Liquid crystal panel and liquid crystal display apparatus

A liquid crystal panel according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a liquid crystal layer containing liquid crystal molecules; a first alignment film in contact with a front surface of the liquid crystal layer; and a second alignment film in contact with a rear surface of the liquid crystal layer, the liquid crystal panel being curved in the shape of a cylindrical surface. The first alignment film includes a plurality of first strip portions extending along a first direction and causing the liquid crystal molecules to be aligned. The second alignment film includes a plurality of second strip portions extending along a second direction and causing the liquid crystal molecules to be aligned. The first direction is a peripheral direction of the cylindrical surface. The second direction is a direction which crosses the peripheral direction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a liquid crystal panel and a liquid crystal display apparatus of the type which includes alignment films.

2. Description of the Related Art

A liquid crystal panel includes a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) substrate which is responsible for liquid crystal driving, and a counter substrate which faces the TFT substrate. The liquid crystal layer is sealed in between the counter substrate (which is at the frontal surface side) and the TFT substrate (which is at the rear surface side).

The counter substrate or the TFT substrate includes colored layers having the three primary colors of RGB (Red, Green, Blue), the four primary colors of RGBY (Red, Green, Blue, Yellow), the four primary colors of RGBW (Red, Green, Blue, White), or the like. Hereinafter, three primaries of RGB will be illustrated as an example. Each pixel has a colored layer of one of the colors R, G, and B.

The pixel arrangement of a liquid crystal panel is determined by the array structure of a TFT layer which is included in the TFT substrate. In the TFT layer, a plurality of pixel electrodes and a plurality of TFTs are provided in matrix shapes, with which voltages are applied across the liquid crystal layer. Also in the TFT layer, a plurality of wiring lines are provided in rows and columns.

The counter substrate or the TFT substrate includes light shielding members. Pixels are delineated by the light shielding members. The light shielding members may be the light shielding portions of a black matrix (hereinafter referred to as “BM”) which has a plurality of openings (non-light shielding portions), and/or the wiring lines in the TFT layer, for example.

Conventionally, in order to improve the viewing angle characteristics of the liquid crystal panel, each pixel may be designed to have a plurality of domains based on alignment division (the pamphlet of International Publication No. 2006/132369; hereinafter “Patent Document 1”). The entire contents of Patent Document 1 are incorporated by reference in this specification.

Each of the counter substrate and the TFT substrate includes an alignment film which is in contact with the liquid crystal layer. On the surface of each alignment film that is in contact with the liquid crystal layer, stripe-shaped alignment regions are provided. The alignment regions include a plurality of strip portions which are parallel to one another. The liquid crystal molecules composing the liquid crystal layer will be aligned along the longitudinal direction of the strip portions.

The longitudinal direction of the strip portions on the frontal surface side is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the strip portions on the rear surface side. The longitudinal direction of a boundary between domains in each pixel runs along the longitudinal direction of the strip portions on the frontal surface or rear surface side.

However, the liquid crystal panel described in Patent Document 1 is in a plate form. When the liquid crystal panel is wound around a cylindrical column which is in portrait orientation, the liquid crystal panel will follow along the surface of the cylindrical column, thus being curved in the shape of a cylindrical surface. At this time, the area ratio between domains provided in each pixel may significantly change, thus deteriorating the viewing angle characteristics of the liquid crystal panel.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a main objective thereof is to provide a liquid crystal panel and a liquid crystal display apparatus in which deteriorations in the viewing angle characteristics are suppressed even when they are curved in the shape of a cylindrical surface from being plate-like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A liquid crystal panel according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a liquid crystal layer containing liquid crystal molecules; a first alignment film in contact with a front surface of the liquid crystal layer; and a second alignment film in contact with a rear surface of the liquid crystal layer, the liquid crystal panel being curved in the shape of a cylindrical surface, wherein, the first alignment film includes a plurality of first strip portions extending along a first direction and causing the liquid crystal molecules to be aligned; the second alignment film includes a plurality of second strip portions extending along a second direction and causing the liquid crystal molecules to be aligned; the first direction is a peripheral direction of the cylindrical surface; and the second direction is a direction which crosses the peripheral direction.

In one embodiment, the liquid crystal panel further comprises: a plurality of first light shielding portions extending along the peripheral direction; and a plurality of second light shielding portions extending along a direction which crosses the peripheral direction, wherein, the plurality of first light shielding portions and the plurality of second light shielding portions define a plurality of pixels; and the plurality of second light shielding portions are closer to a rear surface of the liquid crystal panel than is the second alignment film.

In one embodiment, the liquid crystal panel further comprises a black matrix having a plurality of openings, the plurality of first light shielding portions, and the plurality of second light shielding portions.

In one embodiment, the liquid crystal panel further comprises a first substrate and a second substrate opposed to each other via the liquid crystal layer, wherein, the first substrate includes the first alignment film; the second substrate includes the second alignment film; and the second substrate further includes a color filter layer, the color filter layer including the black matrix and a plurality of colored layers that are provided in the plurality of openings of the black matrix.

In one embodiment, the plurality of second light shielding portions are a plurality of first wiring lines extending along a direction which crosses the peripheral direction.

In one embodiment, the plurality of first light shielding portions are a plurality of second wiring lines extending along the peripheral direction.

In one embodiment, the liquid crystal panel further comprises a first substrate and a second substrate opposed to each other via the liquid crystal layer, wherein, the first substrate includes the first alignment film; the second substrate includes the second alignment film; and the second substrate further includes the plurality of first wiring lines and the plurality of second wiring lines.

In one embodiment, the liquid crystal panel further comprises: a plurality of switching elements in a matrix arrangement; and a plurality of light-shielding members being closer to a frontal surface of the liquid crystal panel than is the first alignment film, the plurality of light-shielding members shielding the plurality of switching elements from light.

In one embodiment, the liquid crystal panel further comprises a black matrix having a plurality of openings and the plurality of first light shielding portions, each opening being larger than each pixel, wherein the plurality of second light shielding portions are a plurality of first wiring lines extending along a direction which crosses the peripheral direction.

In one embodiment, the liquid crystal panel further comprises a first substrate and a second substrate opposed to each other via the liquid crystal layer, wherein, the first substrate includes the first alignment film; the second substrate includes the second alignment film; the first substrate further includes the black matrix; and the second substrate further includes the plurality of first wiring lines.

In one embodiment, the liquid crystal panel has a plurality of pixels, each pixel including a plurality of domains in which the liquid crystal molecules are subject to respectively different directions of alignment.

A liquid crystal display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a liquid crystal panel of the above construction; and an illuminator to illuminate the liquid crystal panel through a rear surface of the liquid crystal panel.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the direction of alignment of liquid crystal molecules which is conferred by a first alignment film in contact with a front surface of the liquid crystal layer is a peripheral direction of a liquid crystal panel which has been curved in the shape of a cylindrical surface (hereinafter simply referred to as the peripheral direction). On the other hand, the direction of alignment of liquid crystal molecules which is conferred by a second alignment film in contact with a rear surface of the liquid crystal layer is a direction which crosses the peripheral direction.

A liquid crystal panel which has been curved in the shape of a cylindrical surface is obtained by curving a liquid crystal panel, which is in a plate form, into the shape of a cylindrical surface. Hereinafter, a liquid crystal panel which has been curved in the shape of a cylindrical surface will be referred to as a liquid crystal panel having been curved, whereas a liquid crystal panel which is in a plate form will be referred to as an uncurved liquid crystal panel.

As the uncurved liquid crystal panel becomes curved, the locations of strip portions which are provided in the first alignment film and the second alignment film may be dislocated relative to points of reference in the rear surface side of the liquid crystal layer (e.g., pixel electrodes in the TFT layer), in the direction of curving (i.e., the peripheral direction).

The longitudinal direction of strip portions which are provided in the first alignment film (hereinafter referred to as first strip portions) and the longitudinal direction of strip portions which are provided in the second alignment film (hereinafter referred to as second strip portions) correspond to the longitudinal directions of boundaries between domains in each pixel.

Since there is a relatively long separation between the first alignment film and any point of reference in the rear surface side of the liquid crystal layer, dislocations of the first strip portions are relatively large. However, the direction of dislocation of a first strip portion is the longitudinal direction of the first strip portion. Therefore, among the boundaries between domains, the boundary which extends along the longitudinal direction of the first strip portions will be dislocated along its own longitudinal direction. Even if such a dislocation occurs, the area ratio between domains will not change.

Since there is a relatively short separation between the second alignment film and any point of reference in the rear surface side of the liquid crystal layer, dislocations of the second strip portions are relatively small. When a second strip portion undergoes dislocation regarding the peripheral direction, among the boundaries between domains, the boundary which extends along the longitudinal direction of the second strip portions will be dislocated in a direction which crosses its own longitudinal direction. If such a dislocation occurs, the area ratio between domains will change. However, the amount of dislocation will be so small that the area ratio between domains will hardly change.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the longitudinal direction of first light shielding portions is the peripheral direction. On the other hand, the longitudinal direction of second light shielding portions is a direction which crosses the peripheral direction.

A first light shielding portion (or a second light shielding portion) corresponds to one edge along the peripheral direction of a rectangular-shaped pixel (or another edge along a direction which crosses the peripheral direction), for example.

As the uncurved liquid crystal panel becomes curved, the locations of the first light shielding portions and the second light shielding portions may be dislocated regarding the peripheral direction, relative to points of reference in the rear surface side of the liquid crystal layer.

However, even if a first light shielding portion undergoes dislocation regarding the peripheral direction, the first light shielding portions will only be dislocated along one edge of the rectangular-shaped pixel, for example. Therefore, it is unlikely for the first light shielding portion to provide unwanted shading over the inside of the pixel. In other words, the area ratio between domains in each pixel will not change.

On the other hand, if a second light shielding portion undergoes dislocation regarding the peripheral direction, the second light shielding portions will be dislocated in a direction which crosses another edge of the rectangular-shaped pixel. Therefore, the second light shielding portion may provide unwanted shading over the inside of the pixel. This will change the area ratio between domains.

However, dislocations of second light shielding portions which are provided closer to the rear surface of the liquid crystal panel than is the second alignment film are smaller than those of second light shielding portions which are provided closer to the frontal surface of the liquid crystal panel than is the first alignment film. In other words, there is only a negligibly small change in the area ratio between domains.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a black matrix is closer to the rear surface of the liquid crystal panel than is the second alignment film. Therefore, there is only a negligibly small change in the area ratio between domains in each pixel.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a wiring line corresponds to one edge along the peripheral direction of a rectangular-shaped pixel.

Even if a wiring line undergoes dislocation regarding the peripheral direction, the wiring line will only be dislocated along one edge of the rectangular-shaped pixel, for example. Therefore, it is unlikely for the wiring line to provide unwanted shading over the inside of the pixel. In other words, the area ratio between domains in each pixel will not change.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, light-shielding members are provided closer to the frontal surface of the liquid crystal panel than is the first alignment film; therefore, the substance composing the light-shielding members is restrained from unwantedly exuding to the rear surface side of the liquid crystal layer.

In accordance with a liquid crystal panel and a liquid crystal display apparatus of an embodiment according to the present invention, even if a liquid crystal panel which is in a plate form is curved in the shape of a cylindrical surface, there is only a negligibly small change in the area ratio between domains in each pixel, as compared to that in an uncurved state.

Therefore, deteriorations in the viewing angle characteristics of the liquid crystal panel (and hence the viewing angle characteristics of the liquid crystal display apparatus), as will be caused by significant changes in the area ratio, can be suppressed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail, based on the figures illustrating embodiments thereof. The following description will rely on the definitions of UP/DOWN, FRONT/REAR, and RIGHT/LEFT indicated by the arrowheads in each figure.

FIG. 1is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the construction of a liquid crystal display apparatus1according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

The liquid crystal display apparatus1of the present embodiment is constructed as a television receiver, a display of a personal computer, or the like. The liquid crystal display apparatus1displays a color image by using three primaries of RGB.

The liquid crystal display apparatus1is curved in the shape of a cylindrical surface. Herein, a peripheral direction of the cylindrical surface is defined as the direction in which the liquid crystal display apparatus1is curved. An axial direction of the cylindrical surface is defined as a direction (which in the present embodiment is the up-down direction) that crosses the peripheral direction.

Hereinafter, a rectangle or a matrix in an uncurved planar state, and these having been curved in the shape of a cylindrical surface, will both be indiscriminately referred to as a rectangle or a matrix.

The liquid crystal display apparatus1includes a rectangular-shaped liquid crystal panel11and an illuminator12. The liquid crystal panel11constitutes the front of the liquid crystal display apparatus1, whereas the illuminator constitutes the rear of the liquid crystal display apparatus1. The liquid crystal panel11and the illuminator are both curved shapes, in the manner of cylindrical surfaces.

The liquid crystal panel11includes a TFT substrate2, a counter substrate3, a diffuser41, polarizers42and44, a liquid crystal layer43, a protection glass45, and a sealing portion46.

The TFT substrate2includes a glass substrate21, a TFT layer22, and an alignment film23(rear alignment film). The TFT layer22includes pixel electrodes24, TFTs25, and a plurality of signal lines and a plurality of gate lines which are not shown. InFIG. 1, hatching lines extending in the lower-right direction indicate anything in the TFT layer22other than the pixel electrodes24and the TFTs25.

The counter substrate3includes a glass substrate31, a color filter layer32, a transparent electrode layer33, and an alignment film34(front alignment film). The color filter layer32includes a BM35(light shielding layer) and colored layers36. The BM35in the color filter layer32has openings37(which are non-light shielding portions) as well as light shielding portions. InFIG. 1, hatching lines extending in the upper-right direction indicate the light shielding portions of the BM35.

The liquid crystal panel11is a result of allowing what is actually a plate-like liquid crystal panel to be curved in the shape of a cylindrical surface. The up-down direction and the right-left direction of the uncurved liquid crystal panel11correspond to the up-down direction and the peripheral direction, respectively, of the liquid crystal panel11having been curved. The front-rear direction of the uncurved liquid crystal panel11corresponds to the normal direction of the cylindrical surface of the liquid crystal panel11having been curved. Hereinafter, counterparts of the left direction/right direction (and the front direction/rear direction) of the uncurved liquid crystal panel11will be referred to as the left peripheral direction/right peripheral direction (and the frontward direction/rearward direction).

The liquid crystal panel11has a rectangular-shaped displaying region and a frame region of a rectangular frame shape which surrounds the displaying region. In the displaying region of the liquid crystal panel11, a plurality of pixels are provided in a matrix shape. Each pixel according to the present embodiment may be a subpixel of a multipixel, or a regular pixel not pertaining to a multipixel. The pixels may be equal or unequal in size and/or shape. Hereinafter, for simplicity of description, it will be assumed that the respective pixels are congruent rectangular shapes.

The diffuser41, the polarizer42, the TFT substrate2, the liquid crystal layer43, the counter substrate3, the polarizer44, and the protection glass45of the liquid crystal panel11are disposed in this order, from the rear side to the front side.

The diffuser41and the polarizer42each have a rectangular shape and are light-transmissive. The polarizer42is stacked on the front surface of the diffuser41.

The glass substrate21, the TFT layer22, and the alignment film23of the TFT substrate2are disposed in this order, from the rear side to the front side.

The glass substrate21has a rectangular shape and is light-transmissive. The glass substrate21is stacked on the front surface of the polarizer42.

The TFT layer22has a rectangular shape that is stacked on the front surface of the glass substrate21.

The signal lines and gate lines in the TFT layer22are light-shielding. A plurality of signal lines are provided along the peripheral direction. The longitudinal direction of the signal lines corresponds to the up-down direction. A plurality of gate lines are provided along the up-down direction. The longitudinal direction of each gate line corresponds to the peripheral direction. The signal lines and the gate lines intersect one another in the manner of a grating, with electrical insulation therebetween.

The pixel electrodes24and the TFTs25are provided in matrix shapes. Each pixel includes one pixel electrode24and one TFT25.

The pixel electrodes24are light-transmissive. The location of each pixel electrode24is in the center of the pixel.

A source electrode, a gate electrode, and a drain electrode of each TFT25are electrically connected to one of the signal lines, one of the gate lines, and one of the pixel electrodes24, respectively. The TFTs25are shaded by the gate lines, the light shielding portions of the BM35, and the like.

The alignment film23is light-transmissive. The alignment film23has a rectangular shape that is stacked on the displaying region of the front surface of the TFT layer22. Stripe-shaped alignment regions are provided on the front surface of the alignment film23.

The glass substrate31, the color filter layer32, the transparent electrode layer33, and the alignment film34of the counter substrate3are disposed in this order, from the front side to the rear side.

The glass substrate31has a rectangular shape and is light-transmissive.

The color filter layer32has a rectangular shape that is stacked onto the rear surface of the glass substrate31.

The openings37in the BM35of the color filter layer32each have a rectangular shape, and are provided in a matrix shape in the displaying region of the BM35. The light shielding portions of the BM35define portions of the BM35other than the openings37, such that portions extending along the up-down direction and portions extending along the peripheral direction cross one another in the manner of a grating.

The BM35is obtained by applying photolithography to a layer of light-shielding material which has been formed on the rear surface of the glass substrate31.

Each pixel may have one opening37; in this case, pixels are delineated by the light shielding portions of the BM35. Alternatively, a plurality of pixels may share one opening37, such that different pixels correspond to different portions within the opening37; in this case, these pixels are delineated by the light shielding portions of the BM35and the non-light transmitting portions (e.g., gate lines in the TFT layer22, gaps provided in the transparent electrode layer33, and so on), i.e., portions other than the light shielding portions of the BM35.

The colored layers36are provided by applying photolithography to a colored material layer which is made on the light shielding portions of the BM35and in each opening37. Each colored layer36is light-transmissive, and has one of the colors R, C, and B. Each opening37is closed by a colored layer36of one of these colors.

The transparent electrode layer33has a rectangular shape that is stacked onto the displaying region of the rear surface of the color filter layer32. The transparent electrode layer33functions as a common electrode opposite the pixel electrodes24.

The alignment film34is light-transmissive. The alignment film34has a rectangular shape that is stacked onto the rear surface of the transparent electrode layer33. Stripe-shaped alignment regions are provided on the rear surface of the alignment film34.

The polarizer44and the protection glass45each have a rectangular shape and are light-transmissive. The polarizer44is stacked on the front surface of the glass substrate31, whereas the protection glass45is stacked on the front surface of the polarizer44.

The polarizers42and44respectively transmit linearly polarized light beams which are orthogonal to each other.

The TFT substrate2and the counter substrate3are opposed to each other, in such a manner that their alignment films23and34are facing each other.

The sealing portion46has a rectangular frame shape and is light-shielding. Between the TFT substrate2and the counter substrate3, the sealing portion46is adhesively bonded to the respective frame regions of the TFT substrate2and the counter substrate3. In other words, the TFT substrate2and the counter substrate3are adhesively bonded together via the sealing portion46.

The liquid crystal layer43, which is light-transmissive, is disposed in a space that is between the TFT substrate2and the counter substrate3and surrounded by the sealing portion46. In other words, the liquid crystal layer43is sealed in between the TFT substrate2and the counter substrate3by the sealing portion46.

The rear surface of the liquid crystal layer43(i.e., the surface on the rear surface side of the liquid crystal panel) is in contact with the alignment regions of the alignment film23, and the front surface of the liquid crystal layer43(i.e., the surface on the frontal surface side of the liquid crystal panel) is in contact with the alignment regions of the alignment film34.

The illuminator12is an illuminator of direct type or edge light type. The illuminator12includes what is obtained by curving a plate-like optical sheet into the shape of a cylindrical surface, a light guide plate which has been formed into the shape of a cylindrical surface (neither is shown), and the like. The illuminator12provides illumination in the forward direction of itself.

Next, displaying of a color image by the liquid crystal display apparatus1will be described.

The illuminator12illuminates the liquid crystal panel11from behind.

Light which has been emitted from the illuminator12becomes diffused as it goes through the diffuser41. The diffused light is transmitted through the polarizer42and thereafter is incident on the TFT substrate2.

The light which is incident on the TFT substrate2is consecutively transmitted through the glass substrate21, pixel electrodes24, and the alignment film23, and thereafter is incident on the liquid crystal layer43.

Each TFT25is a switching element to drive liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer43. The signal lines and gate lines in the TFT layer22are wiring lines with which to drive liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer43.

When a TFT25is turned ON via a gate line, a voltage is applied between the pixel electrode24and the transparent electrode layer33via the signal line and the TFT25. As a result, the voltage is applied across the liquid crystal layer43.

When no voltage is applied across the liquid crystal layer43, the light which is incident on the liquid crystal layer43is straightforwardly transmitted through the liquid crystal layer43.

On the other hand, when a voltage is applied across the liquid crystal layer43, liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer43change their arrangement. The light which is incident on the liquid crystal layer43has its polarization changed by the liquid crystal layer43, and thereafter is transmitted through the liquid crystal layer43.

The light which has been transmitted through the liquid crystal layer43is incident on the counter substrate3.

The light which is incident on the counter substrate3is consecutively transmitted through the alignment film34, the transparent electrode layer33, the colored layers36, and the glass substrate31before it goes out.

The light which has been straightforwardly transmitted through the liquid crystal layer43goes out of the counter substrate3, but thereafter is intercepted by the polarizer44. The light which has had its polarization changed by the liquid crystal layer43goes out of the counter substrate3, and thereafter is consecutively transmitted through the polarizer44and the protection glass45so as to go out to the exterior.

As a result of the above, a color image is displayed in the displaying region of the liquid crystal panel11.

FIG. 2is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the liquid crystal panel11of the liquid crystal display apparatus1in an uncurved state and in a curved state.

FIG. 2shows the TFT substrate2(i.e., a portion indicated by hatching lines extending in the lower-right direction), the counter substrate3(i.e., a portion indicated by hatching lines extending in the upper-right direction), and the liquid crystal layer43of the liquid crystal panel11.

In the figure, imaginary indices20and30are provided in order to explain dislocations along the peripheral direction as caused by curving of the liquid crystal panel11.

The indices20(and indices30) are distributed over the TFT substrate2(and over the counter substrate3). In the following description, suffix C identifies an index indicating a central position along the right-left direction. Suffix L (or suffix R) identifies an index indicating a position to the left (or right) of the central position. Suffix a (or suffix b) identifies an index indicating the front side (or rear side) inside the TFT substrate2(or the counter substrate3).

The uncurved liquid crystal panel11has a plate-like shape. In this state, indices20C,30Ca and30Cb are aligned along the front-rear direction. In other words, indices20C,30Ca and30Cb are in the same position with regard to the right-left direction. Similarly, indices20L,30La and30Lb (and indices20R,30Ra and30Rb) are in the same position with regard to the right-left direction.

Given that indices20C,30Ca and30Cb are in the same position with regard to the right-left direction, when the liquid crystal panel11is curved, index20L will be dislocated relative to indices30La and30Lb regarding the peripheral direction (so as to be shifted in the right peripheral direction), and index20R will be dislocated relative to indices30Ra and30Rb regarding the peripheral direction (so as to be shifted in the left peripheral direction). The reason is that the TFT substrate2and the counter substrate3are curved into cylindrical surfaces with respectively different radii of curvature.

Indices30La and30Ra will also be dislocated relative to indices30Lb and30Rb, respectively, regarding the peripheral direction. However, their separation along the normal direction is sufficiently shorter than the separation between index20L and indices30La,30Lb along the normal direction (or the separation between index20R and indices30Ra,30Rb along the normal direction). Therefore, the dislocations of indices30La and30Ra relative to indices30Lb and30Rb are negligibly small.

FIGS. 3 and 4are front views schematically showing pixels p of the liquid crystal panel11in an uncurved state and in a curved state, respectively. Thick solid lines shown inFIGS. 3 and 4illustrate the periphery of the respective pixels P. The array structure of the TFT layer22determines the shape and location of the periphery of each pixel P. The left-hand portion ofFIGS. 3 and 4provides front views schematically showing the alignment regions in the alignment films23and34, whereas the right-hand portion ofFIGS. 3 and 4provides a front view two adjacent pixels P and P along the right-left direction (or the peripheral direction).

The alignment regions in the alignment film23include strip portions26. The strip portions26, which are made of rises and falls formed on the alignment film23, flank one another along the right-left direction (or the peripheral direction). The longitudinal direction of each strip portion26corresponds to the up-down direction.

Liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer43will be aligned along the longitudinal direction of each strip portion26. In each pixel, one strip portion26causes the liquid crystal molecules to be aligned toward one end of the longitudinal direction, whereas another strip Portion26causes the liquid crystal molecules to be aligned toward the other end of the longitudinal direction. The alignment film23includes a plurality of strip portions26, such that strip portions26causing the liquid crystal molecules to be aligned toward one end of the longitudinal direction and strip portions26causing the liquid crystal molecules to be aligned toward the other end of the longitudinal direction alternate along the right-left direction (or the peripheral direction).

The alignment film34is substantially identical in construction to the alignment film23, except that the alignment regions in the alignment film34include strip portions38, which flank one another along the up-down direction. The longitudinal direction of each strip portion38corresponds to the right-left direction (or the peripheral direction). The alignment film34includes a plurality of strip portions38, such that strip portions38causing the liquid crystal molecules to be aligned toward one end of the longitudinal direction and strip portions38causing the liquid crystal molecules to be aligned toward the other end of the longitudinal direction alternate along the up-down direction.

As the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer43become aligned along the strip portions26and the strip portions38, four rectangular-shaped domains are created in a matrix shape within each pixel P. Liquid crystal molecules in different domains are subject to different directions of alignment.

Broken lines inFIGS. 3 and 4represent boundaries B1and B2between the domains. In each pixel P, a boundary B1having a longitudinal direction in the up-down direction and a boundary B2having a longitudinal direction in the right-left direction (or the peripheral direction) occur in a cross shape. The longitudinal direction and location of the boundary B1correspond to the longitudinal direction and location of the strip portions26, whereas the longitudinal direction and location of the boundary B2correspond to the longitudinal direction and location of the strip portions38.

As the liquid crystal panel11becomes curved, the strip portions26and the strip portions38are dislocated relative to points of reference in the TFT layer22, regarding the peripheral direction.

When the strip portions26are dislocated regarding the peripheral direction, the boundary B1will dislocate in a direction which crosses its own longitudinal direction. However, since the alignment film23adjoins the TFT layer22, dislocations of the strip portions26regarding the peripheral direction will be negligibly small. Therefore, the dislocation of the boundary B1in a direction which crosses the longitudinal direction will also be negligibly small.

On the other hand, the alignment film34is distant from the TFT layer22, and thus dislocations of the strip portions38regarding the peripheral direction will be greater than dislocations of the strip portions26regarding the peripheral direction. Therefore, the boundary B2will be dislocated along the longitudinal direction of the boundary B2. However, the boundary B2will not be dislocated in a direction which crosses the longitudinal direction of the boundary B2.

In other words, the boundaries B1and B2will not undergo any dislocation that will cause a significant change in the area ratio between domains in each pixel P.

In the liquid crystal display apparatus1as such, the uncurved liquid crystal panel11has alignment division in each pixel P, whereby viewing angle characteristics are improved over the case without alignment division.

On the other hand, in the liquid crystal panel11having been curved, the area ratio between domains in each pixel is substantially equal to that in an uncurved state. Therefore, it is possible to suppress deteriorations in the viewing angle characteristics due to significant changes in the area ratio.

FIG. 5is a front view for describing the operation and effect of the liquid crystal panel11.

FIG. 5corresponds toFIG. 4. However, strip portions38are provided side by side in the alignment film23, whereas strip portions26are provided side by side in the alignment film34.

In this case, dislocations of the strip portions38regarding the peripheral direction are negligibly small. Therefore, the dislocation of the boundary B2regarding the longitudinal direction will be negligibly small.

On the other hand, dislocations of the strip portions26regarding the peripheral direction will be greater than dislocations of the strip portions38regarding the peripheral direction. Therefore, the boundary B1will be significantly dislocated in a direction which crosses the longitudinal direction of the boundary B1.

In other words, while the boundary B2will not undergo any dislocation that will cause a significant change in the area ratio between domains in each pixel P, the boundary B1will undergo a dislocation that will cause a significant change in the area ratio between domains in each pixel P. As a result of this, viewing angle characteristics of the liquid crystal panel11will be deteriorated.

FIG. 6is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the construction of a liquid crystal display apparatus1according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.FIG. 6corresponds toFIG. 1.

The liquid crystal display apparatus1of the present embodiment is substantially identical in construction to the liquid crystal display apparatus1of Embodiment 1. Hereinafter, differences from Embodiment 1 will be described, while any portion having a corresponding counterpart in Embodiment 1 will be denoted by an identical reference numeral, with its description being omitted.

The counter substrate3according to the present embodiment does not include a color filter layer32. Consequently, the transparent electrode layer33is stacked onto the displaying region of the rear surface of the glass substrate31.

The TFT substrate2according to the present embodiment includes a color filter layer32. The color filter layer32is interposed between the glass substrate21and the TFT layer22. In other words, the color filter layer32is closer to the rear surface of the liquid crystal panel than is the alignment film23.

FIG. 7is a front view schematically showing pixels in the liquid crystal panel11of the liquid crystal display apparatus1. Thick solid lines shown inFIG. 7illustrate the periphery of the respective pixels P.FIG. 7shows four adjacent pixels P along the up-down direction and the peripheral direction. The hatching inFIG. 7represents light shielding portions of the BM35.

Each pixel P has one opening37.

In the BM35, a plurality of peripheral-direction light shielding portions351and a plurality of cross-direction light shielding portions352are provided so that they cross one another in the manner of a grating. Each peripheral-direction light shielding portion351is a light shielding portion of the BM35that is elongated along the peripheral direction, whereas each cross-direction light shielding portion352is a light shielding portion of the BM35that is elongated along the up-down direction.

Each pixel P is surrounded by two peripheral-direction light shielding portions351adjoining each other along the up-down direction and two cross-direction light shielding portions352adjoining each other along the peripheral direction. In other words, pixels P are delineated by light shielding portions of the BM35.

The color filter layer32adjoins the TFT layer22. Therefore, regarding the peripheral direction, dislocations of the peripheral-direction light shielding portions351and the cross-direction light shielding portions352relative to points of reference in the TFT layer22are negligibly small.

Consequently, the area ratio between domains in each pixel P of the liquid crystal panel11in an uncurved state and the area ratio between domains in each pixel P of the liquid crystal panel11in a curved state are substantially equal.

The liquid crystal display apparatus1as such can achieve a similar operation and effect to what is achieved by the liquid crystal display apparatus1of Embodiment 1. Moreover, it is possible to suppress deteriorations in the viewing angle characteristics associated with dislocations of light shielding portions of the BM35due to curving.

FIG. 8is a front view for describing the operation and effect of the liquid crystal panel11.

FIG. 8corresponds toFIG. 7. However, as in the case of Embodiment 1, the color filter layer32belongs to the counter substrate3.

In this case, regarding the peripheral direction, dislocations of the peripheral-direction light shielding portions351and the cross-direction light shielding portions352relative to points of reference in the TFT layer22are greater than those in the case where the color filter layer32belongs to the TFT substrate2.

The peripheral-direction light shielding portions351, having undergone dislocations regarding the peripheral direction, will never come into the bounds of each pixel P.

However, the cross-direction light shielding portions352, having undergone dislocations regarding the peripheral direction, may come into the bounds of each pixel P. At this time, a part of the plurality of domains may be shaded by the cross-direction light shielding portions352.

Consequently, the area ratio between domains in each pixel P of the liquid crystal panel11in an uncurved state and the area ratio between domains in each pixel P of the liquid crystal panel11in a curved state are significantly different. As a result of this, viewing angle characteristics of the liquid crystal panel11will be deteriorated.

Moreover, the aperture ratio may decrease due to intrusion of the cross-direction light shielding portions352into the pixel P, and failure to shade portions that need to be shaded by the cross-direction light shielding portions352(e.g., regions with poor domain separation) may deteriorate the display quality.

Even in a context where the color filter layer32belongs to the counter substrate3as in Embodiment 1, there may be a case where the area ratio between domains does not change before and after curving, i.e., a case where the peripheral-direction light shielding portions351having undergone dislocations regarding the peripheral direction due to curving are not inside the pixels P (e.g., being in portions that are shaded by light shielding members other than the light shielding portions of the BM35).

FIG. 9is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the construction of a liquid crystal display apparatus1according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.FIG. 9corresponds toFIG. 1.

FIG. 10is a front view schematically showing pixels in the liquid crystal panel11of the liquid crystal display apparatus1. Thick solid lines shown inFIG. 10illustrate the periphery of the respective pixels P.FIG. 10shows four adjacent pixels P along the up-down direction and the peripheral direction.

The liquid crystal display apparatus1of the present embodiment is substantially identical in construction to the liquid crystal display apparatus1of Embodiment 1. Hereinafter, differences from Embodiment 1 will be described, while any portion having a corresponding counterpart in Embodiment 1 will be denoted by an identical reference numeral, with its description being omitted.

The color filter layer32according to the present embodiment does not include a BM35, but includes a plurality of light-shielding members39. The hatching inFIG. 9represents the light-shielding members39.

The light-shielding members39are intended to shield the TFTs25from light. Therefore, the locations of the light-shielding members39correspond to the locations of the TFTs25. The light-shielding members39are provided by applying photolithography to a layer of light-shielding material which has been formed on the rear surface of the glass substrate31.

The colored layers36are similar to the colored layers36in Embodiment 1, except that they do not close the openings37in the BM35; to achieve this, the colored layers36are provided by applying photolithography to a colored material layer which has been formed on the light-shielding members39and on the rear surface of the glass substrate31.

The TFT layer22according to the present embodiment includes pixel electrodes24and TFTs25, and a plurality of signal lines27and a plurality of gate lines28. InFIG. 10, hatching lines extending in the upper-right direction represent the signal lines27, whereas hatching lines extending in the lower-right direction represent the gate lines28.

The signal lines27and the gate lines28are similar to the signal lines and gate lines in the TFT layer22in Embodiment 1.

Each pixel P is surrounded by two adjacent gate lines2828along the up-down direction and two adjacent signal lines27along the peripheral direction. In other words, pixels P are delineated by the signal lines27and the gate lines28. The signal lines27are cross-direction light shielding portions, whereas the gate lines28are peripheral-direction light shielding portions.

The signal lines27and the gate lines28are included in the TFT layer22. Therefore, regarding the peripheral direction, dislocations of the signal lines27and the gate lines28relative to any other points of reference in the TFT layer22are negligibly small.

The light-shielding members39may unintendedly shade the inside of the pixel P because of dislocations regarding the peripheral direction that are caused by curving. However, the geometric area in which a light-shielding member39may shade a pixel P is negligibly small as compared to, for example, the geometric area in which a light shielding portion in the BM35may shade the inside of a pixel P.

Consequently, the area ratio between domains in each pixel P of the liquid crystal panel11in an uncurved state and the area ratio between domains in each pixel P of the liquid crystal panel11in a curved state are substantially equal.

The liquid crystal display apparatus1as such can achieve a similar operation and effect to what is achieved by the liquid crystal display apparatus1of Embodiment 1. Moreover, it is possible to prevent deteriorations in the viewing angle characteristics associated with dislocations of light shielding portions of the BM35due to curving.

Since the light-shielding members39are included in the counter substrate3, the light-shielding material composing the light-shielding members39is not likely to unfavorably affect the TFT layer22in the TFT substrate2.

The liquid crystal display apparatus1of the present embodiment is substantially identical in construction to the liquid crystal display apparatus1of Embodiment 1. Hereinafter, differences from Embodiment 1 will be described, while any portion having a corresponding counterpart in Embodiment 1 will be denoted by an identical reference numeral, with its description being omitted.

A number of pixels P occupy different portions, one each, of a single opening37. Pixels P are delineated by the peripheral-direction light shielding portions351in the BM35(see Embodiment 2) and the signal lines27in the TFT layer22(see Embodiment 3).

The liquid crystal display apparatus1as such can achieve a similar operation and effect to what is achieved by the liquid crystal display apparatus1of Embodiment 2. The reason is that dislocations of the peripheral-direction light shielding portions351regarding the peripheral direction do not unfavorably affect the area ratio between domains. Moreover, the signal lines27hardly undergo any dislocation regarding the peripheral direction, and thus do not unfavorably affect changes in the area ratio between domains.

In the liquid crystal display apparatus1according to Embodiments 1 to 4, the front side presents a convex curve, it may alternatively be the rear side that presents a convex curve. The axial direction of the liquid crystal display apparatus1in a cylindrical surface shape may not be the up-down direction (e.g., the right-left direction).

In all aspects, the embodiments disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. Rather than the aforementioned, it is intended that the scope of the present invention encompasses any and all modifications within the scope of the claims and the equivalents thereof.

So long as the effects of the present invention are preserved, any component elements that are not disclosed in Embodiments 1 to 4 may be included in the liquid crystal panel11or the liquid crystal display apparatus1.

The constituent elements (technological features) disclosed in each embodiment may be combined, and any such combination may result in a new technological feature.