided in the array substrate 1 or
the opposite substrate 3, for example. Alternatively, the light
shielding section 5 can include a wiring pattern having a light
shielding property such as a gate wiring 11 or a source wiring 13,
described below, provided in the array substrate 1, for
example.
[0051] In the specification of this application, "in a plan view"
means a case "viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface
1a of the array substrate 1 or viewed from a direction
perpendicular to the surface 3a of the opposite substrate 3".
[0052] A case where the light shielding section 5 is composed of a
light shielding film provided in the opposite substrate 3 will be
exemplified below. As illustrated in FIG. 1, two directions
crossing each other and preferably perpendicular to each other in a
plan view are respectively an X-axis direction and a Y-axis
direction. At this time, the light shielding section 5 includes a
plurality of extension portions 51 extending in the X-axis
direction and arranged apart from one another in the Y-axis
direction, and a plurality of extension portions 52 extending in
the Y-axis direction and arranged apart from one another in the
X-axis direction.
[0053] The liquid crystal display 100 according to the first
embodiment has a plurality of sub-pixels SPix. The plurality of
sub-pixels SPix are defined by the plurality of extension portions
51 included in the light shielding section 5 and the plurality of
extension portions 52 included in the light shielding section 5.
That is, the plurality of sub-pixels SPix are respectively provided
in a plurality of opening regions 53 defined by the plurality of
extension portions 51 included in the light shielding section 5 and
the plurality of extension portions 52 included in the light
shielding section 5. In this case, the opening region 53 is an
opening region formed in the light shielding section 5. Therefore,
the plurality of sub-pixels SPix are arranged in a matrix shape in
the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, and the plurality of
opening regions 53 are arranged in a matrix shape in the X-axis
direction and the Y-axis direction.
[0054] Each of the plurality of sub-pixels SPix displays any one of
three colors, e.g., red (R), green (G), and blue (B). At this time,
the three sub-pixels SPix, which respectively display red (R),
green (G), and blue (B), constitute one pixel.
[0055] In the specification of this application, the sub-pixels
SPix and the opening regions 53 in a case where the light shielding
section 5 is provided in the opposite substrate 3 mean regions
defined by the plurality of extension portions 51 and the plurality
of extension portions 52 when the array substrate 1 and the
opposite substrate 3 do not shift from each other.
[0056] The liquid crystal display 100 is not limited to three-color
display. For example, sub-pixels SPix in two or less colors can
also constitute one pixel. Alternatively, sub-pixels SPix in four
or more colors can also constitute one pixel (the same is true for
each of embodiments described below).
[0057] The array substrate 1 includes a transparent substrate 10 as
a base. The transparent substrate 10 has a surface 10a serving as
one main surface and a reverse surface 10b serving as a surface on
the opposite side of the surface 10a and the other main surface.
The transparent substrate 10 is composed of glass, quartz, or
plastic having a transparent insulating property.
[0058] A plurality of gate wirings 11 are provided on the surface
10a of the transparent substrate 10. That is, the plurality of gate
wirings 11 are provided on the side of the surface 1a of the array
substrate 1. The plurality of gate wirings 11 are respectively
arranged within regions provided with each of the plurality of
extension portions 51, and extend in the X-axis direction in a plan
view. Each of the plurality of gate wirings 11 is composed of an
opaque metal such as aluminum (Al) or molybdenum (Mo). A gate
electrode 11a extends from the gate wiring 11 in a crossing part
between a source wiring 13 described below and the gate wiring
11.
[0059] In the specification of this application, "provided on the
side of the surface 1a of the array substrate 1" means a case
"provided in direct contact with the surface 10a of the transparent
substrate 10 on the surface 10a", and a case "provided apart from
the surface 10a of the transparent substrate 10 above the surface
10a".
[0060] An insulating film 12 serving as a gate insulating film is
provided to cover the gate wirings 11 and the gate electrodes 11a.
That is, the insulating film 12 is provided on the side of the
surface 1a of the array substrate 1. The insulating film 12 is a
transparent insulating film composed of silicon nitride or silicon
oxide, for example.
[0061] A plurality of source wirings 13 are provided on the
insulating film 12. That is, the plurality of source wirings 13 are
provided on the side of the surface 1a of the array substrate 1.
The plurality of source wirings 13 are respectively arranged within
regions provided with each of the plurality of extension portions
52, and extend in the Y-axis direction in a plan view. Each of the
plurality of source wirings 13 is composed of an opaque metal such
as aluminum (Al) or molybdenum (Mo). A source electrode 13a extends
from the source wiring 13 in the crossing part between the source
wiring 13 and the gate wiring 11.
[0062] A semiconductor layer 14 is provided on the insulating film
12 in parts respectively overlapping the gate electrodes 11a in a
plan view. The semiconductor layer 14 is composed of amorphous
silicon or polycrystalline silicon (polysilicon), for example. The
above-described source electrode 13a contacts a part of the
semiconductor layer 14.
[0063] Drain electrodes 15 composed of the same material as that
for the source wirings 13 and the source electrodes 13a are
provided on the insulating film 12. The drain electrode 15 is
arranged in close to the source electrode 13a, and partially
contacts the semiconductor layer 14.
[0064] Preferably, the drain electrode 15 includes a conductive
film formed in the same layer as a conductive film included in the
source wiring 13. Thus, the drain electrode 15 can be formed in a
process identical to a process for forming the source wiring
13.
[0065] Therefore, a plurality of thin film transistors (TFT) 16 are
respectively arranged and provided in a plurality of crossing parts
where the plurality of gate wirings 11 and the plurality of source
wirings 13 cross each other. Each of the plurality of TFTs 16 is a
switching element constituted by the gate electrode 11a, the
insulating film 12, the source electrode 13a, the semiconductor
layer 14, and the drain electrode 15. The plurality of TFTs 16 are
provided on the side of the surface 1a of the array substrate
1.
[0066] Further, an interlayer resin film 17 is provided to cover
the plurality of source wirings 13, the plurality of TFTs 16, and
an exposed part of the insulating film 12. The interlayer resin
film 17 is a flattening film, and covers the plurality of source
wirings 13, the plurality of TFTs 16, and the exposed part of the
insulating film 12 while flattening an uneven surface including
respective upper surfaces of the plurality of source wirings 13,
the plurality of TFTs 16, and the insulating film 12. The
interlayer resin film 17 is composed of a transparent resin
material such as a photoresist.
[0067] Common electrodes 18 are provided on the interlayer resin
film 17. That is, the common electrodes 18 are provided on the side
of the surface 1a of the array substrate 1. The common electrode 18
is composed of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin
oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO). The common electrodes 18
are continuously and integrally provided to respectively overlap
the plurality of sub-pixels SPix in a plan view. In an example
illustrated in FIG. 2, the common electrodes 18 are continuously
and integrally provided to respectively overlap the plurality of
sub-pixels SPix arranged in the X-axis direction. In the example
illustrated in FIG. 2, the common electrodes 18 are provided to
respectively overlap a plurality of pixel electrodes 20, which will
be described below, arranged in the X-axis direction, and extend in
the X-axis direction in a plan view.
[0068] The common electrodes 18 may be continuously and integrally
provided, when the plurality of sub-pixels SPix arranged in the
X-axis direction constitute a sub-pixel group, to respectively
overlap a plurality of sub-pixel groups arranged in the Y-axis
direction. Alternatively, the single common electrode 18 may be
provided to overlap the plurality of sub-pixels SPix arranged in a
matrix shape in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.
[0069] A plurality of auxiliary wirings 6 are provided on the
interlayer resin film 17. That is, the plurality of auxiliary
wirings 6 are provided on the side of the surface 1a of the array
substrate 1. Each of the plurality of auxiliary wirings 6 is
composed of a metal film. The metal film is composed of an opaque
metal such as aluminum (Al) or molybdenum (Mo).
[0070] The plurality of auxiliary wirings 6 are respectively
arranged within regions provided with each of the plurality of
extension portions 51, and extend in the X-axis direction in a plan
view. Each of the plurality of auxiliary wirings 6 is provided to
project toward the side of the opposite substrate 3 from the
surface 1a of the array substrate 1. The surface 1a of the array
substrate 1 means a surface of the oriented film 21 provided on the
side of the surface 10a of the transparent substrate 10 in a part
not provided with the auxiliary wirings 6.
[0071] The auxiliary wirings 6 need not be respectively provided
within all the regions provided with each of the plurality of
extension portions 51, or may be provided in every other one or
every other one or more of the regions. That is, the auxiliary
wiring 6 may be arranged within the region provided with any one of
the plurality of extension portions 51.
[0072] As an example is illustrated in FIG. 2, the common electrode
18 is provided so that a peripheral edge of the common electrode 18
overlaps any one of the plurality of extension portions 51 in a
plan view. As illustrated in FIG. 3, any one of the plurality of
auxiliary wirings 6 is provided on the common electrode 18 in a
part overlapping any one of the extension portions 51 in a plan
view. Therefore, anyone of the auxiliary wirings 6 is electrically
connected to the common electrode 18.
[0073] The auxiliary wiring 6 has a lower electric resistivity than
the electric resistivity of the transparent conductive material
such as ITO or IZO included in the common electrode 18. Therefore,
the auxiliary wiring 6 is electrically connected to the common
electrode 18, so that the electric resistance of the common
electrode 18 can be reduced. Thus, the performance of the liquid
crystal display can be improved, such as that a time constant can
be shortened.
[0074] An inter-electrode insulating film 19 is provided to cover
the common electrodes 18. That is, the inter-electrode insulating
film 19 is provided on the side of the surface 1a of the array
substrate 1. The inter-electrode insulating film 19 is a
transparent insulating film composed of silicon nitride or silicon
oxide, for example.
[0075] The plurality of pixel electrodes 20 are provided on the
inter-electrode insulating film 19. Each of the plurality of pixel
electrodes 20 is composed of a transparent conductive material such
as ITO or IZO. Each of the plurality of pixel electrodes 20 is
provided on the side of the surface 1a of the array substrate 1
inside each of the plurality of sub-pixels SPix in a plan view.
Therefore, the common electrodes 18 are provided to respectively
overlap the plurality of pixel electrodes 20 arranged in the X-axis
direction, for example, in a plan view. The common electrode 18 and
the pixel electrode 20 oppose each other via the inter-electrode
insulating film 19 inside each of the plurality of sub-pixels
SPix.
[0076] The inter-electrode insulating film 19 is provided to cover
the auxiliary wirings 6 provided on the common electrodes 18 within
the region provided with each of the extension portion 51 in a plan
view.
[0077] A contact hole (not illustrated), which penetrates the
inter-electrode insulating film 19 and the interlayer resin film 17
to reach the drain electrode 15, is formed, and the pixel electrode
20 is electrically connected to the drain electrode 15 exposed to
the bottom of the contact hole in a plan view.
[0078] Although the pixel electrode 20 is provided above the common
electrode 18 in the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the common
electrode 18 may be provided above the pixel electrode 20. Such an
example is illustrated in FIG. 4. In the example illustrated in
FIG. 4, an opening 18a is formed in the common electrode 18. In the
example illustrated in FIG. 4, the common electrode 18 is provided
on the auxiliary wiring 6. That is, the auxiliary wiring 6 may be
provided under the common electrode 18.
[0079] For ease of understanding, illustration of the pixel
electrodes 20 is omitted in FIGS. 1 and 2. In FIGS. 3 and 4, the
pixel electrode 20 provided inside each of the sub-pixels SPix is
illustrated as the one including only one extension portion
extending in the Y-axis direction, for example. However, the liquid
crystal display according to the first embodiment is an FFS-mode
liquid crystal display. Thus, the pixel electrode 20 may have a
come-tooth shape including a plurality of extension portions, i.e.,
comb teeth extending in the Y-axis direction and arranged in the
X-axis direction, for example, in a plan view (the same is true for
a second embodiment and a third embodiment, described below). At
this time, a fringe electric field is formed between the pixel
electrode 20 and the common electrode 18 via a slit provided
between the two extension portions adjacent to each other, i.e.,
the comb teeth, so that an oriented state of a liquid crystal in
the liquid crystal layer 4 changes (the same is true for the second
embodiment and the third embodiment).
[0080] An oriented film 21 is provided to cover the pixel
electrodes 20 and an exposed part of the inter-electrode insulating
film 19. That is, the oriented film 21 is provided on the side of
the surface 1a of the array substrate 1. The oriented film 21 is
composed of polyimide, for example. The oriented film 21 is
subjected to rubbing processing in a positive direction in the
Y-axis direction illustrated in FIG. 1, for example.
[0081] The opposite substrate 3 includes a transparent substrate 30
as a base. The transparent substrate 30 has a surface 30a serving
as one main surface and a reverse surface 30b serving as a surface
on the opposite side of the substrate 30a and the other main
surface. The transparent substrate 30 is composed of glass, quartz,
or plastic having a transparent insulating property. The
transparent substrate 30 is arranged to oppose the transparent
substrate 10 so that the surface 10a of the transparent substrate
10 and the surface 30a of the transparent substrate 30 oppose each
other.
[0082] The light shielding section 5 is provided on the surface 30a
of the transparent substrate 30. That is, the light shielding
section 5 is provided on the side of the surface 3a of the opposite
substrate 3. The light shielding section 5 is provided to overlap
each of the plurality of gate wirings 11 and each of the plurality
of source wirings 13 in a plan view. The light shielding section 5
has a light shielding property for blocking light, is composed of
resin or a metal, for example, and is referred to as a black
matrix. As described above, the light shielding section 5 includes
the plurality of extension portions 51 extending in the X-axis
direction and arranged apart from one another in the Y-axis
direction, and the plurality of extension portions 52 extending in
the Y-axis direction and arranged apart from one another in the
X-axis direction in a plan view. As described above, the plurality
of extension portions 51 are provided so that the gate wirings 11
are respectively arranged within the regions provided with each of
the plurality of extension portions 51 in a plan view. The
plurality of extension portions 52 are provided so that the source
wirings 13 are respectively arranged within the regions provided
with each of the plurality of extension portions 52 in a plan
view.
[0083] In the specification of this application, "provided on the
side of the surface 3a of the opposite substrate 3" includes a case
"provided in direct contact with the surface 30a of the transparent
substrate 30", and a case "arranged apart from the surface 30a of
the transparent substrate 30".
[0084] The width of the extension portion 51 in the Y-axis
direction is larger than the width of the extension portion 52 in
the X-axis direction. At this time, the TFT 16 provided in the
crossing part between the gate wiring 11 and the source wiring 13
can be arranged within the region provided with the extension
portion 51.
[0085] A plurality of color filter layers 32 are provided on the
surface 30a of the transparent substrate 30. That is, the plurality
of color filter layers 32 are provided on the side of the surface
3a of the opposite substrate 3. The plurality of color filter
layers 32 are respectively arranged inside the plurality of
sub-pixels SPix in a plan view. In the plurality of sub-pixels
SPix, the color filter layers 32, which transmit lights in
different colors depending on the sub-pixels SPix, are respectively
arranged. FIG. 3 illustrates the color filter layer 32a serving as
a color filter layer 32 that transmits light in red (R), for
example, and the color filter layer 32c serving as a color filter
layer 32 that transmits light in blue (B), for example.
[0086] An overcoat layer 33 is provided to cover the light
shielding section 5 and the plurality of color filter layers 32.
That is, the overcoat layer 33 is provided on the side of the
surface 3a of the opposite substrate 3. The overcoat layer 33 is
composed of a transparent resin material such as a photoresist. The
overcoat layer 33 flattens a step caused by each of the plurality
of color filter layers 32. Alternatively, the overcoat layer 33
prevents impurities flowing out of either one of the light
shielding section 5 and the plurality of color filter layers 32
from entering the liquid crystal layer 4.
[0087] The spacer section 7 is provided on the overcoat layer 33.
That is, the spacer section 7 is provided on the side of the
surface 3a of the opposite substrate 3. The spacer section 7 keeps
a spacing between the array substrate 1 and the opposite substrate
3 constant and keeps the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 4
constant. The spacer section 7 is a photo spacer composed of a
transparent resin material such as a photoresist.
[0088] The spacer section 7 is provided to project toward the side
of the array substrate 1 from the surface 3a of the opposite
substrate 3. The surface 3a of the opposite substrate 3 means a
surface of an oriented film 35 provided on the side of the surface
30a of the transparent substrate 30 in a part not provided with the
spacer section 7.
[0089] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the spacer section 7 need
not be provided around all the plurality of sub-pixels SPix. That
is, for example, one spacer section 7 may be provided for the
plurality of sub-pixels SPix arranged in the X-axis direction.
Alternatively, one spacer section 7 may be provided for the
plurality of sub-pixels SPix arranged in the Y-axis direction.
[0090] The oriented film 35 is provided to cover the spacer section
7 and the overcoat layer 33. That is, the oriented film 35 is
provided on the side of the surface 3a of the opposite substrate 3.
The oriented film 35 is composed of polyimide, for example. The
oriented film 35 is subjected to rubbing processing in an opposite
direction to the oriented film 21 provided in the array substrate
1.
[0091] The array substrate 1 and the opposite substrate 3 are
arranged to oppose each other, i.e., oppositely arranged via the
auxiliary wirings 6 and the spacer section 7. A sealing material
(not illustrated) is provided between an outer peripheral part of
the array substrate 1 and an outer peripheral part of the opposite
substrate 3. An area between the array substrate 1 and the opposite
substrate 3 oppositely arranged is filled with the liquid crystal
layer 4.
[0092] By the above-described configuration, in the respective
sub-pixels SPix, when the TFTs 16 are turned on, a voltage is
applied to each of the plurality of pixel electrodes 20, so that an
electric field is formed between the common electrode 18 and the
pixel electrode 20, and an orientation of the liquid crystal in the
liquid crystal layer 4 changes due to the formed electric field.
Thus, light transmittance in the liquid crystal layer 4 changes, so
that an image is displayed. A region where the common electrode 18
and each of the plurality of pixel electrodes 20 oppose each other
via the inter-electrode insulating film 19 forms an auxiliary
capacitance, and when the TFTs 16 are turned off, an electric field
between the common electrode 18 and each of the plurality of pixel
electrodes 20 is held for a predetermined period of time.
<Arrangement of Auxiliary Wiring and Spacer Section>
[0093] An arrangement of the auxiliary wiring and the spacer
section in the liquid crystal display 100 according to the first
embodiment and its effect will be described below with reference to
FIGS. 1 to 3. The auxiliary wiring, which crosses the spacer
section 7, among the plurality of auxiliary wirings 6 will be
described below.
[0094] As described above, the auxiliary wiring 6 is arranged
within the region provided with any one of the plurality of
extension portions 51, and extends in the X-axis direction in a
plan view. The auxiliary wiring 6 is electrically connected to the
common electrode 18. The auxiliary wiring 6 is provided to project
toward the side of the opposite substrate 3 from the surface 1a of
the array substrate 1.
[0095] On the other hand, the spacer section 7 has a shape having a
length in the Y-axis direction, e.g., an elliptical shape or a
rectangular shape in a plan view. That is, the length LN1 of the
spacer section 7 in the Y-axis direction is larger than the width
WD1 of the spacer section 7 in the X-axis direction in a plan view.
The spacer section 7 is arranged to cross the auxiliary wiring 6 in
a crossing region CR1 where any one of the extension portions 51
and any one of the plurality of extension portions 52 cross each
other in a plan view. Therefore, the length LN1 of the spacer
section 7 in the Y-axis direction is larger than the width WD2 of
the auxiliary wiring 6 in the Y-axis direction.
[0096] As described above, the spacer section 7 is provided to
project toward the side of the array substrate 1 from the surface
3a of the opposite substrate 3.
[0097] If the auxiliary wirings 6 are not provided, the array
substrate 1 or the opposite substrate 3 is deflected by application
of a force from the outside during processes for manufacturing the
liquid crystal display or during use of the liquid crystal display,
for example, so that the array substrate 1 and the opposite
substrate 3 may shift from each other in a transverse direction,
i.e., in a direction parallel to the surface 1a of the array
substrate 1 or the surface 3a of the opposite substrate 3. In such
a case, the spacer section 7 comes close to the surface 1a of the
array substrate 1 in the part arranged inside each of the
sub-pixels SPix in a plan view. Thus, the oriented film 21 formed
on the surface 1a of the array substrate 1 in the part arranged
inside each of the sub-pixels SPix in a plan view may be damaged.
As a result, light may leak from a damaged part of the oriented
film 21.
[0098] In the specification of this application, "the spacer
section 7 comes close to the surface 1a of the array substrate 1"
means that the spacer section 7 contacts the surface 1a of the
array substrate 1 or the spacer section 7 contacts the surface 1a
of the array substrate 1 via the oriented film 35 in addition to
approaching the surface 1a of the array substrate 1.
[0099] On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the auxiliary
wirings 6 are provided, as illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 2
illustrates a case where the spacer section 7 shifts in an oblique
direction DR1 from its original position, for example, by the array
substrate 1 and the opposite substrate 3 shifting from each other
in the transverse direction. In such a case, the center of the
spacer section 7 overlaps the array substrate 1 in a part arranged
within an opening region 53a serving as the opening region 53 in a
plan view while an end 71 of the spacer section 7 overlaps the
auxiliary wiring 6 in a plan view. Therefore, the spacer section 7
is supported by the auxiliary wiring 6. Thus, a spacing is still
provided between the surface 1a of the array substrate 1 in the
part arranged within the opening region 53a and the spacer section
7 in a plan view, so that both the surface 1a and the spacer
section 7 do not contact each other.
[0100] FIG. 2 illustrates a case where the spacer section 7 shifts
in an oblique direction DR2 from its original position, for
example, by the array substrate 1 and the opposite substrate 3
shifting from each other in the transverse direction. In such a
case, the center of the spacer section 7 overlaps the array
substrate 1 in a part arranged within an opening region 53b serving
as the opening region 53 in a plan view while an end 72 of the
spacer section 7 overlaps the auxiliary wiring 6 in a plan view.
Therefore, the spacer section 7 is supported by the auxiliary
wiring 6. Thus, a spacing is still provided between the surface 1a
of the array substrate 1 in the part arranged within the opening
region 53b and the spacer section 7 in a plan view, so that both
the surface 1a and the spacer section 7 do not contact each
other.
[0101] Therefore, even if the array substrate 1 or the opposite
substrate 3 is deflected by application of a force from the
outside, and the array substrate 1 and the opposite substrate 3
shift from each other in the transverse direction, a state where
the auxiliary wiring 6 and the spacer section 7 overlap each other
in a plan view is maintained. Thus, the spacer section 7 is
prevented or inhibited from coming close to the surface 1a of the
array substrate 1 in the part arranged inside each of the
sub-pixels SPix in a plan view. As a result, the oriented film 21
formed on the surface 1a can be prevented or inhibited from being
damaged.
[0102] Letting SH1 be a maximum shift amount when the opposite
substrate 3 shifts from the array substrate 1 most greatly toward
one side in the Y-axis direction, the length LN1 of the spacer
section 7 in the Y-axis direction preferably satisfies the
following equation (1):
LN1>SH1+WD2 (1)
More preferably, the length LN1 is larger than twice of the maximum
shift amount SH1. Still more preferably, when the width of the
extension portion 51 is WD3, the length LN1 satisfies the following
equation (2):
LN1>2SH1+WD3 (2)
In this case, when the opposite substrate 3 shifts from the array
substrate 1 in the Y-axis direction, the spacer section 7 can be
more reliably prevented from coming close to the surface 1a of the
array substrate 1 in the part arranged inside each of the
sub-pixels SPix as the length LN1 increases.
[0103] More specifically, in the first embodiment, even if the
array substrate 1 and the opposite substrate 3 shift from each
other in the transverse direction, previously assuming that the
array substrate 1 and the opposite substrate 3 shift from each
other in the transverse direction during manufacturing processes or
during use, the spacer section 7 is prevented or inhibited from
coming close to the surface of the array substrate 1 (the same is
true for each of the embodiments described below).
[0104] In a technique discussed in Patent Literature 1, a liquid
crystal display has a projection provided to project from a surface
of an array substrate. The array substrate and an opposite
substrate are oppositely arranged via a spacer section provided in
the opposite substrate and the projection provided on the array
substrate.
[0105] In the technique discussed in Patent Literature 1, to form
the projection on the surface of the array substrate, the organic
insulating film formed to cover a source line needs to be
half-etched, leaving a part to be the projection, by half-exposing
and then developing the organic insulating film. Therefore, the
number of manufacturing processes increases by an increase in the
number of exposure times for providing the projection.
[0106] Alternatively, in the technique discussed in Patent
Literature 1, to form the projection on the surface of the array
substrate, a film other than the organic insulating film needs to
be formed, as the projection, on the organic insulating film formed
to cover the source line. Therefore, the number of manufacturing
processes increases by an increase in the number of times for
forming the film for providing the projection.
[0107] On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the auxiliary
wiring 6 electrically connected to the common electrode 18 is
provided to project from the surface 1a of the array substrate 1.
That is, the auxiliary wiring 6 also serves as a projection for
supporting the spacer section 7 provided in the opposite substrate
3. Therefore, a process for providing the projection need not be
individually performed. Thus, the number of processes for
manufacturing the liquid crystal display can be more reduced than
in the technique discussed in Patent Literature 1 (the same is true
for each of modification examples, described below, of the first
embodiment).
[0108] The auxiliary wiring 6 is composed of a metal film. Thus,
accuracies in the thickness and the width of the projection are
more improved and the hardness of the projection is more increased
than when the projection provided on the surface 1a of the array
substrate 1 is composed of an organic film, in the technique
discussed in Patent Literature 1. Therefore, a spacing between the
surface 1a of the array substrate 1 and the surface 3a of the
opposite substrate 3 can be more accurately maintained than in the
technique discussed in Patent Literature 1 (the same is true for
each of the modification examples of the first embodiment).
[0109] In a technique discussed in Patent Literature 2, when a TFT
substrate or an opposite substrate receives pressing pressure from
the outside, a leading end of a columnar spacer provided on the
opposite substrate cuts into a stopper including a bus electrode
provided in the TFT substrate and ITO for projection, to prevent
the columnar spacer from moving in a transverse direction.
[0110] More specifically, in the technique discussed in Patent
Literature 2, the stopper including the bus electrode and the ITO
for projection cuts into the columnar spacer. Thus, a shift between
the substrates is not allowed. If such an external force that the
TFT substrate and the opposite substrate shift from each other in a
transverse direction is exerted, a large stress is exerted between
the stopper and the columnar spacer because the shift between the
substrates is not allowed. Therefore, an abutment part between the
stopper and the columnar spacer and its surroundings are damaged.
Therefore, transmittance in the abutment part and the surroundings
may significantly decrease.
[0111] On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the auxiliary
wiring 6 and the spacer section 7 allow the spacer section 7 to
slightly move in the transverse direction due to an external force,
and prevent the spacer section 7 from coming close to the surface
1a of the array substrate 1 in the part arranged inside each of the
sub-pixels SPix even if the spacer section 7 moves in that manner.
Therefore, the spacer section 7 has a shape having a length in the
Y-axis direction crossing the X-axis direction in which the
auxiliary wiring 6 extends. That is, the length LN1 of the spacer
section 7 in the Y-axis direction is larger than the width WD1 of
the spacer section 7 in the X-axis direction.
[0112] Thus, when the opposite substrate 3 shifts from the array
substrate 1 in the X-axis direction, even if the width WD1 of the
spacer section 7 in the X-axis direction is small, the center of
the spacer section 7 is supported by a part, located at a different
position in the X-axis direction from a part, which originally
supports the spacer section 7, of the auxiliary wiring 6. When the
opposite substrate 3 shifts from the array substrate 1 in the
Y-axis direction, even if the width WD2 of the auxiliary wiring 6
in the Y-axis direction is small, an end in the Y-axis direction of
the spacer section 7 is supported by the part, which originally
supports the spacer section 7, of the auxiliary wiring 6.
[0113] Therefore, even if the array substrate 1 and the opposite
substrate 3 shift from each other in the transverse direction, the
spacer section 7 can be prevented or inhibited from coming close to
the surface 1a of the array substrate 1 in the part arranged inside
each of the sub-pixels SPix without increasing the width WD1 of the
spacer section 7 and the width WD2 of the auxiliary wiring 6.
Therefore, an effect of preventing or inhibiting the spacer section
7 from coming close to the surface 1a of the array substrate 1 in
the part arranged inside each of the sub-pixels SPix can be more
increased than in the technique discussed in Patent Literature 2
(the same is true for each of the modification examples of the
first embodiment).
[0114] The auxiliary wiring 6 does not cut into the spacer section
7. Thus, after an external force is removed, the array substrate 1
and the opposite substrate 3 return to a state prior to where they
shift from each other in the transverse direction, i.e., a state
where the center of the spacer section 7 is supported by the part,
which originally supports the spacer section 7, of the auxiliary
wiring 6.
[0115] As described above, the width of the extension portion 51 in
the Y-axis direction is larger than the width of the extension
portion 52 in the X-axis direction, for covering the TFT 16
provided in the crossing part between the gate wiring 11 and the
source wiring 13. In other words, the width of the extension
portion 52 in the X-axis direction is smaller than the width of the
extension portion 51 in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the width
WD1 of the spacer section 7 in the X-axis direction may be
substantially the same as the width of the extension portion 52 in
the X-axis direction.
[0116] In such a case, the light shielding section 5 preferably
includes a light shielding portion for spacer section 54 that
shields the spacer section 7 from light, as illustrated in FIGS. 1
and 2. The spacer section 7 is arranged within a region provided
with the light shielding portion for spacer section 54 in a plan
view. More specifically, the width of the light shielding portion
for spacer section 54 in the X-axis direction is larger than the
width of the extension portion 52 in the X-axis direction and the
width WD1 of the spacer section 7 in the X-axis direction. Thus,
the light shielding portion for spacer section 54 can cover the
entire spacer section 7 in a plan view.
[0117] In the liquid crystal display, it is important, from the
viewpoint of improving the luminance of the image to be displayed,
that a plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix shape, and an
area ratio of the opening regions formed in the light shielding
section, i.e., an opening ratio in a display region where an image
is displayed is improved. Particularly in a medium/small-sized
liquid crystal display used in an electronic device such as a
smartphone or a tablet terminal, it is liable to be difficult to
ensure a high opening ratio because the pixels are made highly
fine. Thus, it is important to improve the above-described opening
ratio.
[0118] In the liquid crystal display 100 according to the first
embodiment, the spacer section 7 can be prevented or inhibited from
coming close to the surface 1a of the array substrate 1 in the part
arranged inside each of the sub-pixels SPix without the width of
the extension portion 51 or the width of the extension portion 52
being increased, and the luminance of the image displayed by the
liquid crystal display 100 can be easily improved. If the liquid
crystal display 100 according to the first embodiment is applied to
the medium/small-sized liquid crystal display in which a high
opening ratio is more difficult to be ensured because the pixels
are made highly fine, an effect of easily improving the luminance
of an image displayed by the liquid crystal display is further
increased (the same is true for each of the embodiments described
below).
First Modification Example of Arrangement of Auxiliary Wiring and
Spacer Section
[0119] A first modification example of the arrangement of the
auxiliary wiring and the spacer section in the liquid crystal
display according to the first embodiment will be described below
with reference to FIG. 5.
[0120] FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating the first modification
example of the liquid crystal display according to the first
embodiment. FIG. 5 illustrates a state where a liquid crystal
display in the first modification example is seen through by
removing a part, other than a light shielding section 5 and a
spacer section 7a, of an opposite substrate 3 and a liquid crystal
layer 4. In FIG. 5, illustration of a part of an array substrate 1
is omitted.
[0121] In the liquid crystal display device 110 in the first
modification example, common electrodes 18 are continuously and
integrally provided to respectively overlap a plurality of
sub-pixels SPix arranged in an X-axis direction, for example, in a
plan view, like in the liquid crystal display 100 according to the
first embodiment. Therefore, in the first modification example, the
common electrodes 18 are provided to respectively overlap a
plurality of pixel electrodes 20 arranged in the X-axis direction,
for example, and extend in the X-axis direction in a plan view,
like in the first embodiment.
[0122] In the first modification example, a plurality of auxiliary
wirings 6a serving as a plurality of auxiliary wirings 6 are
provided to respectively overlap regions provided with each of a
plurality of extension portions 51 in a plan view. The plurality of
auxiliary wirings 6a are respectively electrically connected to the
plurality of common electrodes 18, for example.
[0123] In the first modification example, each of the plurality of
auxiliary wirings 6a includes an auxiliary wiring 61a and a
plurality of auxiliary wirings 62a. The auxiliary wiring 6a,
arranged to cross the spacer section 7a in a plan view, among the
plurality of auxiliary wirings 6a will be described below.
[0124] The auxiliary wiring 61a is arranged within the region
provided with any one of the plurality of extension portions 51,
and extends in the X-axis direction in a plan view, like the
auxiliary wiring 6 in the first embodiment. The auxiliary wiring
61a is provided to project toward the side of the opposite
substrate 3 from the surface 1a of the array substrate 1, like the
auxiliary wiring 6 illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0125] On the other hand, the plurality of auxiliary wirings 62a
are respectively arranged within regions provided with each of a
plurality of extension portions 52, and extend in a Y-axis
direction in a plan view. Each of the plurality of auxiliary
wirings 62a is provided to project toward the side of the opposite
substrate 3 from the surface 1a of the array substrate 1, like the
auxiliary wirings 6 illustrated in FIG. 3. The plurality of
auxiliary wirings 62a are arranged to respectively cross the
auxiliary wirings 61a in crossing regions where any one of the
extension portions 51 and the plurality of extension portions 52
cross each other in a plan view.
[0126] On the other hand, in the first modification example, the
spacer section 7a serving as a spacer section 7 is provided. In the
first modification example, the spacer section 7a has a shape
having a length in the X-axis direction, e.g., an elliptical shape
or a rectangular shape in a plan view, unlike in the first
embodiment. That is, the length LN1 of the spacer section 7a in the
X-axis direction is larger than the width WD1 of the spacer section
7a in the Y-axis direction in a plan view. The auxiliary wiring 61a
is arranged to cross any one of the plurality of auxiliary wirings
62a in a crossing region CR1 where any one of the extension
portions 51 and any one of the plurality of extension portions 52
cross each other, and extends in the X-axis direction in a plan
view. The spacer section 7a is arranged to cross any one of the
auxiliary wirings 62a in the crossing region CR1 in a plan view.
Therefore, the length LN1 of the spacer section 7a in the X-axis
direction is larger than the width WD2 of the auxiliary wiring 62a
in the X-axis direction.
[0127] The spacer section 7a is provided to project toward the side
of the array substrate 1 from the surface 3a of the opposite
substrate 3, like the spacer section 7 illustrated in FIG. 3. The
spacer section 7a is arranged within the region provided with any
one of the extension portions 51 in a plan view.
[0128] As illustrated in FIG. 5, even if the spacer section 7a
shifts in an oblique direction DR1 from its original position, for
example, an end 71 of the spacer section 7a overlaps the auxiliary
wiring 62a in a plan view. Thus, the spacer section 7a does not
come close to the surface 1a of the array substrate 1 in apart
arranged within an opening region 53a in a plan view. Further, even
if the spacer section 7a shifts in an oblique direction DR2 from
its original position, for example, an end 72 of the spacer section
7a overlaps the auxiliary wiring 62a in a plan view. Thus, the
spacer section 7a does not come close to the surface 1a of the
array substrate 1 in a part arranged within an opening region 53b
in a plan view.
[0129] Therefore, even if the array substrate 1 or the opposite
substrate 3 is deflected due to application of a force from the
outside, and the array substrate 1 and the opposite substrate 3
shift from each other in a transverse direction, a state where the
auxiliary wiring 62a and the spacer section 7a overlap each other
in a plan view is maintained. Thus, the spacer section 7a is
prevented or inhibited from coming close to the surface 1a of the
array substrate 1 in a part arranged inside each of the sub-pixels
SPix in a plan view, so that an oriented film 21 formed on the
surface 1a can be prevented or inhibited from being damaged.
[0130] In the first modification example, the spacer section 7a
extends in the X-axis direction, unlike in the first embodiment. In
the first modification example, the spacer section 7a is arranged
within the region provided with the extension portion 51 having a
width larger than the width of the extension portion 52, unlike in
the first embodiment. Therefore, a difference between the width of
the extension portion 51 and the width WD1 of the spacer section 7a
in the Y-axis direction is larger than that in the first
embodiment. Thus, if an accuracy in shape of the width WD1 is not
obtained depending on a manufacturing condition such as an exposure
method for forming the spacer section 7a, a light shielding portion
for spacer section need not be provided. Therefore, an opening
ratio in a display region can be more improved than in the first
embodiment (the same is true for each of the modification examples
of the first embodiment, and a second embodiment and subsequent
embodiments).
Second Modification Example of Arrangement of Auxiliary Wiring and
Spacer Section
[0131] A second modification example of the arrangement of the
auxiliary wiring and the spacer section in the liquid crystal
display according to the first embodiment will be described below
with reference to FIG. 6.
[0132] FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating the second modification
example of the liquid crystal display according to the first
embodiment. FIG. 6 illustrates a state where a liquid crystal
display is seen through by removing a part, other than a light
shielding section 5 and a spacer section 7b, of an opposite
substrate 3 and a liquid crystal layer 4. In FIG. 6, illustration
of a part of an array substrate 1 is omitted.
[0133] In the liquid crystal display 120 in the second modification
example, common electrodes 18 are continuously and integrally
provided to respectively overlap a plurality of sub-pixels SPix
arranged in a matrix shape in an X-axis direction and a Y-axis
direction, for example, in a plan view. Therefore, the common
electrodes 18 are provided to respectively overlap a plurality of
pixel electrodes 20 arranged in a matrix shape in the X-axis
direction and the Y-axis direction, for example, in a plan
view.
[0134] In the second modification example, auxiliary wirings 61b
are respectively arranged within regions provided with each of a
plurality of extension portions 51, and auxiliary wirings 6b
serving as auxiliary wirings 6 are respectively arranged within
regions provided with each of a plurality of extension portions 52
in a plan view. That is, the plurality of auxiliary wirings 61b
extend in the X-axis direction, and are arranged apart from one
another in the Y-axis direction. The plurality of auxiliary wirings
6b extend in the Y-axis direction, and are arranged apart from one
another in the X-axis direction. The plurality of auxiliary wirings
61b and the plurality of auxiliary wirings 6b are electrically
connected to the common electrodes 18.
[0135] Each of the plurality of auxiliary wirings 61b is provided
to project toward the side of the opposite substrate 3 from a
surface 1a of the array substrate 1, like the auxiliary wirings 6
illustrated in FIG. 3. Each of the plurality of auxiliary wirings
6b is provided to project toward the side of the opposite substrate
3 from the surface 1a of the array substrate 1, like the auxiliary
wirings 6 illustrated in FIG. 3. The plurality of auxiliary wirings
61b are arranged to respectively cross the plurality of auxiliary
wirings 6b in a plurality of crossing regions where the plurality
of extension portions 51 and the plurality of extension portions 52
cross each other in a plan view.
[0136] On the other hand, in the second modification example, the
spacer section 7b serving as a spacer section 7 is provided. The
spacer section 7b has a shape having a length in the X-axis
direction, e.g., an elliptical shape or a rectangular shape in a
plan view, like in the first modification example of the first
embodiment. That is, the length LN1 of the spacer section 7b in the
X-axis direction is larger than the width WD1 of the spacer section
7b in the Y-axis direction in a plan view. Any one of the plurality
of auxiliary wirings 61b is arranged to cross anyone of the
plurality of auxiliary wirings 6b in a crossing region CR1 where
any one of the plurality of extension portions 51 and any one of
the plurality of extension portions 52 cross each other, and
extends in the X-axis direction in a plan view. The spacer section
7b is arranged to cross any one of the auxiliary wirings 6b in the
crossing region CR1. Therefore, the length LN1 of the spacer
section 7b in the X-axis direction is larger than the width WD2 of
the auxiliary wiring 6b in the X-axis direction.
[0137] The spacer section 7b is provided to project toward the side
of the array substrate 1 from the surface 3a of the opposite
substrate 3, like the spacer section 7 illustrated in FIG. 3. The
spacer section 7b is arranged within the region provided with any
one of the extension portions 51 in a plan view.
[0138] As illustrated in FIG. 6, even if the spacer section 7b
shifts in an oblique direction DR1 from its original position, for
example, an end 71 of the spacer section 7b overlaps the auxiliary
wiring 6b in a plan view. Thus, the spacer section 7b does not come
close to the surface 1a of the array substrate 1 in apart arranged
within an opening region 53a in a plan view. Further, even if the
spacer section 7b shifts in an oblique direction DR2, for example,
an end 72 of the spacer section 7b overlaps the auxiliary wiring 6b
in a plan view. Thus, the spacer section 7b does not come close to
the surface 1a of the array substrate 1 in a part arranged within
an opening region 53b in a plan view.
[0139] Therefore, even if the array substrate 1 or the opposite
substrate 3 is deflected due to application of a force from the
outside, and the array substrate 1 and the opposite substrate 3
shift from each other in a transverse direction, a state where the
auxiliary wiring 6b and the spacer section 7b overlap each other in
a plan view is maintained. Thus, the spacer section 7 is prevented
or inhibited from coming close to the surface 1a of the array
substrate 1 in a part arranged inside each of the sub-pixels SPix
in a plan view, so that an oriented film 21 formed on the surface
1a can be prevented or inhibited from being damaged.
[0140] In the second modification example, each of the opening
regions 53, i.e., each of the sub-pixels SPix may be surrounded by
the auxiliary wirings 61b and the auxiliary wirings 6b over its
entire periphery, unlike in the first embodiment and the first
modification example of the first embodiment. That is, in the
second modification example, a projection may always be formed on
the surface 1a of the array substrate 1 in a part positioned
between the two adjacent sub-pixels SPix. In such a case, when the
oriented film 21 is formed by a coating method, for example, a
coating liquid serving as a raw material for the oriented film 21
may be unable to be uniformly applied inside each of the sub-pixels
SPix. Alternatively, rubbing processing for the oriented film 21
may be unable to be uniformly performed inside each of the
sub-pixels SPix.
[0141] Therefore, in the second modification example, the auxiliary
wirings 61b may be provided in every other one or more, of the
plurality of extension portions 51 arranged in the Y-axis
direction. Alternatively, in the second modification example, the
auxiliary wirings 6b may be provided in every other one or more, of
the plurality of extension portions 52 arranged in the X-axis
direction.
Third Modification Example of Arrangement of Auxiliary Wiring and
Spacer Section
[0142] A third modification example of the arrangement of the
auxiliary wiring and the spacer section in the liquid crystal
display according to the first embodiment will be described below
with reference to FIG. 7.
[0143] FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating the third modification
example of the liquid crystal display according to the first
embodiment. FIG. 7 illustrates a state where a liquid crystal
display 130 is seen through by removing a part, other than a light
shielding section 5 and a spacer section 7c, of an opposite
substrate 3 and a liquid crystal layer 4. In FIG. 7, illustration
of a part of an array substrate 1 is omitted.
[0144] In the liquid crystal display 130 in the third modification
example, common electrodes 18 are continuously and integrally
provided to respectively overlap a plurality of sub-pixels SPix
arranged in a Y-axis direction, for example, in a plan view.
Therefore, in the third modification example, the common electrodes
18 are provided to respectively overlap a plurality of pixel
electrodes 20 arranged in the Y-axis direction, for example, and
extend in the Y-axis direction in a plan view, unlike in the first
embodiment.
[0145] In the third modification example, auxiliary wirings 6c
serving as auxiliary wirings 6 are respectively arranged within
regions provided with each of a plurality of extension portions 52
in a plan view. That is, the plurality of auxiliary wirings 6c
extend in the Y-axis direction, and are arranged apart from one
another in an X-axis direction. The plurality of auxiliary wirings
6c are respectively electrically connected to the plurality of
common electrodes 18, for example. Each of the plurality of
auxiliary wirings 6c is provided to project toward the side of the
opposite substrate 3 from the surface 1a of the array substrate 1,
like the auxiliary wirings 6 illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0146] In the third modification example, the spacer section 7c
serving as a spacer section 7 is provided. The spacer section 7c
has a shape having a length in the X-axis direction, e.g., an
elliptical shape or a rectangular shape in a plan view, like in the
first modification example of the first embodiment. That is, the
length LN1 of the spacer section 7c in the X-axis direction is
larger than the width WD1 of the spacer section 7c in the Y-axis
direction in a plan view. The spacer section 7c is arranged to
cross any one of the auxiliary wirings 6c in a crossing region CR1
where any one of the plurality of extension portions 51 and any one
of the plurality of extension portions 52 cross each other in a
plan view. Therefore, the length LN1 of the spacer section 7c in
the X-axis direction is larger than the width WD2 of the auxiliary
wiring 6c in the X-axis direction.
[0147] The spacer section 7c is provided to project toward the side
of the array substrate 1 from the surface 3a of the opposite
substrate 3, like the spacer section 7 illustrated in FIG. 3. The
spacer section 7c is arranged within the region provided with any
one of the extension portions 51 in a plan view.
[0148] As illustrated in FIG. 7, even if the spacer section 7c
shifts in an oblique direction DR1 from its original position, for
example, an end 71 of the spacer section 7c overlaps the auxiliary
wiring 6c in a plan view. Thus, the spacer section 7c does not come
close to the surface 1a of the array substrate 1 in apart arranged
within an opening region 53a in a plan view. Further, even if the
spacer section 7c shifts in an oblique direction DR2, for example,
an end 72 of the spacer section 7c overlaps the auxiliary wiring 6c
in a plan view. Thus, the spacer section 7c does not come close to
the surface 1a of the array substrate 1 in a part arranged within
an opening region 53b in a plan view.
[0149] Therefore, even if the array substrate 1 or the opposite
substrate 3 is deflected due to application of a force from the
outside, and the array substrate 1 and the opposite substrate 3
shift from each other in a transverse direction, a state where the
auxiliary wiring 6c and the spacer section 7c overlap each other in
a plan view is maintained. Thus, the spacer section 7c is prevented
or inhibited from coming close to the surface 1a of the array
substrate 1 in a part arranged inside each of the sub-pixels SPix
in a plan view, so that an oriented film 21 formed on the surface
1a can be prevented or inhibited from being damaged.
[0150] An arrangement of the auxiliary wiring 6c and the spacer
section 7c in the third modification example is also applicable to
a liquid crystal display including a touch panel as an input
device, i.e., a liquid crystal display with a touch detection
function including a driving electrode and a detection electrode.
An example in which the arrangement of the auxiliary wiring 6c and
the spacer section 7c in the third modification example is applied
to a liquid crystal display containing a touch panel, i.e., a
liquid crystal display with a touch detection function of an
in-cell type will be described below.
[0151] First, a principle of touch detection will be described with
reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 is explanatory view illustrating
a state where a finger has contacted and come close to a touch
panel. FIG. 9 is explanatory view illustrating an example of an
equivalent circuit of a state where a finger has contacted and come
close to the touch panel.
[0152] As illustrated in FIG. 8, in capacitance-type touch
detection, the touch panel serving as an input device includes a
driving electrode E1 and a detection electrode E2 oppositely
arranged with a dielectric body D sandwiched therebetween. The
driving electrode E1 and the detection electrode E2 constitute a
capacitive element C1. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the capacitive
element C1 has its end connected to an alternating current (AC)
signal source S serving as a driving signal source and its other
end connected to a voltage detector DET. An example of the voltage
detector DET includes an integration circuit.
[0153] When an AC rectangular wave Sg having a frequency of several
kilohertz to several hundred kilohertz is applied to the one end of
the capacitive element C1, i.e., the driving electrode E1 from the
AC signal source S, a detection signal Vdet serving as an output
waveform is generated via the voltage detector DET connected to the
other end of the capacitive element C1, i.e., the detection
electrode E2.
[0154] In a state where the finger has neither contacted nor come
close to the touch panel, i.e., in a non-contact state, a current
corresponding to a capacitance value of the capacitive element C1
flows as the capacitive element C1 is charged or discharged, as
illustrated in FIG. 9. The voltage detector DET converts a
variation of the current I.sub.1 corresponding to the AC
rectangular wave Sg into a voltage variation.
[0155] On the other hand, in a state where the finger has contacted
or come close to the touch panel, i.e., in a contact state, the
capacitance value of the capacitive element C1 constituted by the
driving electrode E1 and the detection electrode E2 becomes smaller
upon being affected by a capacitance C2 formed by the finger.
Therefore, the current I.sub.1 flowing through the capacitive
element C1 illustrated in FIG. 9 varies. As described above, the
voltage detector DET converts the variation of the current I.sub.1
corresponding to the AC rectangular wave Sg into the voltage
variation. It is determined whether an absolute value of a
variation amount of the voltage is larger than a reference value
previously determined, for example, to determine whether the finger
has contacted or come close to the touch detection device.
[0156] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a
driving electrode and a detection electrode. If the liquid crystal
display 130 in the third modification example is applied to a
liquid crystal display with a touch detection function, as
illustrated in FIG. 10, the liquid crystal display 130 includes a
plurality of driving electrodes 22 and a plurality of detection
electrodes 23.
[0157] The driving electrode 22 corresponds to the driving
electrode E1 illustrated in FIG. 8, and corresponds to the common
electrode 18 illustrated in FIG. 7. The detection electrode 23
corresponds to the detection electrode E2 illustrated in FIG. 8,
and is indicated by a two-dot and dash line in FIG. 7.
[0158] As illustrated in FIG. 10, each of the plurality of
detection electrodes 23 extends in a direction crossing a direction
in which each of the plurality of driving electrodes 22 extends in
a plan view. Each of the plurality of detection electrodes 23
opposes the driving electrode 22 in a direction perpendicular to
the surface 1a of the array substrate 1. A capacitance is generated
in each of a plurality of crossing parts where the plurality of
driving electrodes 22 and the plurality of detection electrodes 23
cross each other. An input position is detected based on the
capacitance between each of the plurality of driving electrodes 22
and each of the plurality of detection electrodes 23.
[0159] In the liquid crystal display 130 in the third modification
example, the common electrode 18 is also used for both image
display and touch detection. Thus, one frame period is divided into
a display period and a touch detection period. In the display
period, an electric field is formed between the common electrode 18
and a pixel electrode 20 by application of a voltage to the pixel
electrode 20. An orientation of a liquid crystal in the liquid
crystal layer changes due to the formed electric field. Thus, light
transmittance in the liquid crystal layer 4 changes, so that an
image is displayed.
[0160] On the other hand, in the touch detection period, the AC
rectangular wave Sg (see FIG. 8) serving as a touch detection
signal is applied to the common electrode 18 serving as the driving
electrode 22, and a capacitance between the common electrode 18
serving as the driving electrode 22 and the detection electrode 23
changes, to detect whether the finger has contacted or come close
to the touch detection device. More specifically, when a touch
detection operation is performed in the touch detection period, for
example, a driving electrode driver (not illustrated) sequentially
selects one detection block in a scanning direction Scan. In the
selected detection block, a driving signal Vcom for measuring a
capacitance between the driving electrode 22 and the detection
electrode 23 is input to the driving electrode 22, and a detection
signal Vdet for detecting an input position is output from the
detection electrode 23.
[0161] If the liquid crystal display 130 is applied to the
above-described liquid crystal display with a touch detection
function in the third modification example, the liquid crystal
display with a touch detection function includes the plurality of
common electrodes 18 extending in the Y-axis direction and arranged
in the X-axis direction. In this case, the common electrodes 18 are
the driving electrodes 22, and a plurality of auxiliary wirings 6c,
extending in the Y-axis direction and arranged apart from one
another in the X-axis direction, are respectively electrically
connected to the driving electrodes 22.
[0162] The liquid crystal display with a touch detection function
includes a plurality of detection electrodes 23 extending in the
X-axis direction crossing the Y-axis direction serving as a
direction in which each of the plurality of common electrodes 18
extends, and arranged apart from one another in the Y-axis
direction, as illustrated in FIG. 7. A slit 23a is formed between
the two adjacent detection electrodes 23. The detection electrode
23 is provided on the opposite side to the surface 3a of the
opposite substrate 3, i.e., the reverse surface 30b of the
transparent substrate 30 (see FIG. 3), for example. Each of the
plurality of detection electrodes 23 may be composed of a
transparent conductive material such as ITO or IZO. Alternatively,
each of the plurality of detection electrodes 23 may be composed of
an opaque metal such as aluminum (Al) or molybdenum (Mo).
Second Embodiment
[0163] In the liquid crystal display according to the first
embodiment, the array substrate and the opposite substrate are
oppositely arranged via the auxiliary wirings electrically
connected to the common electrode and the spacer section. On the
other hand, in a liquid crystal display according to a second
embodiment, an array substrate and an opposite substrate are
oppositely arranged via a detection electrode for detecting an
input position and a spacer section. That is, the liquid crystal
display according to the second embodiment is a liquid crystal
display including a touch panel serving as an input device.
[0164] In the second embodiment, an example in which the liquid
crystal display including a touch panel serving as an input device
is applied to a liquid crystal display containing a touch panel,
i.e., a liquid crystal display with a touch detection function of
an in-cell type will be described.
[0165] A principle of touch detection in the liquid crystal display
according to the second embodiment is similar to a principle of
touch detection described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 in the
third modification example of the first embodiment.
<Liquid Crystal Display>
[0166] A schematic configuration of a liquid crystal display 140
according to the second embodiment will be described below with
reference to FIGS. 11 to 14.
[0167] FIGS. 11 and 12 are plan views illustrating an example of
the liquid crystal display according to the second embodiment. FIG.
13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the liquid
crystal display according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a
cross-sectional view illustrating another example of the liquid
crystal display according to the second embodiment. FIGS. 13 and 14
are cross-sectional views along a line A-A illustrated in FIG. 11.
FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a state where the liquid crystal display
140 is seen through by removing a part, other than a light
shielding section 5 and a spacer section 7d, of an opposite
substrate 3 and a liquid crystal layer 4. In FIGS. 11 and 12,
illustration of a part of an array substrate 1 is omitted.
[0168] As illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 13, the liquid crystal display
140 according to the second embodiment includes the array substrate
1, the opposite substrate 3, and the liquid crystal layer 4, like
the liquid crystal display 100 according to the first embodiment.
The liquid crystal display 140 according to the second embodiment
includes the light shielding section 5. The light shielding section
5 includes a plurality of extension portions 51 and a plurality of
extension portions 52, like the light shielding section 5 in the
first embodiment. The liquid crystal display 140 according to the
second embodiment has a plurality of sub-pixels SPix. The plurality
of sub-pixels SPix are respectively provided in a plurality of
opening regions 53 defined by the plurality of extension portions
51 and the plurality of extension portions 52, like the plurality
of sub-pixels SPix in the first embodiment.
[0169] The array substrate 1 includes a transparent substrate 10 as
a base. The transparent substrate 10 in the second embodiment has a
surface 10a and a reverse surface 10b, like the transparent
substrate 10 in the first embodiment.
[0170] A plurality of gate wirings 11 are provided, like in the
first embodiment, on the surface 10a of the transparent substrate
10. The plurality of gate wirings 11 are respectively arranged
within regions provided with each of the plurality of extension
portions 51, and extend in an X-axis direction in a plan view. Gate
electrodes 11a extend from the gate wiring 11.
[0171] In the second embodiment, a plurality of driving electrodes
22 are provided on the surface 10a of the transparent substrate 10,
unlike in the first embodiment. The plurality of driving electrodes
22 are respectively arranged within regions provided with each of
the plurality of extension portions 51, and extend in the X-axis
direction in a plan view. Each of the plurality of driving
electrodes 22 is composed of an opaque metal such as aluminum (A)
or molybdenum (Mo).
[0172] As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, the driving electrodes 22
need not be respectively provided within all the regions provided
with each of the plurality of extension portions 51, or may be
provided in every other one or more of the regions. That is, the
driving electrode 22 may be provided within the region provided
with any one of the plurality of extension portions 51.
[0173] An insulating film 12 serving as a gate insulating film is
provided, like in the first embodiment, to cover the gate wirings
11 and the gate electrodes 11a. However, in the second embodiment,
the insulating film 12 is provided to cover the driving electrodes
22 in addition to the gate wirings 11 and the gate electrodes
11a.
[0174] A plurality of source wirings 13 are provided, like in the
first embodiment, on the insulating film 12. The plurality of
source wirings 13 are respectively arranged within regions provided
with each of the plurality of extension portions 52, and extend in
a Y-axis direction in a plan view. Source electrodes 13a extend
from the source wiring 13.
[0175] A semiconductor layer 14 is provided, like in the first
embodiment, on the insulating film 12 in parts respectively
overlapping the gate electrodes 11a in a plan view. The
above-described source electrode 13a contacts a part of the
semiconductor layer 14. Drain electrodes 15 composed of the same
material as that for the source wirings 13 and the source
electrodes 13a are provided, like in the first embodiment, on the
insulating film 12. The drain electrode 15 is arranged in close to
the source electrode 13a, and partially contacts the semiconductor
layer 14.
[0176] Thus, a plurality of TFTs 16 are respectively arranged in a
plurality of crossing parts where the plurality of gate wirings 11
and the plurality of source wirings 13 cross each other, like in
the first embodiment. Further, an interlayer resin film 17 is
provided to cover the plurality of source wirings 13, the plurality
of TFTs 16, and an exposed part of the insulating film 12, like in
the first embodiment.
[0177] Common electrodes 18 are provided, like in the first
embodiment, on the interlayer resin film 17. The common electrodes
18 are continuously and integrally provided to respectively overlap
the plurality of sub-pixels SPix in a plan view. The common
electrodes 18 may be continuously and integrally provided to
respectively overlap the plurality of sub-pixels SPix arranged in
the Y-axis direction, for example, in a plan view, which is not
illustrated in FIG. 12. At this time, the common electrodes 18 are
provided to respectively overlap a plurality of pixel electrodes 20
arranged in the Y-axis direction, for example, and extend in the
Y-axis direction in a plan view.
[0178] A plurality of detection electrodes 23 are provided on the
interlayer resin film 17. That is, the plurality of detection
electrodes 23 are provided on the side of the surface 1a of the
array substrate 1. Each of the plurality of detection electrodes 23
is composed of a metal film. The metal film is composed of an
opaque metal such as aluminum (Al) or molybdenum (Mo).
[0179] The plurality of detection electrodes 23 are respectively
arranged within the regions provided with each of the plurality of
extension portions 52, and extend in the Y-axis direction in a plan
view. Each of the plurality of detection electrodes 23 is provided
to project toward the side of the opposite substrate 3 from the
surface 1a of the array substrate 1. The surface 1a of the array
substrate 1 means a surface of an oriented film 21 provided on the
side of the surface 10a of the transparent substrate 10 in a part
not provided with auxiliary wirings 6d.
[0180] The detection electrodes 23 need not be respectively
provided within all the regions provided with each of the plurality
of extension portions 52, or may be provided in every other one or
more of the regions, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. That is,
the detection electrode 23 may be provided within the region
provided with any one of the plurality of extension portions 52 in
a plan view.
[0181] In an example illustrated in FIG. 13, the common electrode
18 is provided on the detection electrode 23. Therefore, the
detection electrode 23 is electrically connected to the common
electrode 18. The detection electrode 23 has a lower electric
resistivity than the electric resistivity of a transparent
conductive material such as ITO or IZO included in the common
electrode 18. Therefore, the detection electrode 23 is electrically
connected to the common electrode 18, so that the electric
resistance of the common electrode 18 can be reduced. Thus, the
performance of the liquid crystal display can be improved, such as
that a time constant can be shortened.
[0182] An inter-electrode insulating film 19 is provided, like in
the first embodiment, to cover the common electrode 18.
[0183] The plurality of pixel electrodes 20 are provided, like in
the first embodiment, on the inter-electrode insulating film 19.
Each of the plurality of pixel electrodes 20 is composed of a
transparent conductive material such as ITO or IZO. Each of the
plurality of pixel electrodes 20 is provided on the side of the
surface 1a of the array substrate 1 inside each of the plurality of
sub-pixels SPix in a plan view. Therefore, the common electrodes 18
are provided to respectively overlap the plurality of pixel
electrodes 20 arranged in the X-axis direction, for example, in a
plan view. The common electrode 18 and the pixel electrode 20
oppose each other via the inter-electrode insulating film 19 inside
each of the plurality of sub-pixels SPix.
[0184] The inter-electrode insulating film 19 is provided to cover
the detection electrodes 23 via the common electrodes 18 within the
region provided with each of the plurality of extension portions 52
in a plan view.
[0185] Although the pixel electrode 20 is provided above the common
electrode 18 in the example illustrated in FIG. 13, the common
electrode 18 may be provided above the pixel electrode 20. Such an
example is illustrated in FIG. 14. In the example illustrated in
FIG. 14, an opening 18a is formed in the common electrode 18.
Further, in the example illustrated in FIG. 14, the detection
electrode 23 is provided on the common electrode 18. That is, the
common electrode 18 may be provided under the detection electrode
23.
[0186] An oriented film 21 is provided, like in the first
embodiment, to cover the pixel electrodes 20 and an exposed part of
an inter-electrode insulating film 19.
[0187] On the other hand, an opposite substrate 3 can be made
similar to the opposite substrate 3 in the first embodiment, for
example. That is, the opposite substrate 3 includes a transparent
substrate 30 as a base. The transparent substrate 30 has a surface
30a and a reverse surface 30b. The light shielding section 5 and a
color filter layer 32 are provided on the surface 30a of the
transparent substrate 30. An overcoat layer 33 is provided to cover
the light shielding section 5 and the color filter layer 32. A
spacer section 7d serving as a spacer section 7 is provided on the
overcoat layer 33. An oriented film 35 is provided to cover the
spacer section 7d and the overcoat layer 33.
[0188] The array substrate 1 and the opposite substrate 3 are
arranged to oppose each other, i.e., oppositely arranged via the
detection electrodes 23 and the spacer section 7d. An area between
the array substrate 1 and the opposite substrate 3 oppositely
arranged is filled with a liquid crystal layer 4, like in the first
embodiment.
[0189] By the above-described configuration, in the respective
sub-pixels SPix, when the TFTs 16 are turned on, a voltage is
applied to each of the plurality of pixel electrodes 20, so that an
electric field is formed between the common electrode 18 and the
pixel electrodes 20, and an orientation of a liquid crystal in the
liquid crystal layer 4 changes due to the formed electric field,
like in the first embodiment. Thus, light transmittance in the
liquid crystal layer 4 changes, so that an image is displayed.
[0190] On the other hand, the liquid crystal display 140 according
to the second embodiment includes the plurality of driving
electrodes 22 and the plurality of detection electrodes 23, like in
the third modification example of the first embodiment illustrated
in FIG. 10. Each of the plurality of detection electrodes 23
extends in a direction crossing a direction in which each of the
plurality of driving electrodes 22 extends in a plan view. Each of
the plurality of detection electrodes 23 opposes the driving
electrode 22 in a direction perpendicular to the surface 1a of the
array substrate 1. A capacitance is generated in each of a
plurality of crossing parts where the plurality of driving
electrodes 22 and the plurality of detection electrodes 23 cross
each other. An input position is detected based on the capacitance
between each of the plurality of driving electrodes 22 and each of
the plurality of detection electrodes 23.
[0191] In the second embodiment, auxiliary wirings 6d serving as
auxiliary wirings 6 may be respectively arranged within the regions
provided with each of a plurality of extension portions 51 in a
plan view, as illustrated in FIG. 12. The plurality of auxiliary
wirings 6d are respectively electrically connected to the plurality
of common electrodes 18, for example. The auxiliary wiring 6d has a
lower electric resistivity than the electric resistivity of the
transparent conductive material such as ITO or IZO included in the
common electrode 18. Therefore, the auxiliary wiring 6d is
electrically connected to the common electrode 18, so that the
electric resistance of the common electrode 18 can be reduced.
Thus, the performance of the liquid crystal display can be
improved, such as that a time constant can be shortened.
[0192] In such a case, the auxiliary wiring 6d is preferably
composed of a conductive film formed in the same layer as a
conductive film included in the detection electrode 23. Thus, the
auxiliary wiring 6d can be formed in the same process as a process
for forming the detection electrode 23. Therefore, the number of
manufacturing processes for the liquid crystal display 140 can be
reduced.
[0193] Alternatively, the driving electrode 22 is not provided
separately from the gate wiring 11, and only the gate wiring 11 is
provided. Thus, the gate wiring 11 can also serve as the driving
electrode 22 by switching a circuit to which the gate wiring 11 is
connected between a circuit for display and a circuit for
detection. At this time, an input position is detected based on a
capacitance between the gate wiring 11 and the detection electrode
23.
<Arrangement of Detection Electrode and Spacer Section>
[0194] An arrangement of the detection electrode and the spacer
section in the liquid crystal display according to the second
embodiment and its effect will be described below with reference to
FIGS. 11 to 13.
[0195] As described above, the detection electrode 23 is arranged
within the region provided with any one of the plurality of
extension portions 52, and extends in the Y-axis direction in a
plan view. The detection electrode 23 is electrically connected to
the common electrode 18. Further, the detection electrode 23 is
provided to project toward the side of the opposite substrate 3
from the surface 1a of the array substrate 1.
[0196] On the other hand, the spacer section 7d has a shape having
a length in the X-axis direction, e.g., an elliptical shape or a
rectangular shape in a plan view. That is, the length LN1 of the
spacer section 7d in the X-axis direction is larger than the width
WD1 of the spacer section 7d in the Y-axis direction in a plan
view. The spacer section 7d is arranged to cross the detection
electrode 23 in a crossing region CR1 where any one of the
extension portions 52 and any one of the plurality of extension
portions 51 cross each other in a plan view. Therefore, the length
LN1 of the spacer section 7d in the X-axis direction is larger than
the width WD2 of the detection electrode 23 in the X-axis
direction.
[0197] In the second embodiment, the spacer section 7d is also
provided to project toward the side of the array substrate 1 from a
surface 3a of the opposite substrate 3, like in the first
embodiment. The spacer section 7d is arranged within the region
provided with any one of the extension portions 51 in a plan
view.
[0198] As illustrated in FIG. 12, even if the spacer section 7d
shifts in an oblique direction DR1 from its original position, for
example, an end 71 of the spacer section 7d overlaps the detection
electrode 23 in a plan view. Thus, the spacer section 7d does not
come close to the surface 1a of the array substrate 1 in a part
arranged within an opening region 53a. Further, even if the spacer
section 7d shifts in an oblique direction DR2 from its original
position, for example, an end 72 of the spacer section 7d overlaps
the detection electrode 23 in a plan view. Thus, the spacer section
7d does not come close to the surface 1a of the array substrate 1
in a part arranged within an opening region 53b in a plan view.
[0199] Therefore, even if the array substrate 1 or the opposite
substrate 3 is deflected due to application of a force from the
outside, and the array substrate 1 and the opposite substrate 3
shift from each other in a transverse direction, a state where the
detection electrode 23 and the spacer section 7d overlap each other
in a plan view is maintained. Thus, the spacer section 7d is
prevented or inhibited from coming close to the surface 1a of the
array substrate 1 in a part arranged inside each of the sub-pixels
SPix in a plan view, so that the oriented film 21 formed on the
surface 1a can be prevented or inhibited from being damaged.
[0200] In the second embodiment, a process for providing a
projection on the surface 1a of the array substrate 1 need not be
individually performed, like in the first embodiment. Thus, the
number of processes for manufacturing the liquid crystal display
can be more reduced than in the technique discussed in Patent
Literature 1. Further, the detection electrode 23 is composed of a
metal film. Thus, a spacing between the surface 1a of the array
substrate 1 and the surface 3a of the opposite substrate 3 can be
more accurately maintained than when the projection provided on a
surface of an array substrate is composed of an organic film in the
technique discussed in Patent Literature 1, like in the first
embodiment.
[0201] In the second embodiment, the detection electrode 23 and the
spacer section 7d are used to prevent the spacer section 7d from
coming close to the surface 1a of the array substrate 1 in the part
arranged inside each of the sub-pixels SPix, even when the spacer
section 7d moves in the transverse direction, like in the first
embodiment. Thus, the length LN1 of the spacer section 7d in the
X-axis direction is larger than the width WD1 of the spacer section
7d in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, an effect of preventing or
inhibiting the spacer section 7d from coming close to the surface
1a of the array substrate 1 in the part arranged inside each of the
sub-pixels SPix can be more increased than in the technique
discussed in Patent Literature 2.
Third Embodiment
[0202] In the liquid crystal display according to the first
embodiment, the insulating film serving as the gate insulating film
is provided within the region provided with the sub-pixel. On the
other hand, in a liquid crystal display according to a third
embodiment, an opening is formed in an insulating film in a part
overlapping a sub-pixel in a plan view, and a recess is formed on
an upper surface of an interlayer resin film in the part
overlapping the sub-pixel.
<Liquid Crystal Display>
[0203] A schematic configuration of a liquid crystal display
according to the third embodiment will be described below with
reference to FIGS. 15 to 18.
[0204] FIGS. 15 and 16 are plan views illustrating an example of
the liquid crystal display according to the third embodiment. FIG.
17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the liquid
crystal display according to the third embodiment. FIG. 18 is a
cross-sectional view illustrating another example of the liquid
crystal display according to the third embodiment. FIGS. 17 and 18
are cross-sectional views along a line A-A illustrated in FIG. 15.
FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate a state where the liquid crystal display
150 is seen through by removing a part, other than a light
shielding section 5 and a spacer section 7a, of an opposite
substrate 3 and a liquid crystal layer 4. In FIGS. 15 and 16,
illustration of a part of the array substrate 1 is omitted.
[0205] As illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 17, the liquid crystal display
150 according to the third embodiment includes the array substrate
1, the opposite substrate 3, and the liquid crystal layer 4, like
the liquid crystal display 100 according to the first embodiment.
The liquid crystal display 150 according to the third embodiment
includes the light shielding section 5. The light shielding section
5 includes a plurality of extension portions 51 and a plurality of
extension portions 52, like the light shielding section 5 in the
first embodiment. The liquid crystal display 150 according to the
third embodiment has a plurality of sub-pixels SPix. The plurality
of sub-pixels SPix are respectively provided in a plurality of
opening regions 53 defined by the plurality of extension portions
51 and the plurality of extension portions 52, like the plurality
of sub-pixels SPix in the first embodiment.
[0206] The array substrate 1 includes a transparent substrate 10 as
a base. The transparent substrate 10 in the third embodiment has a
surface 10a and a reverse surface 10b, like the transparent
substrate 10 in the first embodiment.
[0207] A plurality of gate wirings 11 are provided, like in the
first embodiment, on the surface 10a of the transparent substrate
10. The plurality of gate wirings 11 are respectively arranged
within regions provided with each of the plurality of extension
portions 51, and extend in an X-axis direction in a plan view. Gate
electrodes 11a extend from the gate wiring 11. An insulating film
12 serving as a gate insulating film is provided, like in the first
embodiment, to cover the gate wirings 11 and the gate electrodes
11a.
[0208] A plurality of source wirings 13 are provided, like in the
first embodiment, on the insulating films 12. The plurality of
source wirings 13 are respectively arranged within regions provided
with each of the plurality of extension portions 52, and extend in
a Y-axis direction in a plan view. Source electrodes 13a extend
from the source wiring 13.
[0209] A semiconductor layer 14 is provided, like in the first
embodiment, on the insulating film 12 in apart overlapping the gate
electrode 11a in a plan view. The source electrode 13a contacts a
part of the semiconductor layer 14. Drain electrodes 15 composed of
the same material as that for the source wirings 13 and the source
electrodes 13a are provided, like in the first embodiment, on the
insulating film 12. The drain electrode 15 is arranged in close to
the source electrode 13a, and partially contacts the semiconductor
layer 14. Thus, the plurality of TFTs 16 are respectively arranged
in a plurality of crossing parts where the plurality of gate
wirings 11 and the plurality of source wirings 13 cross each other,
like in the first embodiment.
[0210] In the third embodiment, a plurality of openings 12a are
respectively provided in the insulating film 12 in parts
overlapping the plurality of sub-pixels SPix in a plan view. The
plurality of openings 12a respectively penetrate the insulating
film 12 in the parts overlapping the plurality of sub-pixels SPix
to reach the surface 10a of the transparent substrate 10 in a plan
view. The thickness of the insulating film 12 can be approximately
1 .mu.m, for example. In this case, the depth of the opening 12a
can be approximately 1 .mu.m, for example.
[0211] Further, an interlayer resin film 17 is provided to be
embedded in each of the plurality of openings 12a, and to cover the
plurality of source wirings 13, the plurality of TFTs 16, and an
exposed part of the insulating film 12. The interlayer resin film
17 is a flattening film, and is embedded in each of the plurality
of openings 12a to cover the plurality of source wirings 13, the
plurality of TFTs 16, and the exposed part of the insulating film
12 while flattening an uneven surface including respective upper
surfaces of the plurality of source wirings 13, the plurality of
TFTs 16, and the insulating film 12. The interlayer resin film 17
is composed of a transparent resin material such as a
photoresist.
[0212] On the other hand, in the third embodiment, the uneven
surface of the insulating film 12 by the openings 12a is not
completely flattened by the interlayer resin film 17. Therefore,
recesses 17a are respectively formed on an upper surface of the
interlayer resin film 17 in the parts overlapping each of the
plurality of sub-pixels SPix.
[0213] As described above, the depth of the opening 12a can be
approximately 1 .mu.m, for example. In this case, the depth of the
recess 17a can be approximately 0.2 to 0.3 .mu.m, for example.
[0214] Common electrodes 18 are provided, like in the first
embodiment, on the interlayer resin film 17. The common electrodes
18 are continuously and integrally provided to respectively overlap
the plurality of sub-pixels SPix in a plan view. The common
electrodes 18 may be continuously and integrally provided to
respectively overlap the plurality of sub-pixels SPix arranged in
the Y-axis direction, for example, in a plan view, as illustrated
in FIG. 7, which is not illustrated in FIG. 16. At this time, the
common electrodes 18 are provided to respectively overlap a
plurality of pixel electrodes 20 arranged in the Y-axis direction,
for example, and extend in the Y-axis direction in a plan view. The
common electrode 18 is provided at the bottom of the recess 17a
inside each of the plurality of sub-pixels SPix.
[0215] A plurality of auxiliary wirings 6e serving as a plurality
of auxiliary wirings 6 are provided on the interlayer resin film
17. Each of the plurality of auxiliary wirings 6e is composed of a
metal film. The metal film is composed of an opaque metal such as
aluminum (Al) or molybdenum (Mo).
[0216] The plurality of auxiliary wirings 6e are respectively
arranged within regions provided with each of the plurality of
extension portions 52, and extend in the Y-axis direction in a plan
view. Each of the plurality of auxiliary wirings 6e is provided to
project toward the side of the opposite substrate 3 from the
surface 1a of the array substrate 1.
[0217] As illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, the auxiliary wirings 6e
need not be respectively provided within all the regions provided
with each of the plurality of extension portions 51, or may be
provided in every other one or more of the regions. That is, the
auxiliary wiring 6e may be provided within the region provided with
any one of the plurality of extension portions 52.
[0218] As illustrated in FIG. 17, each of the plurality of
auxiliary wirings 6e is provided on the common electrode 18 in a
part overlapping any one of the plurality of extension portions 52
in a plan view. Therefore, each of the plurality of auxiliary
wirings 6e is electrically connected to the common electrode 18,
for example. The auxiliary wiring 6e has a lower electric
resistivity than the electric resistivity of a transparent
conductive material such as ITO or IZO included in the common
electrode 18. Therefore, the auxiliary wiring 6e is electrically
connected to the common electrode 18, so that the electric
resistance of the common electrode 18 can be reduced. Thus, the
performance of the liquid crystal display can be improved, such as
that a time constant can be shortened.
[0219] An inter-electrode insulating film 19 is provided, like in
the first embodiment, to cover the common electrode 18.
[0220] The plurality of pixel electrodes 20 are provided, like in
the first embodiment, on the inter-electrode insulating film 19.
Each of the plurality of pixel electrodes 20 is provided on the
side of the surface 1a of the array substrate 1 inside each of the
plurality of sub-pixels SPix in a plan view. Therefore, the common
electrodes 18 are provided to respectively overlap the plurality of
pixel electrodes 20 arranged in the X-axis direction, for example,
in a plan view. The common electrode 18 is provided at the bottom
of the recess 17a inside each of the plurality of sub-pixels SPix,
and the common electrode 18 and the pixel electrode 20 oppose each
other via the inter-electrode insulating film 19 inside each of the
plurality of sub-pixels SPix.
[0221] The inter-electrode insulating film 19 is provided to cover
the auxiliary wiring 6e provided on the common electrode 18 within
the region provided with each of the plurality of extension
portions 52 in a plan view.
[0222] Although the pixel electrode 20 is provided above the common
electrode 18 in the example illustrated in FIG. 17, the common
electrode 18 may be provided above the pixel electrode 20. Such an
example is illustrated in FIG. 18. In the example illustrated in
FIG. 18, the opening 18a is formed in the common electrode 18.
Further, in the example illustrated in FIG. 18, the common
electrode 18 is provided on the auxiliary wiring 6e. That is, the
auxiliary wiring 6e may be provided under the common electrode
18.
[0223] An oriented film 21 is provided, like in the first
embodiment, to cover the pixel electrodes 20 and an exposed part of
the inter-electrode insulating film 19.
[0224] The oriented film 21 is provided to cover the
inter-electrode insulating film 19 and the pixel electrode 20 at
the bottom of a recess 17a inside each of the plurality of
sub-pixels SPix. Recesses 1c are respectively formed in parts
overlapping each of the plurality of openings 12a, in a plan view,
the parts on the surface 1a of the array substrate 1 defined as an
upper surface of the oriented film 21.
[0225] On the other hand, the opposite substrate 3 can be made
similar to the opposite substrate 3 in the first embodiment, for
example. That is, the opposite substrate 3 includes a transparent
substrate 30 as a base. The transparent substrate 30 has a surface
30a and a reverse surface 30b. The light shielding section 5 and a
color filter layer 32 are provided on the surface 30a of the
transparent substrate 30. An overcoat layer 33 is provided to cover
the light shielding section 5 and the color filter layer 32. A
spacer section 7e serving as a spacer section 7 is provided on the
overcoat layer 33. An oriented film 35 is provided to cover the
spacer section 7d and the overcoat layer 33.
[0226] The array substrate 1 and the opposite substrate 3 are
arranged to oppose each other, i.e., oppositely arranged via the
auxiliary wirings 6e and the spacer section 7e. An area between the
array substrate 1 and the opposite substrate 3 oppositely arranged
is filled with a liquid crystal layer 4, like in the first
embodiment.
[0227] By the above-described configuration, in the respective
sub-pixels SPix, when the TFTs 16 are turned on, a voltage is
applied to each of the plurality of pixel electrodes 20, so that an
electric field is formed between the common electrode 18 and the
pixel electrode 20, and an orientation of a liquid crystal in the
liquid crystal layer 4 changes due to the formed electric field,
like in the first embodiment. Thus, light transmittance in the
liquid crystal layer 4 changes, so that an image is displayed.
<Arrangement of Auxiliary Wiring and Spacer Section>
[0228] An arrangement of the auxiliary wiring and the spacer
section in the liquid crystal display according to the third
embodiment and its effect will be described below with reference to
FIGS. 15 to 17.
[0229] As described above, the plurality of auxiliary wirings 6e
are respectively arranged within the regions provided with each of
the plurality of extension portions 52, and extend in the Y-axis
direction in a plan view. Each of the auxiliary wirings 6 is
electrically connected to the common electrode 18. Each of The
plurality of auxiliary wirings 6e is provided to project toward the
side of the opposite substrate 3 from the surface 1a of the array
substrate 1.
[0230] On the other hand, the spacer section 7e has a shape having
a length in the X-axis direction, e.g., an elliptical shape or a
rectangular shape in a plan view. That is, the length LN1 of the
spacer section 7e in the X-axis direction is larger than the width
WD1 of the spacer section 7e in the Y-axis direction in a plan
view. The spacer section 7e is arranged to cross any one of the
auxiliary wirings 6e in a crossing region CR1 where any one of the
extension portions 52 and any one of the plurality of extension
portions 51 cross each other in a plan view. Therefore, the length
LN1 of the spacer section 7e in the X-axis direction is larger than
the width WD2 of the auxiliary wiring 6e in the X-axis
direction.
[0231] In the third embodiment, the spacer section 7e is also
provided to project toward the side of the array substrate 1 from a
surface 3a of the opposite substrate 3, like in the first
embodiment. The spacer section 7e is arranged within the region
provided with any one of the extension portions 51 in a plan
view.
[0232] If the auxiliary wirings 6e are not provided, the array
substrate 1 or the opposite substrate 3 is deflected by application
of a force from the outside during processes for manufacturing the
liquid crystal display or during use of the liquid crystal display,
for example, so that the array substrate 1 and the opposite
substrate 3 may shift from each other in a transverse direction. In
such a case, the spacer section 7e comes close to the surface 1a of
the array substrate 1 in a part arranged inside each of the
sub-pixels SPix in a plan view. Thus, the oriented film 21 formed
on the surface 1a of the array substrate 1 in the part arranged
inside each of the sub-pixels SPix in a plan view may be damaged.
As a result, light may leak from a damaged part of the oriented
film 21.
[0233] On the other hand, in the third embodiment, the auxiliary
wirings 6e are provided, as illustrated in FIG. 16. Even if the
spacer section 7e shifts in an oblique direction DR1 from its
original position, for example, an end 71 of the spacer section 7e
overlaps the auxiliary wiring 6e in a plan view. Thus, the spacer
section 7e does not come close to the side of the surface 1a of the
array substrate 1 in a part arranged within an opening region 53a
in a plan view. Further, even if the spacer section 7e shifts in an
oblique direction DR2 from its original position, for example, an
end 72 of the spacer section 7e overlaps the auxiliary wiring 6e in
a plan view. Thus, the spacer 7e does not come close to the surface
1a of the array substrate 1 in a part arranged within an opening
region 53b in a plan view.
[0234] Therefore, even if the array substrate 1 or the opposite
substrate 3 is deflected by application of a force from the
outside, and the array substrate 1 and the opposite substrate 3
shift from each other in the transverse direction, a state where
the auxiliary wiring 6e and the spacer section 7e overlap each
other in a plan view is maintained. Thus, the spacer section 7e is
prevented or inhibited from coming close to the surface 1a of the
array substrate 1 in a part arranged inside each of the sub-pixels
SPix in a plan view. As a result, the oriented film 21 formed on
the surface 1a can be prevented or inhibited from being
damaged.
[0235] Further, in the third embodiment, recesses 1c are
respectively formed in parts overlapping each of the plurality of
openings 12a, in a plan view, the parts on the surface 1a of the
array substrate 1, unlike in the first embodiment. Even if the
array substrate 1 and the opposite substrate 3 shift from each
other in the transverse direction, the spacer section 7e can be
more reliably prevented or inhibited from coming close to the
surface 1a of the array substrate 1 in the part arranged inside
each of the sub-pixels SPix in a plan view.
[0236] In the third embodiment, a process for providing a
projection on the surface 1a of the array substrate 1 need not be
individually performed, like in the first embodiment. Thus, the
number of processes for manufacturing the liquid crystal display
can be more reduced than in the technique discussed in Patent
Literature 1. Further, the auxiliary wiring 6e is composed of a
metal film. Thus, a spacing between the surface 1a of the array
substrate 1 and the surface 3a of the opposite substrate 3 can be
more accurately maintained than when a projection provided on a
surface of an array substrate is composed of an organic film in the
technique discussed in Patent Literature 1, like in the first
embodiment.
[0237] In the third embodiment, the auxiliary wiring 6e and the
spacer section 7e are used to prevent the spacer section 7e from
coming close to the surface 1a of the array substrate 1 in the part
arranged inside each of the sub-pixels SPix, even when the spacer
section 7e moves in the transverse direction, like in the first
embodiment. Thus, the length LN1 of the spacer section 7e in the
X-axis direction is larger than the width WD1 of the spacer section
7e in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, an effect of preventing or
inhibiting the spacer section 7e from coming close to the surface
1a of the array substrate 1 in the part arranged inside each of the
sub-pixels SPix can be more increased than in the technique
discussed in Patent Literature 2.
[0238] In the third embodiment, the opening 12a is formed in the
insulating film 12 serving as a gate insulating film inside each of
the sub-pixels SPix in a plan view, unlike in the first embodiment.
Thus, in each of the sub-pixels SPix, interference of light having
a specific wavelength between two adjacent layers in a multilayer
film can prevent or inhibit transmitted light or reflected light
from being colored, or light transmitting through the multilayer
film can prevent or inhibit light transmittance from
decreasing.
[0239] The third embodiment and the second embodiment can be
combined with each other, although it is not illustrated. That is,
in the liquid crystal display including a touch panel serving as an
input device, which is described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13
in the second embodiment, the openings 12a (see FIG. 17) may be
respectively formed in the insulating film 12 in parts overlapping
the plurality of sub-pixels SPix in a plan view. Thus, a similar
effect to that in the third embodiment is obtained.
First Modification Example of Arrangement of Auxiliary Wirings and
Spacer Section
[0240] A first modification example of the arrangement of the
auxiliary wiring and the spacer section in the liquid crystal
display according to the third embodiment will be described below
with reference to FIGS. 19 to 21.
[0241] FIGS. 19 and 20 are plan views illustrating the first
modification example of the liquid crystal display 150 according to
the third embodiment. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view
illustrating the first modification example of the liquid crystal
display according to the third embodiment. FIG. 21 is a
cross-sectional view along a line A-A illustrated in FIG. 19. FIGS.
19 and 20 illustrate a state where a liquid crystal display 160 in
the first modification example is seen through by removing a part,
other than a light shielding section 5 and a spacer section 7e, of
an opposite substrate 3 and a liquid crystal layer 4. In FIGS. 19
and 20, illustration of a part of an array substrate 1 is
omitted.
[0242] In the liquid crystal display 160 in the first modification
example, openings 12a are respectively formed in an insulating film
12 in parts overlapping a plurality of sub-pixels SPix, like in the
liquid crystal display 150 according to the third embodiment.
Therefore, recesses 17a are respectively formed on an upper surface
of an interlayer resin film 17 in parts overlapping each of the
plurality of openings 12a.
[0243] On the other hand, in the first modification example, a
plurality of projections 17b are provided instead of the plurality
of auxiliary wirings 6e, unlike in the third embodiment. The
plurality of projections 17b are respectively provided on the
interlayer resin film 17 within regions provided with each of the
plurality of extension portions 52 in a plan view. Therefore, the
plurality of projections 17b extend in a Y-axis direction and are
arranged apart from one another in an X-axis direction. Each of the
plurality of projections 17b is provided to project toward the side
of the opposite substrate 3 from the surface 1a of the array
substrate 1.
[0244] The plurality of projections 17b can be formed by forming
the interlayer resin film 17 composed of a photoresist, for
example, to cover a plurality of source wirings 13, a plurality of
TFTs 16, and an exposed part of the insulating film 12, and then
half-etching the interlayer resin film 17 in a region other than
the regions respectively provided with the plurality of extension
portions 52. More specifically, by half-exposing and then
developing the interlayer resin film 17 in the region other than
the regions respectively provided with the plurality of extension
portions 52, the plurality of projections 17b composed of the
interlayer resin film 17 can be formed.
[0245] Alternatively, by forming the interlayer resin film 17
composed of a photoresist, for example, and then forming a resin
film composed of acrylic resin, for example, on the interlayer
resin film 17 within the regions respectively provided with the
plurality of extension portions 52, the plurality of projections
17b composed of the resin film can be formed.
[0246] In the first modification example, the spacer section 7e
serving as a spacer section 7 has a shape having a length in the
X-axis direction, e.g., an elliptical shape or a rectangular shape
in a plan view, like in the third embodiment. That is, the length
LN1 of the spacer section 7e in the X-axis direction is larger than
the width WD1 of the spacer section 7e in the Y-axis direction in a
plan view. The spacer section 7e is arranged to cross any one of
the plurality of projections 17b in a crossing region CR1 where any
one of the plurality of extension portions 52 and any one of a
plurality of extension portions 51 cross each other in a plan view.
Therefore, the length LN1 of the spacer section 7e in the X-axis
direction is larger than the width WD2 of the projection 17b in the
X-axis direction.
[0247] In the first modification example, the spacer section 7e is
also provided to project toward the side of the array substrate 1
from a surface 3a of the opposite substrate 3, like in the third
embodiment. The spacer section 7e is arranged within a region
provided with any one of the extension portions 51 in a plan
view.
[0248] If the projections 17b are not provided, the array substrate
1 and the opposite substrate 3 may shift from each other in a
transverse direction, like when the auxiliary wirings 6e are not
provided in the third embodiment. In such a case, the spacer
section 7e comes close to the surface 1a of the array substrate 1
in a part arranged inside each of the sub-pixels SPix in a plan
view. Thus, the oriented film 21 formed on the surface 1a of the
array substrate 1 in the part arranged inside each of the
sub-pixels SPix in a plan view may be damaged.
[0249] On the other hand, in the first modification example, the
projections 17b are provided, as illustrated in FIG. 20. Even if
the spacer section 7e shifts in an oblique direction DR1 from its
original position, for example, an end 71 of the spacer section 7e
overlaps the projection 17b in a plan view. Thus, the spacer
section 7e does not come close to the side of the surface 1a of the
array substrate 1 in a part arranged within an opening region 53a
in a plan view. Further, even if the spacer section 7e shifts in an
oblique direction DR2 from its original position, for example, an
end 72 of the spacer section 7e overlaps the projection 17b in a
plan view. Thus, the spacer 7e does not come close to the side of
the surface 1a of the array substrate 1 in a part arranged within
an opening region 53b in a plan view.
[0250] Therefore, even if the array substrate 1 and the opposite
substrate 3 shift from each other in the transverse direction, a
state where the projection 17b and the spacer section 7e overlap
each other in a plan view is maintained. Thus, the spacer section
7e is prevented or inhibited from coming close to the surface 1a of
the array substrate 1 in the part arranged inside each of the
sub-pixels SPix in a plan view. As a result, the oriented film 21
formed on the surface 1a can be prevented or inhibited from being
damaged.
[0251] Further, in the first modification example, recesses 1c are
respectively formed in parts overlapping each of the plurality of
openings 12a, in a plan view, the parts on the surface 1a of the
array substrate 1, like in the third embodiment. Even if the array
substrate 1 and the opposite substrate 3 shift from each other in
the transverse direction, the spacer section 7e can be more
reliably prevented or inhibited from coming close to the surface 1a
of the array substrate 1 in the part arranged inside each of the
sub-pixels SPix in a plan view.
[0252] In the first modification example, to form a projection on
the surface of the array substrate, the interlayer resin film
formed to cover the source wirings is half-etched, leaving a part
to be the projection, by half-exposing and then developing the
interlayer resin film, like in the technique discussed in Patent
Literature 1. Alternatively, in the first modification example, to
form the projection on the surface of the array substrate, a film
other than the interlayer resin film is formed as the projection on
the interlayer resin film formed to cover the source wirings.
Therefore, an effect of reducing the number of processes for
manufacturing the liquid crystal display becomes smaller than in
the third embodiment.
[0253] However, the recesses 1c formed on the surface 1a of the
array substrate 1 in the first modification example are not
discussed in Patent Literature 1. Even if the array substrate 1 and
the opposite substrate 3 shift from each other in the transverse
direction, an effect of preventing or inhibiting the spacer section
7e from coming close to the surface 1a of the array substrate 1 in
the part arranged inside each of the sub-pixels SPix in a plan view
becomes larger than in the technique discussed in Patent Literature
1.
[0254] In the first modification example, the projection 17b and
the spacer section 7e are used to prevent the spacer section 7e
from coming close to the surface 1a of the array substrate 1 in the
part arranged inside each of the sub-pixels SPix, even when the
spacer section 7e moves in the transverse direction. Thus, the
length LN1 of the spacer section 7e in the Y-axis direction is
larger than the width WD1 of the spacer section 7e in the Y-axis
direction. Therefore, an effect of preventing or inhibiting the
spacer section 7e from coming close to the surface 1a of the array
substrate 1 in the part arranged inside each of the sub-pixels SPix
can be more increased than in the technique discussed in Patent
Literature 2.
[0255] In the first modification example, the opening 12a is formed
in the insulating film 12 serving as a gate insulating film inside
each of the sub-pixels SPix in a plan view, like in the third
embodiment. Thus, in each of the sub-pixels SPix, interference of
light having a specific wavelength between two adjacent layers in a
multilayer film can prevent or inhibit transmitted light or
reflected light from being colored, or light transmitting through
the multilayer film can prevent or inhibit light transmittance from
decreasing.
Fourth Embodiment
[0256] In the first embodiment, an example in which the liquid
crystal display in which the array substrate and the opposite
substrate are oppositely arranged via the auxiliary wirings and the
spacer section is applied to the FFS-mode liquid crystal display
serving as a transverse electric field system has been described.
On the other hand, in a fourth embodiment, an example in which a
liquid crystal display in which an array substrate and an opposite
substrate are oppositely arranged via auxiliary wirings and a
spacer section is applied to an In-Plane Switching (IPS)-mode
liquid crystal display serving as a transverse electric field
system will be described. As described above, the transverse
electric field system is a system in which a pair of electrodes is
provided, while being insulated from each other, on the side of a
liquid crystal layer of either one of an array substrate and an
opposite substrate and an electric field to form a substantially
transverse direction in the liquid crystal layer. An IPS mode is
another transverse electric field system in which the pair of
electrodes is arranged not to overlap each other in a plan
view.
<Liquid Crystal Display>
[0257] A schematic configuration of a liquid crystal display
according to the fourth embodiment will be described below with
reference to FIGS. 22 to 24.
[0258] FIGS. 22 and 23 are plan views illustrating an example of
the liquid crystal display according to the fourth embodiment. FIG.
24 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the liquid
crystal display according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 24 is a
cross-sectional view along a line A-A illustrated in FIGS. 22 and
23. FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate a state where the liquid crystal
display is seen through by removing a part, other than a light
shielding section 5 and a spacer section 7f, of an opposite
substrate 3 and a liquid crystal layer 4. In FIGS. 22 and 23,
illustration of a part of an array substrate 1 is omitted.
[0259] As illustrated in FIGS. 22 to 24, the liquid crystal display
170 according to the fourth embodiment includes the array substrate
1, the opposite substrate 3, and the liquid crystal layer 4, like
the liquid crystal display 100 according to the first embodiment.
The liquid crystal display 170 according to the fourth embodiment
includes the light shielding section 5. The light shielding section
5 includes a plurality of extension portions 51 and a plurality of
extension portions 52, like the light shielding section 5 in the
first embodiment. The liquid crystal display 170 according to the
fourth embodiment has a plurality of sub-pixels SPix. The plurality
of sub-pixels SPix are respectively provided in a plurality of
opening regions 53 defined by the plurality of extension portions
51 and the plurality of extension portions 52, like the plurality
of sub-pixels SPix in the first embodiment.
[0260] The array substrate 1 includes a transparent substrate 10 as
a base. The transparent substrate 10 in the fourth embodiment has a
surface 10a and a reverse surface 10b, like the transparent
substrate 10 in the first embodiment.
[0261] A plurality of gate wirings 11 are provided, like in the
first embodiment, on the surface 10a of the transparent substrate
10. The plurality of gate wirings 11 are respectively arranged
within regions provided with each of the plurality of extension
portions 51, and extend in an X-axis direction in a plan view. Gate
electrodes 11a extend from the gate wiring 11.
[0262] In the fourth embodiment, a plurality of auxiliary
capacitance lines 24 are provided on the surface 10a of the
transparent substrate 10, unlike in the first embodiment. The
plurality of auxiliary capacitance lines 24 are respectively
arranged within the regions provided with each of the plurality of
extension portions 51, and extend in the X-axis direction in a plan
view. Each of the auxiliary capacitance lines 24 is composed of an
opaque metal such as aluminum (Al) or molybdenum (Mo). The
plurality of auxiliary capacitance lines 24 are wiring layers,
which are electrically connected to capacitors connected to each of
pixel electrodes 20 in the plurality of sub-pixels SPix.
[0263] An insulating film 12 serving as a gate insulating film is
provided, like in the first embodiment, to cover the gate wirings
11 and the gate electrodes 11a. However, in the fourth embodiment,
the insulating film 12 is provided to cover the auxiliary
capacitance lines 24 in addition to the gate wirings 11 and the
gate electrodes 11a.
[0264] A plurality of source wirings 13 are provided, like in the
first embodiment, on the insulating film 12. The plurality of
source wirings 13 are respectively arranged within regions provided
with each of the plurality of extension portions 52, and extend in
a Y-axis direction in a plan view. Source electrodes 13a extend
from the source wiring 13.
[0265] A semiconductor layer 14 is provided, like in the first
embodiment, on the insulating film 12 in parts respectively
overlapping the gate electrodes 11a in a plan view. The
above-described source electrode 13a contacts a part of the
semiconductor layer 14. Drain electrodes 15 composed of the same
material as that for the source wirings 13 and the source
electrodes 13a are provided, like in the first embodiment, on the
insulating film 12. The drain electrode 15 is arranged in close to
the source electrode 13a, and partially contacts the semiconductor
layer 14. Thus, a plurality of TFTs 16 are respectively arranged in
a plurality of crossing parts where the plurality of gate wirings
11 and the plurality of source wirings 13 cross each other, like in
the first embodiment.
[0266] Further, an interlayer resin film 17 is provided to cover
the plurality of source wirings 13, the plurality of TFTs 16, and
an exposed part of the insulating film 12. The interlayer resin
film 17 is a flattening film, and is embedded in each of a
plurality of openings 12a to cover the plurality of source wirings
13, the plurality of TFTs 16, and the exposed part of the
insulating film 12 while flattening an uneven surface including
respective upper surfaces of the plurality of source wirings 13,
the plurality of TFTs 16, and the insulating film 12. The
interlayer resin film 17 is composed of a transparent resin
material such as a photoresist.
[0267] Common electrodes 18 are provided, like in the first
embodiment, on the interlayer resin film 17. The common electrodes
18 are continuously and integrally provided to respectively overlap
the plurality of sub-pixels SPix in a plan view. In an example
illustrated in FIG. 23, the common electrodes 18 are continuously
and integrally provided to respectively overlap the plurality of
sub-pixels SPix arranged in a matrix shape in the X-axis direction
and the Y-axis direction in a plan view. In a region provided with
each of the sub-pixels SPix, an opening 18b, which penetrates the
common electrode 18 to reach the interlayer resin film 17, is
formed in the common electrode 18. Therefore, the common electrode
18 has a lattice shape in a plan view.
[0268] A plurality of auxiliary wirings 6f serving as a plurality
of auxiliary wirings 6 are provided on the interlayer resin film
17. A plurality of auxiliary wirings 61f are provided on the
interlayer resin film 17. Each of the plurality of auxiliary
wirings 6f and each of the plurality of auxiliary wirings 61f are
composed of a metal film. The metal film is composed of an opaque
metal such as aluminum (Al) or molybdenum (Mo).
[0269] The auxiliary wirings 6f are respectively arranged within
the regions provided with each of the plurality of extension
portions 52 in a plan view. The auxiliary wirings 61f are
respectively arranged within the regions provided with each of the
plurality of extension portions 51 in a plan view. Therefore, the
plurality of auxiliary wirings 6f and the plurality of auxiliary
wirings 61f have a lattice shape as a whole in a plan view.
[0270] The auxiliary wirings 6f need not be respectively provided
within all the regions provided with each of the plurality of
extension portions 52, or may be provided in every other one or
more of the regions. The auxiliary wirings 61f need not be
respectively provided within all the regions provided with each of
the plurality of extension portions 51, or may be provided in every
other one or more of the regions.
[0271] As illustrated in FIG. 24, the common electrode 18 is
provided on each of the plurality of auxiliary wirings 6f. The
common electrode 18 is provided on each of the plurality of
auxiliary wirings 61f, which is not illustrated in FIG. 24.
Therefore, the plurality of auxiliary wirings 6f and the plurality
of auxiliary wirings 61f are electrically connected to the common
electrodes 18. Each of the auxiliary wiring 6f and the auxiliary
wiring 61f has a lower electric resistivity than the electric
resistivity of a transparent conductive material such as ITO or IZO
included in the common electrode 18. Therefore, the auxiliary
wiring 6f and the auxiliary wiring 61f are electrically connected
to the common electrode 18, so that the electric resistance of the
common electrode 18 can be reduced. Thus, the performance of the
liquid crystal display can be improved, such as that a time
constant can be shortened.
[0272] While the common electrode 18 is provided on each of the
plurality of auxiliary wirings 6f in the example illustrated in
FIG. 24, each of the plurality of auxiliary wirings 6f may be
provided on the common electrode 18. Similarly, each of the
plurality of auxiliary wirings 61f may be provided on the common
electrode 18.
[0273] The plurality of pixel electrodes 20 are provided on the
interlayer resin film 17. Each of the plurality of pixel electrodes
20 is composed of a transparent conductive material such as ITO or
IZO. The plurality of pixel electrodes 20 are respectively provided
apart from the common electrodes 18 on the interlayer resin film 17
within regions in which the openings 18b of the common electrodes
18 are formed in a plan view. Therefore, the plurality of pixel
electrodes 20 are respectively arranged at positions not
overlapping the common electrodes 18 inside the sub-pixels SPix in
a plan view. In other words, the common electrode 18 is provided
apart from each of the plurality of pixel electrodes 20 in a plan
view. Thus, an IPS-mode liquid crystal display is configured.
[0274] A contact hole 25, which penetrates an inter-electrode
insulating film 19 and the interlayer resin film 17 to reach the
drain electrode 15 in the TFT 16, is formed at a position
overlapping the drain electrode 15, in a plan view, in the
periphery of the sub-pixels SPix. The pixel electrode 20 is
electrically connected to the drain electrode 15 exposed to the
bottom of the contact hole 25.
[0275] For ease of understanding, illustration of the pixel
electrode 20 is omitted in FIG. 22. In FIGS. 23 and 24, the pixel
electrode 20 provided inside each of the sub-pixels SPix is
illustrated as the one including only one extension portion
extending in the Y-axis direction, for example. However, in the
fourth embodiment, the pixel electrodes 20 may have a come-tooth
shape including a plurality of extension portions extending in the
Y-axis direction and arranged in the X-axis direction, i.e., comb
teeth, for example, in a plan view. In the fourth embodiment, the
common electrode 18 may also have a come-tooth shape including a
plurality of extension portions extending in the Y-axis direction
and arranged in the X-axis direction, i.e., comb teeth, for
example, in a plan view. The comb teeth of the pixel electrode 20
and the comp teeth of the common electrode 18 may be arranged to
mesh with each other. At this time, in a slit provided between the
comb teeth of the pixel electrode 20 and the comb teeth of the
common electrode 18, which are adjacent to each other, an electric
field is formed between the pixel electrode 20 and the common
electrode 18, so that an oriented state of a liquid crystal in the
liquid crystal layer 4 changes.
[0276] The oriented film 21 is provided, like in the first
embodiment, to cover the pixel electrodes 20, the common electrodes
18, and an exposed part of the interlayer resin film 17.
[0277] On the other hand, the opposite substrate 3 can be made
similar to the opposite substrate 3 in the first embodiment, for
example. That is, the opposite substrate 3 includes a transparent
substrate 30 as a base. The transparent substrate 30 has a surface
30a and a reverse surface 30b. The light shielding section 5 and a
color filter layer 32 (see FIG. 3) are provided on the surface 30a
of the transparent substrate 30. An overcoat layer 33 is provided
to cover the light shielding section 5 and the color filter layer
32. The spacer section 7f serving as a spacer section 7 is provided
on the overcoat layer 33. An oriented film 35 is provided to cover
the spacer section 7f and the overcoat layer 33.
[0278] The array substrate 1 and the opposite substrate 3 are
arranged to oppose each other, i.e., oppositely arranged via the
auxiliary wirings 6f and the spacer section 7f. An area between the
array substrate 1 and the opposite substrate 3 oppositely arranged
is filled with the liquid crystal layer 4, like in the first
embodiment.
[0279] By the above-described configuration, in the respective
sub-pixels SPix, when the TFTs 16 are turned on, an electric field
is formed between the common electrode 18 and each of the pixel
electrodes 20, and an orientation of liquid crystal molecules in
the liquid crystal layer 4 changes, like in the first embodiment.
Thus, light transmittance in the liquid crystal layer 4 changes, so
that an image is displayed.
<Arrangement of Auxiliary Wiring and Spacer Section>
[0280] An arrangement of the auxiliary wiring and the spacer
section in the liquid crystal display according to the fourth
embodiment and its effect will be described below with reference to
FIGS. 22 to 24.
[0281] As described above, the auxiliary wiring 6f is arranged
within the region provided with the extension portion 52, and
extends in the Y-axis direction in a plan view. The auxiliary
wiring 6f is electrically connected to the common electrode 18. The
auxiliary wiring 6 is provided to project toward the side of the
opposite substrate 3 from the surface 1a of the array substrate
1.
[0282] On the other hand, the spacer section 7f has a shape having
a length in the X-axis direction, e.g., an elliptical shape or a
rectangular shape in a plan view. That is, the length of the spacer
section 7f in the X-axis direction is larger than the width of the
spacer section 7f in the Y-axis direction in a plan view. The
spacer section 7f is arranged to cross the auxiliary wiring 6f in a
crossing region CR1 where the extension portion 51 and the
extension portion 52 cross each other in a plan view. Therefore,
the length of the spacer section 7f in the X-axis direction is
larger than the width of the auxiliary wiring 6f in the X-axis
direction.
[0283] In the fourth embodiment, the spacer section 7f is also
provided to project toward the side of the array substrate 1 from a
surface 3a of the opposite substrate 3, like in the first
embodiment. The spacer section 7f is arranged within the region
provided with the extension portion 51 in a plan view.
[0284] Therefore, even if the array substrate 1 or the opposite
substrate 3 is deflected by application of a force from the
outside, and the array substrate 1 and the opposite substrate 3
shift from each other in a transverse direction, a state where the
auxiliary wiring 6f and the spacer section 7f overlap each other in
a plan view is maintained. Thus, the spacer section 7f is prevented
or inhibited from coming close to the surface 1a of the array
substrate 1 in a part arranged inside each of the sub-pixels SPix
in a plan view. As a result, the oriented film 21 formed on the
surface 1a can be prevented or inhibited from being damaged.
[0285] In the fourth embodiment, a process for providing a
projection on the surface 1a of the array substrate 1 need not be
individually performed, like in the first embodiment. Thus, the
number of processes for manufacturing the liquid crystal display
can be more reduced than in the technique discussed in Patent
Literature 1. Further, the auxiliary wiring 6f is composed of a
metal film. Thus, a spacing between the surface 1a of the array
substrate 1 and the surface 3a of the opposite substrate 3 can be
more accurately maintained than when a projection provided on a
surface of an array substrate is composed of an organic film in the
technique discussed in Patent Literature 1, like in the first
embodiment.
[0286] In the fourth embodiment, the auxiliary wiring 6f and the
spacer section 7f are used to prevent the spacer section 7f from
coming close to the surface 1a of the array substrate 1 in the part
arranged inside each of the sub-pixels SPix, even when the spacer
section 7f moves in the transverse direction, like in the first
embodiment. Therefore, an effect of preventing or inhibiting the
spacer section 7f from coming close to the surface 1a of the array
substrate 1 in the part arranged inside each of the sub-pixels SPix
can be more increased than in the technique discussed in Patent
Literature 2.
[0287] In the foregoing, the invention made by the inventors of the
present invention has been concretely described based on the
embodiments. However, it is needless to say that the present
invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments and various
modifications and alterations can be made within the scope of the
present invention. It should be noted that the present invention is
not particularly limited to but applicable to a medium/small-sized
liquid crystal display to a large-sized liquid crystal display.
[0288] In the category of the idea of the present invention, a
person with ordinary skill in the art can conceive various modified
examples and revised examples, and such modified examples and
revised examples are also deemed to belong to the scope of the
present invention.
[0289] For example, the examples obtained by appropriately making
the additions, deletions or design changes of components or the
additions, deletions or condition changes of processes to
respective embodiments described above by a person with ordinary
skill in the art also belong to the scope of the present invention
as long as they include the gist of the present invention.
[0290] The present invention is effective by application to a
liquid crystal display.
* * * * *