JP2003330021A - Electro-optical devices and electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide an electro-optical device which can be made thin by improving the configuration of an illumination system, and an electronic apparatus using the same. SOLUTION: In a liquid crystal device 1, a light source 22 such as an LED is disposed at a position facing a side end surface of a counter substrate 7b, and a conductive film 4 and a light source are arranged so as to face the outer surface side of the counter substrate 7b. Reflective layers 41 are arranged in this order. Therefore, light can be supplied into the liquid crystal panel 2 without using a thick light guide plate.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electro-optical device capable of displaying an image by utilizing light emitted from a light source, and an electronic device using the electro-optical device. More specifically, the technique relates to an illumination system for an electro-optical device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, electro-optical devices such as liquid crystal devices have been widely used as display units in electronic devices such as mobile phones, portable computers and video cameras. In a liquid crystal device, liquid crystal as an electro-optical material is held between a pair of substrates having electrodes, and the liquid crystal is driven between the electrodes to display an image.

When distinguishing such liquid crystal devices based on the light supply method and the display mode, the external light incident from the other substrate is again reflected by the reflective film provided on the outer surface side or the inner surface of the one substrate. A reflective liquid crystal device that reflects light toward the display and a lighting device that is arranged on the outer surface of one of the substrates supplies light to the liquid crystal in a planar manner, and the light emitted from the other substrate displays an image. And a transflective display device that functions as a reflective type when external light is present and that functions as a transmissive type when external light is insufficient (for example, Patent Document 1). 1).

As shown in FIG. 18, a lighting device used in a transmissive liquid crystal device or a semi-transmissive reflective liquid crystal device is conventionally, for example, a counter substrate among the element substrate 7a and the counter substrate 7b holding the liquid crystal layer L. The backlight device 31a is arranged so as to face the outer surface side of the substrate 7b. The backlight device 31a includes a light guide plate 4'and a light source 21 which allows light to enter from a side end surface of the light guide plate 4 '. In the light guide plate 4 ', the light diffusion sheet 27 is attached to the surface located on the counter substrate 7b side, and the reflection sheet 2 is attached to the other surface.
8 is attached. Therefore, the light emitted from the light source 21 enters the light guide plate 4 ′ from the side end surface 49, then travels in the in-plane direction thereof, and is reflected by the reflection sheet 28,
The light enters the liquid crystal layer L through the counter substrate 7b.

[0005]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-133907 (page 6, FIG. 1)

[0006]

Electro-optical devices such as liquid crystal devices, especially mobile phones, portable computers,
Liquid crystal devices mounted in small electric devices such as video cameras are strongly desired to be smaller and thinner, but in the conventional liquid crystal device, the backlight device 31 is used.
Since a thick light guide plate 4'is used, the liquid crystal device cannot be thinned.

In view of the above problems, the object of the present invention is to
An object of the present invention is to provide an electro-optical device that can be thinned by improving the configuration of the illumination system, and an electronic device using the electro-optical device.

[0008]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in an electro-optical device according to the present invention, a pair of substrates holding an electro-optical substance and a side end surface of one of the pair of substrates are provided. Light that is incident on the light source and the surface of the one substrate that is opposite to the side that holds the electro-optical material, either directly or through another optical member, and is disposed so as to oppose the light that travels in the in-plane direction. And a light guide film having a plurality of optical-path changing slopes that direct the light to the side of the one substrate.

In the electro-optical device according to the present invention, the light emitted from the light source is incident on one of the pair of substrates holding the electro-optical material and travels in the in-plane direction. At this time, the light emitted from the surface on the side holding the electro-optical material of both surfaces of the one substrate enters the electro-optical material layer and contributes to the display. On the other hand, the light emitted from the surface of one of the substrates opposite to the side holding the electro-optical material enters the light guide film directly or through a polarizing plate, etc. It progresses inward in the plane. At this time, the light incident on the optical path conversion slope formed on the light guide film has its optical path changed here,
After being emitted toward one of the substrates, it is incident on the layer of electro-optical material and contributes to display. As described above, in the present invention, one of the pair of substrates holding the electro-optical material fulfills a part of the function of the conventional light guide plate, so that the thick light guide plate can be omitted. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the electro-optical device.

In the present invention, when one of the substrates holding the electro-optical material is made to function as the light guide plate of the backlight device, the side opposite to the side where the one substrate is located with respect to the light guide film. It is preferable that a reflective layer for a light source is disposed on the surface of (1). In this case, the one substrate is, for example, one of the pair of substrates on the side opposite to the side from which the display light is emitted.

According to this structure, a polarizer is arranged as the other optical member between the one substrate and the light guide film, and the polarizer and the one substrate are arranged. It is preferable that a reflective polarizer is disposed between and. The polarizer is, for example, P-polarized light and S-polarized light.
Of the polarized light, P-polarized light is transmitted and S-polarized light is absorbed, but the reflective polarizer is P-polarized light or S-polarized light.
The polarized light is transmitted to the polarizer and the S-polarized light is reflected on one of the substrates. Therefore, the S-polarized component absorbed by the polarizer can be reproduced and used as display light. Therefore, the utilization efficiency of light is improved, and the brightness is improved. In addition, it is possible to reduce the difference in brightness between the light incident side and the opposite side, which is caused by the absorption of light by the polarizer during propagation on one of the substrates.

Further, in the present invention, it is preferable that an inner surface polarizer layer is formed on the surface of the one substrate on which the electro-optical material is held. With this configuration, the number of optical components can be reduced.

In the present invention, a first inner surface polarizer layer, a light reflection layer for reflective display for partially transmitting light, and a second inner surface are provided on the surface of the one substrate on which the electro-optical material is held. A configuration in which the polarizer layers are formed in this order may be adopted.

In the present invention, an inner surface reflection polarizer layer, a first inner surface polarizer layer, and a light reflection layer for reflection display which partially transmits light are provided on a surface of the one substrate on which the electro-optical material is held. , And the second inner surface polarizer layer may be formed in this order.

According to the present invention, an inner surface polarizer layer and an inner surface reflection polarizer layer composed of a wire grid layer are formed in this order on the surface of the one substrate holding the electro-optical material. May be adopted.

In the present invention, the one substrate may be one of the pair of substrates on the side from which display light is emitted. According to this structure, the one substrate holding the electro-optical material functions as a light guide plate of the front light device.

In the present invention, the light source causes light to enter the one substrate from a side end surface of the substrate.

In the present invention, the optical path changing slope is formed in a fine concave portion or convex portion formed in the light guide film.

In the present invention, the light guide film is
It is preferably fixed to the one substrate directly or by an adhesive through another optical member. The light guide film may be directly adhered and fixed to the substrate holding the electro-optical material depending on the type of the electro-optical material, but in the electro-optical device utilizing the polarization property of light, in general,
Since one surface of the polarizing plate is adhesively fixed to the substrate holding the electro-optical material, the light guide film is adhesively fixed to the other surface of the polarizing plate.

In the present invention, the light source is, for example, L
It is a point light source such as an ED (Light Emitting Diode). In this case, it is preferable that the plurality of optical path conversion slopes are distributed concentrically around the light source. According to this structure, since the in-plane distribution of the light incident on the electro-optical material layer becomes uniform, a high-quality image can be displayed.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the plurality of optical path conversion slopes are formed with a high density in a region far from the light source as compared with a region near the light source. According to this structure, since the in-plane distribution of the light incident on the electro-optical material layer becomes uniform, a high-quality image can be displayed.

In the present invention, a light absorbing layer may be formed on a surface of the one substrate located on the electro-optical material side. In this case, the lower layer side of the light absorbing layer may be formed. It is preferable that the low refractive index layer is formed selectively or substantially all over the substrate. The light absorption layer here is, for example, a light shielding film or a color filter layer. If one of the substrates used as a light guide plate has a light absorbing layer, a part of the light incident on the one substrate will be absorbed by the light absorbing layer, resulting in light loss. When the low refractive index layer is formed on the substrate, the light travels in the substrate while being reflected at the interface between the one substrate and the low refractive layer, so that light absorption due to the light absorbing layer does not occur. Therefore, the light transmission efficiency in the substrate can be improved.

In the present invention, the electro-optical material is, for example, liquid crystal.

The electro-optical device according to the present invention can be used as a display unit of electronic equipment such as a mobile phone and a mobile computer.

[0025]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment] (Overall Structure of Liquid Crystal Device) FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an electrical structure of the liquid crystal device. 2 and 3 are an exploded perspective view and a sectional view of the liquid crystal device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, respectively. Note that the polarizing plate is not shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the liquid crystal panel 2 used in the liquid crystal device 1 (electro-optical device) to which the present invention is applied, the scanning lines 51 as a plurality of wirings are arranged in the row direction (X direction).
And a plurality of data lines 52 are formed in the column direction (Y direction). A pixel 53 is formed at a position corresponding to each intersection of the scanning line 51 and the data line 52.
3, the liquid crystal layer 54 (layer of electro-optical material) and the TFD element 56 for pixel switching are connected in series. Each scanning line 51 is driven by the scanning line drive circuit 57, and each data line 52 is driven by the data line drive circuit 58. In the present embodiment, the scanning line driving circuit 57 and the data line driving circuit 58 are respectively configured in a liquid crystal driving IC 8a and a liquid crystal driving IC 8b, which will be described later with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the liquid crystal device 1, for example, an FPC (Flexible Pri) is provided on the liquid crystal panel 2.
nted Circuit: flexible printed circuit board) 3
It is formed by connecting a and 3b, further attaching an optical component described later to the back surface side of the liquid crystal panel 2, and further providing the control board 5 on the back surface side.

In the liquid crystal panel 2, the element substrate 7a and the counter substrate 7b are attached to each other by a seal material 6 which is annularly applied to one of these substrates. Further, the liquid crystal injection port 6 a is formed by the discontinuous portion of the sealing material 6, and the liquid crystal injection port 6 a is closed by the sealing material 60.

ACF (anisotropic) is formed on the surface of the portion of the counter substrate 7b that projects from the element substrate 7a.
c Conductive Film: Anisotropic Conductive Film)
9, the liquid crystal driving IC 8a is changed to COG (Chip O
n Glass) is implemented. Also, the element substrate 7a
Of the above, the ACF 9 is formed on the portion protruding from the counter substrate 7b.
The liquid crystal driving IC 8b is mounted by COG.

As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of pixel electrodes 66 and a TFD element 56 as an active element for pixel switching are formed in a matrix on the inner surface of the element substrate 7a, and the adhesive 12d is formed on the outer surface thereof. The polarizing plate 12a is attached via the.

A plurality of data lines 5 are formed on the inner surface of the counter substrate 7b.
2 is formed in a stripe shape, and an adhesive 12 is formed on the outer surface thereof.
The polarizing plate 12b is attached via e. Liquid crystal L as an electro-optical substance is sealed in a gap (cell gap) defined by the sealing material 6 between the element substrate 7a and the counter substrate 7b.

Various optical elements other than those described above are provided on the element substrate 7a and the counter substrate 7b, if necessary. For example, on the element substrate 7a and the counter substrate 7b, alignment films 57a and 57b for aligning the alignment of the liquid crystal L are provided on the inner surface of each substrate. These alignment films 57a and 57b are formed, for example, by applying a polyimide solution and then baking. The polymer main chain of the polyimide is stretched in a predetermined direction by a rubbing treatment, and liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal L enclosed between the substrates are oriented along the stretching direction of the alignment film.

Further, in the case of performing color display, R is provided in a region facing the pixel electrode 66 with respect to the counter substrate 7b.
(Red), G (green), and B (blue) color filters 71R, 71G, and 71B are formed in a predetermined array, and a black matrix 72 is formed in a region that does not face the pixel electrodes 66. Furthermore, the color filter 71
A flattening layer 7 is provided on the upper layers of R, 71G, 71B and the black matrix 72 for flattening and protecting them.
3 is coated on the surface of the flattening layer 73.
The data line 52 made of a TO film (transparent conductive film) is formed.

Referring again to FIG. 2, a plurality of terminals 13a and 13c are formed on the projecting portion of the counter substrate 7b.
AC is provided on one end side of the substrate 3a located on the substrate side.
The FPC 3a is connected using F or the like. This FPC3a
A wiring pattern 18 is appropriately formed on the surface of
The wiring pattern 18 is directly connected to the control board side terminal 16 at one end and is connected to the panel terminal 14 through the through hole 19 at the other end. Here, the ACF is attached to the other end side of the plurality of terminals 13a and the terminal 13c.
The liquid crystal driving IC 8a is COG-mounted by 9 and the scanning line 51 is electrically connected to the terminal 13c.

A plurality of terminals 13b are also formed on the projecting portion of the element substrate 7a. A plurality of terminals 22 are provided at the end of the FPC 3b, and these terminals are conductively connected to the terminals 13b of the counter substrate 7b using ACF or the like. A plurality of terminals 23 formed on the other end of the FPC 3b are connected to terminals (not shown) of the control board 5. A terminal 33 for connecting to an external circuit is formed at the end of the control board 5.

(Structure of TFD Element) FIG. 4 is a plan view of several pixels in the element substrate of the pair of substrates sandwiching the liquid crystal layer in the liquid crystal panel 2. FIG. 5 (a),
4B is a sectional view taken along the line CC ′ of FIG. 4 and T, respectively.
It is a perspective view of an FD element.

The TFD element 56 described with reference to FIG.
Is the difference (polarity difference) in the amount of current flowing through the element with respect to the positive / negative of the applied voltage, as shown in FIGS.
In order to suppress the T, TFD of the structure which connected two TFD elements in series
An FD element (Back-to-Back structure) is generally used. That is, the TFD element 56 includes an island-shaped lower electrode 62 made of Ta (tantalum) having an anodized film 63 formed on the surface thereof, and a lower electrode 62 extending from the scanning line 51.
A first upper electrode 64a that partially overlaps with the anodic oxide film 63, and an island-shaped second upper electrode 64b that partially overlaps the lower electrode 62 with the anodic oxide film 63. The lower electrode 62, the anodic oxide film 63, and the first upper electrode 6 are provided.
The first TFD element 56a is formed by 4a, and the second TFD element 56b is formed by the lower electrode 62, the anodic oxide film 63, and the second upper electrode 64b. Here, the pixel electrode 66 partially overlaps the second upper electrode 64a. Also, the scanning line 51, the first
The upper electrode 64a and the second upper electrode 64b are generally made of Cr (chrome).

Further, when the liquid crystal device 1 is constructed as a transmissive type, a transparent conductive film such as an ITO film is used for the pixel electrode 66. However, if the pixel electrode 66 is formed of an Al (aluminum) film, a silver alloy film, or the like and an opening or the like is formed in such a pixel electrode 66, display can be performed in either reflective mode or transmissive mode. A transflective liquid crystal device 1 that can be performed can be configured.

(Structure of illumination system) FIGS. 6 (a), 6 (b),
2C is an explanatory view of the light guide film used in the liquid crystal device shown in FIG. 2 when viewed from the lower surface side, an explanatory view of minute recesses formed in the light guide film, and the recesses formed in the recesses, respectively. It is explanatory drawing of an optical path conversion slope. 7 (a),
3B is an explanatory view of a low refractive index layer formed on the counter substrate of the liquid crystal device shown in FIG. 2 and an explanatory view for explaining the effect of the low refractive index layer.

Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, the liquid crystal device 1
In order to provide a backlight function, in the present embodiment, first, of the element substrate 7a holding the liquid crystal layer L and the counter substrate 7b, the counter substrate 7b located on the side opposite to the side from which the display light is emitted. A light source 22 including two LEDs (point light sources) and the like is arranged at the end opposite to the end on which the terminals 13a are formed. Here, the end portion 7c of the counter substrate 7b protrudes from the element substrate 7a, and the light source 22 mounted on the circuit board (not shown) faces the side end surface of the protruding portion.

Further, in this embodiment, the conductor film 4 is attached to the polarizing plate 12b via the adhesive 4a so as to face the surface of the counter substrate 7b opposite to the side holding the liquid crystal layer L. Adhesive fixed. Therefore, the counter substrate 7
In b, the conventional thick light guide plate is not arranged on the surface opposite to the side holding the liquid crystal layer L.

A light source reflection layer 41 is arranged on the side of the light guide film 4 opposite to the side on which the counter substrate 7b is located. The light source reflection layer 41 may be a sheet-shaped one, or a metal film formed on the light guide plate film 4 by a method such as vapor deposition.

The light guide film 4 is a transparent film made of acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, cellulose resin, norbornene resin or the like and having a thickness of about 0.1 mm, and is shown in FIG. 6 (a). As described above, a plurality of minute recesses 4b are formed on the surface facing the opposite side of the counter substrate 7b, and the light source 22 is provided on the inner surface of these recesses 4b as shown in FIG. 6B. It is provided with a minute optical path conversion slope 4c that is obliquely upward toward the side where it is located.

As shown in FIG. 6A, a large number of the optical path changing slopes 4c are formed on the light guide film 4, but in this embodiment, two LEDs, which are point light sources, are used as the light source 22. Therefore, the optical path conversion slopes 4c are distributed concentrically around the light source 22. That is, each of the optical path changing slopes 4c has an elongated rectangular shape, but is formed so as to surround it near the light source 22. The shape of the optical path conversion slope 4c may be a circular arc shape with the inside facing the light source 22. Further, instead of the concave portion 4b, the optical path conversion slope 4c may be formed on the convex portion.

Further, in this embodiment, in the light guide film 4, the optical path changing slopes 4c are formed at a high density in a region far from the light source 22 as compared with a region near the light source 22.

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7A, color filters 71R, 71G, 71B, a black matrix 72, etc. are provided on the surface of the counter substrate 7b on which the liquid crystal layer L is held. Although the light absorption layer is formed, the color filters 71R, 71G, 71B,
Alternatively, a low refractive index layer 74 made of a low refractive index material such as magnesium fluoride (MgF; refractive index n = 1.38) is formed on the lower layer side such as the black matrix 72.

In this embodiment, the optical path changing slope 4c
Has an inclination angle of about 35 ° to about 48 ° with respect to the film surface. In addition, the light guide plate film 4 and the adhesive 4
A material having a refractive index of 1.49 or more is used for each of a.

(Effect of this Embodiment) In the liquid crystal device 1 having such a configuration, since the light source 22 is disposed so as to face the side end surface of the counter substrate 7b, the light emitted from the light source 22 is incident on the counter substrate 7b. Then, it progresses in the in-plane direction. On this occasion,
The light emitted from the surface of the opposite substrate 7b on the side holding the liquid crystal layer L enters the liquid crystal layer L and contributes to the display.

On the other hand, the light emitted from the surface of the counter substrate 7b opposite to the side holding the liquid crystal layer L is
The light enters the light guide film 4 through the polarizing plate 12b and travels in the in-plane direction of the light guide film 4 while being reflected by the light source reflection layer 41. At this time, the light striking the optical path conversion slope 4c formed on the light guide film 4 is converted into the light shown in FIG.
As shown in (c), the optical path is converted here, and after being emitted toward the counter substrate 7b, it enters the liquid crystal layer L and contributes to display.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the light source 22 which enters the light from the side end surface thereof, the light guide film 4 having a large number of optical path changing slopes 4c, and the light guiding film 4 which are arranged on the back surface side of the counter substrate 7b. By using the light source reflection layer 41, since the counter substrate 7b plays a part of the function of the conventional light guide plate, the thick light guide plate can be omitted. Therefore, the liquid crystal device 1 can be thinned.

In the light guide film 4, the light source 2
The optical path conversion slopes 4c are distributed concentrically around the center 2, and the optical path conversion slopes 4c have a low density in a region near the light source 22 and a high density in a region far from the light source 22.
Therefore, since the in-plane distribution of the light incident on the liquid crystal layer L becomes uniform, a high-quality image can be displayed.

Further, with respect to the surface of the counter substrate 7b on which the liquid crystal layer L is held, color filters 71R and 71R are provided.
When a light absorption layer such as G, 71B or the black matrix 72 is formed, for example, as shown by an arrow L2 in FIG. 7B, color filters 71R, 71G, 7 are formed.
The light that has once passed through 1B is again filtered by the color filter 71.
The light is transmitted through R, 71G, and 71B and causes a light loss. However, in the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 7A, since the low refractive index layer 74 is formed on the lower layer side of the color filters 71R, 71G, 71B or the black matrix 72, the arrow L1 is formed. As shown in
Even light with a slightly large incident angle travels in the substrate while being reflected by the interface between the counter substrate 7b and the low-refractive layer 74, so that light absorption due to the light absorption layer does not occur. Therefore, it is possible to improve the light transmission efficiency in the substrate.

[Second Embodiment] FIGS. 8A and 8B are explanatory views of a liquid crystal device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, respectively.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a reflective polarizer used in this liquid crystal device.

As shown in FIG. 8A, in the liquid crystal device of this embodiment, the reflective polarizer 2 is provided between the counter substrate 7b and the light guide film 4 and between the polarizing plate 12b and the counter substrate 7b.
00 is arranged. Such a reflective polarizer 200
Can be, for example, one that is laminated with the polarizing plate 12b or one that is used alone.

As shown in FIG. 8B, in the reflective polarizer 200, the refractive indexes in one direction of the two directions orthogonal to each other in the in-plane direction are substantially equal to each other, and the refractive indexes in the other directions are mutually equal. It has a structure in which two different types of layers (A layer and B layer) are alternately laminated. That is, when the directions orthogonal to each other are the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction, in the reflective polarizer 200, the refractive index (n _AX ) of the A layer in the X axis direction and the refractive index of the B layer in the X direction. Although different from the index (n _BX ), the refractive index of the A layer in the Y-axis direction (n _AY ) and the refractive index of the B layer in the Y direction (n _BY ) are substantially equal. Therefore, of the light incident on the reflective polarizer 200, the linearly polarized light in the Y-axis direction passes through the reflective polarizer 200.

Further, in the reflective polarizer 200, when the thickness of the A layer in the Z-axis direction is t _A , the thickness of the B layer is t _B , and the wavelength of the incident light is λ, then t _A · n _AX + t _B・ It is set so that n _AX n _BX = λ / 2. Therefore, the reflective polarizer 2
The linearly polarized light in the X-axis direction out of the light having the wavelength λ incident on 00 is reflected by the reflective polarizer 200. Then, the thickness in the Z-axis direction in the A layer and the Z in the B layer
If the thickness in the axial direction is variously changed, the reflective polarizer 200 reflects the linearly polarized light in the X-axis direction among the lights incident over a wide range of the visible wavelength region. here,
A layer is, for example, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN)
A copolyester of naphthalene dicarboxylic acid and terephthalic acid can be used for the B layer. Therefore, the reflective polarizer 200 is a flexible substrate. Of course, the material of the reflective polarizer 200 is not limited to this, and the material can be appropriately selected. In addition, such a reflective polarizer 2
Details of No. 00 are disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 9-506985.

Therefore, the liquid crystal device 100 shown in FIG.
In, the polarizing plate 12b is, for example, P-polarized light and S-polarized light.
Of the polarized light, the P-polarized light is transmitted and the S-polarized light is absorbed, but the reflective polarizer 200 transmits the P-polarized light of the P-polarized light and the S-polarized light toward the polarizer, and the S-polarized light. When the light is reflected by the counter substrate 7b, the S-polarized component absorbed by the polarizer 12b can be reproduced and used as display light. Therefore, the utilization efficiency of light is improved, and the brightness is improved. Further, it is possible to reduce the difference in brightness between the light incident side and the opposite side, which is caused by the absorption of light by the polarizer during propagation in the counter substrate 7b.

[Third Embodiment] FIGS. 9 and 10 are an explanatory view of a liquid crystal device according to a third embodiment of the present invention and an explanatory view showing a display operation in this liquid crystal device, respectively.

In FIG. 9, the liquid crystal device 1 of this embodiment is a transflective display device that functions as a reflection type when external light is present and as a transmission type when external light is insufficient. Is.

In the liquid crystal device 1, of the element substrate 7a holding the liquid crystal layer L and the counter substrate 7b, the counter substrate 7b located on the side opposite to the side from which the display light is emitted is
Similar to the first embodiment, a light source 22 including two LEDs (point light sources) is arranged at the end opposite to the end where the terminals 13a are formed. In addition, the counter substrate 7b
In, the conductor film 4 is adhesively fixed via the adhesive 4a so as to face the surface opposite to the side holding the liquid crystal layer L. Further, a light source reflection layer 41 is arranged on the side of the light guide film 4 opposite to the side on which the counter substrate 7b is located.

However, in the liquid crystal device 1 of this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, a polarizer as a separate member is arranged on the surface of the counter substrate 7b opposite to the side holding the liquid crystal layer L. It has not been. Instead, as explained below,
An inner surface polarizer layer is formed on the surface of the counter substrate 7b on the side that holds the liquid crystal layer L.

In the liquid crystal device 1 of the present embodiment, the low refractive index layer 74 is provided on the surface of the counter substrate 7b on which the liquid crystal layer L is held,
The first inner surface polarizer layer 129, the reflective light reflection layer 120 for partially transmitting light, and the second inner surface polarizer layer 121.
Are formed in this order. Here, the reflective display light reflection layer 120 is a semi-transmissive reflection layer in which a small light transmission hole 125 for transmitting light is formed in a metal layer such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, silver, or silver alloy. The inner surface polarizer layers 129 and 121 are formed by forming a layer of a water-soluble lyotropic liquid crystal dye material or a thermotropic polymer liquid crystal containing a dichroic dye, and then patterning it using a photolithography technique. It was done. At this time, the inner surface polarizer layers 129 and 121
On the other hand, an insoluble or sparingly soluble protective layer may be formed in water.

Since the other structure is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, the parts having the common functions are designated by the same reference numerals and shown in the drawing, and the description thereof will be omitted. .

In the liquid crystal device 1 thus constructed,
In the reflection mode, as shown on the left side of FIG. 10, external light incident on the liquid crystal device 1 is converted into polarized light parallel to the paper surface by the polarizing plate 12a having a transmission axis parallel to the paper surface and enters the liquid crystal layer L. . Here, when the liquid crystal layer L is in the ON state, the incident light is the second linearly polarized light parallel to the paper surface.
Is incident on the inner surface polarizer layer 121 and is absorbed by the second inner surface polarizer layer 121 having a transmission axis perpendicular to the paper surface. Therefore, the dots are darkly displayed.

On the other hand, when the liquid crystal layer L is in the off state, this incident light is converted into linearly polarized light perpendicular to the paper surface by the action of the liquid crystal layer L, and the second inner surface polarizer layer 121.
And enters the second inner surface polarizer layer 121 having a transmission axis perpendicular to the paper surface. Then, the light reflective layer 1 for reflective display
The light is reflected by 20, and again passes through the second inner surface polarizer layer 121 and enters the liquid crystal layer L. Then, by the action of the liquid crystal layer L, it is converted into linearly polarized light parallel to the paper surface, and is transmitted through the polarizing plate 12a and emitted. Therefore, the dots are displayed brightly.

On the other hand, in the transmission mode, as shown on the right side of FIG. 10, the light emitted from the counter substrate 7b is converted into the linearly polarized light perpendicular to the paper surface by the first inner surface polarizer layer 129, and thereafter, Light transmission hole 125 of light reflection layer 120 for reflection display
To enter the second inner surface polarizer layer 121, pass through the second inner surface polarizer layer 121 having a transmission axis perpendicular to the paper surface, and enter the liquid crystal layer L. Here, when the liquid crystal layer L is in the ON state, this incident light is not affected by the liquid crystal layer L and is absorbed by the polarizing plate 12a as linearly polarized light perpendicular to the paper surface. Therefore, the dots are darkly displayed.

In the transmissive mode, the counter substrate 7b
After passing through the first inner surface polarizer layer 129, the light emitted from is a linearly polarized light that is perpendicular to the paper surface.
After the light is reflected on the lower surface side of the light reflective layer 120 for reflective display, the first
After passing through the inner surface polarizer layer 129, the light enters the counter substrate 7b again. Then, after passing through the conductor film 4, it is reflected by the light source reflection layer 41 and is emitted again from the counter substrate 7b, so that the light utilization efficiency is high.

On the other hand, when the liquid crystal layer L is in the off state, the light incident on the liquid crystal layer L is converted into linearly polarized light parallel to the paper surface by the action of the liquid crystal layer L, and the polarizing plate. 12a
Incident on. Then, the light is transmitted through the polarizing plate 12a and emitted. Therefore, the dots are displayed brightly.

As described above, also in the liquid crystal device 1 of the present embodiment, since the counter substrate 7b plays a part of the function of the conventional light guide plate, the thick light guide plate can be omitted. Therefore, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained such that the liquid crystal device 1 can be made thin.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the bright display in the transmission mode is performed, the light incident on the polarizing plate 12a from the liquid crystal layer L is a linearly polarized light, so that a bright display can be performed even in the transmission mode.

Incidentally, if the second inner surface polarizer layer 121 is formed so as to avoid a region which planarly overlaps with the light transmission hole 125, the light incident on the liquid crystal layer L in the transmission mode becomes the second light. Does not pass through the inner polarizer layer 121. Therefore, since there is no absorption when light passes through the second inner surface polarizer layer 121, there is an advantage that the utilization efficiency of light is improved.

[Fourth Embodiment] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a liquid crystal device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 11, the liquid crystal device 1 of this embodiment also
Similar to the third embodiment, it functions as a reflection type when external light is present, and functions as a transmission type when external light is insufficient.

In the liquid crystal device 1, of the element substrate 7a holding the liquid crystal layer L and the counter substrate 7b, the counter substrate 7b located on the side opposite to the side from which the display light is emitted is
Similar to the first embodiment, a light source 22 including two LEDs (point light sources) is arranged at the end opposite to the end where the terminals 13a are formed. In addition, the counter substrate 7b
In, the conductor film 4 is adhesively fixed via the adhesive 4a so as to face the surface opposite to the side holding the liquid crystal layer L. Further, a light source reflection layer 41 is arranged on the side of the light guide film 4 opposite to the side on which the counter substrate 7b is located.

Further, in the liquid crystal device 1 of this embodiment, the inner surface reflective polarizer layer 128, the first inner surface polarizer layer 129, and the partial transmission of light are formed on the surface of the counter substrate 7b on which the liquid crystal layer L is held. A reflective display light reflection layer 120 and a second inner surface polarizer layer 121 are formed in this order. Here, the reflective display light reflection layer 120 is a semi-transmissive reflection layer in which a small light transmission hole 125 for transmitting light is formed in a metal layer such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, silver, or silver alloy.

The other structures are basically the same as those of the first and third embodiments, and therefore, the portions having the common functions are designated by the same reference numerals and shown in the drawings, and their explanations are given. Omit it.

In the liquid crystal device 1 thus constructed,
In the reflection mode, as described with reference to FIG. 10 regarding the third embodiment, the external light incident on the liquid crystal device 1 is converted into the polarized light parallel to the paper surface by the polarizing plate 12a having the transmission axis parallel to the paper surface. Incident on the liquid crystal layer. Here, when the liquid crystal layer L is in the ON state, this incident light enters the second inner surface polarizer layer 121 as it is as linearly polarized light parallel to the paper surface, and the second light having a transmission axis perpendicular to the paper surface. Inner polarizer layer 1
Absorbed by 21. Therefore, the dots are darkly displayed.

On the other hand, when the liquid crystal layer L is in the off state, the incident light is converted into linearly polarized light perpendicular to the paper surface by the action of the liquid crystal layer L, and the second inner surface polarizer layer 121.
And enters the second inner surface polarizer layer 121 having a transmission axis perpendicular to the paper surface. Then, the light reflective layer 1 for reflective display
The light is reflected by 20, and again passes through the second inner surface polarizer layer 121 and enters the liquid crystal layer L. Then, by the action of the liquid crystal layer L, it is converted into linearly polarized light parallel to the paper surface, and is transmitted through the polarizing plate 12a and emitted. Therefore, the dots are displayed brightly.

On the other hand, in the transmissive mode, the light emitted from the counter substrate 7b is emitted from the inner surface reflection polarizer layer 128 and the first reflective polarizer layer 128.
After being converted into linearly polarized light perpendicular to the paper surface by the inner surface polarizer layer 129, the light transmission hole 1 of the light reflection layer 120 for reflective display.
25, enters the second inner surface polarizer layer 121,
Second inner surface polarizer layer 121 having a transmission axis perpendicular to the paper surface
And is incident on the liquid crystal layer L. Here, when the liquid crystal layer L is in the ON state, this incident light is not affected by the liquid crystal layer L, and remains linearly polarized light perpendicular to the paper surface, and remains in the polarizing plate 12a.
Is absorbed by. Therefore, the dots are darkly displayed.

On the other hand, when the liquid crystal layer L is in the off state, the light incident on the liquid crystal layer L is converted into linearly polarized light parallel to the paper surface by the action of the liquid crystal layer L, and the polarizing plate. 12a
Incident on. Then, the light is transmitted through the polarizing plate 12a and emitted. Therefore, the dots are displayed brightly.

At this time, of the light emitted from the counter substrate 7b, the light that could not be transmitted through the internal reflection polarizer layer 128 is reflected by the internal reflection polarizer layer 128, and is reflected by the light source reflection layer 41 and the internal reflection polarization layer. The reflection with the child layer 128 is repeated. While the reflection is repeated in this way, the polarization direction thereof gradually changes, and a part of the polarization direction is changed to the inner surface reflection polarizer layer 12
8 can be transmitted. Therefore, the light utilization efficiency can be improved, and bright display can be performed.

Further, it is desirable that a low refractive index layer is provided on the surface of the counter substrate 7b on which the liquid crystal layer L is held. That is, it is desirable to have a low refractive index layer between the counter substrate 7b and the internal reflection polarizer layer 128.

With the internal reflection polarizer layer 128, the light passing through the inside of the counter substrate 7b is reflected by the internal reflection polarizer layer 128 without the low refractive index layer. However, if there is no low-refractive index layer, there is a possibility that light at a low angle with respect to the inner surface of the counter substrate 7b is also emitted. Therefore, in the case of a liquid crystal device, since it is important to increase the front brightness, it is preferable to have a low refractive index layer in order to further increase the front brightness.

[Fifth Embodiment] FIGS. 12 and 13 are explanatory views of a liquid crystal device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, respectively.
9A and 9B are explanatory diagrams showing a display operation in the liquid crystal device.

In FIG. 12, the liquid crystal device 1 of this embodiment also
Similar to the third embodiment, the transflective display device functions as a reflection type when external light is present and functions as a transmission type when external light is insufficient.

In the liquid crystal device 1, of the element substrate 7a holding the liquid crystal layer L and the counter substrate 7b, the counter substrate 7b located on the side opposite to the side from which the display light is emitted is
Similar to the first embodiment, a light source 22 including two LEDs (point light sources) is arranged at the end opposite to the end where the terminals 13a are formed. In addition, the counter substrate 7b
In, the conductor film 4 is adhesively fixed via the adhesive 4a so as to face the surface opposite to the side holding the liquid crystal layer L. Further, a light source reflection layer 41 is arranged on the side of the light guide film 4 opposite to the side on which the counter substrate 7b is located.

Further, in the liquid crystal device 1 of the present embodiment, on the surface of the counter substrate 7b on which the liquid crystal layer L is held, the internal reflection consisting of the low refractive index layer 74, the inner polarizer layer 126, and the wire grid layer. The polarizer layer 127 is formed in this order. Here, the internal reflection polarizer layer 127 formed of a wire grid layer is a metal layer of aluminum, aluminum alloy, silver, silver alloy, or the like in which a plurality of slit-shaped openings are formed at a predetermined pitch, and the internal reflection polarizer layer 127.
A small light transmitting hole 124 for transmitting light is formed in the. Further, the direction of the slit opening of the inner surface reflection polarizer layer 127 is parallel to the transmission axis of the inner surface polarizer layer 126,
The transmission axis of the inner surface polarizer layer 126 is substantially orthogonal to the transmission axis of the polarizing plate 12a.

In such an internal reflection polarizer layer 127,
Light parallel to the length direction of the slit opening is reflected, and light perpendicular to the length direction of the slit opening is transmitted. Therefore, the light transmitted through the internal reflection polarizer layer 127 is light perpendicular to the length direction of the slit opening, and the light reflected by the internal reflection polarizer layer 127 is light parallel to the length direction of the slit opening. Is.

Since the other constructions are basically the same as those of the first and third embodiments, the portions having the common functions are designated by the same reference numerals and shown in the drawings. Omit it.

In the liquid crystal device 1 thus constructed,
In the transmission mode, as shown on the left side of FIG. 13, the light emitted from the counter substrate 7b is converted into linearly polarized light parallel to the paper surface by the inner surface polarizer layer 126, and then the light of the inner surface reflection polarizer layer 127. The light passes through the transmission hole 124 and enters the liquid crystal layer L. Here, when the liquid crystal layer L is in the ON state, this incident light is not affected by the liquid crystal layer L and is absorbed by the polarizing plate 12a as linearly polarized light parallel to the paper surface. Therefore, the dots are darkly displayed.

On the other hand, when the liquid crystal layer L is in the off state, the light incident on the liquid crystal layer L is converted by the action of the liquid crystal layer L into linearly polarized light which is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing, and the polarizing plate is used. 12a
Incident on. Then, the light is transmitted through the polarizing plate 12a and emitted. Therefore, the dots are displayed brightly.

At this time, of the light emitted from the counter substrate 7b, the light that could not pass through the internal reflection polarizer layer 127 is reflected by the internal reflection polarizer layer 127, and is reflected by the light source reflection layer 41 and the internal reflection polarization layer. The reflection with the child layer 127 is repeated. While the reflection is repeated in this way, a part of the light passes through the light transmission hole 124 of the inner surface reflection polarizer layer 127 and enters the liquid crystal layer L. Therefore, the light utilization efficiency can be improved, and bright display can be performed.

On the other hand, in the reflection mode, external light incident on the liquid crystal device 1 is converted into linearly polarized light perpendicular to the paper surface by the polarizing plate 12a having a transmission axis perpendicular to the paper surface, as shown on the right side of FIG. And enters the liquid crystal layer L. here,
When the liquid crystal layer L is in the ON state, this incident light is transmitted through the internal reflection polarizer layer 127 as linearly polarized light perpendicular to the paper surface, and is absorbed by the internal polarizer layer 126 having a transmission axis parallel to the paper surface. To be done. Therefore, the dots are darkly displayed.

On the other hand, when the liquid crystal layer L is in the off state, this incident light is converted into linearly polarized light parallel to the paper surface by the action of the liquid crystal layer L and reflected by the internal reflection polarizer layer 127. Then, the light enters the liquid crystal layer L. Then, by the action of the liquid crystal layer L, it is converted into linearly polarized light which is perpendicular to the paper surface, and is transmitted through the polarizing plate 12a and emitted. Therefore, the dots are displayed brightly.

[Sixth Embodiment] FIG. 14 is a sectional view of a liquid crystal device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

The liquid crystal device according to the first embodiment is an example in which a backlight function is added, but the present invention is applied to a liquid crystal device having a front light function like the liquid crystal device shown in FIG. Good. In addition, in the case where the front light function is added, it is necessary to provide a reflective surface on the liquid crystal panel by a method such as using the pixel electrode as a reflective electrode or providing a reflective layer under the pixel electrode. Although there is a difference from the built-in type, since the basic configuration is common, the corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and illustrated and the description thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 14, the liquid crystal device 1 of the present embodiment.
However, a plurality of pixel electrodes 66 are formed in a matrix on the inner surface of the element substrate 7a. Further, a plurality of data lines 52 are formed in stripes on the inner surface of the counter substrate 7b,
A polarizing plate 12b is attached to the outer surface of the polarizing plate 12e via an adhesive 12e. In addition, the pixel electrode 6 is formed on the counter substrate 7b.
In a region facing 6 are color filters 71R, 71G of R (red), G (green), B (blue),
71B are formed in a predetermined array, and a black matrix 72 is formed in a region not facing the pixel electrode 66.

In giving the front light function to such a liquid crystal device 1, in the present embodiment, of the element substrate 7a holding the liquid crystal layer L and the counter substrate 7b, the counter substrate positioned on the side where the display light is emitted. 7b, terminal 1
2a is provided at the end opposite to the end on which 3a is formed.
A light source 22 including two LEDs (point light sources) and the like is arranged. Here, the end portion 7c of the counter substrate 7b protrudes from the element substrate 7a, and the light source 22 mounted on a circuit board (not shown) is arranged to face the side end surface of the protruding portion.

In this embodiment, the adhesive 1 is formed on the surface of the counter substrate 7b opposite to the side holding the liquid crystal layer L.
The polarizing plate 12b is adhered and fixed by 2e, and the conductor film 4 is adhered and fixed to the polarizing plate 12b through the adhesive 4a. Therefore, in the counter substrate 7b,
The conventional thick light guide plate is not arranged on the surface opposite to the side holding the liquid crystal layer L.

Also in this embodiment, the light guide film 4 is made of acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, cellulose resin, norbornene resin, etc. and has a thickness of 0.1 mm.
As is described with reference to FIG. 6A, a plurality of minute recesses 4b are formed on the surface facing the opposite side of the counter substrate 7b, and the inner surface of the recess 4b is a transparent film. As shown in FIG. 6B, includes a minute optical path conversion slope 4c that is obliquely upward toward the side where the light source 22 is located.

Therefore, also in this embodiment, the light emitted from the light source 22 enters the counter substrate 7b and travels in the in-plane direction. At this time, of the two surfaces of the counter substrate 7b, the light emitted from the surface on the side holding the liquid crystal layer L enters the liquid crystal layer L, is then reflected by a predetermined reflective layer, and is emitted again from the counter substrate 7b. As a result, it contributes to the display.

On the other hand, of the two surfaces of the counter substrate 7b, the light emitted from the surface opposite to the side holding the liquid crystal layer L enters the light guide film 4 through the polarizing plate 12b. The light guide film 4 advances in the in-plane direction.
At this time, the light impinging on the optical path conversion slope 4c formed on the light guide film 4 has its optical path changed here, and is emitted toward the counter substrate 7b, and then enters the liquid crystal layer L to a predetermined position. As a result of being reflected by the reflective layer and being emitted again from the counter substrate 7b, it contributes to display.

Therefore, also in this embodiment, since the counter substrate 7b plays a part of the function of the conventional light guide plate, the thick light guide plate can be omitted. Therefore, the liquid crystal device 1 can be thinned.

Also in this embodiment, the color filter 7 is formed on the surface of the counter substrate 7b on which the liquid crystal layer L is held.
1R, 71G, 71B or black matrix 7
Although light absorbing layers such as No. 2 are formed, the low refractive index layer 74 is formed on the lower side thereof, so that light absorption due to the light absorbing layer does not occur. Therefore, it is possible to improve the light transmission efficiency in the substrate.

[Other Embodiments] In the above embodiment, an example in which two LEDs are used as the light source 22 has been described. However, as shown in FIG.
2 is used, or as shown in FIG. 15B, LE is provided on each of two opposite sides of the counter substrate 7b.
A configuration in which D is arranged as the light source 22 may be adopted. In addition, in any of these forms, the light guide film 4
The optical path conversion slopes 4c formed on the light source 22 are distributed concentrically around the light source 22, and the optical path conversion slopes 4c are formed on the light source 2
It is preferable that the area near 2 has a low density and the area far from the light source 22 has a high density.

The present invention is not limited to the point light source such as the LED as the light source, and the present invention may be applied to the case where a cold cathode tube is used.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the inner surface polarizer layer is formed on the counter substrate 7b, but the inner surface polarizer layer may be formed on the element substrate 7a and the polarizing plate 12a may be omitted.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, an active matrix type liquid crystal device using a TFD element as an active element for pixel switching has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a T-type active element for pixel switching is used.
An active matrix type liquid crystal device using an FT element,
Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to a passive matrix type liquid crystal device. Further, the present invention may be applied to an electro-optical device using a material other than liquid crystal as the electro-optical material.

[Embodiment of Electronic Device] FIG. 16 shows an embodiment in which the liquid crystal device according to the present invention is used as a display device of various electronic devices. The electronic device shown here includes a display information output source 170, a display information processing circuit 171,
It has a power supply circuit 172, a timing generator 173, and a liquid crystal device 174. Further, the liquid crystal device 174 is
It has a liquid crystal display panel 175 and a drive circuit 176. The liquid crystal device 1 described above can be used as the liquid crystal device 174 and the liquid crystal device 175.

The display information output source 170 is a ROM (Rea
d Only Memory), RAM (Random)
A memory such as an access memory), a storage unit such as various disks, a tuning circuit that tunes and outputs a digital image signal, and the like, and displays an image signal in a predetermined format based on various clock signals generated by the timing generator 173. Information is supplied to the display information processing circuit 171.

The display information processing circuit 171 includes various well-known circuits such as a serial-parallel conversion circuit, an amplification / inversion circuit, a rotation circuit, a gamma correction circuit, a clamp circuit, etc., and executes processing of input display information. , The image signal together with the clock signal CLK, the drive circuit 176
Supply to. The drive circuit 176 is a general term for the scanning line drive circuit 157, the data line drive circuit 158, the inspection circuit, etc. in FIG. Further, the power supply circuit 172 supplies a predetermined voltage to each component.

17 (a) and 17 (b) are explanatory views showing a mobile personal computer and a mobile phone, which are embodiments of the electronic apparatus according to the present invention.

In FIG. 17A, the personal computer 180 includes a main body 18 having a keyboard 181.
2 and a liquid crystal display unit 183. The liquid crystal display unit 183 is configured to include the liquid crystal device 1 described above. In addition, in FIG. 17B, the mobile phone 190
Has a plurality of operation buttons 191 and a liquid crystal device 1.

[0115]

As described above, in the electro-optical device according to the present invention, the light emitted from the light source is incident on one of the pair of substrates holding the electro-optical substance, and the light is emitted in the in-plane direction. Proceed to. At this time, the light emitted from the surface on the side holding the electro-optical material of both surfaces of the one substrate enters the electro-optical material layer and contributes to the display. On the other hand, the light emitted from the surface on the side opposite to the side on which the electro-optical material is held on one of the substrates enters the light guide film directly or through the polarizing plate, and is reflected by the light source reflection layer. It advances in the in-plane direction inside the light guide film while reflecting. At this time, the light striking the optical path conversion slope formed on the light guide film has its optical path changed here and is emitted toward one of the substrates, and then enters the layer of the electro-optical material to be displayed. Contribute. As described above, in the present invention, one of the pair of substrates holding the electro-optical material fulfills a part of the function of the conventional light guide plate, so that the thick light guide plate can be omitted. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the electro-optical device.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an electrical configuration of a liquid crystal device.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an example of the liquid crystal device according to the first embodiment of the invention.

3 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal device shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of several pixels and a terminal portion of an element substrate among a pair of substrates sandwiching a liquid crystal layer in a liquid crystal device to which the present invention is applied.

5A and 5B are respectively CC 'of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a line sectional view and a perspective view of one pixel and a terminal portion.

6 (a), (b), and (c) are explanatory views of the light guide film used in the liquid crystal device shown in FIG. 2 as seen from the lower surface side, and the fine patterns formed on the light guide film. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of a concave portion and an explanatory view of an optical path conversion slope formed in the concave portion.

7A and 7B are respectively an explanatory view of a low refractive index layer formed on a counter substrate of the liquid crystal device shown in FIG. 2 and an explanatory view for explaining an effect of this low refractive index layer. is there.

8A and 8B are respectively an explanatory diagram of a liquid crystal device according to a second embodiment of the present invention and an explanatory diagram of a reflective polarizer used in this liquid crystal device.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a liquid crystal device according to a third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a display operation in the liquid crystal device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a liquid crystal device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a liquid crystal device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a display operation in the liquid crystal device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of a liquid crystal device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

15 (a) and 15 (b) are explanatory views of other embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of various electronic devices using the liquid crystal device according to the present invention.

17A and 17B are explanatory diagrams of a mobile personal computer and a mobile phone as an embodiment of an electronic apparatus using the liquid crystal device according to the invention, respectively.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a conventional liquid crystal device.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 liquid crystal device, 4 light guide film, 4b concave part of light guide film, 4c optical path changing slope, 7a element substrate (other substrate), 7b counter substrate (one substrate), 7c end of counter substrate, 22 light source , 41 light source reflection layer, 51
Scan line, 52 data line, 56 TFD element, 120
Light reflection layer for reflective display, 121 second inner surface polarizer layer, 1
24, 125 light transmission hole, 126 inner surface polarizer layer, 12
7 Internal Reflective Polarizer Layer, 128 Reflective Polarizer Layer, 129
First inner surface polarizer layer, L liquid crystal layer (layer of electro-optical material)

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G02F 1/1335 520 G02F 1/1335 520 // F21Y 101: 02 F21Y 101: 02 F term (reference) 2H091 FA02Y FA07Y FA08X FA08Z FA14X FA14Z FA16Y FA23X FA23Z FA34Y FA35Y FA42X FA42Z FA45X FA45Z FB02 FC07 FD06 FD15 GA13 GA17 KA01 KA10 LA11 LA16 LA18

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. A pair of substrates holding an electro-optical material,
A light source for making light incident on one of the pair of substrates and a surface of the one substrate opposite to the side on which the electro-optical material is held are arranged directly or opposite to each other via another optical member. And a light guide film having a plurality of minute optical path changing slopes that direct light that is going to travel in the in-plane direction toward the one substrate side. 2. The substrate according to claim 1, wherein the one substrate is
An electro-optical device, wherein the pair of substrates is a substrate on a side opposite to a side from which display light is emitted. 3. The electro-optical device according to claim 2, wherein a reflection layer for a light source is arranged on a surface of the light guide film opposite to a side where the one substrate is located. apparatus. 4. The polarizer according to claim 2, wherein a polarizer is disposed as the other optical member between the one substrate and the light guide film, and the polarizer and the one An electro-optical device in which a reflective polarizer is disposed between the substrate and the substrate. 5. The surface according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the surface of the one substrate that holds the electro-optical material is
An electro-optical device having an inner surface polarizer layer formed. 6. The surface according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the surface of the one substrate that holds the electro-optical material is
An electro-optical device comprising a first inner surface polarizer layer, a reflective light reflection layer for partially transmitting light, and a second inner surface polarizer layer formed in this order. 7. The surface according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the surface of the one substrate holding the electro-optical material is
An electro-optical device comprising an inner surface reflection polarizer layer, a first inner surface polarizer layer, a light reflection layer for reflective display that partially transmits light, and a second inner surface polarizer layer formed in this order. 8. The surface according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the surface of the one substrate on which the electro-optical material is held is
An electro-optical device, wherein an inner surface polarizer layer and an inner surface reflection polarizer layer including a wire grid layer are formed in this order. 9. The substrate according to claim 1, wherein the one substrate is
An electro-optical device, characterized in that it is one of the pair of substrates on the side from which display light is emitted. 10. The electro-optical device according to claim 1, wherein the light source causes light to enter the one substrate from a side end surface of the substrate. 11. The electro-optical device according to claim 1, wherein the optical path conversion slope is formed in a fine recess or projection formed in the light guide film. 12. The electrical device according to claim 1, wherein the light guide film is fixed to the one substrate directly or with an adhesive through another optical member. Optical device. 13. The electro-optical device according to claim 1, wherein the light source is a point light source. 14. The electro-optical device according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of optical path conversion slopes are distributed concentrically around the light source. 15. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of optical path conversion slopes are formed with a high density in a region far from the light source as compared with a region near the light source. Electro-optical device. 16. The light absorbing layer according to claim 1, wherein a light absorbing layer is formed on a surface of the one substrate located on the electro-optical material side, and a low refractive index is formed on a lower layer side of the light absorbing layer. An electro-optical device in which an index layer is formed. 17. The electro-optical device according to claim 16, wherein the light absorption layer is a light shielding film or a color filter layer. 18. The electro-optical device according to claim 1, wherein the electro-optical substance is liquid crystal. 19. An electronic apparatus comprising the electro-optical device according to claim 1 as a display unit.