JP2000347175A - Liquid crystal device, its manufacture and electronic equipment using the device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To manufacture a liquid crystal device capable of excellently maintaining the initial aligned state even when the alignment controllability of the alignment layer is degraded. SOLUTION: In this liquid crystal device in which a liquid crystal layer 3 is interposed between a pair of substrates 1, 2 and alignment layers 10 is formed on the liquid crystal layer 3 side surface of at least one substrate of the pair of substrates, a polymer dispersion 30 having alignment controllability nearly equal to or stronger than that of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 3 by the alignment layer 10 is interposed in the liquid crystal layer 3. The polymer dispersion 30 is formed, for example, by preliminarily mixing an ultraviolet curing monomer into the liquid crystal layer 3 and polymerizing the monomer by being irradiated with ultraviolet rays in the state the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 3 are aligned in a specified direction.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid crystal device, a method of manufacturing the same, and an electronic apparatus using the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a liquid crystal device, an alignment film is formed on a surface of a pair of substrates holding a liquid crystal layer on a liquid crystal layer side, and a rubbing process or the like is performed on the alignment film to form a liquid crystal layer. Are oriented in a predetermined direction. Therefore, the liquid crystal molecules that are in contact with the alignment film are aligned by receiving the alignment control force from the alignment film, and the liquid crystal molecules that are not in contact with the alignment film are aligned by their own alignment control force.

[0003]

However, in a liquid crystal device, if the alignment regulating force exerted on the liquid crystal molecules by the alignment film for some reason decreases, first, the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules at the interface of the alignment film is disturbed. However, there is a problem that it affects the entire liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer. One of the causes of the decrease in the alignment regulating force of such an alignment film is light. Therefore, in a light valve of a liquid crystal projector in which strong light is incident on the liquid crystal layer, there is a problem that the alignment regulating force of the alignment film is reduced due to the strong light, the alignment of the liquid crystal is disturbed, and the display quality is deteriorated. is there.

[0004] In view of the above problems, the object of the present invention is to:
It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid crystal device capable of favorably maintaining an alignment regulating force of liquid crystal molecules even when strong light is incident on a liquid crystal layer, a method of manufacturing the same, and an electronic device using the same.

[0005]

Means for Solving the Problems To solve the above problems, the present invention has the following constitution. That is, a liquid crystal device according to the present invention is a liquid crystal device in which a liquid crystal layer is interposed between a pair of substrates, and an alignment film is formed on a liquid crystal layer side surface of at least one of the pair of substrates.
In the liquid crystal layer, a polymer dispersion having an alignment control force substantially equal to or stronger than the alignment control force of the alignment film for liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer is provided in the liquid crystal layer. I do.

In the present invention, since the polymer dispersion is formed in the liquid crystal layer, even when the alignment film is exposed to strong light for a long period of time and deteriorates or deteriorates to lower the alignment regulating force, the polymer dispersion is aligned. Exhibits an alignment regulating force equal to or stronger than that of the film. For this reason, it is possible to maintain the initial alignment state and the predetermined alignment operation of the liquid crystal molecules when a voltage is applied and when no voltage is applied.

In the present invention, the polymer dispersion comprises:
For example, the following [Formula 5]

[0008]

Embedded image 2'-methyl-p-terphenyl-4,4 "represented by
-The following [Chemical Formula 6] is obtained by polymerizing diyl dimethacrylate with a monomer.

[0009]

Embedded image Has the structure represented by

[0010] The alignment regulating force of the liquid crystal molecules by the polymer dispersion regulates the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules when no voltage is applied and is set within a range that does not hinder the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules when a voltage is applied. . For example, the weight ratio of the polymer dispersion may be about 0.1 to 5% by weight of the liquid crystal in the liquid crystal layer.

Further, in the method of manufacturing a liquid crystal device according to the present invention, a monomer is mixed into a liquid crystal in a liquid crystal layer, and the monomer is polymerized in a state where liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer are oriented in a predetermined direction. It is characterized by forming a polymer dispersion in the layer.

In the present invention, as the monomer, for example, the following [Chemical formula 7]

[0013]

Embedded image 2'-methyl-p-terphenyl-4,4 "represented by
Using diyl dimethacrylate, the following [formula 8]

[0014]

Embedded image The polymer dispersion having the structure represented by the following formula is formed.

In the present invention, for example, a liquid crystalline ultraviolet curable monomer is used as the monomer.

An electronic apparatus according to the present invention includes a liquid crystal device as described above or a liquid crystal device manufactured by the above method as a display device.

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a liquid crystal device according to the present invention, a method of manufacturing the same, and an electronic apparatus using the same will be described in detail.

(Overall Configuration) FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an embodiment of a liquid crystal device according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of a part thereof. FIG. 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional view in a state where a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal device shown in FIG.

1 and 2, reference numerals 1 and 2 denote a pair of upper and lower substrates made of glass or the like, and a liquid crystal layer 3 is interposed between the substrates 1 and 2. Reference numeral 4 denotes a sealing member provided on the periphery of the liquid crystal layer 3, reference numeral 5 denotes an upper polarizing plate, and reference numeral 6 denotes a lower polarizing plate.

The surfaces of both substrates 1 and 2 on the liquid crystal layer 3 side are shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, ITO (Indium Tin Oxi)
de) and the like, and alignment films 9 and 10 are formed on the surfaces of the transparent electrodes 7 and 8 on the liquid crystal layer 3 side, and are subjected to an alignment treatment such as rubbing. .

In this embodiment, a liquid crystal having a positive dielectric anisotropy is used as the liquid crystal used for the liquid crystal layer 3.
The liquid crystal layer 3 is a so-called TN type liquid crystal layer. When no voltage is applied (when the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer is equal to or lower than the threshold voltage of the liquid crystal), the liquid crystal molecules 3a in the liquid crystal layer 3 have an angle of about 90 degrees in the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer. While the liquid crystal molecules are twisted at an angle, in a voltage applied state (a state in which the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer is equal to or higher than the threshold voltage of the liquid crystal), as shown in FIG. It is configured to be oriented substantially perpendicularly to it.

In the liquid crystal layer 3, a network-like polymer dispersion 30 is formed. The polymer dispersion 30 has an alignment regulating force stronger than the alignment regulating force of the liquid crystal molecules by the alignment films 9 and 10, and performs the above-described predetermined alignment operation of the liquid crystal molecules when a voltage is applied and when no voltage is applied. It is formed so as not to interfere. For example, the weight ratio of the polymer dispersion 30 to the liquid crystal is 0.1 to 5
% By weight is desirable.

In the above arrangement, the deflection axes of the upper polarizing plate 5 and the lower polarizing plate 6 are set in directions substantially parallel to the liquid crystal molecules in contact with the substrates on the respective polarizing plate sides, that is, the upper polarizing plate 5
2, if the lower deflecting plate 6 is disposed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing, as shown in FIG.
The light that has entered the liquid crystal layer 3 from the upper polarizing plate 5 in the absence of a voltage turns in a direction parallel to the deflection axis of the lower polarizing plate 6 while turning along the torsional orientation of the liquid crystal molecules 3a. A bright display is obtained through the side deflecting plate 6. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, when the voltage is applied, the light that has entered the liquid crystal layer 3 from the upper deflecting plate 5 is transmitted as it is and the lower polarized light that is in a crossed Nicols state with the upper deflecting plate 5. A dark display is obtained without transmission through the plate 6.

At this time, the polymer dispersion 30 provided in the liquid crystal layer 3 enables good display without any hindrance to the alignment operation of the liquid crystal molecules 3a when a voltage is applied and when no voltage is applied. Even if the alignment regulating force of the liquid crystal molecules by the alignment film is reduced by irradiation for a long time, the initial alignment state and the voltage applied and not applied by the polymer dispersion 30 having the same or stronger alignment regulating force. A predetermined alignment operation of liquid crystal molecules can be maintained.

(Method of Manufacturing Liquid Crystal Device) Next, a method of manufacturing such a liquid crystal device, particularly a method of forming a polymer dispersion will be described.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a method for forming a polymer dispersion.

In manufacturing the liquid crystal device of the present embodiment,
The material and the forming means for forming the polymer dispersion 30 in the liquid crystal layer 3 are appropriate. For example, when the above-described liquid crystal device is manufactured, a monomer is previously mixed in the liquid crystal, and the The monomer is polymerized by filling the space between the pair of substrates 1 and 2 together with the liquid crystal and maintaining the liquid crystal molecules 3a in the liquid crystal layer 3 in a predetermined initial alignment state by an alignment film subjected to an alignment treatment such as a rubbing process. What is necessary is just to form the dispersion body 30.

As the monomer, for example, a liquid crystal ultraviolet curable monomer can be used. Specifically, for example, one or a combination of a plurality of UV-curable liquid crystals described in Table 1 or Table 2 below can be used.

[0029]

[Table 1]

[0030]

[Table 2]

Examples of the monomer include a monofunctional type biphenyl compound shown in Table 3, a bifunctional type bifer compound shown in Table 4, a monofunctional type terphenyl compound shown in Table 5, and a monofunctional type terphenyl compound shown in Table 5. The bifunctional group type terphenyl compound shown can be used.

[0032]

[Table 3]

[0033]

[Table 4]

[0034]

[Table 5]

[0035]

[Table 6]

In addition to the compounds shown in Tables 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, for example, one or more kinds of polymer precursors represented by the following general formula [Formula 9] may be used in combination. Can also be used.

[0037]

Embedded image In the above formula, Y ¹ and Y ² represent a methacrylate group,
An acrylate group, a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, a fluorine atom, or a cyano group is shown, but at least one of Y ¹ and Y ² represents either a methacrylate group or an acrylate group, and A ¹ is not present its or benzene rings on both sides are directly connected by a single bond, or a ¹ is represented by the following Chemical formula 10] or a group or an oxygen atom in the formula or indicates one of a sulfur atom, on both sides of a ¹ benzene, All hydrogen atoms in the ring may be hydrogen atoms or at least one hydrogen atom may be replaced by a halogen atom.

[0038]

Embedded image In addition to the above, the monomer used in the present invention has a liquid crystal property itself, or does not itself have a liquid crystal property, except that it loses the liquid crystal state of the mixture when mixed into the liquid crystal. Should be fine. These monomers are collectively called liquid crystal monomers.

The monomer is mixed into the liquid crystal at a ratio of, for example, about 0.1 to 5% by weight based on the weight of the liquid crystal so as not to hinder the display characteristics of the liquid crystal as described above. As shown in FIG. 4, the liquid crystal molecules 3a in the liquid crystal layer 3 are maintained in a predetermined initial alignment state by the alignment films 21 and 22 which are filled between the pair of substrates 1 and 2 and subjected to alignment processing such as rubbing processing. Irradiate ultraviolet rays UV. As the irradiation amount, for example, ultraviolet rays of about 300 to 400 nm may be irradiated at an intensity of about 5 to 15 mW / cm ^{2 for} about 10 minutes. The monomer in the liquid crystal layer 3 is polymerized by the irradiation of the ultraviolet rays to form a polymer dispersion 30.

In the present embodiment, an ultraviolet curable monomer is used as the polymer dispersion forming material, but a thermosetting monomer may be used, for example. Specifically, for example, the following [Formula 11], [Formula 12],
A compound having an epoxy group as shown in [Formula 13] and an alcohol shown in [Formula 14] or an amine shown in [Formula 15] (for example, (4- (ω-aminoalkoxy)-
A mixed monomer of (4'-cyanobiphenyl) can be used. The heating temperature is, for example, [Chemical formula 11], [Chemical formula 1]
3] at 60 ° C.
It may be heated for about an hour.

[0041]

Embedded image

Embedded image

Embedded image

Embedded image

Embedded image Further, the shape of the polymer dispersion formed as described above varies depending on the monomer material used and the UV irradiation conditions (temperature and intensity). For example, the polymer may be linear or particulate. Also, the distribution of the polymer within the panel is similarly different. The distribution may be uniform in the depth direction of the panel, or the density may increase near the substrate. Regardless of the shape of the polymer, or the distribution state of the polymer, the formation of the polymer dispersion reduced the alignment regulating force, for example, when the alignment film was exposed to strong light for a long time and deteriorated or deteriorated. In this case, it is only necessary that the polymer dispersion having an alignment regulating force equal to or stronger than that of the alignment film can maintain the initial alignment state and the predetermined alignment operation of the liquid crystal molecules when a voltage is applied and when no voltage is applied. .

In this embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a TN type liquid crystal device has been described. However, the present invention is also applicable to an STN type or other liquid crystal device, for example, an optical compensation means such as a film for preventing coloring. It can also be applied to those provided with. The electrode structure may be a simple matrix type, a segment type, or any other appropriate type, and furthermore, a TFT (Thin Film Tr)
ansistor) element and TFD (Thin Film)
The present invention is also applicable to a device using an active device such as a diode device.

[Cross-Sectional Structure of Active Matrix Liquid Crystal Device] FIG. 5 is a plan view of an active matrix liquid crystal device using active elements, and FIG.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line A.

In the liquid crystal device of the present embodiment, the active matrix substrate 4 on which the pixel electrodes 48 are formed in a matrix
2, a counter substrate 41 on which a counter electrode 47 and a light shielding film 51 are formed, and a liquid crystal 43 sealed and sandwiched between these substrates.

The active matrix substrate 42 and the counter substrate 41 are bonded to each other with a predetermined gap therebetween by a sealing material 44 containing a gap material formed along the outer peripheral edge of the counter substrate 41. In addition, a liquid crystal sealing region 52 is defined between the active matrix substrate 42 and the counter substrate 41 by a sealing material 44, and the liquid crystal 43 is sealed in the liquid crystal sealing region 52. In this liquid crystal sealing region 52, a spacer 53 may be interposed between the active matrix substrate 42 and the counter substrate 41 in some cases. As the sealing material 44, an epoxy resin or various ultraviolet curable resins can be used. In addition, the gap material mixed with the sealing material 44 is about 2 μm
Inorganic or organic fibers or spheres of about 10 μm are used.

The sealing material 44 is partially interrupted, and the interrupted portion constitutes a liquid crystal injection port 44a. After the opposing substrate 41 and the active matrix substrate 42 are bonded to each other, the liquid crystal 43 can be injected under reduced pressure from the liquid crystal injection port 44a by setting the inner region of the sealing material 44 under reduced pressure. Can be achieved by closing the liquid crystal injection port 44a with the sealing agent 54.

The opposing substrate 41 is also provided with a light shielding film 55 for cutting off the image display area F inside the sealing material 44. Upper and lower conductive members 56 for establishing electrical continuity between the active matrix substrate 42 and the opposing substrate 41 are formed at any of the corners of the opposing substrate 41.

On the light incident side surface or the light exit side of the opposing substrate 41 and the active matrix substrate 42,
Depending on the type of the liquid crystal 43 to be used, that is, an operation mode such as TN (twisted nematic) mode, STN (super TN) mode, etc., and a normally white mode / normally plaque mode, a polarizing film, a retardation film, A polarizing plate and the like are arranged in a predetermined direction.

Although the color filter is not formed in the liquid crystal device of the present embodiment, an RGB color filter may be formed in a region of the counter substrate 41 facing each pixel electrode 48 together with its protective film. . In some cases, a dichroic filter that produces RGB colors by utilizing the interference effect of light may be formed by stacking a number of interference layers having different refractive indexes on the counter substrate 41.

In the present embodiment, the counter substrate 41
Is smaller than the active matrix substrate 42, and the peripheral portion of the active matrix substrate 42 is bonded so as to protrude from the outer peripheral edge of the counter substrate 41. Accordingly, the drive circuits (the scan line drive circuit 70 and the data line drive circuit 60) and the input / output terminals 57 of the active matrix substrate 42 are exposed from the counter substrate 41. In the liquid crystal device thus configured, the input / output terminals 57 formed on the active matrix substrate 42 include an input terminal 57a and an output terminal 57b used for inspection.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of a part of an active matrix type liquid crystal device, particularly an STN type liquid crystal device in a state where no voltage is applied, and FIG.

In this embodiment, the TFT element 20 is used as the active element.
Is composed of a source electrode 21, a gate electrode 22, a drain electrode 23, and the like, and is provided for each pixel on an active matrix substrate 42.

A pixel electrode 48 is conductively connected to the drain electrode 23 of the TFT element 20 via a contact hole h, and vertical alignment films 49 and 50 are formed on the side of the pixel electrode 48 and the counter electrode 47 facing each other. I have. Also, the alignment film 4
A liquid crystal layer 43 is interposed between 9 and 50, and in this embodiment, the STN type nematic liquid crystal is twisted at a predetermined angle. The polymer dispersion 30 is formed in the liquid crystal layer 43 in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram schematically showing the structure of the active matrix substrate. As shown in FIG.
In the active matrix substrate 42, a pixel portion 8 formed in a substantially central region of a transparent substrate made of glass or the like.
1, a data line 90 and a scanning line 9 formed of a metal film of aluminum, tantalum, molybdenum, titanium, tungsten, or the like, a silicide film, a conductive semiconductor film, or the like.
1 is provided. Data line 90 and scanning line 91
Are connected to the gate electrode 22 and the source electrode 21 of the TFT element 20 provided for each pixel. In each of the pixels, a liquid crystal capacitor 94 (liquid crystal cell) to which an image signal is input to the pixel electrode 48 via the TFT element 20 is formed.

For the data line 90, a data side drive circuit 60 including a shift register 84, a level shifter 85, a video line 87, and an analog switch 86 is configured. On the other hand, for the scanning line 91, the scanning side driving circuit 7 including the shift register 88 and the level shifter 89
0 is configured.

In each of the pixels, a storage capacitor 40 is formed between a scanning line 91 and a capacitor line 92 extending in parallel.
The storage capacitor 40 has a function of improving the charge holding characteristics of the liquid crystal capacitor 94. This storage capacitor 40 may be formed between the scanning line 91 and the preceding stage. As described above, a large number of pixels 810 are formed in a matrix in the pixel portion 81 of the active matrix substrate 42. Of these pixels, one to three columns of pixels located on the outermost peripheral side ( A hatched pixel 81a is a dummy pixel that is covered with a parting light-shielding film 55 shown in FIG. These dummy pixels 81a do not contribute to display. However, even in the case of the dummy pixel 81a, the pixel switching TFT element 20 is formed and the data line driving circuit 60
And the scanning line driving circuit 70.

In the above-described configuration, if the deflection plates are arranged outside the active matrix substrate 42 and the counter substrate 41 so that the deflection axes are in a predetermined direction, the upper deflection plate 5 can be moved from the upper deflection plate 5 when no voltage is applied in FIG. The light entering the liquid crystal layer 3 is elliptically deflected by the twisted orientation of the liquid crystal molecules 3a, and then becomes linearly polarized light substantially parallel to the deflection axis of the lower polarizing plate 6, and transmitted through the lower polarizing plate 6 to be bright. Display is obtained,
In the voltage applied state shown in FIG. 3, light entering the liquid crystal layer 3 from the upper deflecting plate 5 is transmitted as it is, and does not pass through the lower deflecting plate 6 in a crossed Nicol state with the upper deflecting plate 5 to provide a dark display. Becomes

At this time, the polymer dispersion 30 provided in the liquid crystal layer 3 can provide a favorable display without any hindrance to the above-described alignment operation of the liquid crystal molecules 3a when a voltage is applied and when no voltage is applied. Even if the alignment control force of the liquid crystal molecules by the alignment film is reduced by irradiating light for a long time, the initial alignment state and the voltage application and no voltage application are performed by the polymer dispersion 30 having the same or stronger alignment control force. The predetermined alignment operation of the liquid crystal molecules at the time can be maintained.

In the above embodiment, a so-called transmissive liquid crystal device has been exemplified, but the present invention can be applied to a reflective liquid crystal device using a reflector. As an arrangement of the reflection plate, an electrode disposed inside one of the substrates is formed of a reflective metal film or the like. For example, the electrode 7 or 8 on one substrate in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 or the pixel electrode 48 on the active matrix substrate 42 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. And the like so that it also functions as a reflector.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10A, a reflecting plate 11 is provided outside one of the deflecting plates 6 in FIG. 1, or as shown in FIG. Any other appropriate configuration such as a configuration in which a reflective polarizer (reflective deflector or reflective plate) 12 serving as a plate and a deflecting plate is provided can be employed.

(Configuration of Electronic Apparatus) FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a basic configuration of an electronic apparatus using the liquid crystal device according to the present invention.

The liquid crystal device configured as described above can be applied as a display device of various electronic devices, and an electronic device configured using the above-described liquid crystal device generally has a configuration shown in FIG.
Display information output source 1000 and display information processing circuit 10 shown in FIG.
02, a display drive circuit 1004, a display panel 1006 such as a liquid crystal panel, a clock generation circuit 1008, and a power supply circuit 1010. Display information output source 1000
Is configured to include a memory such as a ROM and a RAM, a tuning circuit that tunes and outputs a television signal, and outputs display information such as a video signal based on a clock from a clock generation circuit 1008. Display information processing circuit 1002
Processes and outputs display information based on the clock from the clock generation circuit 1008. The display information processing circuit 1002 can include, for example, an amplification and polarity inversion circuit, a serial-parallel conversion circuit, a rotation circuit, a gamma correction circuit, a clamp circuit, and the like.

The display driving circuit 1004 includes a scanning side driving circuit and a data side driving circuit.
006 is driven for display. The power supply circuit 1010 supplies power to each of the above circuits.

Examples of the electronic apparatus having such a configuration include a liquid crystal projector, a multimedia-compatible personal computer (PC) and an engineering workstation (EWS), a pager, a cellular phone,
Examples include a word processor, a television, a viewfinder type or a monitor direct-view type video tape recorder, an electronic organizer, an electronic desk calculator, a car navigation device, a POS terminal, and a device having a touch panel.

(Example of Application to Projection Display Device) FIG.
FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a main part of a projection type liquid crystal projector using a transmission type liquid crystal device as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIGS. 5 to 9 as a light valve.

In FIG. 12, reference numeral 110 denotes a light source;
114 is a dichroic mirror, 115, 116, 11
7 is a reflection mirror, 118, 119 and 120 are relay lenses, 122, 123 and 124 are liquid crystal light valves, 12
5 is a cross dichroic prism, and 126 is a projection lens. The light source 110 includes a lamp 111 such as a metal halide and a reflector 112 for reflecting light from the lamp.

The dichroic mirror 113 transmits red light of the white light beam from the light source 110 and reflects blue light and green light. The red light transmitted through the dichroic mirror 113 is reflected by the reflection mirror 117 and enters the red light liquid crystal light valve 122. On the other hand, among the color lights reflected by the dichroic mirror 113, green light is reflected by the dichroic mirror 114 that reflects green light, and the liquid crystal light valve 1 for green light is used.
23. On the other hand, the blue light also passes through the second dichroic mirror 114. For the blue light, a light guide means 121 including a relay lens system including an incident lens 118, a relay lens 119, and an emission lens 120 is provided to prevent light loss due to a long optical path. Is incident on the liquid crystal light valve 124 for blue light.

The three color lights incident on the respective light valves are modulated by the respective light valves and are incident on the cross dichroic prism 125. This prism is formed by bonding four right-angle prisms, and a dielectric multilayer film that reflects red light and a dielectric multilayer film that reflects blue light are formed in a cross shape on the inner surface. The three color lights are combined by these dielectric multilayer films to form light representing a color image. The combined light is projected on a screen 127 by a projection lens 126 which is a projection optical system, and an image is enlarged and displayed.

FIG. 13 shows a case where a reflective electrode is used in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIGS. 5 to 9, or a reflection type liquid crystal as shown in FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b). FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a main part of a liquid crystal projector using the device as a light valve.

Referring to FIG. 13, the projector of this example is
A polarized light illuminating device 200 schematically including a light source unit 210, an integrator lens 220, and a polarization conversion element 230 arranged along the system optical axis L, and the polarized light illuminating device 200
Beam splitter 250 that reflects the S-polarized light beam emitted from the S-polarized light beam reflecting surface 251, and separates the blue light (B) component from the light reflected from the S-polarized light reflecting surface 251 of the polarized beam splitter 250. Dichroic mirror 412, a reflective liquid crystal light valve 300B that modulates the separated blue light (B), and a dichroic mirror that reflects and separates the red light (R) component of the light flux after the blue light is separated. Mirror 413, reflective liquid crystal light valve 30 for modulating the separated red light (R)
0R, the reflective liquid crystal light valve 30 for modulating the remaining green light (G) transmitted through the dichroic mirror 413
0G, the three reflective liquid crystal light valves 300R,
The light modulated by 00G and 300B is combined by the dichroic mirrors 412 and 413 and the polarization beam splitter 200, and the projection optical system 500 is configured by a projection lens that projects the combined light onto the screen 600. The three reflective liquid crystal light valves 300R, 300
The above-mentioned reflection type liquid crystal device according to the present invention is used for 0G and 300B, respectively.

The randomly polarized light beam emitted from the light source unit 210 is divided into a plurality of intermediate light beams by an integrator lens 220, and the polarization direction is changed by a polarization conversion element 230 having a second integrator lens on the light incident side. The light beam is converted into a substantially uniform type of polarized light beam (S-polarized light beam) before reaching the polarizing beam splitter 250. The S-polarized light beam emitted from the polarization conversion element 230 is reflected by the S-polarized light beam reflection surface 251 of the polarization beam splitter 250, and among the reflected light beams, the blue light (B) is reflected by the dichroic mirror 412. Reflective liquid crystal light valve 300B
Modulated and reflected. Further, among the light beams transmitted through the blue light reflecting layer of the dichroic mirror 412, the light beam of the red light (R) is reflected by the red light reflecting layer of the dichroic mirror 413, and the reflection type liquid crystal light valve 300R
Modulated and reflected. Further, the light flux of the green light (G) transmitted through the red light reflecting layer of the dichroic mirror 413 is modulated and reflected by the reflective liquid crystal light valve 300G.

As described above, of the color lights modulated and reflected by the respective reflective liquid crystal light valves 300R, 300G, and 300B, the S-polarized light component does not pass through the polarizing beam splitter 200 that reflects the S-polarized light. ,
The P polarization component is transmitted. This polarization beam splitter 20
In this configuration, an image is formed by combining lights transmitted through 0, and the image is formed on the screen 600 via the projection optical system 500.

When the liquid crystal device according to the present invention is used for a light valve of a liquid crystal projector as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, when the alignment film is deteriorated or deteriorated by strong light from a light source, the alignment regulating force is reduced. In addition, the initial alignment state can be maintained by a polymer dispersion having an alignment control force equal to or stronger than that of the alignment film, and a predetermined alignment operation of liquid crystal molecules at the time of voltage application and no voltage application can be performed. It is possible to provide a liquid crystal projector having good durability and stability without any hindrance.

(Other Electronic Equipment) FIGS.
(C) is an external view which shows the other specific example of the electronic device using the liquid crystal device of this invention, respectively. Note that these electronic devices are used not as a light valve as described above but as a direct-view type liquid crystal display device (liquid crystal panel), so that any of a transmission type and a reflection type liquid crystal device can be applied.

FIG. 14A is a perspective view showing a mobile phone. 1000 denotes a mobile phone body, of which 100
Reference numeral 1 denotes a liquid crystal display using the liquid crystal device of the present invention.

FIG. 14B is a diagram showing a wristwatch-type electronic device. 1100 is a perspective view showing the watch main body. 1
Reference numeral 101 denotes a liquid crystal display unit using the liquid crystal device of the present invention.
Since this liquid crystal device has higher definition pixels than a conventional clock display unit, it can also display television images, and can realize a wristwatch type television.

FIG. 14C shows a portable information processing apparatus such as a word processor or a personal computer. 1200 denotes an information processing device, 1202 denotes an input unit such as a keyboard,
Reference numeral 06 denotes a display unit using the liquid crystal device of the invention, and 1204 denotes an information processing device main body. Each electronic device uses a transmissive liquid crystal device as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIGS. 5 to 9, and a bright display can be obtained by arranging a so-called backlight on the back side thereof. When a liquid crystal device is used, a backlight is not required and power consumption can be reduced.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the present invention is not limited to being applied to the driving of the above-described various liquid crystal panels, but is also applicable to electroluminescence and plasma display devices.

[0079]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A liquid crystal device according to the present invention, a method for manufacturing the same, and specific embodiments in which the liquid crystal device is applied to electronic equipment will be described.

Example 1 A polyimide-based horizontal alignment film having a thickness of about 500 Å was formed as an alignment film by using a spin coater. Thereafter, a pre-tilt of 1 to 2 ° was applied by rubbing. The upper and lower substrates thus produced were bonded at 90 ° to a cell thickness of 4 μm to produce an empty panel.

On the other hand, as a liquid crystal, a fluorine-based composition (refractive index anisotropy Δn = 0.117, dielectric anisotropy Δε =
8.9, clearing point (nematic phase-isotropic liquid transition point,
(Abbreviated as NI point) = 95.7 ° C.), a chiral agent was added to perform twist alignment, the twist pitch was set to about 70 μm, and a liquid crystal monoacrylate was used as a monomer.
% Was added. Encapsulating this mixture in the empty panel,
At 50 ° C., an ultraviolet ray of 350 nm is irradiated with 10 mW / cm ^2.
Irradiation at an intensity of about 10 minutes formed a polymer dispersion.

Comparative Example 1 As a comparative example with respect to Example 1, a liquid crystal panel was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1 except that no monomer was added, that is, a polymer dispersion was not formed.

[Comparison between Example 1 and Comparative Example 1]
The relationship between the applied voltage and the transmittance of the liquid crystal panel (liquid crystal device) manufactured in Comparative Example 1 was measured. At that time, the characteristics (initial state) immediately after the panel production were first evaluated, and then the panel was irradiated with a light beam of 10 (lm / mm ² ) for about 200 hours, and the subsequent characteristics (after aging) were also measured.

FIG. 15 shows the measurement results. FIG.
(A) shows the case where the polymer dispersion in Example 1 was formed, and (b) shows the initial state (before aging) and the applied voltage after aging when the polymer dispersion in Comparative Example 1 was not formed. It is a graph which shows the relationship of the transmittance | permeability.

As is apparent from these results, the liquid crystal panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a polymer stabilized liquid crystal device in which a polymer dispersion is formed, and thus changes in characteristics even after being irradiated with intense light. Turned out to be almost nonexistent.

Further, by using the liquid crystal device obtained in Example 1 as a light valve of a liquid crystal projector and as a display device of an electronic device such as a mobile phone, a wristwatch, a word processor, a personal computer, etc., durability and stability are improved. Electronic equipment was obtained.

Example 2 After a polyimide-based horizontal alignment film having a thickness of 50 nm was formed as an alignment film on each of a pair of substrates using a spin coater, a rubbing process was performed on the pair of substrates. To give a pretilt of 6 ° to 8 °. Next, an empty cell is produced by bonding a pair of substrates in an anti-parallel state with a cell thickness of 3 μm.

As the liquid crystal, a fluorine-based liquid crystal composition having a positive dielectric anisotropy to which no chiral agent is added (refractive index anisotropy Δn = 0.149, dielectric anisotropy Δ
ε = 8.8, clearing point (nematic phase-isotropic liquid transition point, abbreviated NI point) = 110.2 ° C.) and the following [Formula 1]
6] (2'-methyl-p-terphenyl-4,4 "-diyldimethacrylate / melting point 13)
(1.7 ° C.) at a ratio of 99: 1 is injected between the substrates of empty cells. Thereafter, under the condition of a temperature of 50 ° C., UV light of 350 nm was applied to the cell for 3.5 m
Irradiate at an intensity of W / cm ² for about 15 minutes.

[0089]

Embedded image As a result, a horizontal alignment type liquid crystal panel in which a polymer dispersion having a structure represented by the following [Chemical Formula 17] is formed is formed.

[0090]

Embedded image Comparative Example 2 As a liquid crystal panel according to Comparative Example 2 with respect to Example 2, a liquid crystal panel of a horizontal alignment type in which no polymer dispersion is formed is formed. Other conditions are the same as those of the second embodiment.

[Evaluation of Example 2 and Comparative Example 2] With respect to the liquid crystal panel according to Example 2 and the liquid crystal panel according to Comparative Example 2 thus configured, the pretilt angle in the initial state was measured, and then each liquid crystal panel was measured. FIG. 16 shows the result of the measurement of the temporal change of the pretilt angle in the state where a predetermined light was applied to the sample. In FIG. 16, a solid line L21
Indicates the characteristics of the liquid crystal panel according to Example 2, and indicates the solid line L2
2 shows the characteristics of the liquid crystal panel according to Comparative Example 2.

The threshold voltage of these liquid crystal panels was determined from the relationship between the applied voltage and the transmittance, and the time-dependent change in the threshold voltage was measured.
FIG. After the initial value of the threshold voltage was measured, a temporal change of the threshold voltage in a state where each liquid crystal panel was irradiated with predetermined light was measured. Note that FIG.
In the graph, the solid line L23 indicates the characteristics of the liquid crystal panel according to the second embodiment, and the solid line L24 indicates the characteristics of the liquid crystal panel according to the second comparative example.

As can be seen from FIGS. 16 and 17, the liquid crystal panel according to the second embodiment of the present invention is different from the liquid crystal panel according to the second comparative example in both the pretilt angle and the threshold voltage. Small changes were confirmed.

Example 3 After a polyimide-based vertical alignment film having a thickness of 50 nm was formed as an alignment film on each of a pair of substrates using a spin coater, a rubbing process was performed on the pair of substrates. To give a pretilt of 2 ° to 5 °. Next, an empty cell is produced by bonding a pair of substrates in an anti-parallel state with a cell thickness of 3 μm.

On the other hand, a difluorinated liquid crystal composition having a negative dielectric anisotropy (refractive anisotropy Δn = 0.821, dielectric anisotropy Δε = -4.1, clearing point (nematic phase −isotropic liquid transition point, abbreviated NI point) = 91.0 ° C.) and the monomer (2′-methyl-p) represented by the above formula
-Terphenyl-4,4 "-diyldimethacrylate)
Is mixed between substrates of empty cells at a ratio of 99: 1. Thereafter, at a temperature of 50 ° C.,
UV light of 350 nm was applied to the cell at 3.5 mW / cm ^2.
Irradiate at an intensity of about 30 minutes.

As a result, a vertical alignment type liquid crystal panel in which the polymer dispersion having the structure represented by the above [Formula 17] is formed is formed.

[Comparative Example 3] As a liquid crystal panel according to Comparative Example 3 with respect to Example 3, a vertical alignment type liquid crystal panel on which no polymer dispersion was formed was formed. Other conditions are the same as in the third embodiment.

[Evaluation of Example 3 and Comparative Example 3] With respect to the liquid crystal panel according to Example 3 and the liquid crystal panel according to Comparative Example 3 thus configured, the pretilt angle in the initial state was measured, and then each liquid crystal panel was measured. FIG. 18 shows the result of measurement of the temporal change of the pretilt angle in a state where a predetermined light was applied to the sample. In FIG. 18, a solid line L31
Indicates the characteristics of the liquid crystal panel according to Example 3, and indicates the solid line L3
2 shows the characteristics of the liquid crystal panel according to Comparative Example 3.

The threshold voltage of these liquid crystal panels was determined from the relationship between the applied voltage and the transmittance, and the time-dependent change in the threshold voltage was measured.
It is shown in FIG. After the initial value of the threshold voltage was measured, a temporal change of the threshold voltage in a state where each liquid crystal panel was irradiated with predetermined light was measured. In FIG. 19, the solid line L33 indicates the characteristics of the liquid crystal panel according to the third embodiment, and the solid line L34 indicates the characteristics of the liquid crystal panel according to the third comparative example.

As can be seen from FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, the liquid crystal panel according to the third embodiment of the present invention is different from the liquid crystal panel according to the third comparative example in both the pretilt angle and the threshold voltage. Small changes were confirmed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a schematic configuration showing one embodiment of a liquid crystal device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of a part of the liquid crystal device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional view in a state where a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal device shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a method for forming a polymer dispersion.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an embodiment of an active liquid crystal device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.

7 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of a part of the liquid crystal device shown in FIG.

8 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the liquid crystal device shown in FIG. 7 in a state where a voltage is applied to a liquid crystal layer.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of an active matrix substrate.

FIG. 10 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing an example in which the present invention is applied to a reflection type liquid crystal device.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a basic configuration of an electronic apparatus using the liquid crystal device according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram of a projection display device (projector) using a transmissive liquid crystal panel as an electronic apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram of a projection display device (projector) using a reflective liquid crystal panel as an electronic apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of an electronic apparatus using a liquid crystal device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 15 is a graph showing the relationship between the applied voltage and the transmittance of the liquid crystal panel according to Example 1 of the present invention and the liquid crystal panel according to Comparative Example 1 in comparison.

FIG. 16 is a graph comparing the liquid crystal panel according to Example 2 of the present invention and the liquid crystal panel according to Comparative Example 2 over time with respect to the pretilt angle.

FIG. 17 is a graph showing a comparison of the change over time of the threshold voltage of the liquid crystal panel according to Example 2 of the present invention with that of the liquid crystal panel according to Comparative Example 2;

FIG. 18 is a graph comparing the liquid crystal panel according to Example 2 of the present invention and the liquid crystal panel according to Comparative Example 2 over time with respect to the pretilt angle.

FIG. 19 is a graph showing a comparison of the change over time in the threshold voltage of the liquid crystal panel according to Example 2 of the present invention and the liquid crystal panel according to Comparative Example 2.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 upper substrate 2 lower substrate 3 liquid crystal layer 5 upper polarizing plate 6 lower polarizing plate 30 polymer dispersion

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) C08F 20/20 C08F 20/20 F term (Reference) 2H089 HA04 JA04 KA08 QA16 UA05 4J011 GA05 GB07 GB08 PA24 PB40 PC02 PC08 QA12 QA32 QA33 QA39 QA46 UA01 VA04 WA10 4J100 AL08P AL66P AT08P BA04P BA15P BA40P BB01P BB07P BC04P BC43P BC45P BC73P CA01 JA32

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A liquid crystal device in which a liquid crystal layer is interposed between a pair of substrates, and an alignment film is formed on a surface of at least one of the pair of substrates on the liquid crystal layer side. In the liquid crystal device, a polymer dispersion having an alignment control force substantially equal to or greater than the alignment control force of the alignment film with respect to liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer is provided in the liquid crystal layer. 2. The polymer dispersion is represented by the following [Chem. 1] 2'-methyl-p-terphenyl-4,4 "represented by
By polymerizing a monomer comprising diyl dimethacrylate, the following [Chemical Formula 2] The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, having a structure represented by: 3. The alignment regulating force of the liquid crystal molecules by the polymer dispersion is set to a range that not only regulates the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules when no voltage is applied but also does not hinder the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules when a voltage is applied. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein: 4. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the polymer dispersion accounts for 0.1 to 5% by weight of the liquid crystal in the liquid crystal layer. 5. A liquid crystal in a liquid crystal layer is mixed with a monomer,
A method for manufacturing a liquid crystal device, comprising: polymerizing the monomer in a state where liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer are oriented in a predetermined direction to form a polymer dispersion in the liquid crystal layer. 6. The following monomer [Chemical Formula 3]: 2'-methyl-p-terphenyl-4,4 "represented by
Using diyl dimethacrylate, the following [Chemical Formula 4] The method for manufacturing a liquid crystal device according to claim 5, wherein the polymer dispersion having a structure represented by the following formula is formed. 7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the monomer is a liquid crystal ultraviolet curable monomer. 8. An electronic apparatus comprising the liquid crystal device according to claim 1 as a display device. 9. An electronic apparatus comprising a liquid crystal device manufactured by the manufacturing method according to claim 5 as a display device.