Patent Publication Number: US-10310337-B2

Title: Liquid crystal display apparatus

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION DATA 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/992,196 filed Jan. 11, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/922,575 filed Sep. 14, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,280,021 issued Mar. 8, 2016, which is the Section 371 National Stage of PCT/JP2009/056274 filed Mar. 27, 2009 the entireties of which are incorporated herein by reference to the extent permitted by law. The present application claims the benefit of priority to Japanese Patent Application No. JP 2008-085497 filed on Mar. 28, 2008 in the Japan Patent Office, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein to the extent permitted by law. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates to a liquid crystal display apparatus wherein a transverse electric field is applied to a liquid crystal layer in a pixel region in which a plurality of pixels are provided in a matrix on a liquid crystal panel such that an image is displayed in the pixel region with light emitted through the liquid crystal layer and a polarizing plate. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     A liquid crystal display apparatus includes a liquid crystal panel wherein a liquid crystal layer is encapsulated between a pair of substrates as a display panel. The liquid crystal panel is, for example, of the transmission type wherein it modulates illuminating light emitted from an illumination apparatus such as a backlight provided on the rear face of the liquid crystal panel and transmits the modulated light therethrough. Then, display of an image is carried out on the front face of the liquid crystal panel with the modulated illuminating light. 
     The liquid crystal panel built in the liquid crystal display apparatus is, for example, of the active matrix type and includes a TFT array substrate having a pixel region in which a plurality of thin film transistors (TFTs) which function as pixel switching elements are formed, an opposing substrate opposing so as to face the TFT array substrate, and a liquid crystal layer provided between the TFT array substrate and the opposing substrate. 
     In the liquid crystal panel of the active matrix type, an electric field produced between a pixel electrode and a common electrode by inputting a potential to the pixel electrode from a pixel switching element is applied to the liquid crystal layer to vary the orientation of liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer. By this, the transmission factor of light to be transmitted through the pixel is controlled to modulate the light to pass therethrough to carry out display of an image. 
     In such a liquid crystal panel as just described, in addition to a TN (Twisted Nematic) mode, an ECB (Electrically Controlled Birefringence) mode, a vertical orientation mode and so forth, various display modes such as an IPS (In-Plane-Switching) type and an FFS (Fringe Field Switching) type are known as modes wherein a transverse electric field is applied to a liquid crystal layer (refer to, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). In the modes wherein a transverse electric field is applied, it has been proposed to apply dual domains (refer to, for example, Patent Document 3). 
     Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 10-170924 
     Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-226200 
     Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-264231 
     DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 
     A liquid crystal display apparatus is incorporated, for example, in a portable mobile apparatus. In such an instance, it is necessitated to configure the liquid crystal display apparatus such that an image displayed thereon can be visually observed by a user in any of a landscape (horizontally long) state wherein a pixel region of a rectangular shape on which an image is to be displayed is long in an x direction and a portrait (vertically long) state wherein the pixel region is long in a y direction. 
     However, for example, where a user is outdoors, the user sometimes visually observes an image on the screen through polarizing sunglasses. Therefore, in the case wherein the liquid crystal display apparatus is of the transverse electric field type such as the IPS type or the FFS type described above, the visibility sometimes drops in response to an angle when the user visually observes the screen. 
       FIG. 11  is a plan view schematically showing part of pixels provided in a pixel region of a liquid crystal display apparatus of the FFS type. In  FIG. 11 , part of a pixel on a TFT array substrate is shown. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , on the TFT array substrate, a pixel switching element  31 , a pixel electrode  62   a , a data line S 1  and a gate line G 1  are formed. In addition, though not shown, a common electrode is provided in an opposing relationship to the pixel electrode  62   a  on the TFT array substrate. 
     Here, the pixel switching element  31  is, for example, a bottom gate type TFT as shown in  FIG. 11 . 
     Further, the pixel electrode  62   a  is formed in a comb-tooth shape on an xy plane defined by an x direction and a y direction which define the pixel region as shown in  FIG. 11 . In particular, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the pixel electrode  62   a  has a trunk portion  62   ak  and a branch portion  62   ae,  and the trunk portion  62   ak  extends in the x direction and a plurality of such branch portions  62   ae  extend in the y direction. The pixel electrode  62   a  is electrically connected to the drain electrode of the pixel switching element  31 . 
     Further, the data line S 1  extends in the y direction as shown in  FIG. 11  and is electrically connected to the source electrode of the pixel switching element  31 . 
     The gate line G 1  extends in the x direction as shown in  FIG. 11  and is electrically connected to the gate electrode of the pixel switching element  31 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the liquid crystal layer is subject to an orientation process by carrying out a rubbing process setting the rubbing direction RH to a direction inclined by a predetermined angle θ (for example, 5°) with respect to a direction in which the branch portion  62   ae  of the pixel electrode  62   a  and the data line S 1  extend in the pixel region PA. 
     As described above, in the case of the transverse electric field type such as the FFS type, the pixel electrode  62   a  has a comb-tooth shape, and the plural branch portions  62   ae  thereof extend in the y direction. Therefore, since the transmission axis along which light is transmitted through the liquid crystal panel is determined depending upon the direction in which the branch portions  62   ae  extend, when the pixel region of a rectangular shape is placed into a state in the landscape state, for example, the transmission axis of the pixel region extends along the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, when the pixel region is placed into a state in the portrait state, for example, the transmission axis extends along a lateral direction of the screen of a rectangular shape. 
     The polarizing sunglasses include polarizing elements having a transmission axis along the x direction or the y direction such that a user will visually observe an image through the polarizing elements. 
     Therefore, when a state of one of the landscape state and the portrait state is entered, the transmission axis of the liquid crystal panel and the transmission axis of the polarizing sunglasses are sometimes much different from each other. Therefore, it sometimes becomes difficult for the user to visually observe an image displayed on the liquid crystal panel. 
     Accordingly, as described hereinabove, the visibility of the screen sometimes deteriorates in response to the angle when the user visually observes the screen. 
     In order to eliminate this fault, a method of disposing a phase difference plate on a face of a liquid crystal panel is available. In this instance, however, the fabrication cost increases, and light is absorbed by the phase difference plate. Therefore, since the light transmittance drops generally, the image quality sometimes drops. 
     Further, by setting the transmission axis of the liquid crystal panel with respect to the sides of the screen of a rectangular shape, the visibility of the polarizing sunglasses can be improved. For example, the angle of the direction in which the branch portions of the comb-tooth electrode described hereinabove extend is inclined at an angle of 45° with respect to the sides of the screen. However, when the branch portions of the comb-tooth electrode are inclined, domains through which light is not transmitted sometimes increase, resulting in decrease of the light transmittance, and the image quality sometimes drops. 
     Further, where data lines are connected in the pixel region in which the pixels are disposed in the x direction and the y direction so as to connect to pixels juxtaposed in a direction inclined with respect to the y direction in order to incline the transmission axis of the liquid crystal panel with respect to the y direction, a scanning signal and a data signal produced so as to be displayed using the line sequential system cannot be used as they are, but it becomes necessary to separately carry out a signal process for converting the signals. Therefore, such faults as increase of the fabrication cost and deterioration of the image quality by delay by the signal process sometimes occur, and the visibility drops. 
     In this manner, it sometimes is difficult to improve the visibility due to occurrence of such faults as described above. 
     Accordingly, the present invention provides a liquid crystal display apparatus which can improve the visibility. 
     According to the present invention, there is provided a liquid crystal display apparatus wherein, in a pixel region of a liquid crystal panel in which a plurality of pixels are provided in a matrix in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a pixel electrode and a common electrode apply a transverse electric field to a liquid crystal layer such that an image is displayed in the pixel region with light emitted through the liquid crystal layer and a polarizing plate, wherein the liquid crystal panel has a plurality of first wire lines disposed in a spaced relationship from each other in the second direction with regard to the plural pixels so as to define the plural pixels juxtaposed in the second direction, and a plurality of second wire lines disposed in a spaced relationship from each other in the first direction with regard to the plural pixels so as to define the plural pixels juxtaposed in the first direction; each of the second wire lines includes an inclined portion extending in a direction different from the first direction and the second direction in the pixel region and inclined with respect to the second direction; the pixel electrode includes a trunk portion extending in the first direction, and a branch portion connected to the trunk portion and extending in a direction different from the first direct and the second direction in the pixel region and inclined with respect to the second direction, and a plurality of such branch portions are provided in a spaced relationship from each other in the first direction; and the liquid layer includes liquid crystal molecules orientated in an inclined relationship with respect to the first direction or the second direction in the pixel region. 
     Preferably, the image displayed with the light emitted through the liquid crystal layer and the polarizing plate in the pixel region is visually observed through a polarizing element whose transmission axis coincides with the first direction or the second direction. 
     Preferably, the branch portions extend along a direction along which the inclined portions of the second wire lines extend. 
     Preferably, each of the inclined portions of the second wire lines and the branch portions extends in a direction inclined within an angular range equal to or greater than 2° but equal to or smaller than 45° with respect to the second direction in the pixel region. 
     Preferably, each of the inclined portions of the second wire lines and the branch portions extends in a direction inclined at the angle of 45° with respect to the second direction in the pixel region. 
     Preferably, each of the second wire lines includes a bent portion bent like a staircase in the first direction and the second direction so as to be spaced away from another second wire line provided so as to correspond to another adjacent pixel in the pixel region. 
     Preferably, each of the inclined portions of the second wire lines includes a first inclined portion extending in a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction, and a second inclined portion extending in a fourth direction different from the first direction, second direction and third direction, and the first inclined portion and the second inclined portion are formed so as to correspond to one pixel in the pixel region. 
     Preferably, each of the inclined portions of the second wire lines includes a first inclined portion extending in a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction, and a second inclined portion extending in a fourth direction different from the first direction, second direction and third direction, and the first inclined portion and the second inclined portion are disposed alternately in the plural pixels juxtaposed in the second direction in the pixel region. 
     In the present invention, each of the branch portions of the pixel electrode and the inclined portions of the second wire lines extends in the direction different from the first direction and the second direction in the pixel region and inclined with respect to the second direction. Further, the liquid crystal layer is orientated in the direction different from the first direction and the second direction in the pixel region and inclined with respect to the second direction. 
     According to the present invention, a liquid crystal display apparatus which can improve the visibility can be provided. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a sectional view showing a configuration of a liquid crystal display apparatus  100  in an embodiment 1 according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view showing a liquid crystal panel  200  in the embodiment 1 according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a sectional view schematically showing part of a pixel P provided in a pixel region PA of the liquid crystal panel  200  in the embodiment 1 according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view of a subpixel of the pixel P provided in the pixel region PA in the embodiment 1 according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional view showing a pixel switching element  31  in the embodiment 1 according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a plan view showing part of an opposing substrate  202  in the embodiment 1 according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a plan view schematically showing part of a TFT array substrate  201  in a pixel P provided in a pixel region PA in an embodiment 2 according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a plan view schematically showing part of the TFT array substrate  201  in the pixel P provided in the pixel region PA where a data line S 1  is formed without providing a bent portion S 1   p  in the embodiment 2 according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a plan view schematically showing part of a TFT array substrate  201  in a pixel P provided in a pixel region PA in an embodiment 3 according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a plan view schematically showing part of a TFT array substrate  201  in a pixel P provided in a pixel region PA in an embodiment 4 according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a plan view schematically showing part of a pixel provided in a pixel region in a liquid crystal display apparatus of the FFS type. 
     
    
    
     BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     An example of embodiments of the present invention is described. 
     Embodiment 1 
     (Configuration of the Liquid Crystal Display Apparatus) 
       FIG. 1  is a sectional view showing a configuration of a liquid crystal display apparatus  100  in an embodiment 1 according to the present invention. 
     The liquid crystal display apparatus  100  of the present embodiment has a liquid crystal panel  200  and a backlight  300  as shown in  FIG. 1 . The components are described in order. 
     The liquid crystal panel  200  is of the active matrix type, and a TFT array substrate  201  and an opposing substrate  202  face each other in a spaced relationship from each other as shown in  FIG. 1 . A liquid crystal layer  203  is provided in such a manner as to be sandwiched between the TFT array substrate  201  and the opposing substrate  202 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the backlight  300  is disposed in such a manner as to be positioned on the TFT array substrate  201  side of the liquid crystal panel  200 , and illuminating light R emitted from the backlight  300  is irradiated upon the face of the TFT array substrate  201  on the opposite side to the face which opposes to the opposing substrate  202 . Although details are hereinafter described, the liquid crystal panel  200  includes a pixel region PA in which a plurality of pixels (not shown) are disposed for displaying an image. The liquid crystal panel  200  receives the illuminating light R emitted from the backlight  300  installed on the rear face side of the liquid crystal panel  200  through a first polarizing plate  206  and modulates the illuminating light R received from the rear face thereof in the pixel region PA. Here, a TFT (not shown) is provided as a pixel switching element so as to correspond to each pixel on the TFT array substrate  201 , and the pixel switching element (not shown) carries out switching control of a pixel to modulate the illuminating light R received from the rear face. Then, the modulated illuminating light R is emitted to the front face side through a second polarizing plate  207  so that an image is displayed in the pixel region PA. In short, the liquid crystal panel  200  of the present embodiment is of the transmission type, and a color image is displayed, for example, on the front face side of the liquid crystal panel  200 . 
     In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display apparatus  100  is, for example, of the normally black type, and various components such as the first polarizing plate  206  and the second polarizing plate  207  are disposed such that, when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer  203  in the liquid crystal panel  200 , the light transmittance drops to carry out black display, but when a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer  203 , the light transmittance rises. In particular, the transmission axes of the components are disposed such that, when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer  203 , light is blocked by the second polarizing plate  207  to carry out black display, but when a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer  203 , light is transmitted from the second polarizing plate  207 . 
     Further, in the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display apparatus  100  is incorporated in a portable mobile apparatus, and an image displayed by light emitted through the liquid crystal layer  203  and the second polarizing plate  207  in the pixel region PA is visually observed by a user, who wears polarizing sunglasses each including a polarizing element having a transmission axis in the x direction or the y direction, through the polarizing elements in a state wherein the liquid crystal display apparatus  100  is in the landscape (horizontally long) orientation or the portrait (vertically long) orientation. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the backlight  300  is opposed to the rear face of the liquid crystal panel  200 , and emits the illuminating light R to the pixel region PA of the liquid crystal panel  200 . 
     In particular, the backlight  300  is disposed so as to be positioned on the TFT array substrate  201  side from between the TFT array substrate  201  and the opposing substrate  202  which configure the liquid crystal panel  200 . The backlight  300  irradiates the illuminating light R upon the face of the TFT array substrate  201  on the opposite side to the face which opposes to the opposing substrate  202 . Here, for example, white light is irradiated as the illuminating light R. In short, the backlight  300  irradiates the illuminating light R so as to advance from the TFT array substrate  201  side toward the opposing substrate  202  side. 
     (Configuration of the Liquid Crystal Panel) 
     A general configuration of the liquid crystal panel  200  is described. 
       FIG. 2  is a plan view showing the liquid crystal panel  200  in the embodiment 1 according to the present invention. 
     The liquid crystal panel  200  has the pixel region PA and a peripheral region CA as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     In the pixel region PA of the liquid crystal panel  200 , a plurality of pixels P are disposed along the face thereof as shown in  FIG. 2 . In particular, in the pixel region PA, a plurality of pixels P are disposed in a matrix such that they are juxtaposed in an x direction and a y direction which is perpendicular to the x direction. The pixels P are driven by a line-sequential method to display an image. 
     On the liquid crystal panel  200 , the peripheral region CA is positioned so as to surround the periphery of the pixel region PA as shown in  FIG. 2 . In the peripheral region CA, a vertical driving circuit  11  and a horizontal driving circuit  12  are formed as shown in  FIG. 2 . For example, the vertical driving circuit  11  and the horizontal driving circuit  12  are configured from semiconductor elements formed similarly to the pixel switching elements described hereinabove. The vertical driving circuit  11  and the horizontal driving circuit  12  individually drive the plural pixels P provided in the pixel region PA, for example, by a line-sequential method to execute image display. 
     (Configuration of the Pixel Region of the Liquid Crystal Panel) 
       FIG. 3  is a sectional view schematically showing part of a pixel P provided in the pixel region PA of the liquid crystal panel  200  in the embodiment 1 according to the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the liquid crystal panel  200  has the TFT array substrate  201 , opposing substrate  202 , and liquid crystal layer  203 . In the liquid crystal panel  200 , the TFT array substrate  201  and the opposing substrate  202  are pasted to each other in a spaced relationship from each other as shown in  FIG. 3 , and the liquid crystal layer  203  is provided in the gap between the TFT array substrate  201  and the opposing substrate  202 . For example, spacers (not shown) are interposed between the TFT array substrate  201  and the opposing substrate  202  such that the TFT array substrate  201  and the opposing substrate  202  are opposed to each other with a gap left therebetween and are pasted to each other using a seal material (not shown). In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal panel  200  is configured so as to be ready for a display mode of the FFS type. 
     In this liquid crystal panel  200 , the TFT array substrate  201  is a substrate of an insulator which transmits light therethrough and is formed, for example, from glass. As shown in  FIG. 3 , pixel electrodes  62   a , a common electrode  62   b  and data lines S 1  are formed on a face of the TFT array substrate  201  which opposes to the opposing substrate  202 . 
     Further, in the liquid crystal panel  200 , the opposing substrate  202  is a substrate of an insulator which transmits light therethrough and is formed, for example, from glass similarly to the TFT array substrate  201 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the opposing substrate  202  opposes to the TFT array substrate  201  in a spaced relationship from each other. A color filter layer  21  is formed on a face of the opposing substrate  202  which opposes to the TFT array substrate  201  as shown in  FIG. 3 . Here, the color filter layer  21  includes a red filter layer  21 R, a green filter layer  21 G and a blue filter layer  21 B such that the three primary colors of red, green and blue form one set. 
     Details of the TFT array substrate  201  which configure the liquid crystal panel  200  are described. 
       FIG. 4  is a plan view schematically showing part of the TFT array substrate  201  with regard to a pixel P provided in the pixel region PA in the embodiment 1 according to the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , different slanting lines are applied depending upon materials from which the individual members are configured as shown in a legend. It is to be noted that, while, in  FIG. 4 , subpixels corresponding to the red filter layer  21 R in the pixel P shown in  FIG. 3  are shown, also members of each of subpixels corresponding to the green filter layer  21 G and blue filter layer  21 B are formed similarly as in the case of the subpixel corresponding to the red filter layer  21 R. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , in addition to the members shown in  FIG. 3  of the pixel electrodes  62   a , common electrode  62   b  and data lines S 1 , pixel switching elements  31  and gate lines G 1  are formed on the TFT array substrate  201 . The pixel switching elements  31  and the gate lines G 1  are formed on a face of the TFT array substrate  201  which opposes to the opposing substrate  202 . 
     Various portions provided on the TFT array substrate  201  are described successively. 
     On the TFT array substrate  201 , through not shown in  FIG. 3 , the pixel switching elements  31  are formed on a face of the TFT array substrate  201  which opposes to the opposing substrate  202 , and are covered with an interlayer insulating film  60   a.    
       FIG. 5  is a sectional view showing a pixel switching element  31  in the embodiment 1 according to the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the pixel switching element  31  includes a gate electrode  45 , a gate insulating film  46   g  and a semiconductor layer  48  and is formed as a bottom gate type TFT of a LDD (Lightly Doped Drain) structure. 
     In particular, in the pixel switching element  31 , the gate electrode  45  is provided on a face of the TFT array substrate  201  in such a manner as to oppose to a channel region  48 C of the semiconductor layer  48  through the gate insulating film  46   g  as shown in  FIG. 5 . Here, the gate electrode  45  is formed using a metal material such as, for example, molybdenum as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     Further, in the pixel switching element  31 , the gate insulating film  46   g  is formed in such a manner as to cover the gate electrode  45  as shown in  FIG. 5 . Here, the gate insulating film  46   g  is formed using an insulating material such as a silicon oxide film or a silicon nitride film. 
     Further, in the pixel switching element  31 , the semiconductor layer  48  has the channel region  48 C formed thereon in such a manner as to correspond to the gate electrode  45  as shown in  FIG. 5 , and a pair of source-drain regions  48 A and  48 B are formed in such a manner as to sandwich the channel region  48 C therebetween. The source-drain regions  48 A and  48 B in pair have a pair of low concentration impurity regions  48 AL and  48 BL formed thereon in such a manner as to sandwich the channel region  48 C therebetween. Further, a pair of high concentration impurity regions  48 AH and  48 BH having a higher impurity concentration than the low concentration impurity regions  48 AL and  48 BL are formed in such a manner as to sandwich the low concentration impurity regions  48 AL and  48 BL therebetween. Here, the semiconductor layer  48  is formed using a semiconductor material such as, for example, polycrystalline silicon as shown in  FIG. 4 , and the source-drain regions  48 A and  48 B in pair are provided in a juxtaposed relationship in a direction perpendicular to the x direction along which the gate lines G 1  extend such that the channel region  48 C is sandwiched by the source-drain regions  48 A and  48 B. 
     In the pixel switching element  31 , a source electrode  53  is provided so as to be electrically connected to the one source-drain region  48 A while a drain electrode  54  is provided so as to be connected to the other source-drain region  48 A. Further, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the source electrode  53  is connected to the data line S 1  through a contact (not shown), and the drain electrode  54  is connected to the pixel electrode  62   a  through a contact (not shown). Here, the source electrode  53  and the drain electrode  54  are formed using a conductive material such as aluminum. 
     In the TFT array substrate  201 , the pixel electrode  62   a  is formed on the face of the TFT array substrate  201  which opposes to the opposing substrate  202  as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     Here, the pixel electrode  62   a  is provided, as shown in  FIG. 3 , on an insulating film  60   c  formed from an insulating material in such a manner as to cover the common electrode  62   b  on the TFT array substrate  201 . For example, the pixel electrode  62   a  is formed on the insulating film  60   c  formed as a silicon nitride film. This pixel electrode  62   a  is provided so as to correspond to the red filter layer  21 R, green filter layer  21 G and blue filter layer  21 B which configure the color filter layer  21  as shown in  FIG. 3 . The pixel electrode  62  is a so-called transparent electrode and is formed using, for example, ITO. 
     Meanwhile, the pixel electrode  62   a  is electrically connected to the drain electrode  54  of the pixel switching element  31  as shown in  FIG. 4 . The pixel electrode  62   a  generates a transverse electric field between the pixel electrode  62   a  and the common electrode  62   b  by a potential supplied thereto as an image signal from the pixel switching element  31  to apply a voltage to the liquid crystal layer  203 . 
     In the present embodiment, since the liquid crystal panel  200  is of the FFS type, the pixel electrode  62   a  is formed in a comb-tooth shape in a direction of the xy face of the TFT array substrate  201  opposing to the opposing substrate  202  as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     In particular, the pixel electrode  62   a  has a trunk portion  62   ak  and a branch portion  62   ae  as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     In the pixel electrode  62   a , the trunk portion  62   ak  extends in the x direction as shown in  FIG. 4 . Here, as shown in  FIG. 4 , a plurality of gate lines G 1  extending in the x direction are juxtaposed in a spaced relationship from each other in the y direction, and two trunk portions  62   ak  are provided between the plural gate lines G 1  juxtaposed in the y direction. 
     In the pixel electrode  62   a , the branch portion  62   ae  is connected to the trunk portion  62   ak  and extends in a direction different from the x direction and the y direction and inclined with respect to the y direction as shown in  FIG. 4 . A plurality of such branch portions  62   ae  are disposed so as to be juxtaposed in a spaced relationship from each other in the x direction as shown in  FIG. 4 , and the plural branch portions  62   ae  are connected at one end portion thereof to the trunk portion  62   ak  and extend so as to be parallel to each other. In the present embodiment, a plurality of data lines S 1  extending in a direction different from the x direction and the y direction and inclined with respect to the y direction are provided and juxtaposed in a spaced relationship from each other in the x direction as shown in  FIG. 4 . For example, four branch portions  62   ae  are provided between the plural gate lines G 1  juxtaposed in the y direction. Further, the branch portions  62   ae  are formed so as to extend in the direction along which the data lines S 1  extend. Here, the branch portions  62   ae  preferably extend in a direction inclined within an angular range equal to or greater than 2° but equal to or smaller than 45° with respect to the y direction, and in the present embodiment, the branch portions  62   ae  are inclined, for example, at an angle of 20°. 
     In the TFT array substrate  201 , the common electrode  62   b  is formed on the face side of the TFT array substrate  201  which opposes to the opposing substrate  202  as shown in  FIG. 3 . Here, the common electrode  62   b  is provided on a flattening film  60   b  formed on the TFT array substrate  201 . For example, the common electrode  62   b  is provided on the flattening film  60   b  formed from an organic compound such as an acrylic resin. The common electrode  62   b  is a so-called transparent electrode and is formed, for example, using ITO. The common electrode  62   b  opposes to the plural pixel electrodes  62   a  provided so as to correspond to the plural pixels P with the insulating film  60   c  interposed therebetween. In the present embodiment, since the liquid crystal panel  200  is of the FFS type, the common electrode  62   b  is formed solidly so as to cover the overall area of the pixel region PA in the direction of the xy plane of the TFT array substrate  201  opposing to the opposing substrate  202 . 
     On the TFT array substrate  201 , each data line S 1  is formed on the face side of the TFT array substrate  201  which opposes to the opposing substrate  202  as shown in  FIG. 3 . Here, the data line S 1  is provided on the interlayer insulating film  60   a  formed on the TFT array substrate  201 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the data line S 1  is formed using a metal material such as, for example, aluminum. The data line S 1  is electrically connected to the source electrode  53  of the pixel switching element  31 . 
     Further, a plurality of such data lines S 1  are provided in a spaced relationship from each other in the x direction as shown in  FIG. 4 . Here, the plural data lines S 1  are provided in a plurality of pixels P in such a manner as to define the plural pixels P juxtaposed in the x direction. 
     In the present embodiment, each data line S 1  includes an inclined portion S 1   k , a horizontal portion S 1   x  and a leader portion S 1   h  as shown in  FIG. 4 , and the data lines S 1  are formed in the plural pixels P so as to correspond to the plural pixels P juxtaposed in the y direction. 
     The inclined portion S 1   k  of the data line S 1  extends in a direction different from the x direction and the y direction and inclined with respect to the y direction in the pixel region PA as shown in  FIG. 4 . The inclined portion S 1   k  of the data line S 1  preferably extends in a direction inclined within an angular range equal to or greater than 2° but equal to or smaller than 45° in the pixel region PA similarly to the branch portion  62   ae  of the pixel electrode  62   a , and in the present embodiment, the inclined portion S 1   k  is inclined at an angle of, for example, 20°. 
     Further, the horizontal portion S 1   x  of the data line S 1  extends in the x direction in the pixel region PA as shown in  FIG. 4 . In particular, the horizontal portion S 1   x  is connected to an upper end portion of the inclined portion S 1   k  and extends to the left side in the x direction from the upper end portion as shown in  FIG. 4 . Further, the horizontal portion S 1   x  is connected to a lower end portion of the inclined portion S 1   k  of the data line S 1  provided in a subpixel of another adjacent pixel P. In the present embodiment, the horizontal portion S 1   x  is provided in an overlapping relationship with the gate line G 1  provided so as to extend in the x direction as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     Further, the leader portion S 1   h  of the data line S 1  is formed so as to draw a channel shape as shown in  FIG. 4 . In particular, the leader portion S 1   h  first extends from the upper end portion of the inclined portion S 1   k  to the upper side in the y direction in the pixel region PA, and extends to the right side in the x direction, and then extends to the lower side in the y direction until it is connected to the source electrode  53  of the pixel switching element  31 . 
     On the TFT array substrate  201 , though not shown in  FIG. 3 , the gate line G 1  is formed on a face of the TFT array substrate  201  such that it is integrated with the gate electrode  45  shown in  FIG. 5 . In particular, the gate line G 1  is electrically connected to the gate electrode  45  of the pixel switching element  31  as shown in  FIG. 4  and formed on the face of the TFT array substrate  201  on the side which opposes to the opposing substrate  202 , and is covered with the interlayer insulating film  60   a  shown in  FIG. 3 . Here, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the gate line G 1  is formed using a metal material such as, for example, molybdenum. This gate line G 1  extends in the x direction as shown in  FIG. 4 , and a plurality of such gate lines G 1  are provided in a spaced relationship from each other in the y direction in such a manner as to define a plurality of pixels P juxtaposed in the y direction. The plural gate lines G 1  are connected to the vertical driving circuit  11  shown in  FIG. 1 , and when image display is to be carried out, a scanning signal is supplied successively to the gate lines G 1  to place the individual pixel switching elements  31  into an on state. 
     Details of the opposing substrate  202  which configures the liquid crystal panel  200  described above are described. 
     The color filter layer  21  provided on the opposing substrate  202  is formed on the face of the opposing substrate  202  which opposes to the TFT array substrate  201  as shown in  FIG. 3 . The color filter layer  21  is formed such that the three primary colors of red, green and blue make one set and includes a red filter layer  21 R, a green filter layer  21 G and a blue filter layer  21 B. For example, each of the red filter layer  21 R, green filter layer  21 G and blue filter layer  21 B is formed by applying application liquid containing a coloring pigment corresponding to the color and a photoresist material by a coating method such as a spin coating method to form a coating film and then carrying patterning working of the coating film by a lithography technique. Here, for example, a polyimide resin is used as the photoresist material. Each of the red filter layer  21 R, green filter layer  21 G and blue filter layer  21 B is configured such that illuminating light R emitted from the backlight  300  is colored and transmitted from the TFT array substrate  201  side to the opposing substrate  202  side. In particular, the red filter layer  21 R colors the white illuminating light R into red, the green filter layer  21 G colors the illuminating light R into green, and the blue filter layer  21 B colors the illuminating light R into blue, to transmit the illuminating light R therethrough. 
       FIG. 6  is a plan view showing part of the opposing substrate  202  in the embodiment 1 according to the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the red filter layer  21 R, green filter layer  21 G and blue filter layer  21 B which configure the color filter layer  21  are formed so as to be juxtaposed with each other in the x direction. Here, each portion is formed so as to correspond to the pixel electrode  62   a  described hereinabove, and in the present embodiment, the red filter layer  21 R, green filter layer  21 G and blue filter layer  21 B extend in a direction inclined with respect to the y direction similarly to the branch portion  62   ae  of the pixel electrode  62   a  as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     Details of the liquid crystal layer  203  which configures the liquid crystal panel  200  described above are described. 
     In the liquid crystal panel  200 , the liquid crystal layer  203  is sandwiched between the TFT array substrate  201  and the opposing substrate  202  as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     Further, the liquid crystal layer  203  is oriented by liquid crystal orientation films (not shown) formed on faces of the TFT array substrate  201  and the opposing substrate  202  which oppose to each other. The liquid crystal layer  203  is oriented such that the longitudinal direction of liquid crystal molecules extends along the direction of the xy face along which the TFT array substrate  201  and the opposing substrate  202  oppose to each other. Here, the liquid crystal layer  203  is configured using positive type liquid crystal. 
     In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer  203  are oriented in a direction different from the x direction and the y direction in the pixel region PA and inclined with respect to the y direction. In particular, the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer  203  are oriented so as to be inclined further, for example, by an angle θ of 5° from an angle by which the branch portion  62   ae  of the pixel electrode  62   a  and the inclined portion S 1   k  of the data line S 1  are inclined with respect to the y direction in the pixel region PA. In short, the liquid crystal layer  203  is subject to an orientation process by carry out a rubbing process setting the rubbing direction RH to an angle inclined, for example, by the angle θ of 5° with respect to the direction in which the branch portion  62   ae  of the pixel electrode  62   a  and the inclined portion S 1   k  of the data line S 1  extend in the pixel region PA as shown in  FIG. 4 . It is to be noted that the angle θ of the inclination with respect to the direction in which the branch portion  62   ae  of the pixel electrode  62   a  and the inclined portion S 1   k  of the data line S 1  extend in the pixel region PA preferably is within a range equal to or greater than 2° but equal to or smaller than 45°. Further, the first polarizing plate  206  is disposed on the light incoming side of the liquid crystal panel  200  such that the light transmission axis thereof corresponds to the orientation direction of the liquid crystal layer  203 . Further, the second polarizing plate  207  is disposed on the light outgoing side of the liquid crystal panel  200  such that the light transmission axis thereof extends perpendicularly to the light transmission axis of the first polarizing plate  206 . 
     As described above, in the present embodiment, the branch portion  62   ae  of the pixel electrode  62   a  extends in a direction different from the x direction and the y direction in the pixel region PA and inclined with respect to the y direction. Further, the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer  203  are oriented similarly in a direction different from the x direction and the y direction in the pixel region PA and inclined with respect to the y direction. 
     Therefore, in the present embodiment, when a user wearing polarizing sunglasses including polarizing elements having an transmission axis coincident with the x direction or the y direction in the pixel region PA observes an image displayed in the pixel region PA through the polarizing elements, in any of the landscape state and the portrait state, the transmission axis along which light is transmitted through the polarizing elements is not different by a great amount from the transmission axis along which light is transmitted through the liquid crystal panel  200  and the second polarizing plate  207 . Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the visibility when the user visually recognizes an image displayed on the screen is improved. 
     Further, in the present embodiment, also the inclined portion S 1   k  of the data line S 1  extends in a direction different from the x direction and the y direction in the pixel region PA and inclined with respect to the y direction similarly to the branch portion  62   ae  of the pixel electrode  62   a . Here, the inclination angle of the branch portion  62   ae  of the pixel electrode  62   a  and the inclination angle of the inclined portion S 1   k  of the data line S 1  coincide with each other, and the branch portion  62   ae  of the pixel electrode  62   a  and the inclined portion S 1   k  of the data line S 1  extend along the same direction. 
     Therefore, according to the present embodiment, that a domain through which light is not transmitted is generated in the pixel region PA can be suppressed, and therefore, the light transmittance can be improved and the image quality can be improved. 
     Particularly, in the present embodiment, the inclined portion S 1   k  of the data line S 1  and the branch portion  62   ae  of the pixel electrode  62   a  extend in a direction inclined within an angular range equal to or greater than 2° but equal to or smaller than 45° with respect to the y direction in the pixel region PA. Where the inclination angle is smaller than 2°, the effects cannot sometimes be exhibited sufficiently, but where the inclination angle is greater than 45°, the light transmittance sometimes drops. Therefore, since the transmission axis along which light is transmitted through the polarizing element is not different by a great amount from the transmission axis along which light is transmitted through the liquid crystal panel  200  and the second polarizing plate  207 , this is more preferable. It is to be noted that, where the transmission axes are inclined at the angle of 45° with respect to the y direction in the pixel region PA, this is most preferable because the transmission axes extend along an intermediate position between the landscape orientation and the portrait orientation in which the pixel region PA extends perpendicularly to that in the landscape orientation. 
     Further, in the present embodiment, a plurality of gate lines G 1  are provided in a spaced relationship from each other in the x direction in the plural pixels P in such a manner as to define sub pixels of the plural pixels P juxtaposed in the x direction. Further, the plural data lines S 1  are not formed so as to be connected to the plural pixels P juxtaposed in a direction inclined with respect to the y direction but are provided in a spaced relationship from each other in the y direction in the plural pixels P in such a manner as to define the plural pixels P juxtaposed in the y direction. 
     In short, while the center of gravity of the pixel is maintained, the branch portion  62   ae  of the pixel electrode  62   a  and the inclined portion S 1   k  of the data line S 1  are inclined in a direction different from the x direction and the y direction in the pixel region PA and inclined with respect to the y direction. 
     Therefore, according to the present embodiment, since it is unnecessary to separately carry out a signal process for converting a scanning signal and a data signal to allow display in accordance with the line sequential method, increase of the fabrication cost can be suppressed and improvement of the image quality can be implemented. 
     Embodiment 2 
     In the following, an embodiment 2 according to the present invention is described. 
       FIG. 7  is a plan view schematically showing part of a TFT array substrate  201  with regard to a pixel P provided in a pixel region PA in the embodiment 2 according to the present invention. 
     The present embodiment is different from the embodiment 1 in the pixel electrode  62   a  and the data line S 1  as shown in  FIG. 7 . Except this, the present embodiment is similar to the embodiment 1. Therefore, description of common components is omitted. 
     In the pixel electrode  62   a  in the present embodiment, the branch portion  62   ae  is formed so as to be inclined by an angle greater than that in the case of the embodiment 1 with respect to the y direction as shown in  FIG. 7 . For example, the branch portion  62   ae  is inclined by an angle of 30°. 
     Further, the data line S 1  in the present embodiment includes a bent portion S 1   p  in addition to an inclined portion S 1   k,  a horizontal portion S 1   x  and a leader portion S 1   h  as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     Although the inclined portion S 1   k  of the data line S 1  is formed similarly to that in the embodiment 1 as shown in  FIG. 7 , in the present embodiment, the inclined portion S 1   k  is inclined at the angle of 30° with respect to the y direction in the pixel region PA similarly to the branch portion  62   ae.    
     Further, the horizontal portion S 1   x  of the data line S 1  and the leader portion S 1   h  of the data line S 1  are formed similarly as in the embodiment 1 as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     Further, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the bent portion S 1   p  of the data line S 1  is bent like a staircase in the x direction and the y direction in such a manner as to be spaced away from another data line S 1  provided so as to correspond to a subpixel of an adjacent pixel P in the pixel region PA. In particular, the bent portion S 1   p  extends to the upper side in the y direction from a left side end portion of the horizontal portion S 1   x  in the pixel region PA, extends to the left side in the x direction from the point and is connected to a lower end portion of the inclined portion S 1   k  of the data line S 1  provided for another pixel P positioned adjacent thereto. 
       FIG. 8  is a plan view schematically showing part of the TFT array substrate  201  with regard to a pixel P provided in the pixel region PA where the data line S 1  is formed without providing the bent portion S 1   p  in the embodiment 2 according to the present invention. 
     In the case wherein the branch portion  62   ae  of the pixel electrode  62   a  is inclined by a great angle with respect to the y direction as in the present embodiment, where the data line S 1  is formed without providing the bent portion S 1   p,  it becomes likely to contact with another data line S 1  provided so as to correspond to a subpixel of an adjacent pixel P in the pixel region PA. In this instance, a malfunction or the like occurs, and the image quality sometimes drops. 
     Therefore, in the present embodiment, the data line S 1  is formed so as to include the bent portion S 1   p  as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     Accordingly, in the present embodiment, it is possible to incline the inclined portion S 1   k  of the data line S 1  and the branch portion  62   ae  of the pixel electrode  62   a  to an angle proximate to 45° with respect to the y direction in the pixel region PA. Further, since the restriction to the inclination angle disappears, the visibility can be improved further and it can be prevented readily that the data line S 1  contacts with another data line S 1 , occurrence of the fault that the image quality deteriorates can be prevented. 
     Embodiment 3 
     In the following, an embodiment 3 according to the present invention is described. 
       FIG. 9  is a plan view schematically showing part of a TFT array substrate  201  with regard to a pixel P provided in a pixel region PA in the embodiment 3 according to the present invention. 
     The present embodiment is different from the embodiment 1 in the pixel electrode  62   a  and the data line S 1  as shown in  FIG. 9 . Except this, the present embodiment is similar to the embodiment 1. Overlapping description of common components is omitted. 
     In the data line S 1  in the present embodiment, the inclined portion S 1   k  includes a first inclined portion S 1   ka  and a second inclined portion S 1   kb  as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     Here, the first inclined portion S 1   ka  extends in a direction different from the x direction and the y direction in the pixel region PA and inclined with respect to the y direction as shown in  FIG. 9 . This first inclined portion S 1   ka  extends from a lower end portion to a central portion of the pixel P. Further, the first inclined portion S 1   ka  preferably extends in a direction inclined within an angular range equal to or greater than 2° but equal to or smaller than 45° with respect to the y direction in the pixel region PA. In the present embodiment, the first inclined portion S 1   ka  is inclined at an angle of, for example, 25°. 
     Meanwhile, the second inclined portion S 1   kb  extends in a direction different from the x direction and the y direction in the pixel region PA and different from the extension direction in which the first inclined portion S 1   ka  extends as shown in  FIG. 9 . This second inclined portion S 1   kb  extends from a central portion to an upper end portion of the pixel P. This second inclined portion S 1   ka  preferably extends in a direction inclined within an angular range equal to or greater than 2° but equal to or smaller than 45° with respect to the y direction in the pixel region PA. In the present embodiment, the second inclined portion S 1   kb  is inclined by an angle of, for example, 15°. 
     Further, in the pixel electrode  62   a  in the present embodiment, the branch portion  62   ae  is formed so as to extend along a direction along which the first inclined portion S 1   ka  and the second inclined portion S 1   kb  of the inclined portion S 1   k  extend as shown in  FIG. 9 . In short, the branch portion  62   ae  is inclined, within a range from a lower end portion to a central portion of the pixel P, at an angle of, for example, 25° with respect to the y direction similarly to the first inclined portion S 1   ka.  Then, the branch portion  62   ae  is inclined, within a range from a central portion to an upper end portion of the pixel P, at an angle of, for example, 15° with respect to the y direction similarly to the second inclined portion S 1   kb.    
     Further, in the present embodiment, the liquid crystal layer  203  is subject to an orientation process by carrying out a rubbing process setting the rubbing direction to a direction inclined by an angle of 5° in absolute value with respect to the extension direction of the first inclined portion S 1   ka  and the extension direction of the second inclined portion S 1   kb  as shown in  FIG. 9 . In short, the liquid crystal layer  203  is subject to an orientation process by carrying out a rubbing process so that the angle θ 1  between the extension direction of the first inclined portion S 1   ka  and the rubbing direction and the angle θ 2  between the extension direction of the second inclined portion S 1   kb  and the rubbing direction may be equal to each other (in short, θ 1 =θ 2 ). 
     By providing the components in such a manner as described above, in the present embodiment, the liquid crystal panel  200  is formed so as to have a dual domain structure. 
     As described above, the liquid crystal panel  200  in the present embodiment has a dual domain structure wherein two domains are included in a pixel P, and the inclined portion S 1   k  of the data line S 1  includes the first inclined portion S 1   ka  and the second inclined portion S 1   kb  whose inclination angles with respect to the y direction are different from each other and the first inclined portion S 1   ka  and the second inclined portion S 1   kb  are provided so as to correspond to one pixel P in the pixel region PA. Further, the branch portion  62   ae  of the pixel electrode  62   a  is formed such that it extends along a direction along which the first inclined portion S 1   ka  and the second inclined portion S 1   kb  extend. 
     Therefore, since, in the present embodiment, that a domain through which light is not transmitted appears in the pixel region PA can be suppressed similarly as in the embodiment 1, the light transmittance can be improved and the image quality can be improved. 
     Embodiment 4 
     In the following, an embodiment 4 according to the present invention is described. 
       FIG. 10  is a plan view schematically showing part of a TFT array substrate  201  with regard to a pixel P provided in a pixel region PA in the embodiment 4 according to the present invention.  FIG. 10  shows two pixels P provided in an even-numbered row and an odd-numbered row among the pixels P juxtaposed in the y direction. 
     The present embodiment is different from the embodiment 1 in a pixel electrode  62   a  and a data line S 1  as shown in  FIG. 10 . Except this, the present embodiment is similar to the embodiment 1. Therefore, overlapping description of common components is omitted. 
     In the data line S 1  in the present embodiment, the inclined portion S 1   k  of the data line S 1  includes a first inclined portion S 1   ka  and a second inclined portion S 1   kb  as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     Here, the first inclined portion S 1   ka  is provided in those of the pixels P juxtaposed in the y direction which belong to one of an even-numbered row and an odd-numbered row. For example, the first inclined portion S 1   ka  is provided so as to correspond to an odd-numbered row. Further, the first inclined portion S 1   ka  extends in a direction different from the x direction and the y direction in the pixel region PA and inclined with respect to the y direction. This first inclined portion S 1   ka  extends, for example, from a lower end portion to an upper end portion of a pixel P in an odd-numbered row. Further, the first inclined portion S 1   ka  preferably extends in a direction inclined within an angular range equal to or greater than 2° but equal to or smaller than 45° with respect to the y direction in the pixel region PA. In the present embodiment, the first inclined portion S 1   ka  is inclined at an angle of, for example, 25°. 
     Meanwhile, the second inclined portion S 2   kb  is provided on those of the pixels P juxtaposed in the y direction which belong to one of an even-numbered row and an odd-numbered row as shown in  FIG. 10 . For example, where the first inclined portion S 1   ka  is provided so as to correspond to an odd-numbered row, the second inclined portion S 2   kb  is provided so as to correspond to an even-numbered row. Further, the second inclined portion S 1   kb  extends in a direction different from the x direction and the y direction in the pixel region PA and different from the extension direction in which the first inclined portion S 1   ka  described above extends. This second inclined portion S 1   kb  extends, for example, from a lower end portion to an upper end portion of a pixel P in an even-numbered row. Further, this second inclined portion S 1   kb  preferably extends in a direction inclined within an angular range equal to or greater than 2° but equal to or smaller than 45° with respect to the y direction in the pixel region PA. In the present embodiment, the second inclined portion S 1   kb  is inclined at an angle of, for example, 15°. 
     Further, in the pixel electrode  62   a  of the present embodiment, the branch portion  62   ae  is formed so as to extend along the direction in which the first inclined portion S 1   ka  and the second inclined portion S 1   kb  of the inclined portion S 1   k  extend. In particular, the branch portion  62   ae  is inclined, in a pixel P which corresponds to an odd-numbered row from among a plurality of pixels P juxtaposed in the y direction, at an angle of, for example, 25° with respect to the y direction similarly to the first inclined portion S 1   ka.  Further, the branch portion  62   ae  is inclined, in a pixel P which corresponds to an even-numbered row from among the plural pixels P juxtaposed in the y direction, at an angle of, for example, 15° with respect to the y direction similarly to the second inclined portion S 1   kb.    
     Further, in the present embodiment, the liquid crystal layer  203  is subject to an orientation process by carrying out a rubbing process in a direction inclined at an angle of 5° in absolute value with respect to the extension direction of the first inclined portion S 1   ka  and the extension direction of the second inclined portion S 1   kb . In short, the liquid crystal layer  203  is subject to an orientation process by carrying out a rubbing process so that the angle θ 1  between the extension direction of the first inclined portion S 1   ka  and the rubbing direction and the angle θ 2  between the extension direction of the second inclined portion S 1   kb  and the rubbing direction may be equal to each other (in short, θ 1 =θ 2 ). 
     By providing the components in such a manner as described above, in the present embodiment, the liquid crystal panel  200  is formed so as to have a pseudo dual domain structure. 
     As described above, the liquid crystal panel  200  in the present embodiment has a pseudo dual domain structure wherein domains are different between two different pixels P adjacent each other, and the inclined portion S 1   k  of the data line S 1  includes the first inclined portion S 1   ka  and the second inclined portion S 1   kb  whose inclination angles with respect to the y direction are different from each other. Further, the first inclined portion S 1   ka  and the second inclined portion S 1   kb  are disposed such that they are juxtaposed alternately with each other in a plurality of pixels P juxtaposed in the y direction in the pixel region PA. Further the branch portion  62   ae  of the pixel electrode  62   a  is formed such that it extends in the direction in which the first inclined portion S 1   ka  and the second inclined portion S 1   kb  extend. 
     Therefore, since, in the present embodiment, that a domain through which light is not transmitted appears in the pixel region PA can be suppressed similarly as in the embodiment 1, the light transmittance can be improved and the image quality can be improved. 
     In carrying out the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but various modified forms can be adopted. 
     For example, while, in the embodiments described above, the gate line G 1  is formed so as to extend in the x direction while the data line S 1  is not formed so as to extend in the y direction but is formed in an inclined relationship, the present invention is not limited to this. Similar effects can be achieved also where, for example, the gate line G 1  is not formed so as to extend in the x direction but is formed in an inclined relationship while the data line S 1  is formed so as to extend along the y direction. Also where the gate line G 1  is formed in an inclined relationship with respect to the x direction and the data line S 1  is formed in an inclined relationship with respect to the y direction, similar effects can be achieved. 
     Further, for example, in the embodiments described above, the branch portion  62   ae  of the pixel electrodes  62   a  is formed so as to extend along the direction along which the inclined portion S 1   k  of the data line S 1  extends. In short, it is described that the inclination angle of the inclined portion S 1   k  of the data line S 1  and the inclination angle of the branch portion  62   ae  of the pixel electrode  62   a  are made coincide with each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the inclination angle of the data line S 1  and the inclination angle of the branch portion  62   ae  of the pixel electrode  62   a  may not coincide with each other. However, in order to suppress appearance of a domain through which light is not transmitted, it is preferable to make the inclination angle of the inclined portion S 1   k  of the data line S 1  and the inclination angle of the branch portion  62   ae  of the pixel electrode  62   a  coincide with each other. Further, while, in the embodiments described above, positive type liquid crystal is used for the liquid crystal layer  203 , the present invention is not limited to this, and negative type liquid crystal may be used for configuration of the liquid crystal layer  203 . In this instance, the present invention can be applied by reversing the orientation axis by 90°. For example, in  FIG. 4 , a direction, for example, inclined downwardly by an angle of 5° with respect to the x direction is used as the orientation direction (rubbing direction). 
     Further, for example, in the present embodiment, the pixel switching element  31  described above is configured as a thin film transistor of the bottom gate type, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the pixel switching element  31  may be configured using a thin film transistor of the top gate type. 
     Further, for example, in the embodiments described above, the present invention is applied to the FFS type, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied, for example, to the IPS (In-Plane-Switching) type. 
     Further, the liquid crystal display apparatus  100  of the present embodiment can be applied as a part of various electronic apparatus. For example, the liquid crystal display apparatus  100  can be applied to such electronic apparatus as a digital still camera and a video camera. 
     It is to be noted that, in the embodiments described above, the liquid crystal display apparatus  100  corresponds to the display apparatus of the present invention. Further, in the embodiments described above, the liquid crystal panel  200  corresponds to the display panel in the present invention. Further, in the embodiments described above, the liquid crystal layer  203  corresponds to the liquid crystal layer in the present invention. Further, in the embodiments described above, the pixel electrode  62   a  corresponds to the pixel electrode in the present invention. Further, in the embodiments described above, the trunk portion  62   ak  corresponds to the trunk portion in the present invention. Further, in the embodiments described above, the branch portion  62   ae  corresponds to the branch portion in the present invention. Further, in the embodiments described above, the common electrode  62   b  corresponds to the common electrode in the present invention. Further, in the embodiments described above, the gate line G 1  corresponds to the first wire line in the present invention. Further, in the embodiments described above, the data line S 1  corresponds to the second wire line in the present invention. Further, in the embodiments described above, the inclined portion S 1   k  corresponds to the inclined portion in the present invention. Further, in the embodiments described above, the first inclined portion S 1   ka  corresponds to the first inclined portion in the present invention. Further, in the embodiments described above, the second inclined portion S 1   kb  corresponds to the second inclined portion in the present invention. Further, in the embodiments described above, the x direction corresponds to the first direction in the present invention. Further, in the embodiments described above, the y direction corresponds to the second direction in the present invention. Further, in the embodiments described above, the pixel region PA corresponds to the pixel region in the present invention. Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the pixel P corresponds to the pixel in the present invention.