Liquid crystal display device

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Applications No. 2014-262276, filed Dec. 25, 2014; and No. 2015-189312, filed Sep. 28, 2015, the entire contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a liquid crystal display device.

Liquid crystal display devices include, for example, columnar spacers to form a certain gap between a pair of substrates. Light leakage may occur around the spacers because of alignment disorder in liquid crystal molecules. As a countermeasure against such light leakage, there is a well-known technique of setting a light shielding layer overlapping a spacer larger than a light shielding layer not overlapping a spacer, for example. As another example, there is a well-known technique of using a light shielding layer with an enlarged part overlapping a spacer and a light shielding layer with an enlarged part not overlapping a spacer such that a difference in an aperture ratio between a pixel with a spacer and a pixel without a spacer can be reduced.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a display panel PNL of a liquid crystal display device of an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a plan view which shows an example of the structure of a pixel PX in an array substrate AR of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view which schematically shows the display panel PNL with the pixel structure of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4A is a plan view which shows a first structural example of a light shield SL and a spacer SP.

FIG. 4B is a plan view which shows a structural example of a sub light shield SLX 3 of FIG. 4A .

FIG. 4C is a plan view which shows a first variation of the light shield SL and the spacer SP.

FIG. 5A is a plan view which shows a second structural example of the light shield SL and the spacer SP.

FIG. 5B is a plan view which shows a second variation of the light shield SL and the spacer SP.

FIG. 6A is a plan view which shows a third structural example of the light shield SL and the spacer SP.

FIG. 6B is a plan view which shows a third variation of the light shield SL and the spacer SP.

FIG. 7A is a plan view which shows a fourth structural example of the light shield SL and the spacer SP.

FIG. 7B is a plan view which shows a fourth variation of the light shield SL and the spacer SP.

FIG. 8 is a plan view which shows a fifth structural example of the light shield SL and the spacer SP.

FIG. 9 is a plan view which shows the array substrate AR opposed to the spacer SP of FIG. 8 .

FIG. 10 is a plan view which shows a sixth structural example of the light shield SL and the spacer SP.

FIG. 11 is a plan view which shows a seventh structural example of the light shield SL and the spacer SP.

FIG. 12 is a plan view which shows an eighth structural example of the light shield SL and the spacer SP.

FIG. 13 is a plan view which shows a ninth structural example of the light shield SL and the spacer SP.

FIG. 14 shows another structure of the unit pixel UP.

FIG. 15 shows still another structure of the unit pixel UP.

FIG. 16 shows still another structure of the unit pixel UP.

In general, according to one embodiment, provided is a liquid crystal display device including:

a first substrate including first to fourth source lines arranged in series in a first direction and first to third gate lines arranged in series in a second direction; a second substrate opposed to the first substrate; a liquid crystal layer held between the first substrate and the second substrate; first to fourth main light shields opposed to the first to fourth source lines, respectively; a sub light shield crossing the first to fourth main light shields to be opposed to the second gate line; a spacer disposed between the second source line and the third source line; and a spacer light shield disposed around the spacer, wherein the spacer light shield includes a first part formed integrally with the second main light shield and the sub light shield between the first main light shield and the second main light shield, a second part formed integrally with the second main light shield, the third main light shield, and the sub light shield between the second main light shield and the third main light shield, and a third part formed integrally with the third main light shield and the sub light shield between the third main light shield and the fourth main light shield.

Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the disclosure is presented for the sake of exemplification, and any modification and variation conceived within the scope and spirit of the invention by a person having ordinary skill in the art are naturally encompassed in the scope of invention of the present application. Furthermore, the widths, thickness, shape, and the like of each element are depicted schematically in the Figures as compared to actual embodiments for the sake of simpler explanation, and they are not to limit the interpretation of the invention of the present application. Furthermore, in the description and figures of the present application, structural elements having the same or similar functions will be referred to by the same reference numbers and detailed explanations of them that are considered redundant may be omitted.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a display panel PNL of a liquid crystal display device of the present embodiment.

That is, the display panel PNL includes an array substrate (first substrate) AR, counter substrate (second substrate) CT opposed to the array substrate AR, and liquid crystal layer LQ held between the array substrate and the counter substrate CT. The array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT are adhered with a sealant SE with a certain gap formed therebetween. The gap is formed by spacers SP which will be explained later. The liquid crystal layer LQ is held inside the gap which is surrounded by the sealant SE and is held between the array substrate AT and the counter substrate CT. The display panel PNL includes an active area (display area) ACT inside the space surrounded by the sealant SE for image display. The active area ACT is composed of a plurality of pixels PX arranged in a matrix.

The array substrate AR includes, in the active area ACT, a gate line G extending in a first direction X, a source line S extending in a second direction Y which crosses the first direction X, a switching element SW electrically connected to the gate line G and source line S in each pixel PX, and a pixel electrode PE electrically connected to the switching element SW in each pixel PX. A common electrode CE of common potential is provided with the array substrate AR or the counter substrate CT to be opposed to a plurality of pixel electrodes PE. Note that the gate line G is not necessarily formed in a linear manner to be parallel to the first direction X and the source line S is not necessarily formed in a linear manner to be parallel to the second direction Y. That is, the gate line G and the source line S may be formed to bend or partly branch.

Note that, although the structure of the display panel PNL is not detailed here, display modes used therein include the following examples. A vertical field display mode such as twisted nematic (TN) mode, optically compensated bend (OCB) mode, and vertically aligned (VA) mode uses a vertical field along the normal to the substrate main surface (X-Y plane). An oblique field display mode uses an oblique field with respect to the substrate main surface. In the vertical field display mode and the oblique field mode, the pixel electrode PE is provided with the array substrate AR while the common electrode CE is provided with the counter substrate CT. A transverse field display mode such as in-plane switching (IPS) mode and fringe field switching (FFS) mode uses a transverse field along the substrate main surface. In the transverse field display mode, both the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE are provided with the array substrate AR. Furthermore, the display panel PNL may be of a display mode of an arbitrary combination of the vertical field, transverse field, and oblique field display modes.

Signal suppliers such as a drive IC chip 2 and flexible printed circuit (FPC) 3 are used for drive of the display panel PNL and are arranged in a peripheral area (non-display area) PRP outside the active area ACT. In the example depicted, the drive IC chip 2 and the FPC 3 are mounted on a mount MT of the array substrate AR which extends to the outside of a substrate end CTE of the counter substrate CT.

FIG. 2 is a plan view which shows an example of the structure of the pixel PX in the array substrate AR of FIG. 1 . Note that the pixel structure explained here is of the FFS mode display panel PNL, for example.

The array substrate AR includes gate lines G 1 and G 2 , source lines S 1 and S 2 , switching element SW, pixel electrode PE, common electrode CE, and first light shielding film SL 1 , for example.

Gate lines G 1 and G 2 extend along the first direction X and are arranged in the second direction Y at intervals. Source lines S 1 and S 2 basically extend in the second direction Y and are arranged in the first direction X at intervals. Gate lines G 1 and G 2 and source lines S 1 and S 2 cross each other.

The switching element SW is provided with the proximity of a crossing portion of gate line G 2 and source line S 1 and is electrically connected thereto. The switching element SW includes a semiconductor layer SC. The semiconductor layer SC is formed of polycrystalline silicon (p-Si), for example.

In the example depicted, the switching element SW is a double gate-type switching element which includes gate electrode WG 1 and gate electrode WG 2 . Gate electrodes WG 1 and WG 2 are components of gate line G 2 which is opposed to the semiconductor layer SC. The semiconductor layer SC has one end which is electrically connected to source line S 1 and has the other end which is electrically connected to the pixel electrode PE. Source line S 1 contacts one end of the semiconductor layer SC through contact hole CH 1 . A relay electrode RE is disposed between the other end of the semiconductor layer SC and the pixel electrode PE. The relay electrode RE contacts the other end of the semiconductor layer SC through contact hole CH 2 . The pixel electrode FE contacts the relay electrode RE through contact hole CH 3 . The first light shielding film SL 1 is formed in an island shape between source lines S 1 and S 2 . The first light shielding film SL 1 is disposed on the rear surface side of the semiconductor layer SC in an area opposed to gate electrode WG 2 .

The common electrode CE is formed to be opposed to a plurality of pixel electrodes PE. The common electrode CE is disposed on the rear surface side of the pixel electrodes PE. Slits SLA are formed in the pixel electrodes PE to face the common electrode CE. The slits SLA extend in a direction different from the first direction X and the second direction Y, and in this example, they extend substantially parallel to source lines S 1 and S 2 . In the example depicted, two slits SLA are formed in one pixel electrode PE; however, the number of the slits SLA may be only one or may be three or more. Furthermore, the pixel electrode PE may not have any slit. Note that the phrase rear surface side used here means a side opposed to a first insulating substrate 10 , which will be described later.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view which schematically shows the structure of the display panel PNL with the pixel structure of FIG. 2 . In the figure, only essential elements for the explanation are shown.

The display panel PNL includes an array substrate AR, counter substrate CT, liquid crystal layer LQ, and spacer SP. The spacer SP is interposed between the array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT. In this example, the spacer SP is provided with the counter substrate CT; however, it may be provided with the array substrate AR.

The array substrate AR is formed of a transparent first insulating substrate 10 such as a glass substrate or a resin substrate. The array substrate AR includes a first insulating film 11 , second insulating film 12 , third insulating film 13 , fourth insulating film 14 , fifth insulating film 15 , gate line G, source lines (S 1 to S 4 ), pixel electrodes PE 1 to PE 3 , common electrode CE, and first alignment film AL 1 . Note that an expression “on” used in the following explanation of the array substrate AR means its side closer to the counter substrate CT.

The first insulating film 11 is disposed on the first insulating substrate 10 . The second insulating film 12 is disposed on the first insulating film 11 . The third insulating film 13 is disposed on the second insulating film 12 . Source lines S (S 1 to S 4 ) are formed on the third insulating film 13 . The fourth insulating film 14 is disposed on the third insulating film 13 to cover source lines S (S 1 to S 4 ). Note that the first light shielding film SL 1 of FIG. 2 is disposed between the first insulating substrate 10 and the first insulating film 11 , and similarly, the semiconductor layer SC of the switching element SW is disposed between the first insulating film 11 and the second insulating film 12 , the gate line G and gate electrodes WG 1 and WG 2 are disposed between the second insulating film 12 and the third insulating film 13 , and the relay electrode RE is disposed between the third insulating film 13 and the fourth insulating film 14 .

The common electrode CE is disposed on the fourth insulating film 14 . The common electrode CE is formed of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) and indium zinc oxide (la)). The common electrode CE is covered with the fifth insulating film 15 .

Pixel electrodes PE 1 to PE 3 are disposed on the fifth insulating film 15 to face the common electrode CE. Pixel electrodes PE 1 to PE 3 each include slits SLA. Pixel electrodes PE 1 to PE 3 are formed of a transparent conductive material such as ITO or IZO. Pixel electrodes PE 1 to PE 3 are covered with the first alignment film AL 1 . The first alignment film AL 1 covers the fifth insulating film 15 . The first alignment film AL 1 is formed of a material indicative of a horizontal alignment state, and is provided with the array substrate AR on the surface contacting the liquid crystal layer LQ.

On the other hand, the counter substrate CT is formed of a transparent second insulating substrate 20 such as a glass substrate or a resin substrate. The counter substrate CT includes a second light shielding film SL 2 , color filters CF 1 to CF 3 , overcoat layer OC, and second alignment film AL 2 on the second insulating substrate 20 at the side opposed to the array substrate AR.

The second light shielding film SL 2 is provided with the second insulating substrate 20 on the side opposed to the array substrate AR. The second light shielding film SL 2 is disposed along each border of pixels to form apertures AP 1 to AP 3 opposed to pixel electrodes PE 1 to PE 3 , respectively. In the example depicted, the second light shielding film SL 2 is formed in the positions opposed to source lines S 1 to S 4 . The second light shielding film SL 2 is formed of a black resin material or a light shielding metal material.

Color filters CF 1 to CF 3 are provided with the second insulating substrate 20 on the side opposed to the array substrate AR and they partly overlap the second light shielding film SL 2 . In this example, color filter CF 1 is disposed in aperture AP 1 , color filter CF 2 is disposed in aperture AP 2 , and color filter CF 3 is disposed in aperture AP 3 . Color filters CF 1 to CF 3 are formed of resin materials of different colors. In this example, color filter CF 1 is red, color filter CF 2 is green, and color filter CF 3 is blue. Note that, a color filer of a color other than blue, red, and green may be added to color filters CF 1 to CF 3 , and the additional one may be white or substantially transparent.

The overcoat layer OC covers color filters CF 1 to CF 3 . The overcoat layer OC is formed of a transparent resin material. The second alignment film AL 2 covers the overcoat layer OC. The second alignment film AL 2 is formed of a material indicative of a horizontal alignment state and is provided with the counter substrate CT on the surface contacting the liquid crystal layer LQ.

A spacer SP is shaped in, for example, a column and extends from the overcoat layer OC toward the array substrate AR. The spacer SP is formed at a position opposed to the source line S, and in this example, it is formed at a position opposed to a crossing point of the gate line G and the source line S.

The array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT explained above are arranged such that the first alignment film AL 1 and the second alignment film AL 2 face each other. At that time, a certain cell gap is formed by a columnar spacer SP (described later) between the array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT. The array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT are attached together by a sealant SE with the cell gap formed therebetween. The liquid crystal layer LQ is filled between the first alignment film AL 1 of the array substrate AR and the second alignment film AL 2 of the counter substrate CT.

At the rear surface side of the display panel PNL structured as above, a backlight unit BL is disposed. Various models can be applied to the backlight unit BL; however, details thereof are not described here.

A first optical element OD 1 including a first polarizer PL 1 is provided with the outer surface of the array substrate AR, that is, the outer surface of the first insulating substrate 10 . A second optical element OD 2 including a second polarizer PL 2 is provided with the outer surface of the counter substrate CT, that is, the outer surface of the second insulating substrate 20 . The first polarizer PL 1 has a first absorption axis and the second polarizer PL 2 has a second absorption axis, and the first absorption axis and the second absorption axis are in a crossed-Nicol state.

Now, a first structural example of a light shield SL will be explained.

FIG. 4A is a plan view which shows a first structural example of the light shield SL and the spacer SP.

The light shield SL includes a plurality of main light shields SLY arranged in the first direction X and a plurality of sub light shields SLX arranged in the second direction Y. The main light shields SLY and the sub light shields SLX are mainly formed of the second light shielding film SL 2 . The sub light shields SLX are at least partly formed of the first light shielding film SL 1 .

The main light shields SLY extend along the second direction Y. In the example depicted, the main light shields SLY partly bend to be parallel to a direction different from the first direction X and the second direction Y; however, the bending direction is substantially parallel to the second direction Y. The sub light shields SLX extend linearly along the first direction X. The main light shields SLY and the sub light shields SLX cross each other to form the apertures AP arranged in a matrix.

A unit pixel UP for color display is composed of a plurality of different color pixels. The unit pixel UP is a minimum unit of a color image displayed in the active area. In the example depicted, the unit pixel UP is composed of three pixels PXR, PXG, and PXB arranged in the first direction X. Pixel PXR is a red pixel, pixel PXG is green pixel, and pixel PXB is a blue pixel. The apertures AP are formed to correspond to pixels PXR, PXG, and PXB.

Color filters CF 1 to CF 3 extend in the second direction Y to overlap the apertures AP arranged in the second direction Y. Color filters CF 1 to CF 3 are arranged in the first direction X in this order. Ends of adjacent color filters overlap the main light shields SLY. In this example, color filter CF 1 is a red color filter, color filter CF 2 is a green color filter, and color filter CF 3 is a blue color filter.

Here, the following explanation will be given focusing on main light shields SLY 1 to SLY 4 of the main light shields SLY and sub light shields SLX 1 to SLX 3 of the sub light shields SLX. Sub light shield SLX 2 is expanded in the second direction Y between main light shields SLY 1 and SLY 3 . That is, sub light shield SLX 2 has a width W 1 in the second direction Y between main light shields SLY 1 and SLY 2 , a width W 2 in the second direction Y between main light shields SLY 2 and SLY 3 , and a width W 3 in the second direction Y between the main light shields SLY 3 and SLY 4 , and widths W 1 and W 2 are each greater than width W 3 . Thus, a crossing portion CR of main light shield SLY 2 and sub light shield SLX 2 is expanded to have a greater area as compared to crossing portions of other main light shield and sub light shield.

The spacer SP is disposed to a position opposed to the expanded crossing portion CR. The spacer SP is positioned at substantially the center of the crossing portion CR. That is, the spacer SP and sub light shield SLX 2 are on the same straight line. Thus, the periphery of the spacer SP is light-shielded over a relatively large area.

On the other hand, sub light shield SLX 1 is narrowed in the second direction Y between main light shields SLY 1 and SLY 3 . That is, sub light shield SLX 1 has a width W 11 along the second direction Y between main light shields SLY 1 and SLY 2 , a width W 12 along the second direction Y between main light shields SLY 2 and SLY 3 , and a width W 13 along the second direction Y between main light shields SLY 3 and SLY 4 , and widths W 11 and W 12 are each less than width W 13 . Note that widths W 11 and W 12 are substantially equal. Similarly, sub light shield SLX 3 is narrowed in the second direction Y between main light shields SLY 1 and SLY 3 . That is, sub light shield SLX 3 has a width W 21 along the second direction Y between main light shields SLY 1 and SLY 2 , a width W 22 along the second direction Y between main light shields SLY 2 and SLY 3 , and a width W 23 along the second direction Y between main light shields SLY 3 and SLY 4 . Note that widths W 21 and W 22 are substantially equal.

Apertures AP 1 to AP 3 are arranged in the first direction X in this order. Aperture AP 1 is defined by main light shields SLY 1 and LSY 2 and sub light shields SLX 1 and SLX 2 . Aperture AP 2 is defined by main light shields SLY 2 and SLY 3 and sub light shields SLX 1 and SLX 2 . Aperture AP 3 is defined by main light shields SLY 3 and SLY 4 and sub light shields SLX 1 and SLX 2 . Apertures AP 1 and PA 2 are shifted to be further distant from the spacer SP along the second direction Y that is aperture AP 3 .

Apertures AP 4 to AP 6 are arranged in the first direction X in this order. Aperture AP 4 is defined by main light shields SLY 1 and SLY 2 and sub light shields SLX 2 and SLX 3 . Aperture AP 5 is defined by main light shields SLY 2 and SLY 3 and sub light shields SLX 2 and SLX 3 . Aperture AP 6 is defined by main light shields SLY 3 and SLY 4 and sub light shields SLX 2 and SLX 3 . Apertures AP 4 and AP 5 are shifted to be further distant from the spacer SP along the second direction Y than is aperture AP 6 . Each of apertures AP 4 and AP 5 is equal in size to aperture AP 6 .

That is, in the first structural example, a spacer SP is provided with the expanded crossing portion CR of main light shield SLY 2 and sub light shield SLX 2 with a light shielding area formed around the spacer SP while apertures disposed around the spacer SP (AP 1 , AP 2 , AP 4 , and AP 5 in the example depicted) are formed to be shifted in the second direction Y to suppress a decrease in the area of the apertures caused by expanded crossing portion CR. That is, the periphery of the position where the spacer SP is disposed is light-shielded over a relatively large range. Therefore, even if alignment disorder of liquid crystal molecules may occur around the spacer SP, light leakage caused thereby can be suppressed. Furthermore, a decrease in the contrast ratio caused by the light leakage can be suppressed, too. Therefore, the display quality can be maintained.

Furthermore, a decrease of the area of the apertures around the spacer SP can be suppressed and deterioration of the visibility caused by a difference in the aperture ratio can be suppressed. Therefore, the display quality can further be maintained.

FIG. 4B is a plan view which shows a structural example of the sub light shield SLX 3 of FIG. 4A .

Sub light shield SLX 3 is composed of the first light shielding film SL 1 explained with reference to FIG. 2 or the like and the second light shielding film SL 2 explained with reference to FIG. 3 . Note that the second light shielding film SL 2 is depicted in the figure by an alternate long and short dashed line.

The first light shielding film SL 1 has a segment SL 11 extending in the first direction X between main light shields SLY 1 and SLY 2 and between main light shields SLY 2 and SLY 3 and a segment SL 12 formed in an island shape between main light shields SLY 3 and SLY 4 . That is, segment SL 11 extends in the first direction X between main light shields SLY 1 and SLY 3 while not extending between main light shields SLY 3 and SLY 4 . Segments SL 11 and SL 12 overlap contact hole CH 3 through which the pixel electrode PE and the relay electrode RE are electrically connected, for example.

The second light shielding film SL 2 includes a segment SL 21 extending in the first direction X between main light shields SLY 3 and SLY 4 in addition to main light shields SLY 1 , SLY 2 , SLY 3 and SLY 4 . Segment SL 21 is connected to main light shields SLY 3 and SLY 4 . Second light shielding film SL 2 is intermitted between main light shields SLY 1 and SLY 2 and between main light shields SLY 2 and SLY 3 .

That is, in the example depicted, sub light shield SLX 3 is segment SL 11 of the first light shielding film SL 1 between main light shield SLY 1 and main light shield SLY 2 and between main light shield SLY 2 and main light shield SLY 3 while it is segment SL 21 of the second light shielding film SL 2 between main light shield SLY 3 and main light shield SLY 4 .

As explained with reference to FIG. 4A , with respect to sub light shield SLX 3 , segment SL 11 has a width W 21 between main light shield SLY 1 and main light shield SLY 2 and has a width W 22 between main light shield SLY 2 and main light shield SLY 3 . Furthermore, with respect to sub light shield SLX 3 , segment SL 21 has a width W 23 which is greater than each of widths W 21 and W 22 between main light shield SLY 3 and main light shield SLY 4 .

With sub light shield SLX 3 structured as above, a decrease of the area of apertures caused by the arrangement of the spacer SP can be suppressed. Furthermore, the area overlapping contact hole CH 3 is light-shielded by the first light shielding film SL 1 . Thus, even if the gap unevenness or the alignment disorder in the liquid crystal molecules occurs due to the recess of contact hole CH 3 , the area overlapping contact hole CH 3 is not essential for the display, and thus, deterioration of the display quality can be controlled.

FIG. 4C is a plan view which shows a first variation of the light shield SL and the spacer SP.

In the first variation, as compared to the first structural example, a unit pixel UP is composed of four pixels PXW, PXR, PXG, and PXB arranged in the first direction X. The pixel PXW is a white or substantially transparent pixel. Apertures AP are formed to correspond to pixels PXW, PXR, PXG, and PXB, respectively.

Color filters CF 1 to CF 4 extend in the second direction Y to overlap the apertures AP arranged in the second direction Y. Color filters CF 1 to CF 4 are arranged in the first direction X in this order. Ends of adjacent color filters overlap the main light shield SLY. In this example, color filter CF 1 is white or transparent, color filter CF 2 is red, color filter CF 3 is green, and color filter CF 4 is blue.

The spacer SP is positioned to be opposed to the crossing portion CR of main light shield SLY 2 and sub light shield SLX 2 . The periphery of the spacer SP is light-shielded by an expanded light shield SL covering a relatively large area.

Apertures AP 1 and AP 2 are shifted to be further distant from the spacer SP along the second direction Y than is aperture AP 3 . Each of apertures AP 1 and AP 2 is substantially equal in size to aperture AP 3 .

Furthermore, apertures AP 4 and AP 5 are shifted to be further distant from the spacer SP along the second direction Y than is aperture AP 6 . Each of apertures AP 4 and AP 5 is substantially equal in size to aperture AP 6 .

The same advantage obtained from the first structural example can be achieved in the first variation.

Now, a second structural example of the light shield SL will be explained. In the second structural example, as compared to the first structural example, the sub light shields SLX of the light shield SL are formed of the second light shielding film SL 2 alone.

FIG. 5A is a plan view which shows the second structural example of the light shield SL and the spacer SP.

The light shield SL includes a plurality of main light shields SLY arranged in the first direction X and a plurality of sub light shields SLX arranged in the second direction Y. The sub light shields SLX are formed of the second light shielding film SL 2 . In the example depicted, the main light shields SLY are formed of the second light shielding film SL 2 , too, and are connected to the sub light shields SLX. Colors of pixels and color filters CF 1 to CF 3 can be selected as in the first structural example.

The following explanation will be given on main light shields SLY 1 to SLY 4 of the main light shields SLY and sub light shields SLX 1 to SLX 3 of the sub light shields SLX. Note that the spacer SP is positioned to be opposed to the crossing portion CR of main light shield SLY 2 and sub light shield SLX 2 .

Sub light shield SLX 2 has a width W 1 along the second direction Y between main light shields SLY 1 and SLY 2 , a width W 2 along the second direction Y between main light shields SLY 2 and SLY 3 , and a width W 3 along the second direction Y between main light shields SLY 3 and SLY 4 , and widths W 1 and W 2 are each greater than width W 3 . Sub light shield SLX 1 has a width W 11 along the second direction Y between main light shields SLY 1 and SLY 2 , a width W 12 along the second direction Y between main light shields SLY 2 and SLY 3 , and a width W 13 along the second direction Y between main light shields SLY 3 and SLY 4 , and widths W 11 and W 12 are each less than width W 13 . Sub light shield SLX 3 has a width W 21 along the second direction Y between main light shields SLY 1 and SLY 2 , a width W 22 along the second direction Y between main light shields SLY 2 and SLY 3 , and a width W 23 along the second direction Y between main light shields SLY 3 and SLY 4 , and widths W 21 and W 22 are each less than width W 23 .

Apertures AP 1 and AP 2 are shifted to be further distant from the spacer SP along the second direction Y than is aperture AP 3 . Furthermore, apertures AP 4 and AP 5 are shifted to be further distant from the spacer SP along the second direction Y than is aperture AP 6 .

The same advantage obtained from the first structural example can be achieved in the second variation.

FIG. 5B is a plan view which shows a second variation of the light shield SL and the spacer SP.

In the second variation, as compared to the second structural example, a unit pixel UP is composed of four pixels PXW, PXR, PXG, and PXB arranged in the first direction X. Apertures AP are formed to correspond to pixels PXW, PXR, PXG, and PXB, respectively. Colors of pixels and color filters CF 1 to CF 4 can be selected as in the first structural example. The sub light shields SLX are formed of the second light shielding film SL 2 . Note that the spacer SP is positioned to be opposed to the crossing portion CR of main light shield SLY 2 and sub light shield SLX 2 .

Apertures AP 1 and AP 2 are shifted to be further distant from the spacer SP along the second direction Y than is aperture AP 3 . Each of apertures AP 1 and AP 2 is substantially equal in size to aperture AP 3 . Furthermore, apertures AP 4 and AP 5 are shifted to be further distant from the spacer SP along the second direction Y than is aperture AP 6 . Each of apertures AP 4 and AP 5 is substantially equal in size to aperture AP 6 .

The same advantage obtained from the second structural example can be achieved in the second variation.

Now, a third structural example of the light shield SL will be explained. In the third structural example, as compared to the first structural example, the main light shield is partly narrowed.

FIG. 6A is a plan view which shows a third structural example of the light shield SL and the spacer SP.

The light shield SL includes a plurality of main light shields SLY arranged in the first direction X and a plurality of sub light shields SLX arranged in the second direction Y. The sub light shields SLX are formed of the second light shielding film SL 2 . The main light shields SLY and sub light shields SLX are mainly formed of the second light shielding film SL 2 but partly of the first light shielding film SL 1 .

A unit pixel UP is composed of three pixels PXR, PXG, and PXB arranged in the first direction X. Apertures AP are formed to correspond to pixels PXR, PXG, and PXB. Colors of pixels and color filters CF 1 to CF 3 can be selected as in the first structural example.

Here, the following explanation will be given focusing on main light shields SLY 1 to SLY 4 of the main light shields SLY and sub light shields SLX 1 to SLX 4 of the sub light shields SLX. A crossing portion CR of main light shield SLY 2 and sub light shield SLX 2 is expanded to have a greater area as compared to crossing portions of other main light shields and sub light shields. The spacer is positioned to be opposed to the expanded crossing portion CR.

Main light shield SLY 2 is narrowed in the first direction X between sub light shield SLX 1 and sub light shield SLX 3 . That is, main light shield SLY 2 has a width W 31 along the first direction X between sub light shields SLX 1 and SLX 2 , a width W 32 along the first direction X between sub light shields SLX 2 and SLX 3 , and a width W 33 along the first direction X between sub light shields SLX 3 and SLX 4 , and widths W 31 and W 32 are each less than width W 33 . Note that widths W 31 and W 32 are substantially equal.

Furthermore, main light shield SLY 1 has a width W 41 along the first direction X between sub light shields SLX 1 and SLX 2 , a width W 42 along the first direction X between sub light shields SLX 2 and SLX 3 , and a width W 43 along the first direction X between sub light shields SLX 3 and SLX 4 , and widths W 41 and W 42 are each less than width W 43 . Note that widths W 41 and W 42 are substantially equal. Similarly, main light shield SLY 3 has a width W 51 along the first direction X between sub light shields SLX 1 and SLX 2 , a width W 52 along the first direction X between sub light shields SLX 2 and SLX 3 , and a width W 53 along the first direction X between sub light shields SLX 3 and SLX 4 , and widths W 51 and W 52 are each less than width W 53 . Note that widths W 51 and W 52 are substantially equal.

Apertures AP 1 to AP 3 are arranged in the second direction Y in this order. Aperture AP 1 is defined by main light shields SLY 1 and LSY 2 and sub light shields SLX 1 and SLX 2 . Aperture AP 2 is defined by main light shields SLY 1 and SLY 2 and sub light shields SLX 2 and SLX 3 . Aperture AP 3 is defined by main light shields SLY 1 and SLY 2 and sub light shields SLX 3 and SLX 4 . Aperture AP 1 has a width W 61 along the first direction X, aperture AP 2 has a width W 62 along the first direction X, and aperture AP 3 has a width W 63 along the first direction X, and widths W 61 and W 62 are each greater than width W 63 . Note that widths W 61 and W 62 are substantially equal. Furthermore, each of apertures AP 1 and AP 2 is substantially equal in size to aperture AP 3 .

Apertures AP 4 to AP 6 are arranged in the second direction Y in this order. Aperture AP 4 is defined by main light shields SLY 2 and LSY 3 and sub light shields SLX 1 and SLX 2 . Aperture AP 5 is defined by main light shields SLY 2 and SLY 3 and sub light shields SLX 2 and SLX 3 . Aperture AP 6 is defined by main light shields SLY 2 and SLY 3 and sub light shields SLX 3 and SLX 4 . Aperture AP 4 has a width W 64 along the first direction X, aperture AP 5 has a width W 65 along the first direction X, and aperture AP 6 has a width W 66 along the first direction X, and widths W 64 and W 65 are each greater than width W 66 . Note that widths W 64 and W 65 are substantially equal and are substantially equal to widths W 61 and W 62 , respectively. Furthermore, apertures AP 4 and AP 5 are each substantially equal in size to aperture AP 6 . Apertures AP 1 to AP 6 are substantially equal in size to each other.

That is, in the third structural example, the spacer SP is provided with the expanded crossing portion CR of main light shield SLY 2 and sub light shield SLX 2 with a light shielding area formed around the spacer SP while apertures around the spacer SP (AP 1 , AP 2 , AP 4 , and AP 5 in the example depicted) are formed to be expanded in the first direction to suppress a decrease of the area of the apertures caused by the expanded crossing portion CR.

The same advantage obtained from the first structural example can be achieved in the third structural example. In addition, a decrease of the area of the apertures around the spacer SP can be suppressed and deterioration of the visibility caused by a difference in the aperture ratio can be suppressed. Therefore the display quality can further be maintained.

FIG. 6B is a plan view which shows a third variation of the light shield SL and the spacer SP.

In the third variation, as compared to the third structural example, a unit pixel UP is composed of four pixels PXW, PXR, PXG, and PXB arranged in the first direction X. Apertures AP are formed to correspond to pixels PXW, PXR, PXG, and PXB, respectively. Colors of pixels and color filters CF 1 to CF 4 can be selected as in the first variation. The spacer SP is positioned to be opposed to the crossing portion CR of main light shield SLY 2 and sub light shield SLX 2 .

Apertures AP 1 and AP 2 are enlarged in width along the first direction X than is aperture AP 3 . Each of apertures AP 1 and AP 2 is substantially equal in size to aperture AP 3 . Furthermore, apertures AP 4 and AP 5 are enlarged in width along the first direction X than is aperture AP 6 . Each of apertures AP 4 and AP 5 is substantially equal in size to aperture AP 6 . That is, apertures AP 1 to AP 6 are substantially equal in size to each other.

The same advantage obtained from the third structural example can be achieved in the third variation.

Now, a fourth structural example of the light shield SL will be explained.

FIG. 7A is a plan view which shows the fourth structural example of the light shield SL and the spacer SP.

The light shield SL includes a plurality of main light shields SLY arranged in the first direction X and a plurality of sub light shields SLX arranged in the second direction Y. The main light shields SLY and sub light shields SLX are mainly formed of the second light shielding film SL 2 but partly of the first light shielding film SL 1 . Colors of pixels and color filters CF 1 to CF 3 can be selected as in the first structural example.

Here, the following explanation will be given focusing on apertures AP 1 to AP 6 defined by main light shields SLY 1 to SLY 5 of the main light shields SLY and sub light shields SLX 1 to SLX 3 of the sub light shields SLX.

Apertures AP 1 to AP 4 are arranged in the first direction X in this order. Aperture AP 1 is defined by main light shields SLY 1 and SLY 2 and sub light shields SLX 1 and SLX 2 . Aperture AP 2 is defined by main light shields SLY 2 and SLY 3 and sub light shields SLX 1 and SLX 2 . Aperture AP 3 is defined by main light shields SLY 3 and SLY 4 and sub light shields SLX 1 and SLX 2 . Aperture AP 4 is defined by main light shields SLY 4 and SLY 5 and sub light shields SLX 1 and SLX 2 .

Aperture AP 5 is arranged next to aperture AP 1 in the second direction Y. Aperture AP 5 is defined by main light shields SLY 1 and SLY 2 and sub light shields SLX 2 and SLX 3 . Aperture AP 6 is arranged next to aperture AP 4 in the second direction Y. Aperture AP 6 is defined by main light shields SLY 4 and SLY 5 and sub light shields SLX 2 and SLX 3 . On the other hand, apertures are not formed next to aperture AP 2 or aperture AP 3 in the second direction Y. That is, the light shield SL includes an extended part SLE between apertures AP 5 and AP 6 and in the area next to apertures AP 2 and AP 3 in the second direction Y. That is, apertures of two adjacent pixels are light-shielded by the light shield SL. In this example, the area light-shielded by the extended part SLE is the area overlapping blue color filter CF 3 and red color filter CF 1 (that is, the area corresponding to blue and red pixels). Note that apertures of three or more pixels may be light-shielded by the light shield SL.

In the example depicted, the extended part SLE of the light shield SL overlaps color filter CF 3 in the area next to second aperture AP 2 in the second direction Y and overlaps color filter CF 1 in the area next to third aperture AP 3 in the second direction Y; however, color filters overlapping with the extended part SLE may be omitted. Here, in order to prepare the extended part SLE and apertures adjacent thereto to form a uniform cell gap, the extended part SLE and color filters should overlap.

The spacer SP is positioned to be opposed to the extended part SLE. That is, the periphery of the position where the spacer SP is disposed is light-shielded over a relatively large area. Thus, even if alignment disorder of liquid crystal molecules may occur around the spacer SP, light leakage caused thereby can be suppressed. Furthermore, a decrease in the contrast ratio caused by the light leakage can be suppressed, too. Therefore, the display quality can be maintained.

Furthermore, in the fourth structural example, as compared to a case where a spacer SP is provided with a crossing portion of a main light shield SLY and an sub light shield SLX, an area of the light shield SL overlapping the spacer SP is not necessarily enlarged locally, and therefore, a consideration to a difference in the aperture ratio between the pixels around the spacer SP and the other pixels is unnecessary.

Furthermore, the spacer SP is provided with the extended part SLE extending in the area corresponding to red and blue pixels. Amongst the primary colors of red, green, and blue, green is most sensible for the eyes. This means that the spacer SP is provided with the light-shielding area of the light shield SL corresponding to pixels of two relatively insensible colors. Therefore, affection to the display quality can be suppressed.

FIG. 7B is a plan view which shows a fourth variation of the light shield SL and the spacer SP.

In the fourth variation, as compared to the fourth structural example, a unit pixel UP is composed of four pixels PXW, PXR, PXG, and PXB arranged in the first direction X. Apertures AP are formed to correspond to pixels PXW, PXR, PXG, and PXB, respectively. Colors of pixels and color filters CF 1 to CF 4 can be selected as in the first variation.

The light shield SL includes an extended part SLE shields light from apertures of adjacent two pixels. In this example, the extended part SLE extends in the area overlapping green color filter CF 3 and blue color filter CF 4 (that is, the area corresponding to green and blue pixels). The spacer SP is positioned to be opposed to the extended part SLE.

Furthermore, the spacer SP is provided with the extended part SLE extending in the area corresponding to green and blue pixels. Amongst the four colors of red, green, blue, and white, white is most sensible for the eyes. This means that the spacer SP is provide with the light-shielding area of the light shield SL corresponding to pixels of relatively insensible colors.

The same advantage obtained from the fourth structural example can be achieved in the fourth variation.

FIG. 8 is a plan view which shows the fifth structural example of the light shield SL and the spacer SP.

The light shield SL includes a plurality of main light shields SLY arranged in the first direction X, a plurality of sub light shields SLX arranged in the second direction Y, and a spacer light shield EX. The main light shields SLY, sub light shields SLX, and spacer light shield EX are mainly formed of the second light shielding film SL 2 but may at least partially be formed of the first light shielding film SL 1 . The main light shields SLY are opposed to the source lines S and the sub light shields SLX are opposed to the gate lines G.

Here, the following explanation will be given focusing on main light shields SLY 1 to SLY 4 of the main light shields SLY, sub light shields SLX 1 to SLX 3 of the sub light shields SLX, and apertures AP 1 to AP 6 . Main light shields SLY 1 to SLY 4 are opposed to source lines S 1 to S 4 arranged in the first direction X in this order, respectively. Sub light shields SLX 1 to SLX 3 are opposed to gate lines G 1 to G 3 arranged in the second direction Y in this order, respectively.

Sub light shields SLX 1 to SLX 3 and main light shields SLY 1 to SLY 4 are crossed. Main light shields SLY 1 to SLY 4 have substantially the same width along the first direction X. Sub light shields SLX 1 to SLX 3 have substantially the same width along the second direction Y.

The spacer light shield EX is disposed around the spacer SP. In this example, in the X-Y plane, the spacer SP is disposed between the source lines S 2 and S 3 and overlaps gate line G 2 . The spacer light shield EX extends isotropically with the spacer SP as its center.

The spacer light shields EX includes at least three parts P 1 to P 3 . Part P 1 is formed integrally with main light shield SLY 2 and sub light shield SLX 2 between main light shields SLY 1 and SLY 2 . Part P 2 is formed integrally with main light shields SLY 2 and SLY 3 and sub light shield SLX 2 between main light shields SLY 2 and SLY 3 . Part P 3 is formed integrally with main light shield SLY 3 and sub light shield SLX 2 between main light shields SLY 3 and SLY 4 . In the example depicted, parts P 1 to P 3 are positioned closer to gate line G 1 with reference to gate line G 2 .

The spacer light shield EX in the figure further includes three parts P 4 to P 6 . Parts P 4 to P 6 are positioned closer to gate line G 3 with reference to gate lines G 2 . Part P 4 is formed integrally with main light shield SLY 2 and sub light shield SLX 2 between main light shields SLY 1 and SLY 2 . Part P 5 is formed integrally with main light shields SLY 2 and SLY 3 and sub light shield SLX 2 between main light shields SLY 2 and SLY 3 . Part P 6 is formed integrally with main light shield SLY 3 and sub light shield SLX 2 between main light shields SLY 3 and SLY 4 . Parts P 1 to P 6 form a substantially circular area including main light shields SLY 2 and SLY 3 and sub light shield SLX 2 .

Apertures AP 1 to AP 3 are arranged in the first direction X in this order. Aperture AP 1 is defined by main light shields SLY 1 and SLY 2 and sub light shields SLX 1 and SLX 2 . Aperture AP 2 is defined by main light shields SLY 2 and SLY 3 and sub light shields SLX 1 and SLX 2 . Aperture AP 3 is defined by main light shields SLY 3 and SLY 4 and sub light shields SLX 1 and SLX 2 . Part P 1 overlaps a substantially triangular area of aperture AP 1 in the proximity of the spacer SP. Part P 2 overlaps a substantially quadrangular area of aperture AP 2 in the proximity of the spacer SP. Part P 3 overlaps a substantially triangular area of aperture AP 3 in the proximity of the spacer SP. In this example, part P 2 is larger than each of parts P 1 and P 3 .

Apertures AP 4 to AP 6 are arranged in the first direction X in this order. Aperture AP 4 is arranged next to aperture AP 1 in the second direction Y. Aperture AP 4 is defined by main light shields SLY 1 and SLY 2 and sub light shields SLX 2 and SLX 3 . Aperture AP 5 is arranged next to aperture AP 2 in the second direction Y. Aperture AP 5 is defined by main light shields SLY 2 and SLY 3 and sub light shields SLX 2 and SLX 3 . Aperture AP 6 is arranged next to aperture AP 3 in the second direction Y. Aperture AP 6 is defined by main light shields SLY 3 and SLY 4 and sub light shields SLX 2 and SLX 3 . Part P 4 overlaps a substantially triangular area of aperture AP 4 in the proximity of the spacer SP. Part P 5 overlaps a substantially quadrangular area of aperture AP 5 in the proximity of the spacer SP. Part P 6 overlaps a substantially triangular area of aperture AP 6 in the proximity of the spacer SP. In this example, part P 5 is larger than each of parts P 4 and P 6 .

Apertures AP 1 to AP 6 are each formed in a quadrangular shape and are substantially equal in size; however, as mentioned above, they overlap parts P 1 to P 6 of the spacer light shield EX, respectively, and thus, they are practically different in size. In this example, apertures AP 1 and AP 4 have substantially the same size, apertures AP 2 and AP 5 have substantially the same size, and apertures AP 3 and AP 6 have substantially the same size. Aperture AP 2 is smaller than apertures AP 1 and AP 3 . The size relationship between apertures AP 1 to AP 6 will differ based on the position of the spacer SP or the position of the spacer light shield EX. Furthermore, the display panel PNL may include sub spacers in addition to the spacers used to form the cell gap, and the sub spacers are formed to have a height less than the cell gap in a regular state. If a spacer light shield is disposed around the sub spacer, the size relationship between apertures AP 1 to AP 6 may be different from that of the example depicted here.

Color filters CF 1 to CF 6 are arranged to correspond to apertures AP 1 to AP 6 , respectively. In this example, color filters arranged in series in the second direction Y have the same color. For example, color filters CF 1 and CF 4 are green, color filters CF 2 and CF 5 are blue, and color filters CF 3 and CF 6 are red. In another example, color filters arranged in series in the second direction Y have different colors. For example, color filters CF 1 and CF 6 are green, color filters CF 2 and CF 4 are red, and color filters CF 3 and CF 5 are blue.

From a different standpoint, the spacer light shield EX may be interpreted as the sub light shield SLX 2 which is locally expanded. Sub light shield SLX 2 is positioned between apertures AP 1 to AP 3 and apertures AP 4 to AP 6 . Sub light shield SLX 2 is expanded along the second direction Y between main light shields SLY 2 and SLY 3 to form parts P 2 and P 5 . Furthermore, sub light shield SLX 2 is expanded along the second direction Y at the side closer to the spacer SP between main light shields SLY 1 and SLY 2 to form parts P 1 and P 4 . Sub light shield SLX 2 is expanded along the second direction Y at the side closer to the spacer SP between main light shields SLY 3 and SLY 4 to form parts P 3 and P 6 . Sub light shield SLX 2 has a width W 1 between main light shields SLY 1 and SLY 2 , a width W 2 between main light shields SLY 2 and SLY 3 , and a width W 3 between main light shields SLY 3 and SLY 4 . Width W 2 is greater than each of widths W 1 and W 3 .

The spacer SP is opposed to the spacer light shield EX. That is, the periphery of the position where the spacer SP is disposed is light-shielded over a relatively large area. Thus, even if alignment disorder of liquid crystal molecules may occur around the spacer SP, light leakage caused thereby can be suppressed. Furthermore, a decrease in the contrast ratio caused by the light leakage can be suppressed, too. Therefore, the display quality can be maintained.

Note that, if color filters of different colors are arranged to correspond to the apertures in the second direction Y, color filters CF 2 and CF 5 that are arranged in the second direction Y with the spacer SP interposed therebetween should be of a color other than green. For example, the spacer SP is disposed between red color filter CF 2 and blue color filter CF 5 . The spacer SP is provided with the spacer light shield EX extending to correspond to pixels of relatively insensible two colors. Therefore, affection to the display quality can be suppressed.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view which schematically shows the structure of an array substrate AR opposed to the spacer SP of FIG. 8 . In the figure, only essential elements for the explanation are shown where pixel electrodes PE 1 to PE 3 are depicted in dotted lines and the light shield SL is depicted in an alternate long and short dashed line.

Switching elements SW 1 to SW 3 are arranged in the first direction X. Switching element SW 1 is electrically connected to gate line G 2 and source line S 1 . Switching element SW 1 includes relay electrode RE 1 between source lines S 1 and S 2 . Switching element SW 2 is electrically connected to gate line G 2 and source line S 2 . Switching element SW 2 includes relay electrode RE 2 between source lines S 2 and S 3 . Switching element SW 3 is electrically connected to gate line G 2 and source line S 3 . Switching element SW 3 has relay electrode RE 3 between source lines S 3 and S 4 .

Relay electrodes RE 1 and RE 3 are arranged on the same straight line along the first direction X. Relay electrode RE 2 is disposed between relay electrodes RE 1 and RE 3 and extends in the direction to be distant from gate line G 2 longer than relay electrodes RE 1 and RE 3 . Contact hole CH 31 used for the connection of relay electrode RE 1 and pixel electrode PE 1 and contact hole CH 33 used for the connection of relay electrode RE 3 and pixel electrode PE 3 are arranged on the same straight line along the first direction X. Contact hole CH 32 used for the connection of relay electrode RE 2 and pixel electrode PE 2 is located to be distant from gate line G 2 than are contact holes CH 31 and CH 33 . Furthermore, in the X-Y plane, contact hole CH 32 overlaps part P 2 of the light shield SL.

The spacer SP is disposed between source lines S 2 and S 3 while it partly overlaps relay electrode RE 32 in the X-Y plane. Furthermore, the spacer SP does not overlap contact hole CH 32 in the X-Y plane. Thus, the spacer SP does not fall in contact hole CH 32 and a desired cell gap can be achieved.

FIG. 10 is a plan view which shows a sixth structural example of the light shield SL and the spacer SP.

In the sixth structural example of FIG. 10 , as compared to the fifth structural example of FIG. 8 , the shape of the spacer light shield EX is different. In the example depicted, the spacer light shield EX includes four parts P 11 to P 14 . Part P 11 corresponds to part P 4 , part P 12 corresponds to part P 2 , part P 13 corresponds to part P 3 , and part P 14 corresponds to part P 5 . Part P 11 is disposed between main light shields SLY 1 and SLY 2 . Parts P 12 and P 14 are disposed between main light shields SLY 2 and SLY 3 . Part P 13 is disposed between main light shields SLY 3 and SLY 4 . Parts P 12 and P 13 are disposed to be closer to gate line G 1 with reference to gate line G 2 . Parts P 11 and P 14 are disposed to be closer to gate line G 3 with reference to gate line G 2 . The spacer SP is disposed between parts P 12 and P 14 .

In the example depicted, a first gap L 11 between the spacer SP and aperture AP 1 is shorter than a second gap L 12 between the spacer SP and aperture AP 2 . Furthermore, a gap between the spacer SP and aperture AP 3 , a gap between the spacer SP and aperture AP 4 , and a gap between the spacer SP and aperture AP 5 are each equal to the second gap L 12 . A gap between the spacer SP and aperture AP 6 is equal to the first gap L 11 . Amongst apertures AP 1 to AP 6 around the spacer SP, apertures AP 1 and AP 6 are the largest and apertures AP 2 and AP 5 are the smallest. Aperture AP 3 is larger than aperture AP 2 but smaller than aperture AP 1 . Aperture AP 4 is larger than aperture AP 5 but smaller than aperture AP 6 .

Color filters CF 1 to CF 6 are arranged to correspond to apertures AP 1 to AP 6 , respectively. In this example, color filters CF 1 and CF 6 are green, color filters CF 2 and CF 4 are red, and color filters CF 3 and CF 5 are blue.

The same advantage obtained from the fifth structural example can be achieved in the sixth structural example. In addition, the spacer light shield EX is not formed to overlap the apertures corresponding to green color filters which are relatively visible for the eyes but formed to overlap the apertures corresponding to red and blue color filters which are relatively insensible for the eyes, and thus, affection to the display quality can further be suppressed.

FIG. 11 is a plan view which shows a seventh structural example of the light shield SL and the spacer SP.

In the seventh structural example of FIG. 11 , as compared to the sixth structural example of FIG. 10 , the shape of the spacer light shield EX is different. In the example depicted, the spacer light shield EX includes two parts P 21 and P 22 . Part P 21 corresponds to part P 2 , and part P 22 corresponds to part P 5 . Parts P 21 and P 22 are disposed between main light shields SLY 2 and SLY 3 . Part P 21 is disposed to be closer to gate line G 1 with reference to gate line G 2 . Part P 22 is disposed to be closer to gate line G 3 with reference to gate line G 2 . The spacer SP is disposed between parts P 21 and P 22 .

In the example depicted, a first gap L 11 is shorter than a second gap L 12 as in the sixth structural example, and in addition thereto, a third gap L 13 between the spacer SP and aperture AP 3 is shorter than the second gap L 12 . The first gap L 11 is equal to the third gap L 13 . Furthermore, a gap between the spacer SP and aperture AP 4 and a gap between the spacer SP and aperture AP 6 are each equal to the first gap L 11 . Furthermore, a gap between the spacer SP and aperture AP 5 is equal to the second gap L 12 . Amongst six apertures AP 1 to AP 6 around the spacer SP, apertures AP 1 , AP 3 , AP 4 , and AP 6 are the largest and apertures AP 2 and AP 5 are the smallest.

Color filters CF 1 to CF 6 are arranged to correspond to apertures AP 1 to AP 6 , respectively. In this example, color filters CF 1 and CF 6 are green, color filters CF 2 and CF 4 are red, and color filters CF 3 and CF 5 are blue.

The same advantage obtained from the sixth structural example can be achieved in the seventh structural example. In addition, the spacer light shield EX is formed to overlap two apertures AP 2 and AP 5 which are arranged in the second direction Y with the spacer SP interposed therebetween, and thus, affection to the display quality can further be suppressed.

FIG. 12 is a plan view which shows an eighth structural example of the light shield SL and the spacer SP.

The following explanation of the eighth structural example will be given focusing on main light shields SLY 1 to SLY 3 of the main light shields SLY arranged in the first direction X, sub light shields SLX 1 to SLX 3 of the sub light shields SLX arranged in the second direction Y, and apertures AP 1 to AP 8 .

Sub light shields SLX 1 to SLX 3 and main light shields SLY 1 to SLY 3 are crossed. Main light shields SLY 1 to SLY 3 have substantially the same width. Sub light shields SLX 1 to SLX 3 have substantially the same width.

In the example depicted, in the X-Y plane, the spacer SP overlaps a crossing portion of gate line G 2 and source line S 2 . The spacer light shield EX extends isotropically with the spacer SP as its center. Although this is not detailed, the spacer light shield EX is partly formed integrally with main light shields SLY 1 and SLY 3 and sub light shield SLX 2 .

Apertures AP 1 to AP 4 are arranged in the first direction X in this order. Apertures AP 5 to AP 8 are arranged next to apertures AP 1 to AP 4 , respectively, in the second direction Y. Sub light shield SLX 2 is disposed between apertures AP 1 to AP 4 and apertures AP 5 to AP 8 . Main light shield SLY 1 is disposed between apertures AP 1 and AP 2 and between apertures AP 5 and AP 6 . Main light shield SLY 2 is disposed between apertures AP 2 and AP 3 and between apertures AP 6 and AP 7 . Main light shield SLY 3 is disposed between apertures AP 3 and AP 4 and between apertures AP 7 and AP 8 .

If the spacer light shield EX is considered as a part of sub light shield SLX 2 , sub light shield SLX 2 has a width W 1 along the second direction Y between apertures AP 1 and AP 5 , width W 2 along the second direction Y between apertures AP 2 and AP 6 , width W 3 along the second direction Y between apertures AP 3 and AP 7 , and width W 4 along the second direction Y between apertures AP 4 and AP 8 . Width W 2 is greater than width W 1 , and width W 3 is greater than width W 4 .

Color filters CF 1 to CF 8 are arranged to correspond to apertures AP 1 to AP 8 , respectively. In this example, color filters arranged in the second direction Y have the same color. For example, color filters CF 1 , CF 4 , CF 5 , and CF 8 are green, color filters CF 2 and CF 6 are blue, and color filters CF 3 and CF 7 are red.

Since the spacer SP is opposed to the spacer light shield EX, the advantages obtained from the fifth structural example can be achieved in this example.

FIG. 13 is a plan view which shows a ninth structural example of the light shield SL and the spacer SP.

In the ninth structural example of FIG. 13 , as compared to the eighth structural example of FIG. 12 , the shape of the spacer light shield EX is different. Focusing on gaps between the spacer SP and peripheral apertures, a first gap L 21 between the spacer SP and aperture AP 1 is shorter than a second gap L 22 between the spacer SP and aperture AP 2 . Gaps between the spacer SP and aperture AP 3 , between the spacer SP and aperture AP 6 , between the spacer SP and aperture AP 7 are equal to the second gap L 22 . Furthermore, gaps between the spacer SP and aperture AP 4 , between the spacer SP and aperture AP 5 , and between the spacer SP and aperture AP 8 are equal to the first gap L 21 . Amongst apertures AP 1 to AP 8 around the spacer SP, apertures AP 1 , AP 4 , AP 5 , and AP 8 are the largest and apertures AP 2 , AP 3 , AP 6 , and AP 7 are the smallest. In this example, color filters CF 1 and CF 6 are green, color filters CF 2 and CF 4 are red, and color filters CF 3 and CF 5 are blue.

The same advantage obtained from the fifth structural example can be achieved in the ninth structural example. In addition, the spacer light shield EX is not formed to overlap the apertures corresponding to green color filters which are relatively visible for the eyes but formed to overlap the apertures corresponding to red and blue color filters which are relatively insensible for the eyes, and thus, affection to the display quality can further be suppressed.

The first to ninth structural examples can arbitrarily be combined, and the first to fourth variations can arbitrarily be combined.

In the first to ninth structural examples and the first to fourth variations, the unit pixel UP is composed of three or four color pixels arranged in the first direction X; however, the structure of the unit pixel UP is not limited thereto. Other structures of the unit pixel PX are exemplified below.

FIG. 14 shows another structure of the unit pixel UP.

In this example, the unit pixel UP is composed of pixels PXR 1 , PXG 1 , PXB, PXR 2 , PXG 2 , and PXW. Pixels PXR 1 , PXG 1 , and PXB are arranged in the first direction X. Pixels PXR 2 , PXG 2 , and PXW are arranged in the first direction X. Pixels PXR 1 and PXR 2 are arranged in the second direction Y and both are, for example, red pixels. Pixels PXG 1 and PXG 2 are arranged in the second direction Y and both are, for example, green pixels. Pixels PXB and PXW are arranged in the second direction Y and, for example, pixel PXB is a blue pixel and pixel PXW is a white pixel. Note that, in the figure, color pixels of the same color are hatched the same for clear identification.

FIG. 15 shows still another structure of the unit pixel UP.

In this example, the unit pixel UP is composed of pixels PXR 1 , PXG 1 , PXB, PXR 2 , PXG 2 , and PXW. Pixels PXR 1 and PXG 1 are arranged in the second direction Y, and pixels PXR 1 and PXG 1 and pixel PXB are arranged in the first direction X. Pixels PXR 2 and PXG 2 are arranged in the second direction Y, and pixels PXR 2 and PXG 2 and pixel PXW are arranged in the first direction X. Pixels PXR 1 and PXR 2 are arranged in the second direction Y and both are, for example, red pixels. Pixels PXG 1 and PXG 2 are arranged in the second direction Y and both are, for example, green pixels. Pixels PXB and PXW are arranged in the second direction Y, and, for example, pixel PXB is a blue pixel and pixel PXW is a white pixel. Note that, in the figure, color pixels of the same color are hatched the same for clear identification.

FIG. 16 shows still another structure of the unit pixel UP.

In this example, the unit pixel UP is composed of three kinds of pixels arranged in the first direction X including red pixels PXR, green pixels PXG, and blue pixels PXB. In the unit pixel UP, three pixels PXR, PXG, and PXB are arranged in this order in the first row, three pixels PXB, PXR, and PXG are arranged in this order in the second row, three pixels PXG, PXB, and PXR are arranged in this order in the third row, and three pixels PXB, PXR, and PXG are arranged in this order in the fourth row. Note that, in the figure, color pixels of the same color are hatched the same for clear identification.

The light shields SL explained in the first to ninth structural examples and in the first to fourth variations can be applied to the unit pixels UP of the examples of FIGS. 14 to 16 , and the area in which the spacer SP is provided can be formed without causing a decrease in the display quality.

As can be understood from the above, the present embodiments can present a liquid crystal display device which can suppress a decrease in the display quality.

Other examples of the liquid crystal display device achieved from the structures disclosed in this specification are noted below.

(1) A liquid crystal display device comprising:

a first substrate;

a second substrate opposed to the first substrate;

a liquid crystal layer held between the first substrate and the second substrate;

a first main light shield, a second main light shield, and a third main light shield arranged in series in a first direction;

a first sub light shield and a second sub light shield arranged in series in a second direction crossing the first direction; and

a spacer disposed in a position opposed to a crossing portion of the first main light shield and the first sub light shield, the spacer located between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein

the first sub light shield has a width along the second direction which is wider between the first main light shield and the second main light shield than between the second main light shield and the third main light shield, and the second sub light shield has a width along the second direction which is narrower between the first main light shield and the second main light shield than between the second main light shield and the third main light shield.

(2) The liquid crystal display device of (1), further comprising:

a first aperture defined by the first and second main light shields and the first and second sub light shields; and

a second aperture defined by the second and third main light shields and the first and second sub light shields, wherein

the first aperture is shifted to be distant from the spacer than is the second aperture.

(3) The liquid crystal display device of (1) or (2), wherein the second sub light shield includes a first light shielding film formed on the first substrate and a second light shielding film formed on the second substrate,

the first light shielding film extends in the first direction between the first and second main light shields, and

the second light shielding film extends in the first direction between the second and third main light shields while being intermitted between the first and second main light shields.

(4) The liquid crystal display device of (1) or (2), wherein the second sub light shield includes a second light shielding film formed on the second substrate, and

the second light shielding film has a width along the second direction which is narrower between the first and second main light shields than between the second and third main light shields.

(5) A liquid crystal display device comprising:

a first substrate;

a second substrate opposed to the first substrate;

a liquid crystal layer held between the first substrate and the second substrate;

a first main light shield and a second main light shield arranged in series in a first direction;

a first sub light shield, a second sub light shield, and a third sub light shield arranged in series in a second direction crossing the first direction; and

a spacer disposed in a position opposed to a crossing portion of the first main light shield and the first sub light shield, the spacer located between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein

the first main light shield has a width along the first direction which is narrower between the first sub light shield and the second sub light shield than between the second sub light shield and the third sub light shield.

(6) The liquid crystal display device of (5), wherein the second main light shield has a width along the first direction which is narrower between the first and second sub light shields than the second and third sub light shields.

(7) The liquid crystal display device of (5) or (6), further comprising:

a first aperture defined by the first and second main light shields and the first and second sub light shields; and

a second aperture defined by the first and second main light shields and the second and third sub light shields, wherein

the first aperture has a width along the first direction which is wider than a width along the first direction of the second aperture.

(8) A liquid crystal display device, comprising:

a first substrate;

a second substrate opposed to the first substrate;

a liquid crystal layer held between the first substrate and the second substrate;

a light shield which defines first to fourth apertures arranged in series in a first direction and defines a fifth aperture arranged next to the first aperture in a second direction and a sixth aperture arranged next to the fourth aperture in the second direction, the light shield including an extended part which extends in an area between the fifth and sixth apertures to be next to the second and third apertures in the second direction; and

a spacer disposed in a position opposed to the extended part while being located between the first and second substrates.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.