KR102106816B1 - Liquid crystal display - Google Patents

Abstract

The liquid crystal display device includes a display substrate, a counter substrate, and a liquid crystal layer. The display substrate is defined by a plurality of pixel areas arranged in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the display substrate is curved along the first direction on a plane. The counter substrate is combined with the display substrate and is bent together with the display substrate. The liquid crystal layer includes the liquid crystal molecules, and the liquid crystal layer is disposed between the display substrate and the counter substrate. A unit domain group is defined in each of the plurality of pixel regions, domains belonging to the unit domain group are arranged in the second direction, and directions in which the liquid crystal molecules are aligned in at least two domains belonging to the unit domain group They are different from each other. Also, directions in which the liquid crystal molecules are aligned in at least two domains belonging to the domains arranged in the first direction in the plurality of pixel regions are different from each other.

Description

Liquid crystal display device {LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY}

The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device, and more particularly, to a liquid crystal display device having a curved shape.

The liquid crystal display device is one of the flat panel display devices, and is used for displaying images on various devices such as TVs, monitors, laptops, and mobile phones. Recently, a curved liquid crystal display device has been developed, and the curved liquid crystal display device may provide a curved display area to provide an image with improved stereoscopic, immersive, and sense of presence to the user.

An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display device having an improved display quality of an image displayed in a display area having a curved shape.

In order to achieve the above object of the present invention, the liquid crystal display device according to the present invention includes a display substrate, a counter substrate and a liquid crystal layer. The display substrate is defined by a plurality of pixel areas arranged in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the display substrate is curved along the first direction on a plane. The counter substrate is combined with the display substrate and is bent together with the display substrate. The liquid crystal layer includes the liquid crystal molecules, and the liquid crystal layer is disposed between the display substrate and the counter substrate.

In addition, a unit domain group is defined in each of the plurality of pixel regions, domains belonging to the unit domain group are arranged in the second direction, and the liquid crystal molecules are aligned in at least two domains belonging to the unit domain group. The directions are different from each other.

Also, directions in which the liquid crystal molecules are aligned in at least two domains belonging to the domains arranged in the first direction in the plurality of pixel regions are different from each other.

According to the present invention, even if the liquid crystal display device is bent and misalignment occurs between the display substrate and the counter substrate, the lower alignment direction in which the liquid crystal molecules are aligned by the alignment film of the display substrate is the upper alignment direction in which the liquid crystal molecules are aligned by the alignment film of the counter substrate. This can be kept constant. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a misalignment that may occur as the lower alignment direction and the upper alignment direction are different from each other, and as a result, a phenomenon in which the light transmittance locally decreases in the domain due to the alignment failure is prevented. The display quality of the display device can be improved.

Also, in the case of arranging domains according to the present invention, it can be minimized that the luminance of an image displayed according to a viewing direction is different. Accordingly, a difference between the luminance viewed from the left and the luminance viewed from the right is minimized, so that the display quality of the liquid crystal display can be improved.

1A is a perspective view of a liquid crystal display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
1B is a plan view of the liquid crystal display shown in FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1C is a side view of the liquid crystal display shown in FIG. 1A.
2 is a plan view illustrating pixels of the liquid crystal display illustrated in FIG. 1A.
3A is a cross-sectional view showing a plane cut along II ′ in FIG. 2.
3B is a cross-sectional view showing a plane cut along II-II` in FIG. 2.
4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D are perspective views illustrating liquid crystal molecules oriented by an electric field formed between a display substrate and a counter substrate.
5 is a diagram showing domains and liquid crystal alignment directions defined in a pixel area.
6 is a view showing liquid crystal alignment directions of liquid crystal molecules in domains defined in a plurality of pixel regions according to another embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a view showing liquid crystal alignment directions of liquid crystal molecules in domains defined in a plurality of pixel regions according to another embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a diagram illustrating liquid crystal alignment directions of liquid crystal molecules in domains defined in a plurality of pixel regions according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The above objects, features and effects of the present invention will be readily understood through embodiments related to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, and may be applied and modified in various forms. Rather, the embodiments of the present invention to be described later are provided to more clearly clarify the technical spirit disclosed by the present invention, and further to sufficiently transmit the technical spirit of the present invention to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Therefore, it should not be construed that the scope of the present invention is limited by the embodiments to be described later. On the other hand, the same reference numbers in the following examples and drawings denote the same components.

Also, in this specification, the terms 'first', 'second', etc. are used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from other components, not limited meaning. In addition, when a part such as a film, a region, or a component is said to be `` on '' or `` on '' another part, not only when it is directly above the other part, but also other films, areas, components, etc. are interposed in the middle. Also includes cases.

1A is a perspective view of a liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1B is a plan view of the liquid crystal display illustrated in FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1C is a side view of the liquid crystal display illustrated in FIG. 1A.

1A, 1B and 1C, the liquid crystal display device 500 has a display area DA in which an image is displayed, and the liquid crystal display device 500 has a curved shape. Accordingly, the liquid crystal display device 500 may display an image with improved stereoscopic, immersive, and sense of presence by using the display area DA having a curved shape.

In this embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 500 may include a display substrate 100, a counter substrate 300 and a liquid crystal layer (LC in FIG. 3A). The counter substrate 300 is coupled to the display substrate 100 opposite to the display substrate 100, and the liquid crystal layer is interposed between the display substrate 100 and the counter substrate 300.

The liquid crystal display 500 may further include other components in addition to the display substrate 100 and the counter substrate 300, but the present invention is not limited to the components. For example, the liquid crystal display 500 may further include a backlight assembly (not shown) that outputs light to the display substrate 100 and the counter substrate 300, but the present invention provides It is not limited to the structure.

In this embodiment, the liquid crystal display 500 is bent along a first direction D1 on a plane. Accordingly, a part or all of the display substrate 100 has a curved shape along the first direction D1, and the display area DA is a curved surface along the first direction D1. It can have a shape shape. In addition, the counter substrate 300 may have a curved shape with the display substrate 100.

Meanwhile, a first point P1 is defined on a curved portion of the display substrate 100 on a side surface, a normal 10 passing through the first point P1 is defined, and the normal is applied to the counter substrate 300. A second point P2 that meets (10) is defined. In addition, a gaze line 15 parallel to the user's viewing direction is defined at the first point P1, and a third point P3 meeting the gaze line 15 is defined at the opposite substrate 300. In this case, since the display substrate 100 and the counter substrate 300 have a curved shape, the position of the second point P2 on the counter substrate 300 is the same as the position of the third point P3. Can be different.

As described above, a phenomenon in which the positions of the second and third points P2 and P3 do not coincide with each other is defined as a miss-alignment between the display substrate 100 and the counter substrate 300. . Hereinafter, a structure of the liquid crystal display 500 that can be prevented from deteriorating the display quality of an image displayed in the display area DA by the misalignment will be described.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a pixel of the liquid crystal display 500 shown in FIG. 1A, FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view showing a plane cut along II ′ in FIG. 2, and FIG. 3B is II-II ′ in FIG. It is a cross-sectional view showing the cut along the surface.

The liquid crystal display 500 includes a plurality of pixels, but in FIG. 2, a pixel area PA in which one of the plurality of pixels is disposed is illustrated, and the remaining pixel areas and the remaining pixels are illustrated. Is omitted. In addition, in FIG. 2, the structure of the display substrate 100 among the display substrate 100 and the counter substrate 300 of the liquid crystal display device 500 is mainly illustrated, and instead, the structure of the counter substrate 300 is 3A and 3B.

2, 3A and 3B, the display substrate 100 includes a first base substrate S1, a gate line GL, a first data line DL1, a second data line DL2, and A thin film transistor TR1, a second thin film transistor TR2, a pixel electrode PE, and a first alignment layer 110 are included.

The first base substrate S1 may be an insulating substrate having light transmission characteristics and flexible characteristics, such as a plastic substrate. The gate line GL is disposed on the first base substrate S1, and the gate line GL is electrically connected to the first and second thin film transistors TR1 and TR2 to form the first and first gates. 2 The gate signal is transmitted to the thin film transistors TR1 and TR2.

In this embodiment, the pixel area PA may include a first sub-pixel area PA1 and a second sub-pixel area PA2. In this case, the pixel electrode PE includes a first sub-pixel electrode PE1 disposed in the first sub-pixel region PA1 and a second sub-pixel electrode disposed in the second sub-pixel region PA2 ( PE2).

The first and second data lines DL1 and DL2 are insulated from the gate line GL and disposed on the first base substrate S1, and the first data line DL1 receives a first data signal. Transmission, and the second data line DL2 transmits a second data signal. In this embodiment, the first data line DL1 extends along one side of the first and second sub-pixel electrodes PE1 and PE2, and the second data line DL2 includes the first and first The first and second sub-pixel electrodes PE1 and PE2 are positioned between the first and second data lines DL1 and DL2 by extending along the other side of the two sub-pixel electrodes PE1 and PE2. can do.

The first thin film transistor TR1 is electrically connected to the gate line GL, the first data line DL1 and the first sub-pixel electrode PE1. Accordingly, when the first thin film transistor TR1 is turned on by the gate signal, the first data signal may be provided to the first sub-pixel electrode PE1 side.

The first thin film transistor TR1 includes a first gate electrode GE1, a first active pattern AP1, a first source electrode SE1, and a first drain electrode DE1. The first gate electrode GE1 is branched from the gate line GL, and the first active pattern AP1 is disposed on the first gate electrode GE1 with the first insulating layer L1 therebetween. You can. The first source electrode SE1 is branched from the first data line DL1 to contact the first active pattern AP1, and the first drain electrode DE1 is connected to the first source electrode SE1. They are spaced apart and contact the first active pattern AP1.

The second insulating layer L2 covers the first thin film transistor TR1, and the third insulating layer L3 is disposed on the second insulating layer L2. The first sub-pixel electrode PE1 is disposed on the third insulating layer L3, and the first sub-pixel electrode PE1 is a contact hole formed through the second and third insulating layers L2 and L3. Through it is in contact with the first drain electrode (DE1).

The second thin film transistor TR2 is electrically connected to the gate line GL, the second data line DL2 and the second sub-pixel electrode PE2. Accordingly, when the second thin film transistor TR2 is turned on by the gate signal, the second data signal may be provided to the second sub-pixel electrode PE2.

The second thin film transistor TR2 includes a second gate electrode GE2, a second active pattern AP2, a second source electrode SE2, and a second drain electrode DE2. The second gate electrode GE2 is branched from the gate line GL, and the second active pattern AP2 is disposed on the second gate electrode GE2 with the first insulating layer L1 therebetween. You can. The second source electrode SE2 is branched from the second data line DL2 to contact the second active pattern AP2, and the second drain electrode DE2 is connected to the second source electrode SE2. They are spaced apart and contact the second active pattern AP2.

The second sub-pixel electrode PE2 is disposed on the third insulating layer L3, and the second sub-pixel electrode PE2 penetrates the second and third insulating layers L2 and L3. Through it is in contact with the second drain electrode (DE2).

In this embodiment, each of the first and second active patterns AP1 and AP2 may include a semiconductor material such as amorphous silicon and crystalline silicon. However, the present invention is not limited to the type of the semiconductor material. For example, in another embodiment, the first and second active patterns AP1 and AP2 are respectively IGZO, ZnO, SnO ₂ , In ₂ O ₃ , Zn ₂ SnO ₄ , Ge ₂ O ₃ and HfO ₂ , The same oxide semiconductor may be included, or compound semiconductors such as GaAs, GaP, and InP may be included.

As described above, in this embodiment, the first and second thin film transistors TR1 and TR2 are turned on by the gate signal. In this case, the first data signal is provided to the first sub-pixel electrode PE1 through the first thin-film transistor TR1, and the second sub-pixel electrode (through the second thin-film transistor TR2) To the PE2) side, the second data signal different from the first data signal may be provided. Accordingly, the first and second sub-pixel electrodes PE1 and PE2 are driven with different data signals, so that different gray levels can be displayed in the first and second sub-pixel regions PA1 and PA2. have.

The first alignment layer 110 is disposed on the pixel electrode PE to contact the liquid crystal layer LC. When an electric field is not formed between the display substrate 100 and the counter substrate 300, the first alignment layer 110 includes liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer LC (LMs in FIGS. 4A to 4D). Is oriented to be inclined with respect to the first alignment layer 110. In this case, the liquid crystal molecules inclined and aligned by the first alignment layer 110 are further inclined by the electric field and aligned in a horizontal direction with respect to the display substrate 100. The mode operating on the electric field of the liquid crystal molecules described above is a so-called SVA (Super Vertical Alignment) mode, in which case, the response time at which the liquid crystal display 500 displays an image is improved. Effects can be produced.

The counter substrate 300 includes a second base substrate S2, a color filter CF, a light blocking layer BM, a common electrode CE, and a second alignment layer 310. The second base substrate S2 may be an insulating substrate having light transmission characteristics and flexible characteristics.

The common electrode CE is disposed on the second base substrate S2 to generate an electric field acting on the liquid crystal layer LC together with the pixel electrode PE. The light blocking layer BM corresponds to positions of the gate line GL, the first and second data lines DL1 and DL2, and the first and second thin film transistors TR1 and TR2. 2 may be disposed on the base substrate S2, and the light blocking layer BM blocks light. In addition, the color filter CF is disposed on the second base substrate S2 to filter light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer with color light.

In this embodiment, the light blocking layer BM and the color filter CF are disposed on the second base substrate S2, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in another embodiment, at least one of the light blocking layer BM and the color filter CF may be disposed on the first base substrate S1.

In this embodiment, the first sub-pixel electrode PE1 includes a first horizontal stem part HS1, a second horizontal stem part HS2, a first vertical stem part VS1, and a second vertical stem part VS2. And first to fourth branch parts B1, B2, B3, and B4.

The first vertical stem portion VS1 is connected to the edges of the first horizontal stem portion HS1, the first branch portions B1, and the edges of the second branch portions B2, and the second The vertical stem portion VS2 is connected to the edges of the second horizontal stem portion HS2, the edges of the third branch portions B3, and the edges of the fourth branch portions B4. In this embodiment, each of the first and second vertical stem portions VS1 and VS2 may extend in the second direction D2, and the second direction D2 may bend the liquid crystal display 500. The first direction D1 may intersect, and for example, the second direction D2 may be orthogonal to the first direction D1 on a plane.

The first horizontal stem portion HS1 is connected to the edges of the first vertical stem portion VS1, the first branch portions B1, and the edges of the second branch portions B2. In this embodiment, the first horizontal stem portion HS1 may extend in the first direction D1 and branch from the central portion of the first vertical stem portion VS1. The first branch parts B1 may have a shape symmetrical to the second branch parts B2 with respect to the first horizontal stem part HS1, and the first horizontal stem parts HS1 may include first and It may be located between the second domains (DM1, DM2 in FIG. 5).

The second horizontal stem portion HS2 is connected to the edges of the second vertical stem portion VS2, the third branch portions B3, and the edges of the fourth branch portions B4. In this embodiment, the second horizontal stem portion HS2 may extend in the first direction D1 and branch from the central portion of the second vertical stem portion VS2. The third branch parts B3 may have a shape symmetrical to the fourth branch parts B4 with respect to the second horizontal stem part HS2, and the second horizontal stem parts HS2 may include a third and It may be located between the fourth domains (DM3 and DM4 in FIG. 5).

Some of the first branch portions B1 branch from the first horizontal stem portion HS1, and other portions of the first branch portions B1 branch from the first vertical stem portion VS1. In addition, each of the first branch portions B1 extends in a third direction D3 inclined with respect to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 in a plane, and the first branch portions B1 Are arranged spaced apart from each other.

Some of the second branch portions B2 branch from the first horizontal stem portion HS1, and other portions of the second branch portions B2 branch from the first vertical stem portion VS1. In addition, each of the second branch portions B2 extends in a fourth direction D4 inclined with the first and second directions D1 and D2 in a plane, and the second branch portions B2 are mutually They are arranged spaced apart.

In this embodiment, in the plane, the fourth direction D4 may intersect the third direction D3. For example, on the plane, the third and fourth directions D3 and D4 may be orthogonal to each other, and on the plane, each of the third and fourth directions D3 and D4 may be the first direction D1. Alternatively, 45 degrees may be formed with the second direction D2.

Some of the third branch parts B3 branch from the second horizontal stem part HS2, and other parts of the third branch parts B3 branch from the second vertical stem part VS2. In addition, each of the third branch portions B3 extends in a fifth direction D5 inclined with the first and second directions D1 and D2 in a plane, and the third branch portions B are They are arranged spaced apart.

Some of the fourth branch parts B4 branch from the second horizontal stem part HS2, and other parts of the fourth branch parts B4 branch from the second vertical stem part VS2. In addition, each of the fourth branch portions B4 extends in a sixth direction D6 inclined with the first and second directions D1 and D2 in a plane, and the fourth branch portions B4 are mutually They are arranged spaced apart.

In this embodiment, on the plane, the sixth direction D6 may intersect the fifth direction D5. For example, in the plane, the fifth and sixth directions D5 and D6 may be orthogonal to each other, and in the plane, each of the fifth and sixth directions D5 and D6 may be the first direction D1. Alternatively, 45 degrees may be formed with the second direction D2.

In this embodiment, the size of the second sub-pixel electrode PE2 may be different from the size of the first sub-pixel electrode PE1, but the shape of the second sub-pixel electrode PE2 is the first sub The shape of the pixel electrode PE1 may be similar.

The second sub-pixel electrode PE2 includes a third horizontal stem part HS3, a fourth horizontal stem part HS4, a third vertical stem part VS3, a fourth vertical stem part VS4, and fifth to fifth It includes 8 branches (B5, B6, B7, B8).

The third vertical stem portion VS3 extends in the second direction D2 and the third horizontal stem portion HS3, edges of the fifth branch portions B5, and the sixth branch portions B6. It is connected with the edges. The fourth vertical stem portion VS4 extends in the second direction D2, the fourth horizontal stem portion HS4, edges of the seventh branch portions B7, and the eighth branch portions B8. It is connected with the edges.

The third horizontal stem portion HS3 is branched from the third vertical stem portion VS3 and extends in the first direction D1, and the fourth horizontal stem portion HS4 is the fourth vertical stem portion ( VS4) and extends in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the third horizontal stem portion HS3 may be branched from the central portion of the third vertical stem portion VS3, and the fourth horizontal stem portion HS4 may include the fourth vertical stem portion ( VS4).

Some of the fifth branch parts B5 branch from the third horizontal stem part HS3, and other parts of the fifth branch parts B5 branch from the third vertical stem part VS3. Each of the fifth branch portions B5 extends in the third direction D3 on a plane, and the fifth branch portions B5 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other.

Some of the sixth branch portions B6 branch from the third horizontal stem portion HS3, and another portion of the sixth branch portions B6 branch from the third vertical stem portion VS3. Each of the sixth branch portions B6 extends in the fourth direction D4 on a plane, and the sixth branch portions B6 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other.

Some of the seventh branch portions B7 branch from the fourth horizontal stem portion HS4, and another portion of the seventh branch portions B7 branch from the fourth vertical stem portion VS4. Each of the seventh branch portions B7 extends in the fifth direction D5 on a plane, and the seventh branch portions B7 are arranged spaced apart from each other.

Some of the eighth branch portions B8 branch from the fourth horizontal stem portion HS4, and another portion of the eighth branch portions B8 branch from the fourth vertical stem portion VS4. Each of the eighth branch portions B8 extends in the sixth direction D6 on a plane, and the eighth branch portions B8 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other.

Meanwhile, when the first to eighth branch parts B1 to B8 have the above-described structure, first to fourth domains (DM1-DM4 in FIG. 5) are provided in the first sub-pixel area PA1. The fifth to eighth domains (DM5-DM8 in FIG. 5) may be defined in the second sub-pixel area PA2. This will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4D and 5.

Further, as described above, when the first to eighth domains are defined in the first and second sub-pixel regions PA1 and PA2, the first sub-pixel electrode PE1 is a first domain connection unit. (LP1) may be further included, and the second sub-pixel electrode PE2 may further include a second domain connection part LP2.

The first domain connection part LP1 is disposed between the second domain and the third domain to connect the second and third branch parts B2 and B3, and the second domain connection part LP2 is the first domain connection part LP2. It is disposed between the sixth domain and the seventh domain to connect the sixth and seventh branch parts B6 and B7. In this embodiment, the first domain connection unit LP1 may be located at the center of the boundary area between the second and third domains, and the second domain connection unit LP2 may include the sixth and seventh domains. It can be located in the middle of the border area of the liver.

4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D are perspective views illustrating liquid crystal molecules oriented by an electric field formed between a display substrate and a counter substrate, and FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating domains and liquid crystal alignment directions defined in a pixel region. .

More specifically, FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing a state in which liquid crystal molecules located on the first branch portions B1 are aligned by an electric field, and FIG. 4B is a view showing alignment of liquid crystal molecules located on the second branch portions B2 by an electric field. 4c is a perspective view showing a state in which liquid crystal molecules located on the third branch parts B3 are oriented by an electric field, and FIG. 4d is a liquid crystal molecule located on the fourth branch parts B4 by an electric field. It is a perspective view showing the state in which these are oriented.

4A and 5, as described above, each of the first branch parts B1 extends in the third direction D3. When an electric field is not formed between the display substrate (100 in FIG. 3A) and the counter substrate (300 in FIG. 3A), a portion of the liquid crystal molecules RM disposed adjacent to the first alignment layer 110 is partially disposed in the first alignment layer. A part of the liquid crystal molecules RM disposed adjacent to the second alignment layer 310 among the liquid crystal molecules RM is partially aligned with the second alignment layer 310 by being inclined at a first line pre-tilt angle A1 by 110. Is inclined and oriented at the first line inclination angle A1.

In this case, a direction in which the liquid crystal molecules RM are aligned in a plane by the first alignment layer 110 is defined as a first lower alignment direction LD1, and in a plane by the second alignment layer 110. When the direction in which the liquid crystal molecules RM are aligned is defined as a first upper alignment direction UD1, the first upper alignment direction UD1 and the first lower alignment direction LD1 are the third direction D3. ). That is, the first lower orientation direction LD1 and the first upper orientation direction UD1 are the same.

When the electric field is formed, the liquid crystal molecules LM are further inclined in response to the electric field, and are aligned in the third direction D3 in parallel with the first branch portions B1 on a plane. That is, the liquid crystal molecules RM pre-tilt aligned by the first and second alignment layers 110 and 310 are further batched in the third direction D3 by the electric field. Oriented at an angle.

On the other hand, unlike the embodiment of the present invention, when the first upper alignment direction UD1 and the first lower alignment direction LD1 are different from each other, adjacent to the first and second alignment layers 110 and 310 The directions in which the liquid crystal molecules RM are arranged inclined in response to the electric field may be opposite to each other, and in this case, the liquid crystal molecules RM finally oriented in the third direction D3 by the electric field. ) May be reduced, resulting in poor orientation. However, in the embodiment of the present invention, the first upper orientation direction UD1 and the first lower orientation direction LD1 are the same, and accordingly, the liquid crystal molecules RM are inclined in response to the electric field. The orientation defects are not generated because the orientations are the same.

Accordingly, a region in which the liquid crystal molecules RM are aligned by the first branch portions B1 is defined as a first domain DM1, and the liquid crystal molecules are applied by the electric field in the first domain DM1. When the direction in which the LM is aligned is defined as the first liquid crystal alignment direction DR1, the first liquid crystal alignment direction DR1 in the first domain DM1 is the first lower alignment direction LD1 and the first 1 may be defined as the third direction D3 which is the same as each of the upper orientation direction UD1.

4B and 5, each of the second branch parts B2 extends in the fourth direction D4. Accordingly, when the electric field is not formed, a portion of the liquid crystal molecules RM disposed adjacent to the first alignment layer 110 is pre-tilt angle by the first alignment layer 110. A2) is inclined and aligned, and a portion of the liquid crystal molecules RM disposed adjacent to the second alignment layer 310 is inclined at the second line inclination angle A2 by the second alignment layer 310.

A direction in which the liquid crystal molecules RM are aligned on a plane by the first alignment layer 110 is defined as a second lower alignment direction LD2, and the liquid crystal molecules on the plane by the second alignment layer 110. When the direction in which the RM is oriented is defined as the second upper orientation direction UD2, the second lower orientation direction LD2 and the second upper orientation direction UD2 are parallel to the fourth direction D4. . That is, the second lower orientation direction LD2 and the second upper orientation direction UD2 are the same.

When the electric field is formed, the liquid crystal molecules LM are further inclined in response to the electric field, and are aligned in the fourth direction D4 in parallel with the second branch portions B2 on a plane. Therefore, the second upper alignment direction UD2 and the second lower alignment direction LD2 are the same, and directions in which the liquid crystal molecules RM are inclined and responsive to the electric field are the same, and the As a result, the second liquid crystal alignment direction DR2 in the second domain DM2 may be defined as the fourth direction D3 which is the same as each of the second lower alignment direction LD2 and the second upper alignment direction UD2. You can.

4C and 5, each of the third branch parts B3 extends in the fifth direction D5. Accordingly, when the electric field is not formed, a portion of the liquid crystal molecules RM disposed adjacent to the first alignment layer 110 is pre-tilt angle by the first alignment layer 110. , A3), and a portion of the liquid crystal molecules RM disposed adjacent to the second alignment layer 310 is inclined to the third line inclination angle A3 by the second alignment layer 310. .

A direction in which the liquid crystal molecules RM are aligned on a plane by the first alignment layer 110 is defined as a third lower alignment direction LD3, and the liquid crystal molecules on the plane by the second alignment layer 110. When the direction in which (RM) is oriented is defined as a third upper orientation direction UD3, the third lower orientation direction LD3 and the third upper orientation direction UD3 are the same as each other in the fifth direction D5. Do. That is, the third lower orientation direction LD3 and the third upper orientation direction UD3 are the same.

When the electric field is formed, the liquid crystal molecules LM are further inclined in response to the electric field, and are aligned in the fifth direction D5 in parallel with the third branch portions B3 on a plane. Accordingly, the third upper domain (UD3) and the third lower alignment direction (LD3) are the same as each other, and the directions in which the liquid crystal molecules RM are aligned in response to the electric field are the same as the third domain ( In DM3), the third liquid crystal alignment direction DR3 may be defined as the fifth direction D3 which is the same as each of the third lower alignment direction LD3 and the third upper alignment direction UD3.

4D and 5, each of the fourth branch parts B4 extends in the sixth direction D6. Therefore, when the electric field is not formed, a portion of the liquid crystal molecules RM disposed adjacent to the first alignment layer 110 is pre-tilt angle by the first alignment layer 110. , A4), and a portion of the liquid crystal molecules RM disposed adjacent to the second alignment layer 310 is inclined at the fourth line inclination angle A4 by the second alignment layer 310. .

A direction in which the liquid crystal molecules RM are aligned on a plane by the first alignment layer 110 is defined as a fourth lower alignment direction LD4, and the liquid crystal molecules on the plane by the second alignment layer 110. When the direction in which (RM) is oriented is defined as a fourth upper orientation direction UD4, the fourth lower orientation direction LD4 and the fourth upper orientation direction UD4 are the same as each other in the sixth direction D6. Do. That is, the fourth lower orientation direction LD4 and the fourth upper orientation direction UD4 are the same.

When the electric field is formed, the liquid crystal molecules LM are further inclined by the electric field, and are aligned in the sixth direction D6 in parallel with the fourth branch portions B4 on a plane. Therefore, since the fourth upper alignment direction UD4 and the fourth lower alignment direction LD4 are the same, and directions in which the liquid crystal molecules RM are aligned in response to the electric field are the same, the fourth domain ( In DM2), the fourth liquid crystal alignment direction DR4 may be defined as the sixth direction D3 which is the same as each of the fourth lower alignment direction LD4 and the fourth upper alignment direction UD4.

In summary, the first to fourth domains DM1-DM4 sequentially arranged in the second direction D2 are defined in the first sub-pixel area PA1, and the first to The liquid crystal alignment directions in which the liquid crystal molecules are aligned in response to the electric field in the fourth domains DM1-DM4 are all different. Accordingly, a viewing range for the first sub-pixel area PA1 may be enlarged. In addition, when the electric field is not formed, a direction in which the liquid crystal molecules LM are aligned by the first alignment layer 110 in each of the first to fourth domains DM1-DM4 is the second. Since the liquid crystal molecules LM are aligned by the alignment layer 310, the alignment defects are not generated in the first to fourth domains DM1-DM4.

Similar to the first sub-pixel area PA1 described above, the second sub-pixel area PA2 includes the fifth to eighth domains DM5-DM8 sequentially arranged in the second direction D2. The liquid crystal alignment directions in which the liquid crystal molecules are aligned may be different in response to the electric field in the fifth to eighth domains DM5-DM8. In addition, when the electric field is not formed, a direction in which the liquid crystal molecules LM are aligned by the first alignment layer 110 in each of the fifth to eighth domains DM5-DM8 is the second. Since the liquid crystal molecules LM are aligned by the alignment layer 310, the alignment defects are not generated in the fifth to eighth domains DM5-DM8.

When the first to eighth domains DM1-DM8 having the above-described characteristics are defined in the first and second sub-pixel regions PA1 and PA2, the first and second effects are generated. The domains DM1 and DM2 are described as an example.

1C, 4A, and 5, as described above, the misalignment between the display substrate 100 and the opposing substrate 300 is misaligned as the liquid crystal display 500 is bent along the first direction D1. Can occur. In this case, alignment may be shifted by the first length L1 between the display substrate 100 and the counter substrate 300 due to the misalignment.

However, in the embodiment of the present invention, since the first to eighth domains DM1-DM8 are arranged in the second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1, the first misalignment may be caused by the misalignment. No misalignment occurs in the 1 domain DM1.

More specifically, a region in which liquid crystal molecules RM are aligned by the first alignment layer 110 disposed on the display substrate 100 is defined as a lower alignment region AR1, and the counter substrate 300 is When the region in which the liquid crystal molecules RM are aligned by the second alignment layer 310 is defined as the upper alignment region AR2, as described above, the liquid crystal molecules in the lower alignment region AR1. (RM) is oriented in the first lower alignment direction LD1, and in the upper alignment region AR2, the liquid crystal molecules RM are oriented in the first upper alignment direction UD1. In this case, when the misalignment is generated and the counter substrate 300 is shifted by the first length L1, the position of the lower alignment region AR1 is approximately equal to the position of the first domain DM1. However, the position of the upper alignment region AR2 may be shifted by the first length L1 in the first direction D1 from the position of the first domain DM1.

In an embodiment of the present invention, even if the position of the lower alignment region AR1 is partially discordant because the counter substrate 300 is shifted, in the first domain DM1 The lower alignment area AR1 overlaps the upper alignment area AR2. That is, the lower alignment region AR1 in the first domain DM1 does not overlap with other upper alignment regions oriented in a different direction from the upper alignment region AR2.

Therefore, in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the alignment failure caused by the overlap of the upper and lower alignment regions oriented in different directions in the first domain DM1 does not occur, and as a result, the alignment failure Accordingly, a phenomenon in which the transmittance of light locally decreases in the first domain DM1 does not occur.

6 is a view showing liquid crystal alignment directions of liquid crystal molecules in domains defined in a plurality of pixel regions according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, eight pixel regions defined in the display area (DA in FIG. 1B) of the display substrate (100 in FIG. 1B) are illustrated. In the display area, more pixel areas are defined in addition to the eight pixel areas, but in FIG. 6, the eight pixel areas are illustrated as examples, and the remaining pixel areas are omitted. In this embodiment, the eight pixel areas are defined as first to eighth pixel areas PA11-PA18.

As described above, each of the first to eighth pixel areas PA11-PA18 has a first sub-pixel area PA1 and a second sub-pixel area PA2, and for convenience of description, the first And the first to fourth domains DM1-DM4 defined in each of the second sub-pixel regions PA1 and PA2 are defined as a unit domain group (UDM). In this case, the unit domain group UMD is defined in the first to eighth pixel areas PA11-PA18, and the number of the plurality of unit domain groups UMD is 16.

 Further, as described with reference to FIG. 5, the liquid crystal alignment directions of the first to fourth domains DM1-DM4 in each of the plurality of unit domain groups UMD are different from each other, and more specifically , In the first domain DM1, the liquid crystal molecules are oriented in the first liquid crystal alignment direction DR1, in the second domain DM2, the liquid crystal molecules are oriented in the second liquid crystal alignment direction DR2, and the third In the domain DM3, the liquid crystal molecules are oriented in the third liquid crystal alignment direction DR3, and in the fourth domain DM4, the liquid crystal molecules are oriented in the fourth liquid crystal alignment direction DR4.

Meanwhile, a plurality of the first to fourth domains DM1-DM4 are defined in the first to eighth pixel areas PA11-PA18, and the plurality of first to fourth domains DM1-DM4 ) Are arranged in the shape of a matrix. The row direction of the matrix is parallel to the first direction D1, the column direction of the matrix is parallel to the second direction D2, and as a result, the plurality of first to fourth domains DM1- in the matrix. DM4) is arranged in 16 rows and 4 columns.

Hereinafter, a rule in which the plurality of first to fourth domains DM1-DM4 are arranged in the matrix in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 is as follows.

The liquid crystal alignment directions in at least two domains belonging to the domains arranged in the row direction in the matrix are different from each other. That is, the liquid crystal alignment directions in the domains arranged in the row direction in the matrix are not the same. For example, in the first row of the matrix, the first domain DM1 and the third domain DM3 are alternately arranged, and in the second row of the matrix, the second domain DM2 and the fourth domain ( DM4) are alternately arranged. That is, one of the first to fourth domains DM1, DM2, DM3, and DM4 is not collectively arranged in the first row or the second row of the matrix.

On the other hand, unlike the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when the liquid crystal alignment directions are the same in all the domains arranged in the row direction, the anisotropy of the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules may vary depending on the viewing direction of the display substrate, The luminance viewed from the left with respect to the display substrate (100 in FIG. Ba) may be different from the luminance viewed from the right. However, as in this embodiment, when the plurality of first to fourth domains DM1-DM4 are arranged according to the rules described above in the matrix, the anisotropy of the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules is in the viewing direction with respect to the display substrate. It is possible to minimize the dependence. Accordingly, a difference between the luminance viewed from the left and the luminance viewed from the right is minimized based on the display substrate (100 of FIG. 1B), so that the display quality of the display substrate can be improved.

In addition, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the order in which the first to fourth domains DM1-DM4 are arranged in the plurality of unit domain groups UMD is the same. For example, referring to two unit domain groups UMD arranged adjacent to each other in the first column of the matrix, the second direction D2 may be applied to each of the two unit domain groups UMD. The first to fourth domains DM1, DM2, DM3, and DM4 are sequentially arranged.

7 is a view showing liquid crystal alignment directions of liquid crystal molecules in domains defined in a plurality of pixel regions according to another embodiment of the present invention.

6 and 7, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the rules in which domains are arranged in the column direction of the matrix are the same as the rules in which domains are arranged in the column direction of the matrix in the embodiment shown in FIG. The rules in which domains are arranged in the row direction of the matrix in the two embodiments are different from each other. The rule in which domains are arranged in the row direction of the matrix in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 is as follows.

In this embodiment, m domains (m is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) and m first domains DM1 (m is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) sequentially arranged in n columns (n is a natural number) of the matrix (k is a natural number greater than 2) The third domains DM3 are alternately and repeatedly arranged. In addition, m third domains DM3 sequentially arranged in n + 1 columns of the matrix and k fourth domains DM4 sequentially arranged are alternately arranged.

For example, in the first column of the matrix, two first domains DM1 are arranged, and then two third domains DM3 are arranged. Although not shown in the figure, the other two first domains DM1 and the other two third domains DM3 are arranged after the two third domains DM3.

In addition, two second domains DM2 are arranged in the second column of the matrix, and then two fourth domains DM4 are arranged. Although not shown in the figure, the other two second domains DM2 and the other two fourth domains DM4 are arranged after the second fourth domains DM4.

In another embodiment, six first domains DM1 sequentially arranged in one column of the matrix and six third domains DM3 sequentially arranged may be alternately arranged, and the matrix Six second domains DM2 sequentially arranged in the second column and six fourth domains DM4 sequentially arranged may be alternately arranged.

8 is a diagram illustrating liquid crystal alignment directions of liquid crystal molecules in domains defined in a plurality of pixel regions according to another embodiment of the present invention.

6 and 8, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the rules in which domains are arranged in the row direction of the matrix are the same as the rules in which domains are arranged in the row direction of the matrix in the embodiment shown in FIG. The rules in which domains are arranged in the column direction of the matrix in the two embodiments are different from each other.

More specifically, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the order in which the first to fourth domains DM1-DM4 are arranged in the plurality of unit domain groups UMD is the same, but illustrated in FIG. 8. In an exemplary embodiment, the order in which the first to fourth domains DM1-DM4 are arranged in at least two of the plurality of unit domain groups UMD may be different from each other.

For example, in one of the two unit domain groups UMD arranged adjacent to each other in the first column of the matrix, the first domain DM1 and the second domain DM2 in the second direction D2. , The third domain DM3 and the fourth domain DM4 are sequentially arranged. On the other hand, in the other of the two unit domain groups (UDM), the third domain (DM3), the fourth domain (DM4), the first domain (DM1) and the second direction (D2) The second domains DM2 are sequentially arranged.

In the above, it has been described with reference to preferred embodiments of the present invention, but those skilled in the art or those of ordinary skill in the art will depart from the spirit and technical scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. It will be understood that various modifications and changes may be made to the present invention without departing from the scope. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention should not be limited to the contents described in the detailed description of the specification, but should be defined by the claims.

VS1: first vertical stem portion HS1: first horizontal stem portion
B1: first branch part LP1: first domain connection part
PA1: first sub-pixel area PE1: second sub-pixel electrode
DM1: first domain LD1: first lower orientation direction
UD1: first upper orientation direction SP1: first stem connection

Claims (17)

A display substrate defined in a first direction and a plurality of pixel areas arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and curved along the first direction on a plane;
A counter substrate coupled to the display substrate and curved together with the display substrate; And
It includes liquid crystal molecules, and includes a liquid crystal layer disposed between the display substrate and the counter substrate,
A unit domain group is defined in each of the plurality of pixel areas, domains belonging to the unit domain group are not arranged in the first direction, but are arranged in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and the unit domain group Directions in which the liquid crystal molecules are aligned in at least two domains belonging to are different from each other,
A direction in which the liquid crystal molecules are aligned in at least two domains belonging to the domains arranged in the first direction in the plurality of pixel regions are different from each other. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein the display substrate has a display area where an image is displayed, and the display area has a curved surface shape along the first direction. delete According to claim 1,
The display substrate includes pixel electrodes disposed in each of the plurality of pixel regions,
The counter substrate includes a common electrode forming an electric field together with the pixel electrode,
A part of the pixel electrode extends in a direction inclined with respect to the first and second directions on a plane to define the unit domain group. The method of claim 4, wherein the first domain, the second domain, the third domain and the fourth domain are arranged in the second direction in the unit domain group,
In the first domain, the liquid crystal molecules are oriented in a first liquid crystal alignment direction in response to the electric field, and in the second domain, the liquid crystal molecules are oriented in a second liquid crystal alignment direction in response to the electric field, and in the third domain Wherein the liquid crystal molecules are aligned in a third liquid crystal alignment direction in response to the electric field, and the liquid crystal molecules in the fourth domain are aligned in a fourth liquid crystal alignment direction in response to the electric field. The liquid crystal display device of claim 5, wherein the first to fourth liquid crystal alignment directions are different from each other on a plane. The method of claim 5, wherein the unit domain group is defined as a plurality in the plurality of pixel regions, and the first to fourth domains are defined as a plurality in the plurality of unit domain groups,
The plurality of first to fourth domains are arranged in a matrix shape, a row direction of the matrix is parallel to the first direction, and a column direction of the matrix is parallel to the second direction. The liquid crystal display device of claim 7, wherein the plurality of first domains and the plurality of second domains are alternately arranged in n rows (n is a natural number) of the matrix. The liquid crystal display device of claim 8, wherein the plurality of third domains and the plurality of fourth domains are alternately arranged in n + 1 rows of the matrix (where n is a natural number). 10. The liquid crystal display device of claim 9, wherein the order in which the first to fourth domains are arranged in the plurality of unit domain groups is the same. 10. The liquid crystal display device of claim 9, wherein an order in which the first to fourth domains are arranged in at least two of the plurality of unit domain groups is different from each other. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein in the n column of the matrix (n is a natural number), m sequentially arranged (m is a natural number of 2 or more) and the first domains are sequentially k (k is a natural number of 2 or more) ), Wherein the second domains are alternately and repeatedly arranged. 15. The method of claim 12, m m (m is a natural number) of the second domains sequentially arranged in the n + 1 column (n is a natural number) of the matrix and k sequentially arranged (k is a natural number of 2 or more) Wherein the fourth domains are alternately arranged alternately. The method of claim 5, wherein the pixel electrode,
A first sub-pixel electrode disposed in a first sub-pixel region of the pixel region; And
And a second sub-pixel electrode disposed in the second sub-pixel region of the pixel region,
The unit domain group is defined in each of the first and second sub pixel regions. 15. The method of claim 14, The display substrate,
A first data line electrically connected to the first sub-pixel electrode and transmitting a first data signal to the first sub-pixel electrode; And
And a second data line electrically connected to the second sub-pixel electrode and transmitting a second data signal different from the first data signal to the second sub-pixel electrode side. 15. The method of claim 14, Each of the first and second sub-pixel electrodes,
First branch portions located in the first domain and extending in a direction inclined with the first and second directions on a plane;
Second branch portions located in the second domain and extending in a direction inclined with the first and second directions on a plane;
Third branch portions located in the third domain and extending in a direction inclined with the first and second directions on a plane; And
And a fourth branch portion positioned in the fourth domain and extending in a direction inclined with the first and second directions on a plane. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein each of the directions in which the first branch portions extend, the direction in which the second branch portions extend, the direction in which the third branch portions extend, and the direction in which the fourth branch portions extend are each in plan view. A liquid crystal display device comprising 45 degrees to the first direction and the second direction.

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