JP2000206537A - Liquid crystal element and its manufacture - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce defective filling of a liquid crystal in its injection. SOLUTION: Spacer members 2 are arranged in a gap between substrates, however, in the case a liquid crystal 3 is injected, the liquid crystal 3 advances through corner parts E between the spacer member 2 and alignment layers 7a, 7b. Since in this case, parts 2a of the spacer members 2 are also arranged in a pixel region D (DR, DG, DB, DW), the liquid crystal 3 is smoothly filled in the region D irrespective of thickness of the gap between the substrates in the region D. Thereby defective filling of the liquid crystal 3 is reduced.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to a liquid crystal element in which a substrate gap is defined by a spacer member and a method of manufacturing the liquid crystal element, and more particularly, to a shape of the spacer member.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a CRT is known as a display device for displaying various information.
It is used for various purposes such as displaying moving images of images and VTR images and monitoring of personal computers.

[0003] However, this CRT has various problems as follows. That is, * when displaying a still image, scanning fringes and the like are visually recognized due to flicker and lack of resolution, and the image quality deteriorates. * When displaying a still image, deterioration of the fluorescent lamp due to burn-in is caused. * A point where electromagnetic waves may be generated to adversely affect the human body (eg, harm the health of VDT workers) * A large space is required behind the screen, which hinders space saving in offices and homes For this reason, recently, a liquid crystal panel (liquid crystal element) has been used in place of a CRT as a display device for solving such a problem, and not only as a display element but also as an optical shutter for switching light. Is also used.

There are various types of such liquid crystal panels. That is, * Twisted Nematic
TN) liquid crystal (M. Schadt) W. Helfrich (W.
Helfrich) “Applied Physic”
s Letters Vol. 18, No. 4 (1972
(Published on March 15), pages 127 to 128 ").
There are two types of liquid crystal panels: a simple matrix type and a TFT type (where a transistor is arranged in each pixel as is well known), but both have drawbacks. That is, the former can be manufactured at a low cost and has an advantage in terms of cost, but has the disadvantage that crosstalk occurs during time-division driving when the pixel density is increased (in other words, the crosstalk is reduced). The disadvantage is that the pixel density cannot be so high to avoid it)
In the latter case, the transistor solves the problem of crosstalk and the problem of the response speed is solved.On the other hand, it is difficult to mass-produce a large-area liquid crystal panel because defective pixels easily occur. For example, there is a disadvantage that the manufacturing cost increases due to a decrease in the manufacturing yield and the like. * A liquid crystal panel that controls transmitted light by combining with a polarizing element using the refractive index anisotropy of liquid crystal molecules exhibiting ferroelectricity (hereinafter referred to as a liquid crystal panel that does not have the drawbacks of the TN liquid crystal panel described above) , “Ferroelectric liquid crystal panel”
) Have been proposed by Clark and Lagerwall (JP-A-56-107216, U.S. Pat. No. 4,436,792).
No. 4 specification).

This liquid crystal (hereinafter referred to as “ferroelectric liquid crystal”) generally has a chiral smectic C phase (SmC *) or H phase (SmH *) in a specific temperature range, and is added in this state. Taking one of a first optically stable state and a second optically stable state in response to an electric field;
And the property of maintaining the state when no electric field is applied,
In other words, it has bistable memory properties, and exhibits a very fast response speed because of inversion switching by spontaneous polarization, and also has excellent viewing angle characteristics,
It is suitable as a high-speed, high-definition, large-screen display device.

Further, the above-described ferroelectric liquid crystal panel has
In the initial alignment stage, the liquid crystal molecules aligned in the first stable state and the liquid crystal molecules aligned in the second stable state are mixed in the domain. That is, in the chiral smectic liquid crystal in the bistable state, the alignment controlling force for aligning the liquid crystal molecules in the first stable state and the alignment controlling force for aligning the liquid crystal molecules in the second stable state have substantially equal energy levels. When the chiral smectic liquid crystal is aligned under the state of the alignment film thickness thin enough to exhibit bistability, the liquid crystal molecules aligned in the first stable state and the second stable state in the domain are initially aligned. It will be mixed at the stage. * In addition, a liquid crystal exhibiting antiferroelectricity (hereinafter referred to as "antiferroelectric liquid crystal") is used as a technique for constructing a liquid crystal panel using the similarity of refractive index anisotropy and spontaneous polarization of liquid crystal molecules. Is known. This antiferroelectric liquid crystal generally has a chiral smectic CA phase (SmCA *) in a specific temperature range. In this state, when no electric field is applied, the average optical stable state is in the normal direction of the smectic layer. Accordingly, an average optical stable state is inclined from the layer normal direction. In addition, the antiferroelectric liquid crystal also performs switching by coupling of spontaneous polarization and electric field, so that it exhibits a very fast response speed and is expected to be used for a high-speed liquid crystal panel.

By the way, none of the liquid crystal panel described above, as indicated at P ₂ in Figure 4, a pair of glass substrates 1a arranged substantially parallel, provided with a 1b, each glass substrate 1a, the 1b Transparent electrodes 4a and 4b are supported respectively. Further, the pair of glass substrates 1a, 1b
A liquid crystal 3 is sandwiched in a gap between the electrodes (hereinafter, referred to as a “substrate gap”), and the liquid crystal 3 is driven by applying a voltage equal to or higher than a certain threshold value between the transparent electrodes 4a and 4b. It has become.

Reference numerals 6a and 6b denote transparent electrodes 4a and 4a.
4b shows an insulating film formed so as to cover 4b.
7b shows an alignment film. Reference numeral 20 denotes a black matrix, and reference numeral 21 denotes a black matrix 20.
2 shows a film formed so as to cover.

By the way, in such a liquid crystal panel P _2, when the substrate gap is not uniform in all parts screen, the electric field applied to the liquid crystal 3 becomes not uniform, image quality image unevenness occurs and There was a problem of getting worse. In particular, in the case of a liquid crystal panel using a ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) or an antiferroelectric liquid crystal (A-FLC), it is necessary to narrow the substrate gap (about 1 to 3 μm). Even a small degree of non-uniformity will greatly affect image quality.

In view of this, the fine-particle spacers 22 are arranged in the gaps between the substrates to define the gaps, and the fine-grain adhesive 23 is formed.
Are arranged in the substrate gap, and the two substrates 1a and 1b are bonded to maintain the substrate gap.

However, such a spacer 22
When the adhesive or the adhesive 23 is used, the glass substrate 1
a or 1b and then spread over two glass substrates 1a and 1b
It is necessary to adopt a manufacturing method in which the spacers 22 and the adhesive 23 are scattered, and it is impossible to select a portion where the spacers 22 and the adhesive 23 are scattered, and these are arranged regardless of the pixel region D / non-pixel region C. . Further, since alignment defects occur around the places where the spacers 22 and the adhesive 23 are arranged, the alignment defects generated in the pixel region D are image defects such as insufficient contrast. There was a problem that causes.

Here, the pixel area D is defined as the electrodes 4a and 4b.
The non-pixel region C is a region other than the pixel region D, and the liquid crystal 3 is not switched, by applying a voltage to the liquid crystal 3 through the interface and switching the liquid crystal 3 to contribute to image formation. Or, it means a region that does not contribute to image formation even if the liquid crystal 3 is switched. When it is necessary to distinguish the pixel area for each color in the liquid crystal panel for color display, a pixel region to the red display indicated by symbol D _R, represents a pixel area for a green display by the symbol D _G, blue display the illustrated pixel areas to a code D _B, shows a pixel area for a white display by the symbol D _W, when they are not distinguished from each simply referred to as "pixel region D" (hereinafter the same in this specification).

By the way, as a liquid crystal panel which avoids the above-mentioned problems peculiar to the fine-particle spacer 22 and the adhesive 23 (that is, generation of alignment defect and image defect), FIGS. there is indicated at P _3.

The liquid crystal panel P ₃ has a stripe-shaped spacer 32.
Since the flexographic printing method and the photolithography method can be used, or a dry film-like material can be attached to the gap between the substrates, the arrangement location is set so that the spacer 32 is formed only in the non-pixel region C. This makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of alignment defects in the pixel region D and suppress the occurrence of image defects.

Reference numeral 5 denotes a color filter.
Reference numeral 9 denotes a flattening film of the color filter. Reference numerals 6a, 6b, 7a, and 7b will be described in detail in the embodiments of the invention. Here, when it is necessary to distinguish the color filters 5 by color, a red color filter is denoted by reference numeral 5R, and a green color filter is denoted by reference numeral 5R.
G, the blue color filter is denoted by reference numeral 5B,
A white color filter is denoted by reference numeral 5W, and when these are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as “color filter 5” (hereinafter the same in the present specification).

Further, a sealant 8 is arranged in the gap between the substrates along the periphery of the substrates 1a and 1b (see FIG. 2). The sealant 8 is not applied until the liquid crystal 3 is injected into the gap between the substrates, as described later, so that the sealant 8 is opened in the gap between the substrates as a liquid crystal injection port 8a, and is closed after the injection is completed. It has become.

[0017] Then, the liquid crystal panel P ₃ such has been manufactured in the following order. That is, * a transparent electrode 4a and an alignment film 7a are formed on one glass substrate 1a.
Is formed, a spacer 32 is formed on the other glass substrate 1b together with the transparent electrode 4b and the alignment film 7b, and a sealing agent 8 is applied to either one of the glass substrates 1a or 1b (however, some The liquid crystal injection port 8a is formed without applying the sealing agent 8). * The two glass substrates 1a and 1b are bonded together and pressurized, and further heated or irradiated with light to apply the sealing agent 8 and the spacer 32. Is cured to form a liquid crystal cell, * the liquid crystal 3 is injected into the gap between the substrates of the liquid crystal cell, * the liquid crystal injection port 8a is sealed, and the liquid crystal panel P
_Had created _three .

[0018]

The liquid crystal 3 to be injected travels through the corner E of the spacer 32 according to the general theory of capillary action. Since the distance varies depending on the distance and the substrate gap size in the pixel region D is slightly different for each pixel, not all the pixel regions D are filled with the liquid crystal 3 smoothly. For example, each pixel region D _R , D _G , D _B ,
_DW red, green, blue and white color filters 5R, 5G,
When 5B and 5W are arranged, red and green pixel regions D _R and D
Although the _G liquid crystal 3 is filled directly, blue and white pixel regions D _B, the liquid crystal 3 to D _W is directly is filled after a lapse of some time without being filled. And in such a case,
Pixel regions D _R, the alignment state of the liquid crystal in D _G pixel region D _B, there is a problem that becomes different from the orientation of the liquid crystal in D _W.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal element that reduces unevenness in alignment state and unevenness in driving characteristics.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a liquid crystal element which can reduce defective filling of liquid crystal and the like.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal element for manufacturing the above-described liquid crystal element.

[0022]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and includes a pair of substrates arranged substantially in parallel, and a pair of substrates arranged between the pair of substrates to form a pair. A spacer member that defines a substrate gap, a liquid crystal disposed in the substrate gap, and a pair of substantially striped electrodes that sandwich the liquid crystal and are arranged in a matrix to form a plurality of pixel regions and non-pixel regions; A liquid crystal injection port that is opened when the liquid crystal is injected into the gap between the substrates, is used for the injection, and is closed after the injection is completed, and by applying a voltage via the electrode, In the liquid crystal element that drives the liquid crystal, the spacer member extends in a direction away from the vicinity of the liquid crystal injection port in the non-pixel region, and a part thereof extends to the pixel region. It is location, characterized in that.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIGS.
An embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The liquid crystal device according to the present invention, FIG. 1 as indicated at P ₁ (a), a pair of substrates 1 disposed substantially parallel
a, 1b, and a spacer member 2 is disposed between the pair of substrates 1a, 1b so as to define a substrate gap between the pair of substrates 1a, 1b. A liquid crystal 3 is disposed in the gap between the substrates, and a pair of electrodes 4a and 4b are disposed so as to sandwich the liquid crystal 3. The pair of electrodes 4a and 4b have a substantially striped shape and are arranged in a matrix, and constitute a plurality of pixel regions D and non-pixel regions C. Further, the liquid crystal element P ₁ includes a liquid crystal inlet 8a shown in FIG. 2, the infusion inlet 8a is the injection with is used is opened the injected when injecting the liquid crystal 3 to the substrate gap It will be closed after finishing. The liquid crystal 3 is driven by applying a voltage via the electrodes 4a and 4b.

By the way, the above-mentioned spacer member 2
As shown in FIG. 1 (b), the non-pixel region C extends in a direction away from the vicinity of the liquid crystal injection port 8a (up and down direction in the drawing), and a part 2a thereof (hereinafter, referred to as a vertical direction).
The “projection portion 2a” is disposed in the pixel region D. In this case, it is preferable that the protruding portion 2a be disposed in a portion having an area of 1/50 or less of each pixel region D. Note that the protrusion 2 shown in FIG.
“a” is arranged one by one in each pixel region D, but it is not necessary to be limited to this.
As shown by, a plurality of pixels may be arranged in each pixel region D.

The spacer member 2 is provided with the electrode 4
a or 4b.
It is preferable to arrange a plurality of the members in a state where a predetermined gap is formed along the surface direction of b.

Further, one spacer member 2 corresponds to FIG.
In (a), the cross-sectional shape is substantially rectangular, and the side surface (the surface in contact with the liquid crystal 3) is formed so as to be perpendicular to the substrates 1a and 1b. The side surface may be an inclined flat surface or a curved surface.

Further, each of the spacer members 2 has upper and lower surfaces on each of the substrates 1 to define a substrate gap.
a, 1b (when insulating films 6a, 6b and alignment films 7a, 7b are formed on the surfaces of the substrates 1a, 1b as described later, the surfaces of the alignment films 7a, 7b, etc.) are formed. It is necessary to adhere to only one of the substrates 1a or 1b and not to the other substrate 1b or 1a, or to both substrates 1a and 1b. It may be adhered. Note that an acrylic photosensitive resin may be used for the spacer member 2.

On the other hand, color filters 5R, 5G, 5B,... May be arranged in each of the pixel regions D. in this case,
The colors of the color filters 5R, 5G, 5B,.
The color should be blue, and white should be included. Note that a flattening film 9 may be formed so as to cover these color filters 5R,.

The electrodes 4a and 4b are connected to the substrate 1
a, 1b. Further, the electrodes 4a, 4b
It is preferable to use a transparent electrode made of ITO (indium tin oxide) or the like. When ITO is used, its thickness may be set to 400 to 2000 mm.

Furthermore, it is preferable to form insulating films 6a and 6b and alignment films 7a and 7b made of polyimide or the like so as to cover these electrodes 4a and 4b. The insulating films 6a,
6b may be formed by printing and applying a coating / firing type insulating film material with an angstromer and firing at a temperature of 200 to 300 ° C, and a thickness of 400 to 25.
It is good to set it to 00Å.

The liquid crystal 3 may be a chiral smectic liquid crystal exhibiting ferroelectricity or antiferroelectricity, or another liquid crystal.

Furthermore, the liquid crystal element P _1, said electrode 4a,
4b may be formed on each of the substrates 1a and 1b so as to be orthogonal to each other, and a simple matrix system may be used (see FIG. 2), or a TFT or the like may be arranged in each pixel region D to use an active matrix system.

Further, as shown in FIG.
It is preferable to dispose a sealant 8 along the periphery of a and 1b and to seal the gap between the substrates, and to form the above-described liquid crystal injection port 8a with the sealant 8.

In the non-pixel region C, a black matrix 13 serving as a light shielding layer may be arranged.

Next, a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal element according to the present invention will be described.

The pair of electrodes 4a and 4b are formed in a substantially stripe shape, and the spacer member 2 is disposed on at least one of the substrates 1a or 1b. In this case, the electrode 4
a and 4b may be formed on the respective substrates 1a and 1b, and the insulating film 6 may be formed so as to cover the electrodes 4a and 4b.
a, 6b and alignment films 7a, 7b may be formed. Further, when a liquid crystal element for color display is formed, a color filter 5 may be formed. As a method for forming the spacer member 2, a material which is cured by applying light or heat and which is not cured is formed on the substrate 1.
A method in which the material is applied to the surfaces of a and 1b by a printing method or the like, the material is cured, and then patterned by photolithography.

Next, the two substrates 1a and 1b are bonded together so as to sandwich the spacer member 2. As a result, the two substrates 1a and 1b are arranged substantially in parallel, and the substrate gap is defined by the spacer member 2. Also, a pair of electrodes 4a, 4
“b” sandwiches the liquid crystal 3 and is arranged in a matrix to form a plurality of pixel regions D and non-pixel regions C.
At this time, a liquid crystal injection port 8a that opens a gap between the substrates is formed.

Next, the liquid crystal 3 is injected from the liquid crystal injection port 8a into the gap between the substrates. The spacer member 2 is provided in the non-pixel region C.
Since the liquid crystal 3 extends in a direction away from the vicinity of the liquid crystal injection port 8a, the liquid crystal 3 travels through the corners (see symbol E) of the spacer member 2.

After the injection of the liquid crystal 3 is completed, the liquid crystal injection port 8a is closed.

Next, the effect of the present embodiment will be described.

According to this embodiment, the spacer member 2
Are arranged as described above, whereby the pair of substrates 1
The gaps between the substrates a and 1b can be made uniform over the entire surface. As a result, the alignment state of the liquid crystal 3 becomes uniform, so that the driving characteristics can be reduced and the image quality can be reduced.

Further, according to the present embodiment, since the protrusion 2a of the spacer member is arranged in the pixel region D, the liquid crystal 3 that has proceeded along the spacer member 2 during the injection of the liquid crystal has the protrusion 2a. Along each pixel region D. Accordingly, the liquid crystal 3 is filled in all the pixel regions D by the end of the liquid crystal injecting step, so that it is possible to avoid the generation of the pixel in which the liquid crystal 3 is not filled or the pixel in which the filling of the liquid crystal 3 is delayed. As a result, the liquid crystal 3
And the image quality is improved. In other words, it is not necessary to select the injection conditions of the liquid crystal 3 that can prevent the above-described defective filling of the liquid crystal 3, so that the degree of freedom in selecting the injection conditions is increased, and the injection time of the liquid crystal 3 is shortened. it can shorten the manufacturing time of the liquid crystal element P _1, whereby the cost can be reduced.

Here, the spacer member 2 is shown in FIG.
As shown in (b), most of the area is the non-pixel area C
, The occurrence of alignment defects and the occurrence of image defects in the pixel region D can be suppressed. In each pixel region D, when the protruding portion 2a is arranged in a portion having an area equal to or less than 1/50 of the region D, this effect is remarkable, and a decrease in contrast can be reduced.

When the upper and lower surfaces of each spacer member 2 are bonded to both substrates 1a and 1b, the bonding strength between the two substrates 1a and 1b is improved. For example, the liquid crystal 3 is injected into the space between the substrates. or when the liquid crystal element P ₁ of when is dropped on the floor also, it is possible to maintain a uniform gap between the substrates, the deterioration of the image quality can be prevented.

[0046]

The present invention will be described below in more detail with reference to examples. EXAMPLE 1 In this Example, was prepared a liquid crystal panel (liquid crystal device) P ₁ shown in FIGS.

That is, a red / green / blue / white color filter 5R,
5G, 5B, and 5W are arranged, and the flattening film 9 is arranged so as to cover these color filters 5R, 5G, 5B, and 5W. Further, one electrode 4b was formed on the surface of the flattening film 9, and the other electrode 4a was formed directly on the surface of the substrate 1a.
Further, an insulating film 6 is formed so as to cover these electrodes 4a and 4b.
a, 6b and alignment films 7a, 7b were formed. In addition,
A sealing agent 8, which is an epoxy resin adhesive, is arranged in the peripheral portions of the substrates 1a, 1b and in the gap between the substrates. The sealing agent 8 seals the gap between the substrates and forms a liquid crystal injection port 8a in a part. did.

Note that glass substrates were used for the substrates 1a and 1b.

[0049] The electrode 4a, the 4b, using a large number of stripe-shaped transparent electrodes made of ITO (indium tin oxide) was a liquid crystal panel P ₁ itself as a simple matrix method.

Further, the alignment films 7a and 7b have a thickness of 200 mm and are made of a polyimide film (trade name, manufactured by Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.).
LQ-1800).

The spacer member 2 has one electrode 4
A number of them are arranged so as to be parallel to each other with a predetermined gap provided along the line b, and the cross-sectional shape thereof is substantially rectangular so that the side surfaces are perpendicular to the substrates 1a and 1b. Further, the spacer member 2 is disposed between the alignment films 7a and 7b, and the upper and lower surfaces of the member 2 are bonded to the alignment films 7a and 7b. The spacer member 2 is made of an acrylic photosensitive resin (product name). JNPC-43, manufactured by Nippon Synthetic Rubber Co., Ltd.). Also, the protrusion 2a is provided for each pixel region D by one.
And is arranged in a portion having an area of 1/50 or less of the region D. The spacer member 2 has a stripe shape, a width of 25 μm, and a pitch of 2 μm.
The thickness was 30 μm, and the thickness was 1.3 μm.

Further, the liquid crystal 3 includes a ferroelectric liquid crystal (CS1).
014, manufactured by Chisso Corporation).

[0053] Next, a method for manufacturing the liquid crystal panel P _1.

First, a color filter 5 and a flattening film 9 were formed on the surface of one glass substrate 1b. Then, on the surface of the flattening film 9, an ITO film was formed to a thickness of 700 ° by a sputtering method, and the ITO film was patterned into stripes by a photolithography method to form a transparent electrode 4b.

Further, an insulating film 6b was formed so as to cover the transparent electrode 4b, and the above-mentioned polyimide film was applied by a spinner and subjected to a heating and baking treatment to form an alignment film 7b.

Next, the spacer member 2 was prepared by the following method. * Spin coating of the above-mentioned acrylic photosensitive material on the surface of the alignment film 7b; * pre-baking for 180 sec at a temperature of 80 to 90 ° C; * cooling to room temperature; * ultra-high pressure mercury lamp and exposure mask. Irradiation using UV light (however, the irradiation energy is 250 mJ / cm ²
(＠ 365 nm)) * Developing for 30 sec with a dedicated alkaline developer (CD-902 / N-methylpyroperidine 1% aqueous solution), * Rinse using pure water, * Post-bake using a clean oven (200
Next, rubbing treatment was performed on the surface of the alignment film 7b.

The color filter 5 and the flattening film 9 were not formed on the other glass substrate 1a, and the transparent electrode 4a, the insulating film 6b, and the alignment film 7b were formed by the same method as described above.

Next, a sealant 8 is applied to one of the glass substrates 1a, and the two glass substrates 1a and 1b are bonded so that the rubbing directions are parallel and the transparent electrodes 4a and 4b are orthogonal to each other. Was. At the time of this bonding, heating was performed at 150 ° C. for 1.5 hours to cure the sealant 8 and the like.

Next, a liquid crystal injection port 8 is provided between the substrates of the liquid crystal cell.
creating the liquid crystal panel P ₁ by injecting a ferroelectric liquid crystal 3 from a. The liquid crystal cell was heated at a temperature of 120 ° C. for 2 hours, the pressure was reduced to 1 × 10 ⁻⁶ Torr, the air in the liquid crystal cell was discharged, the liquid crystal 3 was applied to the liquid crystal inlet 8a, and the atmospheric pressure (760 Torr) was applied. And heated.

After the injection of the liquid crystal 3 was completed, the liquid crystal injection port 8a was closed.

Next, the effect of this embodiment will be described.

The liquid crystal panel P ₁ manufactured in this embodiment is
The alignment state of the liquid crystal 3 was uniform, and the image quality was good. In addition, no defective filling of the liquid crystal 3 was found, and there was no decrease in contrast.

[0063]

As described above, according to the present invention,
By arranging the spacer member as described above, the substrate gap between the pair of substrates can be made uniform over the entire surface, and as a result, the alignment state of the liquid crystal can be made uniform and the driving characteristics can be reduced, and the image quality can be reduced. Quality deterioration can be reduced.

Further, according to the present invention, since a part of the spacer member is disposed in the pixel region, the liquid crystal is injected when the liquid crystal is injected.
The liquid crystal that has progressed along the spacer member is smoothly filled in each pixel area along the protruding portion. Therefore, the filling of the liquid crystal is performed by the end of the liquid crystal injection step for all the pixel regions, and the pixels that are not filled with the liquid crystal,
It is possible to avoid the generation of pixels in which the filling of the liquid crystal is delayed.
As a result, the alignment state of the liquid crystal becomes uniform, and the image quality is improved. In other words, it is not necessary to select the liquid crystal injection conditions that can prevent the above-described liquid crystal filling failure, so that the degree of freedom in selecting the injection conditions is increased, the liquid crystal injection time is shortened, and The manufacturing time can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced.

Here, since most of the spacer member is arranged in the non-pixel region, the occurrence of alignment defects and the occurrence of image defects in the pixel region can be suppressed. In each pixel region, when the protruding portion 2a is arranged in a portion having an area equal to or less than 1/50 of the region, this effect is remarkable, and a decrease in contrast can be reduced.

When the upper and lower surfaces of each spacer member are bonded to both substrates, the bonding strength between the two substrates is improved. For example, when liquid crystal is injected into the space between the substrates or when the liquid crystal element is mounted on the floor. Even if it is dropped, a uniform substrate gap can be maintained, and deterioration of image quality can be prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of the structure of a liquid crystal element according to the present invention, wherein (a) is a cross-sectional view and (b) is a plan view.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the entire structure of the liquid crystal element according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing another example of the structure of the liquid crystal element according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of a conventional liquid crystal panel.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing another example of the structure of a conventional liquid crystal panel.

[Explanation of symbols]

1a, 1b Glass substrate (substrate) 2 Spacer member 3 Liquid crystal 4a, 4b Electrode 5R, 5G, 5B, 5W Color filter 8a Liquid crystal injection port 12 Spacer member C Non-pixel area D Pixel area P ₁ Liquid crystal panel (liquid crystal element)

Claims (11)

[Claims] A pair of substrates disposed substantially in parallel, a spacer member disposed between the pair of substrates to define a substrate gap between the pair of substrates, and a liquid crystal disposed in the substrate gap. A pair of substantially striped electrodes sandwiching the liquid crystal and arranged in a matrix to form a plurality of pixel regions and non-pixel regions, and are opened and used for the injection of the liquid crystal into the substrate gap. And a liquid crystal injection port that is closed after the injection is completed, and wherein the liquid crystal element drives the liquid crystal by applying a voltage via the electrode, wherein the spacer member is disposed in the non-pixel region. A liquid crystal element extending in a direction away from the vicinity of the liquid crystal injection port, and a part thereof is disposed in the pixel region. 2. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the spacer member is arranged in each pixel region in a portion having an area of 1/50 or less of the region. 3. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the spacer member is arranged along the electrode. 4. The liquid crystal according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the spacer members are arranged in a state where a predetermined gap is formed along a surface direction of the substrate. element. 5. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the spacer member is bonded to each of the substrates. 6. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein a color filter is arranged in each of the pixel regions. 7. The liquid crystal device according to claim 6, wherein the colors of the color filters are red, green, and blue. 8. The liquid crystal device according to claim 7, wherein the color filter has a white color filter. 9. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the electrode is supported by the substrate. 10. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal is a chiral smectic liquid crystal exhibiting ferroelectricity or antiferroelectricity. 11. A step of forming a pair of electrodes in a substantially striped shape and arranging a spacer member on at least one substrate, a step of bonding a pair of substrates so as to sandwich the spacer member, and Injecting liquid crystal into a substrate gap. A method for manufacturing a liquid crystal element, comprising: forming the spacer member such that a part thereof is disposed in a pixel region.