JP2000267107A - Liquid crystal device and electronic instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a liquid crystal device with improved display quality and an electronic instrument mounted with it as a displaying device. SOLUTION: On surfaces of a first substrate and a second substrate in a filled region of a liquid crystal panel, a region in which a first electrode 7 and a second electrode 6 are placed opposite to each other is subjected to homogeneous alignment treatment (formation of alignment layers 101a, 201a) and other regions 11, 21 are subjected to homeotropic alignment treatment (formation of alignment layers 101b, 201b). In a non-displaying region 13, when a gap between substrates is narrow, a color of a light absorption layer 15 formed on the rear side of the substrates is exhibited and a display of a mode in which a region 10a having a cholesteric liquid crystal composition with a Grandjean texture selectively reflects a specified colored light with a scattering property against a region 10b having the cholesteric liquid crystal composition with a focal conic texture and the non-displaying region 13 is feasible.

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 and an electronic apparatus having the same as a display device.
More specifically, the present invention relates to a liquid crystal alignment technique in a liquid crystal device using a cholesteric liquid crystal composition (a mixture containing at least a cholesteric liquid crystal as a component).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a liquid crystal device using a cholesteric liquid crystal composition obtained by adding a stabilizing component or the like to a cholesteric liquid crystal (chiral nematic liquid crystal) where a predetermined chiral component is added to a base liquid crystal, for example,
As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, transparent first and second electrodes 7 and 6 are formed on first and second substrates 1 and 2, and an alignment film 101, 102 are formed respectively. Here, the alignment films 101 and 102 are
And a processing film for directing the director of the liquid crystal sealed between the second substrates 1 and 2 substantially parallel to the substrate surface. Therefore, when the cholesteric liquid crystal composition is injected between the first and second substrates 1 and 2 on which such alignment films 101 and 102 have been formed (parallel alignment processing),
The cholesteric liquid crystal 8 orients the director near the alignment films 101 and 102 in a state substantially parallel to the substrate surface. At this time, the helical axis of the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 is substantially perpendicular to the substrate surface.

In the liquid crystal device configured as described above, a predetermined display is performed by switching the orientation of the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 between a Grand Jean structure and a focal conic structure. That is, after applying a voltage pulse that is equal to or higher than the threshold voltage to the first and second electrodes 7 and 6 and equal to or lower than the critical voltage of the cholesteric-nematic phase transition, the applied voltage is equal to or lower than the threshold voltage. When dropped to voltage,
The cholesteric liquid crystal 8 includes first and second substrates 1, 2
Is fixed to a state in which the helical axes are almost parallel (focal conic tissue) although there is some disturbance. Meanwhile, the first
And a threshold voltage or more with respect to the second electrodes 7 and 6,
When a voltage pulse equal to or higher than the critical voltage of the cholesteric-nematic phase transition is applied to form an electric-field-induced nematic phase, and then the applied voltage is rapidly dropped to a voltage equal to or lower than the threshold voltage, the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 becomes the first and second liquid crystals. Although the second substrates 1 and 2 are slightly disturbed, they are fixed in a state in which the helical axis is substantially perpendicular (a multi-domain Grand Jean structure).

Here, as shown in FIG. 9 (C), in a region 10a where the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 has a Grand Jean structure, the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 emits light of a color corresponding to the chiral pitch (for example, green light of high visibility). ) Is selectively reflected with scattering properties (scattering selective reflection). On the other hand, in the region 10b in which the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 has a focal conic structure, white display is obtained by light scattering, or when the gap between the substrates (cell gap) is narrow, the display becomes substantially transparent and is formed on the back surface of the substrate. Black display is achieved by the light absorbing layer 15 (black paint or black back plate).

[0005]

However, in a conventional liquid crystal device in which both the first and second substrates 1 and 2 are subjected to a parallel alignment treatment, the liquid crystal is injected between the first and second substrates 1 and 2. Among the cholesteric liquid crystals thus obtained, a cholesteric liquid crystal 8 located between the first and second electrodes 7 and 6 has a cholesteric liquid crystal 8 between the focal conic structure and the Grand Jean structure between the first and second electrodes 7 and 6. By switching, the state can be switched between the state of the selective scattering reflection and the state in which the light absorbing layer 15 displays black. During this time, the cholesteric encapsulated in the other area (the non-display area 13) serving as the background area. The liquid crystal 8 always emits light of a predetermined color with relatively high directivity (for example, green light having high visibility).
Is selectively reflected (high directivity selective reflection). For this reason,
For example, an area where green light is specularly reflected (non-display area 1)
In the background of 3), since the area 10a in which the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 has a Grandian structure scatters and reflects green light to perform display, display visibility is low and display is uncomfortable. In addition, the cell gap variation remains unchanged,
Since the light and shade appear in the background area (non-display area 13), the display quality is low. Further, when a matrix-type liquid crystal device is configured with a conventional configuration, green light is always specularly reflected from a boundary region (non-display region) between adjacent pixels, so that the display is uncomfortable. However, if a light-shielding layer or the like is overlaid on the non-display area, there is a problem in that the area having the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 as a focal conic structure has a black border and has a strange display form.

An object of the present invention is to improve the display quality by optimizing the alignment conditions with respect to the liquid crystal sealed in a non-display area which is not directly involved in display, of the liquid crystal sealed between the substrates. It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid crystal device capable of improving the image quality and an electronic device equipped with the same as a display device.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a first electrode 7 having a first electrode 7 for driving a liquid crystal is formed. The substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 on which the second electrode 6 for driving the liquid crystal is formed are bonded to each other with a predetermined gap therebetween, and the cholesteric is formed in the liquid crystal enclosing region partitioned between the substrates. In the liquid crystal device in which the liquid crystal composition is sealed, the first electrode 7 and the second electrode 6 of the surface of the first substrate 1 and the surface of the second substrate 2 in the sealed region. Are aligned in a region (pixel region) where the cholesteric liquid crystal composition is aligned substantially parallel to the substrate (the alignment film 101 shown in FIG.
a, 201a), and the other regions 11 and 21 (non-display regions) are vertically aligned (FIG. 1) in which the cholesteric liquid crystal composition is almost vertically aligned with the substrate.
The alignment films 101b and 20 which are hatched in FIG.
1b).

In the present invention, a cholesteric liquid crystal 8 (chiral nematic liquid crystal) obtained by adding a predetermined chiral component to a base liquid crystal is provided between the first and second substrates 1 and 2 if necessary. Since the cholesteric liquid crystal composition to which the components and the like are added is encapsulated, the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 encapsulated between the first and second electrodes 7 and 6 is oriented between the Grandian structure and the focal conic structure. By switching, a predetermined display can be performed. That is, by applying an electric field to the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 via the first and second electrodes 7 and 6, as shown in FIG. 1C, the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 is formed in a region 10a where the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 has a Grandian structure. In the region 10b having a transparent focal conic structure, the color of the light absorbing layer 15 formed on the back side of the substrate can be selected while the light of the color according to the chiral pitch is selectively reflected with scattering properties. During this time, the non-display area 13 in which such switching is not performed (first and second areas)
Regions 11 and 2 other than the regions where the electrodes 7 and 6 face each other.
In 1), a vertical alignment process (formation of the alignment films 101b and 201b with oblique lines inclined downward to the right in FIG. 1B) is performed on both substrate surfaces of the first and second substrates 1 and 2. Therefore, if the gap between the substrates (cell gap) is narrow, the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 sealed in the non-display area 13
Is always substantially transparent. Therefore, the non-display area 13 has the color of the light absorbing layer 15 formed on the back side of the substrate, similarly to the area 10b in which the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 has a focal conic structure. Therefore, in the liquid crystal device to which the present invention is applied, both the region 10b in which the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 has a focal conic structure and the non-display region 13 (the region where the regions 11 and 21 face each other) are formed on the back side of the substrate. Where the color of the light absorbing layer 15 is
Area 1 in which cholesteric liquid crystal 8 has a Grand Jean structure
It is possible to perform display in a form in which Oa selectively reflects light of a predetermined color with scattering properties. Therefore, non-display area 1
3 (the region where the regions 11 and 21 are opposed to each other) does not cause discomfort or lower visibility in the display, and therefore, according to the present invention, a high-quality display can be performed.

The present invention can be applied to a liquid crystal device which performs segment display as shown in FIG. 1, and can also be applied to a liquid crystal device in which pixels are arranged in a matrix in a sealed area. Here, in a liquid crystal device in which pixels are arranged in a matrix, for example, the first and second electrodes are formed as first and second stripe-shaped electrodes extending in directions substantially orthogonal to each other, and Of the surface of the substrate and the surface of the second substrate, the region corresponding to the intersection of the first and second stripe-shaped electrodes is subjected to the parallel alignment treatment, and the other region is subjected to the vertical alignment treatment. Apply. In a liquid crystal device that performs segment display, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of electrodes are independently driven on the first substrate 1 side on the first substrate 1 side. A segment electrode is formed, and the second electrode 6 is formed as a counter electrode facing the segment electrode on the second substrate 2 side.

Further, in the present invention, the pair of first
At least one of the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 2 has a parallel alignment region in which the cholesteric liquid crystal composition is aligned substantially parallel to the substrate and a vertical alignment region in which the cholesteric liquid crystal composition is aligned substantially perpendicular to the substrate. An orientation region is formed. Here, an electrode is formed on the one substrate, and a parallel alignment process is performed on an alignment film formed on the electrode. Further, a display region is formed by electrodes formed on the substrate, a parallel alignment process is performed on the substrate in the display region, and a vertical alignment process is performed on the substrate in a region other than the display region. It has been given. Further, the cholesteric liquid crystal composition in a region other than the display region is substantially in a light transmitting state.

By mounting the liquid crystal device of the present invention as a display device of an electronic device, it is possible to provide an electronic device having advantages such as clear color display and memory properties at low cost.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the liquid crystal device of the present embodiment has the same basic functions as the liquid crystal device described with reference to FIG. 1 and the conventional liquid crystal device described with reference to FIG. Will be described with the same reference numerals.

(Overall Configuration) FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of a liquid crystal device according to the present invention. In this figure, only a part of a wiring pattern and input / output terminals is shown. Most have been omitted.

In FIG. 2, a liquid crystal panel 10 for a liquid crystal device according to the present embodiment is for a simple matrix type liquid crystal device mounted on an electronic device such as a mobile phone, and is made of a transparent alkali-free glass or the like. It has a substrate 1 and a second substrate 2 also made of transparent non-alkali glass or the like. On one of these substrates, a sealing material 3 made of a photo-curing or thermosetting resin containing a gap material is formed by printing or the like, and the sealing material 3 allows the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 to be formed. Are bonded together via a predetermined gap. In the gap between the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2, a cholesteric liquid crystal 8 (a predetermined chiral component is added to a base liquid crystal) is filled in a sealed area 40 defined by the sealing material 3. Chiral nematic liquid crystal)
And a cholesteric liquid crystal composition to which a stabilizing component or the like is added as required. For example, a cholesteric liquid crystal is prepared so as to selectively reflect a color having high luminous efficiency against a black background when it has a Grand Jean structure.

In this embodiment, since the first substrate 1 is larger than the second substrate 2, even if the second substrate 2 is overlaid on the first substrate 1, a part of the first substrate 1 is in the second position. 2 from the lower edge of the substrate 2. The overhanging portion has an enclosed area 40.
The IC mounting area 9 is formed so as to be adjacent to the driving IC 14, and the driving IC 14 is provided here with a COG (Chip On Glass).
Has been implemented. On the lower edge side of the IC mounting area 9, a plurality of input terminals 12 are formed along the edge of the first substrate 1 so as to be adjacent to the IC mounting area 9. The substrate 29 is connected.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are plan views showing arrangement patterns of transparent electrodes formed on the first substrate of the liquid crystal panel shown in FIG. 2, respectively, and formed on the second substrate of the liquid crystal panel shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an arrangement pattern of transparent electrodes.

In FIG. 3, on the inner surface of the first substrate 1, there are provided a plurality of stripe-shaped electrodes 7a extending in the vertical direction inside an enclosing region 40 defined by a sealing material 3 (region indicated by a dashed line L). It has an electrode pattern 70 including a (first electrode) and a wiring portion 7b for connecting the stripe-shaped electrode 7a to the IC mounting region 9 outside the sealing region 40. This electrode pattern 70 is made of ITO (Indium)
(Tin Oxide) film or the like.

In FIG. 4, on the inner surface of the second substrate 2, a plurality of stripe-shaped electrodes 6a extending in the lateral direction inside an enclosing area 40 defined by a sealing material 3 (an area indicated by a dashed line L). The electrode pattern 60 includes a (second electrode) and a wiring portion 6b for connecting the stripe-shaped electrode 6a to each terminal outside the sealing region 40.
This electrode pattern 60 is also formed of an ITO film or the like.

(Configuration of Each Pixel) FIG. 5 is a plan view schematically showing a configuration of a pixel of a liquid crystal panel used in the liquid crystal device shown in FIG. 6A and 6B are a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal panel shown in FIG. 2 taken along the line II ′ of FIG. 5 and a cross-section taken along the line II-II ′ of FIG. 5, respectively. FIG. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of the liquid crystal panel shown in FIG. 2 taken along the line III-III 'in FIG. 5, respectively.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV ′ of FIG. 5.

In the state where the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 thus configured are bonded together as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 5, 6 (A) and 6 (B) and FIGS. 7 (A) and 7 (B), the stripe-shaped electrode 7a of the substrate 1 and the stripe-shaped electrode 6a of the second substrate 2 And intersect each other via a gap of about 2 μm to about 10 μm (the gap becomes too dark and the driving voltage becomes high if it is too wide), and a plurality of pixels 5 are formed in a matrix by each intersection. You. The first and second substrates 1 and 2 have alignment films 101 and 201 described later formed on the entire surface. In a state where the first and second substrates 1 and 2 are bonded together, the terminals 7c of the first substrate 1 and the terminals 6c of the second substrate 2 shown in FIGS. Therefore, the sealing material 3 containing the gap material and the conductive particles is provided on the inner surface of the first substrate 1 or the inner surface of the second substrate 2.
Is applied and the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 are bonded together, the terminals 7c of the first substrate 1 and the terminals 6c of the second substrate 2 are included in the sealing material 3. Conduction will occur through the conductive particles. Here, the conductive particles contained in the sealing material 3 are, for example, those obtained by plating the surface of elastically deformable plastic beads, and are slightly larger than the particle size of the gap material contained in the sealing material 3. Therefore, when the sealing material 3 is melted and hardened while applying a force to narrow the gap in a state where the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 are superimposed, the conductive particles become in contact with the first substrate 1. With the terminal 7c of the first substrate 1 and the second
Is electrically connected to the terminal 6c of the substrate 2. Therefore, the driving I
When signals and power are supplied to the C14 via the flexible wiring board 29, the driving IC 14 controls the alignment state of the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 in each pixel 5 by applying a voltage to the desired appropriate stripe-shaped electrodes 6a, 7a. Then, a desired image is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 10.

In the liquid crystal panel 10 configured as described above,
By switching the alignment state of the cholesteric liquid crystal 8, the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 selectively reflects the light incident from the second substrate 2 side to the second substrate 2 side with a light scattering property of the color corresponding to the chiral pitch. Since the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 is switched to the transparent state, the light absorbing layer 15 is provided on the back surface of the first substrate 1 for the purpose of enhancing the display quality when the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 is transparent. As a black paint.

In the liquid crystal panel 10 configured as described above, in the sealed area 40, of the surface of the first substrate 1,
Region where stripe-shaped electrode 7a (first electrode) faces stripe-shaped electrode 6a (second electrode) (pixel 5 portion)
In FIG. 5, FIG. 6 (A), (B), FIG.
(A) and (B), the alignment film 101 having a diagonal line rising to the right.
a) is formed, and the other regions 11, that is, the region 110 where the stripe-shaped electrode 7a is formed but does not face the stripe-shaped electrode 6a, and the region 111 where the stripe-shaped electrode 7a is not formed are formed. Means vertical alignment treatment (FIGS. 5, 6 (A), (B), FIGS. 7 (A), (B)
(Formation of the alignment film 101b hatched to the lower right).

On the surface of the second substrate 2 where the stripe-shaped electrode 6a is opposed to the stripe-shaped electrode 7a (the portion of the pixel 5), a parallel alignment treatment is performed (FIGS. 5 and 6).
(A), (B), the formation of the alignment film 201a with oblique lines rising to the right in FIGS. 7A and 7B), and the other region 21, that is, the stripe-shaped electrode 6a is formed. Area 21 which does not face stripe-shaped electrode 7a
0 and a region 211 where the stripe-shaped electrode 6a is not formed is subjected to a vertical alignment treatment (FIGS. 5 and 6A).
(B), the formation of the alignment film 201b with oblique lines inclined downward to the right in FIGS. 7A and 7B). Here, the alignment films 101a and 201a are processing films for directing the director of the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 sealed between the first and second substrates 1 and 2 substantially parallel to the substrate surface. Therefore, such alignment films 101a, 201
When a cholesteric liquid crystal composition is injected between the first and second substrates 1 and 2 in a region where the formation of a (parallel alignment processing) has been performed, the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 becomes
In the vicinity of a and 201a, the director is oriented so as to be directed substantially parallel to the substrate surface. At this time, the helical axis of the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 is substantially perpendicular to the substrate surface. On the other hand, the alignment films 101b and 201b are processing films for directing the director of the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 sealed between the first and second substrates 1 and 2 substantially perpendicularly to the substrate surface. . Therefore, in the area where the alignment films 101b and 201b are formed (vertical alignment processing), when the cholesteric liquid crystal composition is injected between the first and second substrates 1 and 2, the cholesteric liquid crystal 8
Aligns the director in the vicinity of the alignment films 101b and 201b so as to be directed substantially perpendicular to the substrate surface. At this time, the helical axis of the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 is substantially parallel to the substrate surface.

In the liquid crystal panel 10 configured as described above,
A predetermined display is performed by switching the orientation of the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 between a Grand Jean structure and a focal conic structure. That is, the first and second electrodes 7
a, 6a, a voltage pulse (for example, 3 V) that is not less than a threshold voltage (for example, 8 V) and not more than a critical voltage (for example, 35 V) of a cholesteric-nematic phase transition.
After applying a rectangular wave of a pulse of 0 V and 50 msec), when the applied voltage is reduced to a voltage lower than the threshold voltage (for example, 0 V) (OFF region), the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 at the portion corresponding to the pixel 5 Although the first and second substrates 1 and 2 are slightly disturbed, the helical axes are fixed in a substantially parallel state (focal conic structure).

On the other hand, a voltage pulse (for example, 40 V) that is higher than the threshold voltage (for example, 8 V) and higher than the critical voltage (for example, 35 V) of the cholesteric-nematic phase transition is applied to the first and second electrodes 7 a, 6 a. , 50m
After applying a square wave of a second pulse) to form an electric field-induced nematic phase, when the applied voltage is rapidly dropped to a voltage lower than the threshold voltage (for example, 0 V) (ON region), a portion corresponding to the pixel 5 is formed. The cholesteric liquid crystal 8 is fixed in a state in which the helical axis is substantially perpendicular to the first and second substrates 1 and 2 (a multi-domain Grand Jean structure), though slightly disturbed. As a result, in the pixel 5 (ON region) in which the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 has a Grandian structure, the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 selectively reflects light of a color corresponding to the chiral pitch (for example, green light of high visibility) with scattering properties ( Scattering selective reflection).

On the other hand, in the pixel 5 (OFF region) in which the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 has a focal conic structure, when the gap (cell gap) between the substrates is small, the pixel 5 becomes substantially transparent and becomes a light absorbing layer formed on the back surface of the substrate. 15 makes black display. Therefore, in the liquid crystal panel 10, the pixel 5 having the cholesteric liquid crystal in a focal conic structure is used.
Thus, the black color of the light absorbing layer 15 is displayed, and the green light is scattered and reflected by the pixels 5 having the cholesteric liquid crystal having the Grand Jean structure, so that the display can be performed without using the polarizing plate. Further, since the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 is stable in any state of the focal conic structure and the grand Jean structure, it has a memory property that can maintain a display even in a non-electric field state. Further, in the region 10a in which the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 has a Grandian structure, green light is not specularly reflected but reflected in a moderately mixed state, so that there is an advantage that the viewing angle is wide.

In the meantime, in the areas 11 and 21 where such switching is not performed (the non-display area 13 / the area other than the area where the first and second electrodes 7a and 6a are opposed), the first and second areas are not provided. Since the vertical alignment process (formation of the alignment films 101b and 201b) is performed on both of the substrates 1 and 2, the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 sealed in the non-display area 13 is always substantially transparent. . Therefore, the non-display area 13 has the color of the light absorbing layer 15 formed on the back side of the substrate, similarly to the area in which the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 has a focal conic structure. Therefore, the liquid crystal panel 1 of the present embodiment
0, the pixel 5 in which the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 has a focal conic organization, and the non-display area 13 (areas 11, 2
In the region where the light absorbing layer 15 formed on the back side of the substrate is in a black state in any of the regions where the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 has a grand Jean structure, only the pixels 5 having the Grand Jean structure have a predetermined structure. It is possible to perform display in a form with high visibility that color light is selectively reflected with scattering properties. Therefore, since the non-display area 13 (the area where the areas 11 and 21 are opposed to each other) does not cause a sense of incongruity or a decrease in visibility, a high-quality display can be performed according to the present embodiment.

(Manufacturing Method of Liquid Crystal Panel 10) In manufacturing the liquid crystal panel 10 thus configured, first, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6 (A), (B) and FIG.
As shown in (A) and (B), the electrode patterns 70 and 60 (striped electrodes 7a and 6) are formed on the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 by using photolithography technology.
Form a).

Next, alignment films 101a and 101b made of polyimide resin or the like are formed on the respective regions on the surface of the first substrate 1.
Are sequentially formed. In addition, the alignment films 201a and 201 made of polyimide resin or the like are applied to the respective regions on the surface of the second substrate 2.
1b are sequentially formed.

First, for example, a product name of Optmer AL-1254 or a product name of Optmer AL manufactured by JSR
A horizontal (parallel) aligning agent such as -3046 or the like is used in terms of wettability, solubility, film thickness, and printability.
Butoxyethanol, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone,
After diluting to a predetermined concentration with a solvent such as 4-butyrolactone, the liquid is diluted with the first and second substrates 1 and 2.
Is selectively applied by flexographic printing or the like to a region where the striped electrodes 7a and 6a face each other (the portion of the pixel 5), and then temporarily baked. Next, a vertical alignment agent such as JALS-657-R9 (trade name, manufactured by JSR Corporation) is used in view of wettability, solubility, film thickness, and printability in ethoxyethanol, n-butoxyethanol, N
-Methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, 4-butyrolactone, or the like, and then diluted with a solvent to a predetermined concentration. Area 1 other than the area where 6a faces
1 and 21 are selectively applied by flexographic printing or the like, and then temporarily baked. Next, main firing is performed on the first and second substrates 1 and 2. Regarding the method of forming the alignment film, when higher formation accuracy is required, the alignment film can be formed sequentially by photolithography using photosensitive polyimide or the like.

Here, a rubbing process can be performed on the first and second substrates 1 and 2 as necessary in consideration of the stability of the alignment.

Next, the first substrate 1 or the second substrate 2
After applying a light-curing or thermosetting sealing material 3 to the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 via the sealing material 3, the sealing material 3 is cured. As a result, an enclosed area 40 is defined between the first and second substrates 1 and 2. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the injection port 30 is formed as a discontinuous portion in the sealing material 3.

On the other hand, a predetermined amount of a predetermined chiral component is added to the base liquid crystal to prepare, for example, a cholesteric liquid crystal 8 which can selectively reflect green light having high visibility. As the base liquid crystal, a nematic liquid crystal such as a cyano-based, fluorine-based or ester-based liquid crystal can be used, and the chiral component is selectively prepared in consideration of solubility, torsional force, pitch temperature dependency, and the like. Further, a cholesterol ester derivative or the like can be used as it is as the cholesteric liquid crystal 8. Further, when a polymer is contained in the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 for stabilizing parallelism or the like, a photopolymerizable polymer precursor such as acrylate or methacrylate or a thermosetting polymer precursor such as epoxy is used. Is previously blended with the cholesteric liquid crystal 8, and a reaction initiator, a stabilizing component, and the like are added as necessary to prepare a cholesteric liquid crystal composition.

Next, in a reduced-pressure atmosphere, the injection port 30 of the liquid crystal panel 10 before injecting the liquid crystal is immersed in the cholesteric liquid crystal composition heated and reduced in viscosity, and then returned to the atmospheric pressure. As a result, the cholesteric liquid crystal composition is injected under reduced pressure into the sealed region 40 from the injection port 30. Thereafter, the injection port 30 is closed with the sealing material 33.

When the polymer precursor is added as a cholesteric liquid crystal composition, the liquid crystal panel 1
The cholesteric liquid crystal composition is stabilized by irradiating ultraviolet rays or heating to 0.

[Other Embodiments] The present invention can be applied not only to a simple matrix type liquid crystal device as in the above embodiment, but also to a segment type liquid crystal device. That is, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the first substrate 1
On the side, a segment electrode that is driven independently is formed as a first electrode 7, and the second electrode 6 is formed as a counter electrode facing the segment electrode on the second substrate 2 side. For the liquid crystal panel configured in this way,
As described above with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C,
Although the configuration will be simply described, in the sealed region, the first electrode 7 and the second electrode 6 of the surface of the first substrate 1 and the surface of the second substrate 2 are opposed to each other. 1 (parallel alignment processing (formation of the alignment films 101a and 201a with oblique lines rising to the right in FIG. 1B)) is performed on the regions (pixel regions), and the other regions 11 and 21 (non-display regions) are processed. A vertical alignment process (formation of the alignment films 101b and 201b, which are hatched to the lower right in FIG. 1B) is performed. Therefore, by applying an electric field to the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 through the first and second electrodes 7 and 6, as shown in FIG. 1C, the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 is formed in a region 10 a where the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 has a Grandian structure. In the region 10b having a transparent focal conic structure, the color of the light absorbing layer 15 formed on the back side of the substrate can be selected while the light of the color according to the chiral pitch is selectively reflected with scattering properties. During this time, in the non-display area 13 (the areas 11 and 21 other than the areas where the first and second electrodes 7 and 6 face) in which such switching is not performed, the first and second substrates 1 and 2 Vertical alignment treatment (see FIG. 1)
The alignment films 101b and 20 which are hatched in FIG.
1b), the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 sealed in the non-display area 13 is always substantially transparent if the gap between the substrates (cell gap) is narrow. Therefore, the non-display area 13 has the color of the light absorbing layer 15 formed on the back side of the substrate, similarly to the area 10b in which the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 has a focal conic structure. Therefore, in the liquid crystal panel of the present embodiment, the region 10b in which the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 has a focal conic structure and the non-display region 1
3 (a region where the regions 11 and 12 are opposed to each other), a region where the color of the cholesteric liquid crystal 8 is a Grand Jean structure in a state where the color is the color of the light absorbing layer 15 formed on the back side of the substrate. A display in a form in which the light 10a selectively reflects light of a predetermined color with scattering properties can be performed. Therefore, since the non-display area 13 (the area where the areas 11 and 12 are opposed to each other) does not cause a sense of incongruity or a decrease in visibility, a high-quality display can be performed according to the present invention.

[Specific Example of Electronic Apparatus] FIG.
(B) and (C) are external views of electronic devices using a liquid crystal panel to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 8A is an external view of a mobile phone. In this figure, reference numeral 1000 denotes a mobile phone main body,
Reference numeral 1001 denotes an image display unit of a liquid crystal panel to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 8B is an external view of a wristwatch-type electronic device. In this figure, reference numeral 1100 denotes a watch body,
Reference numeral 1101 denotes an image display unit of a liquid crystal panel to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 8C is an external view of a portable information processing apparatus such as a word processor and a personal computer. In this figure, 1200 indicates an information processing apparatus, 1202 indicates an input unit such as a keyboard, 1206 indicates an image display unit of a liquid crystal panel to which the present invention is applied, and 1204 indicates an information processing apparatus main body.

Since each of these electronic devices is equipped with a liquid crystal panel (display device) to which the present invention is applied, it has advantages such as clear color display and memory characteristics.
In addition, it can be manufactured at low cost.

[0042]

As described above, in the liquid crystal device according to the present invention, in the surface of the first substrate and the surface of the second substrate, a region (pixel region) where both electrodes face each other is parallel. Orientation treatment is applied to each other area (non-display area)
Has a feature in that a vertical alignment treatment is performed. Therefore, according to the present invention, a predetermined display can be performed by switching the alignment state of the cholesteric liquid crystal sealed between the electrodes between the Grand Jean structure and the focal conic structure, and such switching can be performed. In the non-display area where the cholesteric liquid crystal is not formed, the color of the light absorbing layer formed on the back side of the substrate is the same as in the area where the cholesteric liquid crystal has a focal conic structure. Therefore, the cholesteric liquid crystal was made to have a Grand Jean structure in a state where the color of the light absorbing layer formed on the back side of the substrate was in both the region where the cholesteric liquid crystal had the focal conic structure and the non-display region. The display can be performed in a form in which the region selectively reflects light of a predetermined color with scattering properties. Therefore, since the non-display area does not cause a sense of incongruity or a decrease in visibility in the display, according to the present invention, a high-quality display can be performed.

Further, by mounting the liquid crystal device of the present invention as a display device of an electronic device, it is possible to provide an electronic device having advantages such as clear color display and memory properties at a low cost.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C are a plan view of a liquid crystal device, a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal device, and a display mode, respectively, showing a basic configuration and principle of a liquid crystal device to which the present invention is applied. FIG.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a liquid crystal panel for a simple matrix type liquid crystal device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an arrangement pattern of transparent electrodes formed on a first substrate of the liquid crystal panel shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an arrangement pattern of transparent electrodes formed on a second substrate of the liquid crystal panel shown in FIG.

5 is a plan view schematically showing a configuration of a pixel of a liquid crystal panel used in the liquid crystal device shown in FIG.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views of the liquid crystal panel shown in FIG. 2 taken along the line II ′ of FIG. 5, and FIGS. FIG.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of the liquid crystal panel shown in FIG. 2 taken along the line III-III 'in FIG. 5, and FIGS. FIG.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are external views of electronic devices using a liquid crystal panel to which the present invention is applied.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C are a plan view of a liquid crystal device, a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal device, and an explanatory diagram showing a display mode, respectively, illustrating a basic configuration and principle of a conventional liquid crystal device. It is.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 1st board | substrate 2 2nd board | substrate 3 sealing material 40 sealing area 5 pixel 6 2nd electrode 6a Stripe electrode (2nd electrode) 7 1st electrode 7a Stripe electrode (1st electrode) 8 Cholesteric Liquid crystal 9 Mounting area 10 Liquid crystal panel 10a Area having a Grand Jean structure 10b Area having a focal conic structure 11, 21 Area where electrodes do not face each other 12 Input terminal 13 Non-display area 14 Driving IC 29 Flexible board 60, 70 Electrode Patterns 101, 201 Alignment films 101a, 201a Parallel alignment films (parallel alignment treatment) 101b, 201b Vertical alignment films (vertical alignment treatment) 110, 210 Regions 111, 211 that are not opposed to stripe-like electrodes Stripe-like electrodes are formed No area

Claims (9)

[Claims] A first substrate on which a first electrode is formed;
In a liquid crystal device in which a second substrate on which a second electrode is formed is bonded with a predetermined gap therebetween and a cholesteric liquid crystal composition is sealed in a sealing region between the substrates, In the surface of the substrate and the surface of the second substrate, in a region where the first electrode and the second electrode face each other, a parallel alignment in which the cholesteric liquid crystal composition is aligned substantially parallel to the substrate. A liquid crystal device, wherein each of the liquid crystal devices is subjected to a vertical alignment process in which the cholesteric liquid crystal composition is aligned substantially perpendicular to the substrate in other regions. 2. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein, in the sealed area, areas where the first and second electrodes face each other are arranged in a matrix. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first and second
Are first and second stripe-shaped electrodes extending in directions substantially orthogonal to each other, and within the enclosed region, the first and second substrates of the surface of the first substrate and the surface of the second substrate And a region corresponding to an intersection of the second stripe-shaped electrodes is subjected to the parallel alignment treatment, and the other region is subjected to the vertical alignment treatment. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode comprises:
A plurality of electrodes are independently driven segment electrodes on the first substrate side, and the second electrode is a counter electrode facing the segment electrode on the second substrate side. Liquid crystal device. 5. A liquid crystal device having a cholesteric liquid crystal composition sandwiched between a pair of substrates, wherein at least one of the pair of substrates has the cholesteric liquid crystal composition substantially parallel to the substrate. A liquid crystal device comprising: a parallel alignment region for alignment; and a vertical alignment region for alignment substantially perpendicular to the substrate. 6. The liquid crystal device according to claim 5, wherein an electrode is formed on the one substrate, and a parallel alignment process is performed on an alignment film formed on the electrode. . 7. The display device according to claim 5, wherein a display region is formed by electrodes formed on the substrate, a parallel alignment process is performed on the substrate in the display region, and a region other than the display region is formed in the display region. A liquid crystal device, wherein a vertical alignment process is performed on a substrate. 8. The liquid crystal device according to claim 6, wherein the cholesteric liquid crystal composition in a region other than the display region is substantially in a light transmitting state. 9. An electronic apparatus, wherein the liquid crystal device defined in any one of claims 1 to 8 is mounted as a display device.