JP2001051278A - Liquid crystal display device and production thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To decrease dependence on the viewing angle and alignment defects in a matrix pixel type liquid crystal display device constituted by interposing a smectic liquid crystal between a pair of electrode substrates having stripe transparent electrodes. SOLUTION: A partition wall member 40 interposed between the electrode substrates to regulate the cell gap is disposed in zigzag manner, so as to obliquely cross a space S of a first transparent electrode 12. By this constitution, a first gap region G1 and a second gap region G2 with the cell gap gradually decreasing from the crossing part of the partition wall 40 in the space S to the opposite direction to each other are formed periodically with a pitch of n (n is an integer 1 or larger) pixels 60. Thereby, a first alignment region, where the bend direction of the chevron structure of the liquid crystal is aligned in almost one direction, and a second alignment region where the bend direction is aligned in a direction different from that of the first alignment region are formed corresponding to the respective gap regions.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a matrix pixel type liquid crystal display device in which a smectic liquid crystal is interposed between a pair of electrode substrates, and a method of manufacturing the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Referring to FIGS. 1, 22 and 23, an example of a conventional simple matrix type liquid crystal display device using a smectic liquid crystal such as a ferroelectric liquid crystal or an antiferroelectric liquid crystal is shown. Here, FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view, FIG. 22 and FIG.
Is a transparent electrode 1 in the liquid crystal display element shown in FIG.
The figure which paid attention to the arrangement | positioning relationship between 2 and 22 and the partition 40 is shown.
FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of a portion A surrounded by a circle in FIG. 22 and 23, (a) is a plan view, (b) is a view taken in the direction of arrow B in (a), and (c) is (a).
FIG. 3 is a view taken in the direction of the arrow C in FIG. 1, in which an insulating film, an alignment film, and a liquid crystal are omitted, and only a partition wall 40 is hatched for convenience.

As shown in FIG. 1, a conventional liquid crystal display device is
The first electrode substrate 10 and the second electrode substrate 20 arranged in parallel with each other are combined with a strip-shaped sealing resin 30 printed around at least one of the electrode substrates and a stripe-shaped partition (partition member) 40 made of resin or the like. And a gap between these two electrode substrates 10 and 20 (for example, 1 to 2 μm) is passed through the liquid crystal injection port of the sealing resin 30 and the smectic liquid crystal 50 is sealed.

Here, the first electrode substrate 10 has a plurality of stripe-shaped first transparent electrodes 12, an insulating film 13, and a first alignment film 14 sequentially laminated on the inner surface of a first transparent substrate 11. It is formed. On the other hand, the second electrode substrate 20
On the inner surface of the second transparent substrate 21, a plurality of stripe-shaped second transparent electrodes 22, an insulating film 23, and a second alignment film 24 are formed.
Are sequentially formed. Here, both alignment films 1
Numerals 4 and 24 are made of polyimide or the like, and are rubbed in parallel to the longitudinal direction of the stripe of the first transparent electrode 12 (the left-right direction in FIG. 1), for example, to be uniaxially oriented.

The plurality of second transparent electrodes 22 are located at right angles to the plurality of first transparent electrodes 12. A matrix-like (lattice-like) pixel 60 is formed (FIG. 2).
2 (a)). By providing a light source (not shown) such as a backlight on one outer surface of the liquid crystal display element, these pixels function as a display unit on which display is performed when the liquid crystal display element is driven. One of the transparent substrates 1
If a color filter layer is provided on the inner surfaces of the elements 1 and 12, a liquid crystal display element capable of color display can be obtained.

In the above-mentioned conventional liquid crystal display element, the gap (cell gap) between the two electrode substrates is kept uniform by the stripe-shaped partition walls 40 formed on the inner surfaces of at least one of the electrode substrates 10 and 20. It has become.
In the example shown in FIG. 22, the partition wall 40 is located at the center of the first transparent electrode 12, and forms a stripe pattern parallel to the first transparent electrode 12.

As shown in FIG. 23, when viewed from the direction crossing the partition wall 40 in each pixel 60, the cell gaps P1 and P3 at both ends of the pixel 60 and the cell gap P2 at the center of the pixel 60 become equal. I have. It should be noted that the plurality of pixels 60 arranged in a matrix are actually arranged in an amount of about 320 × 240 in a display element having a diagonal size of 6 inches, for example.

[0008]

As shown in FIG. 24, the smectic liquid crystal has a chevron structure in which the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules is bent in a "-" shape at the center of the layer. However, it is not easy to unify the bending direction to one by simple rubbing, and regions having different bending directions coexist. The boundary between these two regions becomes a zigzag defect. This zigzag defect is caused by the above-mentioned conventional liquid crystal display device as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-1597.
As shown in JP-A-92-92, they exist randomly in the plane.

Further, in a conventional liquid crystal display device,
Since each of the electrode substrates 10 and 20 has the above-mentioned laminated structure, the inside of each of the electrode substrates 10 and 20 is changed by a step existing in a space between the electrodes of the transparent electrodes 12 and 22 and a pattern of an auxiliary wiring (not shown). It is conceivable that various fine irregularities are randomly present on the surface. In other words, if these irregularities are present at random, the cell gap becomes slightly non-uniform in the plane, which is caused by the liquid crystal 5 between the electrode substrates 10 and 20.
In order to make the volume energy of 0 non-uniform in the plane, it is considered that regions having different bending directions are generated correspondingly at random so as to compensate for it.

[0010] Such misalignment in the bending direction of the chevron structure means an alignment defect of liquid crystal molecules, which causes light leakage in a black display of the liquid crystal display element and causes a problem of causing a decrease in contrast. Further, since the bending state of the chevron structure in which the bending direction is random is unstable in terms of energy, it is unstable with respect to heat change, and there is also a problem that alignment defects increase due to heat change such as thermal shock. .

Here, with respect to the above problem, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open
In JP-A-159792, when a liquid crystal cell immersed in a high-temperature liquid is pulled up from the liquid, the bending direction of the chevron structure of the liquid crystal molecules of the smectic liquid crystal is made the same by moving the gas-liquid interface substantially parallel to the rubbing direction. A technique has been reported in which alignment defects are eliminated by forming a monodomain layer by aligning the liquid crystal molecules in a direction. However, by aligning the bending direction of the chevron structure in one direction, the optical axis becomes only one direction,
Viewing angle dependence of display occurs, which is not preferable in producing a product.

In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a liquid crystal display device of a matrix pixel type in which a smectic liquid crystal is interposed between a pair of electrode substrates. It is an object to provide a display element and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0013]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first alignment region in which the bending direction of the chevron structure in the smectic liquid crystal (50) is aligned in substantially the same direction. (51), the bending direction of the chevron structure in the smectic liquid crystal is the first direction.
And the second alignment region (52) aligned in a different direction from the alignment region of n pixels (n is an integer of 1 or more).
0) and are arranged alternately and periodically.

According to the present invention, the first and second alignment regions are alternately and periodically arranged in n pixels, so that the viewing angle dependency of display can be reduced as much as possible. In addition, since the bending direction of the chevron structure is aligned in substantially the same direction in each of the first and second alignment regions, the liquid crystal molecules in each alignment region are compared with the conventional case where the bending directions are random. Can be improved in thermal stability. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a liquid crystal display element having less viewing angle dependence of display and less alignment defects of liquid crystal.

If the first and second alignment regions (51, 52) have substantially the same area as each other, the two different optical axis regions have substantially the same area. Since it is present, viewing angle dependence can be further reduced, which is preferable. It is also known that a smectic liquid crystal can be converted into a pseudo bookshelf structure by applying a voltage equal to or higher than a threshold value (a voltage value to which liquid crystal molecules respond), for example. Therefore, the first and second alignment regions may have a pseudo bookshelf structure by applying a voltage to the smectic liquid crystal (50) instead of the chevron structure. .

Further, the present inventors have formed a gentle slope (however, the rubbing direction is parallel to the tilt direction) in the gap between the electrode substrates, so that the liquid crystal chevron moves toward the narrowing direction of the gap. We focused on the phenomenon that the bending directions of the structures are aligned in the same direction. This is presumably because the smectic liquid crystal in the inclined gap appears an optimal layer form to stabilize its volume energy.

The invention according to claim 4 is based on this point of interest, and a gap between the first electrode substrate (10) and the second electrode substrate (20) is provided between the first electrode substrate (10) and the second electrode substrate (20). Is gradually narrowed in one direction, and a gap adjacent to the first gap region is gradually narrowed in a direction opposite to the first gap region. And a second gap region (G2), and the first and second gap regions are periodically arranged corresponding to the first and second alignment regions (51, 52). And the first and second alignment films (14,
24) is characterized in that rubbing is performed substantially parallel to the direction in which the gap in the first and second gap regions becomes narrower. Thereby, Claims 1 to
Specific means for realizing the invention of claim 3 can be provided.

Here, as in the fifth aspect of the present invention, the first and second electrode substrates (10, 20) are interposed via a partition member (40) defining a gap between the two electrode substrates. If the partition member is supported by the partition member by being overlapped while applying pressure, the height of the partition member in the gap direction is set to the first and second gap regions (G1, G2).
The first and second gap regions can be formed by changing them to correspond to 2).

The inventions of claims 6 to 11 provide more specific means of the invention of claim 5.
First, according to the invention of claim 6, in either one of the first and second transparent electrodes (12, 22), a partition member (40) having substantially the same width in the longitudinal direction is provided between adjacent electrodes. It extends so as to cross the space diagonally. There is a step between the transparent electrodes, and this step creates the space. Therefore, according to the present invention, the partition member contacts the transparent electrode on both sides of the space on one electrode substrate and does not contact the transparent electrode on the space.

In such a partition member, when the stacked electrode substrates are pressurized, portions of the partition member located on both sides of the space are easily deformed (easily crushed) under strong pressure, On the other hand, it is considered that the portion located in the space is less likely to be deformed (less crushed) because the degree of pressure is weak.

Therefore, the height of the partition member is finally higher in the space portion, and becomes lower as the distance from the space portion increases, and the first and second gaps are separated from the partition member on the space. An area is formed. Therefore, the first and second gap regions are periodically arranged corresponding to the space.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in the partition member (40), wide portions and narrow portions are alternately formed in the longitudinal direction, and the wide portion (41) having the maximum width is formed. And the narrow portion (42), which is the minimum width, are formed periodically corresponding to the first and second gap regions (G1, G2), and the gap between the wide portion and the narrow portion is gently formed. It is characterized in that the width is changed. Thereby, when the superposed electrode substrates are pressed, the deformation is large at the narrow portion and the deformation is small at the wide portion. Therefore, the first and second portions are separated by the wide portion and the narrow portion of the partition member. A gap region can be formed.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the first
The space (S) between adjacent electrodes in either one of the second transparent electrodes (12, 22) has a maximum width while alternately forming a wide portion and a narrow portion in the longitudinal direction. The wide portion (S1) and the narrow portion (S2), which is the minimum width, are connected to the first and second gap regions (G1, G2).
G2), the width is changed periodically between the wide portion and the narrow portion, and the width is gradually changed between the wide portion and the narrow portion. And a partition member (40) having a width which is wider than the narrow portion and has substantially the same width in the longitudinal direction.

As a result, the area of the partition member in contact with the transparent electrode is large in the narrow portion of the space and becomes smaller toward the wide portion of the space. For this reason, similarly to the invention of claim 6, a difference occurs in the deformation of the partition member when the electrode substrate is pressed, and finally the first and second portions are divided by the wide portion and the narrow portion of the space. A gap region can be formed.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, two kinds of partition members (43, 44) having different widths in the longitudinal direction are provided.
Since it is formed periodically corresponding to the first and second gap regions (G1, G2), the partition member (44) having a small width.
There is a difference in deformation between the electrode member and the wide partition member (43) when the electrode substrate is pressed, and finally, the first and second gap regions can be formed with the two types of partition members as boundaries.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, two types of partition members (4) having different heights in the gap direction are provided.
5, 46) to the first and second gap regions (G1, G
Since it is formed periodically corresponding to 2), the first and second gap regions can be formed according to the difference in height of the partition member.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the partition member (47, 48) is provided with the first and second transparent electrodes (1).
2, 22) and one extending over the space between adjacent electrodes, and these two types of partition members are provided in the first and second gap regions. (G1, G2), the two types of partition members are differently deformed when the electrode substrate is pressed, as in the case of the sixth aspect of the present invention. First and second gap regions can be formed.

Here, the first aspect of the present invention according to claim 4 is as follows.
And the second gap region (G1, G2).
It can also be realized by the described invention. That is, as in the twelfth aspect, the first and second electrode substrates (10, 2
If either one of the inner surfaces of (0) has a periodic uneven shape having a gentle slope structure, the first and second gap regions (G1, G2) are formed corresponding to the uneven shape. be able to.

Further, the invention according to claims 13 to 16 provides a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display element according to claim 12. First, according to the manufacturing method of claim 13,
On one of the first and second electrode substrates (10, 20), a protruding member (protruding from the inner surface) is provided on a portion of the inner surface of the transparent substrate (11, 21) corresponding to the convex portion of the uneven shape. 101), and a resin film (10) is applied to the inner surface so as to fill the projecting member.
2) is formed, and the transparent electrodes (12, 22) are formed on the resin film.
Is formed, and then the first and second electrode substrates are overlapped.

According to the present manufacturing method, when a resin film is formed by applying a resin, the buried portion of the protruding member and the resin in the vicinity thereof are supported by the presence of the protruding member. Part of the resin is not supported. for that reason,
The portion of the resin film supported by the protruding member is thicker than the portion not supported by the protruding member, and as a result, the resin film has an uneven shape. Therefore, the liquid crystal display device according to claim 12 can be appropriately manufactured.

According to the manufacturing method of the fourteenth aspect, in one of the first and second electrode substrates (10, 20),
A protruding member (111) protruding from the inner surface is formed at a portion of the inner surface of the transparent substrate (11, 21) corresponding to the concave or convex portion of the above-mentioned uneven shape, and the inner member is filled so as to fill the protruding member. A flattening layer (112) having a hardness different from that of the protruding member is formed on the surface, and the flattening layer is polished to expose a tip of the protruding member. After the transparent electrodes (12, 22) are formed on the exposed portions, the first and second electrode substrates are overlapped.

According to the present manufacturing method, since the degree of shaving in polishing is different due to the difference in hardness, when the flattening layer is harder than the protruding member, the flattening layer is recessed toward the exposed portion of the protruding member. Is formed, and when the flattening layer is softer than the protruding member, the flattening layer is
The projection has a concavo-convex shape in which a projection is formed toward the exposed portion of the protruding member. Therefore, the liquid crystal display device according to claim 12 can be appropriately manufactured.

According to the manufacturing method of the present invention, in one of the first and second electrode substrates (10, 20),
By pressing a mold member (120) having a shape corresponding to the above-mentioned uneven shape against the inner surface of the transparent substrate (11, 21), the above-mentioned uneven shape is formed on the inner surface. The transparent electrode (1
After the formation of (2, 22), the first and second electrode substrates are overlapped. Thereby, the liquid crystal display device of claim 12 can be appropriately manufactured.

According to the manufacturing method of the present invention, in one of the first and second electrode substrates (10, 20),
On the inner surface of the transparent substrate (11, 21), a projection pattern (130) made of a transparent photosensitive material having a shape corresponding to the projection in the above-mentioned uneven shape is formed by using a photolithographic method. Transparent electrodes (12, 22)
Is formed, and then the first and second electrode substrates are overlapped. Thereby, the liquid crystal display device of claim 12 can be appropriately manufactured.

The reference numerals in parentheses of the above means indicate the correspondence with the specific means described in the embodiments described later.

[0036]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the liquid crystal display device according to each embodiment has the basic structure shown in FIG. 1 described above, in which the structures of the partition walls 40 and the transparent electrodes 12 and 22 are modified. Therefore, the schematic cross-sectional configuration of the liquid crystal display element of each of the embodiments is the same as that of FIG. 1 described above, and only a supplementary explanation will be added. I will do it.

(First Embodiment) The liquid crystal display element according to the present embodiment has a basic structure as shown in FIG.
That is, the present liquid crystal display element includes the first liquid crystal display elements arranged in parallel with each other.
Electrode substrate 10 and second electrode substrate 20,
And a smectic liquid crystal 50 provided between the second electrode substrates 10 and 20.

The first electrode substrate 10 includes a first transparent substrate 11 made of glass or the like, a plurality of stripe-shaped first transparent electrodes 12 formed on the inner surface of the first transparent substrate 11,
A first alignment film facing the smectic liquid crystal; and a second electrode substrate formed on a second transparent substrate made of glass or the like and an inner surface of the second transparent substrate. A plurality of stripe-shaped second transparent electrodes 22 are provided so as to cross the first transparent electrode 12, and a second alignment film 24 facing the smectic liquid crystal 50.

Each of the transparent electrodes 12 and 22 is, for example, I
TO (Indium Tin Oxide) or IZO
(Indium Zinc Oxide), and each of the insulating films 13 and 23 is formed of a transparent insulator such as tantalum oxide (Ta ₂ O ₃ ) or SiO ₂ / TiO ₂ . . In addition, both alignment films 1
The alignment films 4 and 24 are formed of polyimide or the like, and the alignment films 14 and 24 are rubbed in parallel to, for example, the longitudinal direction of the stripe of the first transparent electrode 12 (the horizontal direction in FIG. 1). Uniaxially oriented. Here, the rubbing directions of the alignment films 14 and 24 may be parallel in the same direction (parallel rubbing) or parallel in the opposite direction (anti-parallel rubbing).

Although not limited, an example of specific dimensions of each part will be described. Each transparent electrode 12, 22
Is 150 to 450 nm (for example, 300 nm) using ITO.
With a film thickness of (nm), the line width can be about 300 μm, and the space between electrodes (space S described later) can be about 15 μm. Each of the insulating films 13 and 23 is made of tantalum oxide for 150 to 300 n.
m (for example, 300 nm).
4 can be made of polyimide to have a film thickness of about 25 nm.

The partition walls 40 supporting both the electrode substrates 10 and 20 and defining the cell gap are formed by spin-transfer using a transparent photosensitive resin such as acrylic (for example, a negative photosensitive acrylic resin manufactured by Fuji Hunt) or the like. It is formed by patterning a material applied to one electrode substrate by a coat into a predetermined shape using a photolithographic method. The width of the partition wall 40 (width in the horizontal direction in FIG. 1) is 15 to 60 μm.
(For example, about 25 μm).

Here, the characteristic portions of this embodiment are shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are diagrams focusing on the arrangement relationship between the transparent electrodes 12 and 22 and the partition wall 40 in the liquid crystal display element shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 shows A1 surrounded by a circle in FIG. It is a part enlarged view. 2 and 3, (a) is a plan view, (b) is a view taken in the direction of arrow B in (a),
(C) is a view taken in the direction of arrow C in (a), and shows an insulating film, an alignment film,
The liquid crystal is omitted, and for convenience, only the partition 40 is hatched.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the intersection of the first and second transparent electrodes 12 and 22 constitutes a matrix-shaped pixel 60 as a display unit. Here, the partition (partition member) 40 that defines the gap (cell gap) between the two electrode substrates 10 and 20 has substantially the same width in the longitudinal direction (rubbing direction). It extends in a zigzag shape so as to obliquely cross the space S between adjacent electrodes (stripe interval of the stripe electrode).

The liquid crystal display device of this embodiment is constructed such that the first and second electrode substrates 10 and 20 are overlapped with each other while being pressed through the partition wall 40, whereby the partition wall 40 is formed.
Support these two electrode substrates. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4A, the first electrode substrate 10
And the second in which the partition wall 40 is formed by using a photolithographic method.
And the electrode substrate 20 are arranged to face each other.

Then, as shown in FIG. 4B, for example, using plate-like jigs (not shown) arranged in parallel with each other,
The two electrode substrates 10 and 20 are pressurized from outside (for example, 1 × 10
While heating (for example, 200 ° C.) while heating (about ⁵ N / m), both ends in the height direction of the partition 40 are adhered to the inner surface of the electrode substrate. Thereafter, the liquid crystal 50 is sealed in the completed liquid crystal cell to complete a liquid crystal display device.

Here, according to the partition 40 of the present embodiment,
When pressing the superposed electrode substrates 10 and 20, FIG.
As shown in (b), the first transparent electrode 12 of the partition wall 40 is formed.
Since the portions located on both sides of the space S are in contact with the first transparent electrode 12, they are easily crushed in the height direction under strong pressure, and the portions located in the space S are the first.
Is not in contact with the transparent electrode 12, so that the degree of pressurization is weak and it is hard to collapse in the height direction.

Therefore, after completion of the pressurization, the partition 40
Is higher at the space S in the first transparent electrode 12 and becomes lower as the distance from the space S increases, and the cell gap also changes with the change in the height of the partition wall 40. It will be a shape. That is, FIG.
As shown in (b), in the rubbing direction, the cell gap gradually narrows in one direction in the rubbing direction, with the boundary of the space S of the first transparent electrode 12 traversed by the partition wall 40 as a boundary. A first gap region G1 and a second gap region G in which the cell gap is gradually narrowed in a direction opposite to the first gap region G1.
2 are formed.

For example, the cell gaps P1 to P1 shown in FIG.
The dimension of P3 is such that the cell gap P2 at the center of the pixel 60 is 1.5 μm, and the cell gaps P1 and P2 at both ends of the pixel 60 are
3 are both 1.45 to 1.48 μm. At this time, from the cell gap P2 to the cell gaps P1, P3
The inner surfaces of the electrode substrates 10 and 20 are inclined toward the center, and the inclination angle is gentle as about 0.005 to 0.01 °.

In the first and second gap regions G1 and G2 having such a structure in which the cell gap is gently inclined (inclined gap structure), the smectic liquid crystal 50 is optimally formed to stabilize its volume energy. In actuality, the bending direction of the liquid crystal chevron structure is aligned in substantially the same direction toward the direction in which the cell gap becomes narrower. FIG. 5 schematically shows this state. As shown in FIG. 5, the chevron structure is formed with bending directions opposite to each other corresponding to the inclination of each of the gap regions G1 and G2.

Here, in the smectic liquid crystal 50, the region where the bending direction of the chevron structure is substantially aligned in the first gap region G1 is referred to as the first alignment region 51 and the second alignment region 51.
In the gap region G2, the region where the bending direction of the chevron structure is aligned in a different direction from the first alignment region 51 is referred to as a second alignment region 52. These smectic liquid crystals 50
Are formed as regions having optical axes different from each other.

As shown in FIG. 2, the partition walls 40 extending in a zigzag shape form a periodic pattern on the space S between adjacent electrodes in the first transparent electrode 12 at intervals of one pixel pitch in the rubbing direction. Traversing. Thereby, the boundaries between the gap regions G1 and G2 also periodically exist at intervals of one pixel pitch in the rubbing direction. Accordingly, both alignment regions 51 and 52 in the smectic liquid crystal 50 are alternately and periodically arranged in a plane at one pixel pitch in the longitudinal direction (rubbing direction) of the first transparent electrode 12 as shown in FIG. It becomes the shape that was done.

According to the present embodiment, the first and second alignment regions 51 and 52 are alternately and periodically arranged at one pixel pitch, so that the viewing angle dependency of the display is reduced as much as possible. be able to. In addition, the first and second alignment regions 5
Since the bending directions of the chevron structure are aligned in substantially the same direction in each of the first and second embodiments, the alignment defects are less and the contrast is better as compared with the conventional case where the bending directions are random, and , Each alignment region 51,
52, the thermal stability of the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules can be improved.

Here, in the illustrated example, the first and second
Are periodically and alternately arranged at one pixel pitch. Although this period is not particularly limited, the n pixel pitch (n = 1, 2, 3,...,
That is, n can be a period of a positive integer. FIG.
(B) shows both alignment regions 5 in the case of n = 2, that is, two pixel pitches.
1 shows a plan arrangement configuration of 52. The shape of the partition 40 may be determined so that the partition 40 periodically crosses the space S between adjacent electrodes in the first transparent electrode 12 at intervals of n pixel pitches in the rubbing direction.

It should be noted that the larger the value of n, the easier the alignment of the partition wall 40 is. However, if the value of n is too large, a stripe pattern due to the viewing angle dependence is generated. When used as
= About 1-3 is preferable. Further, if the first and second alignment regions 51 and 52 have substantially the same area as each other, a different 2
Since two optical axis regions exist in a substantially uniform area,
Viewing angle dependence can be further reduced, which is preferable.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a liquid crystal display element having a small viewing angle dependence of display and a small number of liquid crystal alignment defects. Note that, contrary to the illustrated example, the partition wall 40 may extend in a zigzag shape so as to obliquely cross the space S between the adjacent electrodes in the second transparent electrode 22. In this case, the partition 40 is formed on the first electrode substrate 10 side, and the rubbing direction is made substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the second transparent electrode 22.

FIG. 7 shows a modification of this embodiment.
Various shapes of the partition wall 40 are shown. FIG. 7 (a) and (c)
FIG. 7B shows a case where the first and second alignment regions 51 and 52 are alternately and periodically arranged at a two-pixel pitch.
And a case where second alignment regions 51 and 52 are alternately and periodically arranged at a pixel pitch. Also in these modified examples, the same effect as in the case of the shape of the partition wall 40 as shown in FIG. 2 can be obtained.

(Second Embodiment) In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the height of the partition wall 40 in the cell gap direction is periodically changed so that the first and second gaps are formed. Although the regions G1 and G2 are formed, the difference from the first embodiment is that the height of the partition 40 is changed by partially changing the width of the partition 40. Hereinafter, different points will be mainly described.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show the features of this embodiment. 8 and 9 are diagrams focusing on the arrangement relationship between the transparent electrodes 12 and 22 and the partition wall 40 in the liquid crystal display element shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 9 shows A2 surrounded by a circle in FIG. It is a part enlarged view. 8 and 9,
(A) is a plan view, (b) is a view on arrow B in (a), (c)
FIG. 3 is a view taken in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 3A, in which an insulating film, an alignment film, and a liquid crystal are omitted, and only the partition wall 40 is hatched for convenience.

As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, in the partition wall 40 of the present embodiment, wide portions and narrow portions are alternately and periodically formed in the longitudinal direction (rubbing direction). The line width between the wide portion 41 having the maximum line width and the narrow portion 42 having the minimum line width changes gradually and continuously. The partition wall 40 having such a changed width can also be manufactured by using the same photolithographic method as in the first embodiment.

Then, the superposed electrode substrates 10, 2
When 0 is pressed, in the height direction (cell gap direction), it is easy to be crushed in the narrow portion 42 and hard to be crushed in the wide portion 41. Therefore, the first and second portions are bounded by the wide portion 41 and the narrow portion 42. Gap regions G1 and G2 can be formed. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the cell gap P2 at the center of the pixel 60 is narrow with the narrow portion 42 as a boundary, and the pixel 60
Are widened at both ends.
Although not limited, the wide portion 41 of the partition 40 is, for example, 2
The width of the narrow portion 42 can be, for example, about 10 μm.

If the wide portions 41 and the narrow portions 42 are formed at the n pixel pitch in the partition 40, both the gap regions G1 and G2, that is, both the alignment regions 51 of the smectic liquid crystal 50, as in the first embodiment. , 52 can be alternately and periodically arranged at an n-pixel pitch, and a liquid crystal display element having a small viewing angle dependence of display and few alignment defects in liquid crystal can be provided as in the first embodiment. . 8 and 9 show a case of one pixel pitch.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the partition 40 is formed not on the space S between the electrodes in the first transparent electrode 12 but on the electrode as in the modification shown in FIG. Or both. FIG. 10A shows a case where the partition 40 of the present embodiment is arranged on the electrode of the first transparent electrode 12 and the period of both alignment regions 51 and 52 is one pixel pitch, and FIGS. 10B and 10C. Are both alignment areas 51, 5
2 is a two-pixel pitch, and FIG.
0 is arranged on the space S, and (c) is an arrangement of the partition 40 on the electrode. If the longitudinal direction of the partition wall 40 is substantially parallel to the rubbing direction, the partition wall 40 of the present embodiment may be formed on either of the electrode substrates 10 and 20.

(Third Embodiment) In the third embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments, the height of the partition 40 in the cell gap direction is periodically changed,
The first and second gap regions G1 and G2 are formed. The first and second gap regions G1 and G2 are formed by changing the shapes of the transparent electrodes 12 and 22 and the partition 40 to change the height of the partition 40. This is different from the second embodiment. Hereinafter, different points will be mainly described.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show the features of this embodiment.
Shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 are diagrams focusing on the arrangement relationship between the transparent electrodes 12, 22 and the partition wall 40 in the liquid crystal display element shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 12 shows A3 surrounded by a circle in FIG. It is a part enlarged view. 11 and 12, (a) is a plan view, and (b) is B in (a).
FIG. 3C is a view taken in the direction of the arrow C in FIG.
The alignment film and the liquid crystal are omitted, and for convenience, the partition 40
Only the hatching is applied.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the space S between adjacent electrodes in the first transparent electrode 12 of the present embodiment is shown.
In this case, wide portions and narrow portions are alternately formed in the longitudinal direction (rubbing direction), and the width between the widest portion S1 having the maximum width and the narrow portion S2 having the minimum width is gradually continuous. Has changed. The first transparent electrode 12 in which the width of such a space is changed can be formed by matching a mask shape in a photolithographic process for patterning ITO or the like.

Here, the wide portion S1 and the narrow portion S2 of the space S in the first transparent electrode 12 are defined by the space S
In the longitudinal direction (rubbing direction), the pixel gaps are alternately and periodically formed at an n pixel pitch (one pixel pitch in the illustrated example) corresponding to the first and second gap regions G1 and G2. Then, the partition wall 40 extends in the longitudinal direction in the space S
Is wider than the narrow portion S2 and has substantially the same width, and the partition wall 40 extends over the space S.

According to this embodiment, the area where the partition wall 40 is in contact with the first transparent electrode 12 is the narrow portion S of the space S.
2 is large and becomes small toward the wide portion S1 of the space S. For this reason, for the same reason as in the first embodiment, when the electrode substrates 10 and 20 are pressurized, a difference occurs in the degree of crushing of the partition wall 40 in the height direction. The first and second gap regions G1 and G2 can be periodically formed with the narrow portion S2 as a boundary.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, the cell gap P2 at the center of the pixel 60 is narrow with the narrow portion S2 as a boundary, and the cell gaps P1 and P3 at both ends of the pixel 60 are wide. Although not limited, the wide portion S1 in the space S is, for example, about 25 μm, and the narrow portion S2 is, for example, 10 μm.
m width.

In the present embodiment, as in the above embodiment, both alignment regions 51 of the smectic liquid crystal 50,
52 can be alternately and periodically arranged at an n pixel pitch, so that a liquid crystal display element having less viewing angle dependence of display and less liquid crystal alignment defects can be provided. If the longitudinal direction of the partition wall 40 and the rubbing direction are substantially parallel, the wide area S1 and the narrow area S2 in the space S of the second transparent electrode 22 on the second electrode substrate 20 are similar to the above.
May be formed, and the partition wall 40 may be arranged on the space S.

(Fourth Embodiment) In the fourth embodiment, as in the first to third embodiments, the height of the partition wall 40 in the cell gap direction is periodically changed so that the first and the fourth embodiments are changed. In this case, the partition walls 40 are formed of two types having different widths (line widths) in the longitudinal direction, and these two types of partition walls 40 are formed of the first and second gap regions G1 and G2. The difference from the first to third embodiments is that the height of the partition wall 40 is changed by periodically arranging the gap regions G1 and G2.
Hereinafter, different points will be mainly described.

FIG. 13 shows a characteristic portion of this embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. In FIG. 13, the insulating film, the alignment film, and the liquid crystal are omitted, and only the partition wall 40 is hatched for convenience. The partition wall 40 of the present embodiment includes a partition wall 43 having a large line width and a partition wall 44 having a smaller line width.

In the present embodiment, the transparent electrode 12 and the transparent electrode 12 are provided on the inner surface of one of the electrode substrates 10 and 20.
Partitions 43 and 44 having different line widths are alternately and periodically formed at a pixel pitch (n is a positive integer, preferably n is 1 to 3) on the space 22 or the space S of the transparent electrode. FIG.
In the example shown in FIG. 3A, the partition wall 4 is provided on the second electrode substrate 20 side.
3, 44 are formed. These partition walls 43 and 44 can also be formed by a photolithographic method using a photomask.

As a result, there is a difference in deformation between the wide partition 43 and the narrow partition 44 when the substrates 10 and 20 are pressurized (the narrower the flatter, the larger the collapse), and FIG. As shown in (1), the first and second gap regions G1 and G2 can be formed with the two types of partitions 43 and 44 as boundaries. Therefore, it is possible to provide a liquid crystal display element in which the viewing angle dependence of display is small and the alignment defect of liquid crystal is small. Here, for example, as the partition 43 having a large line width, for example, a line width of 25 μm,
The partition 44 having a small line width can be, for example, 10 μm in line width. The partition walls 43 and 44 are provided on the first electrode substrate 10.
Side, but the rubbing direction is
It is necessary to make it perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of (43, 44).

(Fifth Embodiment) In the fifth embodiment, as in the first to fourth embodiments, the height of the partition wall 40 in the cell gap direction is periodically changed so that the first and the fourth embodiments are changed. In this case, two gap regions G1 and G2 are formed. The partition walls 40 are formed of two types having different heights (film thicknesses) in the cell gap direction, and these two types of partition walls 40 are formed of the first and second partitions. This is different from the above-described first to fourth embodiments in that the height of the partition wall 40 is changed by periodically arranging the gap regions G1 and G2. Hereinafter, different points will be mainly described.

FIG. 14 shows a characteristic portion of this embodiment. FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display element shown in FIG. In FIG. 14, the insulating film, the alignment film, and the liquid crystal are omitted, and only the partition wall 40 is hatched for convenience. The partition wall 40 of the present embodiment includes a partition wall 45 having a large thickness and a partition wall 46 having a smaller thickness.

In the present embodiment, the partition walls 45 and 46 having different thicknesses are formed on the transparent electrodes 12 and 22 or the space S of the transparent electrodes on the inner surface of one or both of the electrode substrates 10 and 20. They are alternately and periodically formed at an n pixel pitch (n is a positive integer, preferably n is 1 to 3). Both of these partitions are also photolithographic, ie,
Apply uniformly by spin coating, etc., pre-bake, expose,
It can be formed by a normal photolithography process called development.

In the example shown in FIG. 14A, both partition walls 45 and 46 are formed on the second electrode substrate 20 side. In this case, first, a thin partition wall 46 is formed on the inner surface of the second electrode substrate 20, and then a thick partition wall 45 is formed on the inner surface of the second electrode substrate 20 again. On the other hand, FIG.
In the example shown in FIG. 5, a thin partition wall 46 is formed on the first electrode substrate 10 side, and a thick partition wall 45 is formed on the second electrode substrate 2 side.
To form The direction of the rubbing treatment is the same as that of the partition 40 (4
5, 46) must be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 14C, the first and second gap regions are separated by the partition walls 45 and 46 in accordance with the difference in height (film thickness) of the partition walls 45 and 46. G1 and G2 can be formed. Therefore, it is possible to provide a liquid crystal display element in which the viewing angle dependence of display is small and the alignment defect of liquid crystal is small. Here, for example, a thick partition wall 45 is used.
For example, the partition wall 4 having a film thickness of about 1,5 μm and a thin film thickness
The thickness 6 can be, for example, about 1.48 μm or less.

(Sixth Embodiment) In the sixth embodiment, as in the first to fifth embodiments, the height of the partition wall 40 in the cell gap direction is periodically changed to thereby provide the first and second embodiments. The two gap regions G1 and G2 are formed. The partition 40 is formed of two types having different arrangement positions with respect to the transparent electrodes 12 and 22, and the two types of the partition 40 are formed by the first and second partitions. The second embodiment is different from the first to fifth embodiments in that the height of the partition 40 is changed by periodically arranging the gap regions corresponding to the two gap regions G1 and G2. Hereinafter, different points will be mainly described.

FIG. 15 shows a characteristic portion of this embodiment. FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. In FIG. 15, the insulating film, the alignment film, and the liquid crystal are omitted, and only the partition wall 40 is hatched for convenience.

In the present embodiment, the partition wall 40 extends on one of the first and second transparent electrodes 12 and 22 and the partition wall 40 extends on the space S between adjacent electrodes. And these two types of partition walls are (n-
(1/2) pixel pitch (n is an integer of sex). In the example shown in FIG.
The partition wall 40 formed on the inner surface of the electrode substrate 20 of the first embodiment has a partition wall 47 arranged along the opposing first transparent electrode 12.
And the partition walls 48 arranged so as to correspond to the space S of the opposing first transparent electrode 12, and the partition walls 47 and 48 are alternately arranged at a 3/2 pixel pitch (n = 2). They are arranged periodically.

As shown in FIG. 15A, these partition walls 47 and 48 are located at predetermined positions on the inner surface of the second electrode substrate 20.
It is formed by a photolithographic method, and the two substrates 10 and 20 are superposed and heated under pressure to obtain a state shown in FIG. That is, when the electrode substrates 10 and 20 are pressurized, there is a difference between the deformations of the two types of partitions 47 and 48, and finally, the first and second gap regions G1 and G2 are separated by the partitions 47 and 48 as boundaries. Can be formed. Therefore, it is possible to provide a liquid crystal display element in which the viewing angle dependence of display is small and the alignment defect of liquid crystal is small. The direction of the rubbing process is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the partition 40 (47, 48).

(Seventh Embodiment) This embodiment relates to the first to seventh embodiments.
Unlike the sixth embodiment, the first and second electrode substrates 1
By forming one of the inner surfaces 0 and 20 into a periodic uneven shape having a gentle slope structure, the first and second gap regions G1 and G corresponding to the uneven shape are formed.
2 is formed. In other words, the cell gap is narrow at the portion corresponding to the convex portion of the uneven shape, wide at the portion corresponding to the concave portion, and has a gentle slope structure between the two portions, so that the first and second gap regions G1, G2, G2 can be formed.

A method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device according to this embodiment is shown in the schematic sectional view of FIG. 16 in the order of steps. First, FIG.
As shown in (a), the first and second transparent substrates 11, 21
On one side (the second transparent substrate 21 in the illustrated example), a photosensitive resist 100 is applied on the inner surface thereof. next,
As shown in FIG. 16B, a stripe pattern (protruding member) 101 having an n-pixel pitch protruding from the inner surface of the transparent substrate 21 is formed in a portion corresponding to the convex portion of the concave-convex shape by a photolithography process.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 16C and 16D, a fluid thermosetting transparent resin (a transparent acrylic material or the like) is spun on the stripe pattern 101 so as to fill the stripe pattern 101. A resin film (flattening layer) 102 is formed by coating with a coat or the like and curing.

At this time, the resin buried in the pattern 101 and the resin in the vicinity thereof are supported by the presence of the pattern 101, but the resin in other portions is not supported. Therefore, due to the viscosity of the resin forming the resin film 102, the portion of the resin film 102 supported by the pattern 101 is thicker than the portion not supported by the pattern 101, and as a result, the resin film 102 becomes gentler. The shape becomes uneven with a gentle slope.

Subsequently, as shown in FIGS. 16E and 16F, the IT forming the transparent electrode 12 on the resin film 102 is formed.
The O film 103 is formed by vapor deposition, sputtering, printing, or the like. This ITO film 103 is patterned by using a photolithographic method to form a stripe-shaped second transparent electrode 2.
Form 2 Then, as shown in FIGS. 16G and 16H, after an insulating film 23 is formed on the transparent electrode 22, a second alignment film 24 is formed, and the alignment film 24 is subjected to a rubbing process. I do. Thus, the second electrode substrate 20 is completed.

Thereafter, the sealing resin 3 is placed so that the partition wall 40 is located on the projection on the inner surface of the second electrode substrate 20.
The liquid crystal display device as shown in FIG. 17 is completed by superposing the first and second electrode substrates 10 and 20 through the contact hole 0, pressurizing and heating, and finally sealing the liquid crystal 50. The rubbing direction is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the partition wall 40 (the left-right direction in FIG. 17). In this liquid crystal display element, the first liquid crystal display element has a first unevenness formed on the inner surface of the second electrode substrate 20 and having a gentle slope structure.
And second gap regions G1 and G2 are formed at an n pixel pitch.

Therefore, both alignment regions 51 and 52 of the smectic liquid crystal 50 can be alternately and periodically arranged at an n-pixel pitch corresponding to each of these gap regions as in the above-described embodiment. It is possible to provide a liquid crystal display element having a small angle dependency and a small number of liquid crystal alignment defects. And according to the said manufacturing method, such a liquid crystal display element can be manufactured appropriately. In addition, the above-described manufacturing method can be similarly applied to a case where an uneven shape is formed on the inner surface of the first electrode substrate 10.

The stripe pattern (projecting member) 1
01 made of a conductive material such as Cu
A photosensitive transparent resin may be used, and an exposed portion of the conductive material may be formed by a photolithography process so as to be electrically connectable to the transparent electrodes 12 and 22. By doing so, the pattern 101 made of the conductive material becomes the transparent electrode 12,
The transparent electrode acts as an auxiliary electrode 22 and the resistance of the transparent electrode is reduced. Further, a color material (RGB photo-sensitive material for a color filter) may be used for the resin film 102. In this case, a liquid crystal display device capable of color display can be realized.

(Eighth Embodiment) An eighth embodiment is similar to the seventh embodiment, except that the first and second electrode substrates 1
By forming one of the inner surfaces 0 and 20 into a periodic uneven shape having a gentle slope structure, the first and second gap regions G1 and G corresponding to the uneven shape are formed.
Although the second embodiment is formed, the present embodiment employs a manufacturing method different from that of the seventh embodiment.

A method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device according to this embodiment is shown in the schematic sectional view of FIG. 18 in the order of steps. First, FIG.
As shown in (a), the first and second transparent substrates 11, 21
On one of the two (in the illustrated example, the second transparent substrate 21), a photosensitive silver paste 110 is printed on the inner surface thereof and temporarily dried. Next, as shown in FIG. 18B, a stripe pattern (protruding member) 111 having an n-pixel pitch protruding from the inner surface of the transparent substrate 21 is formed in a portion corresponding to the concave portion of the above-mentioned uneven shape by a photolithography process. I do.

Next, as shown in FIG. 18C, a material having a higher hardness (lead glass in this example) than the pattern 111 is printed on the stripe pattern 111 so as to fill the stripe pattern 111. The flattening layer 112 is formed by firing and hardening. Next, the flattening layer 112 is polished by lap polishing or the like used for polishing the surface of the glass substrate so that the tip of the pattern 111 is exposed.

At this time, polishing selectively proceeds with the pattern 111 having a hardness lower than that of the flattening layer 112.
As shown in (d), the planarizing layer 112 has a pattern 111
The concave / convex shape has a concave portion formed toward the exposed portion.
In the lap polishing of lead glass, the use of a weakly alkaline abrasive (slurry) allows lead glass to be selectively polished by a chemical etching action. Therefore, by controlling the PH (alkalineness) of the abrasive, it is possible to control the delicate inclination amount of the planarization layer 112.

Subsequently, as shown in FIGS. 18 (e) to 18 (h), a stripe-shaped second transparent electrode is sequentially formed on the planarizing layer 112 in the same manner as in the seventh embodiment. 2
2. An insulating film 23 and a second alignment film 24 are formed, and the alignment film 24 is rubbed. Thus, the second electrode substrate 20 is completed. Note that the pattern 111 is electrically connected to the second transparent electrode 22 and functions as an auxiliary electrode.

Then, the sealing resin 3 is placed so that the partition wall 40 is located on the concave portion on the inner surface of the second electrode substrate 20.
The first and second electrode substrates 10 and 20 are overlapped with each other via a wire 0, pressurized and heated, and finally the liquid crystal 50 is sealed, whereby a liquid crystal display device as shown in FIG. 19 is completed. The rubbing direction is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the partition wall 40 (the left-right direction in FIG. 19). In this liquid crystal display element, the first liquid crystal display element has a first unevenness formed on the inner surface of the second electrode substrate 20 and having a gentle slope structure.
And second gap regions G1 and G2 are formed at an n pixel pitch.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the seventh
As in the embodiment, it is possible to provide a liquid crystal display element having less viewing angle dependence of display and less liquid crystal alignment defects.
And according to this manufacturing method, such a liquid crystal display element can be manufactured appropriately. In addition, the present manufacturing method can be similarly applied to a case where an uneven shape is formed on the inner surface of the first electrode substrate 10.

When the hardness of the flattening layer 112 is softer than that of the stripe pattern 111,
2 has an uneven shape in which a convex portion is formed toward the exposed portion of the pattern 111. Also in this case, the first and second gap regions G1 and G2 can be formed, and the smectic liquid crystal 5 can be formed.
The two alignment regions 51 and 52 of 0 can be alternately and periodically arranged at an n pixel pitch, and a liquid crystal display element having little viewing angle dependence of display and few alignment defects of liquid crystal can be provided.

(Ninth Embodiment) In the ninth embodiment, as in the seventh and eighth embodiments, the inner surface of one of the first and second electrode substrates 10 and 20 is made gently. The first and second gap regions G corresponding to the uneven shape are formed by forming the periodic uneven shape having an inclined structure.
1, G2 is formed, but this embodiment employs a manufacturing method different from those of the seventh and eighth embodiments.

A method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device according to this embodiment is shown in the order of steps in a schematic sectional view of FIG. First, FIG.
As shown in (a) and (b), one of the first and second transparent substrates 11 and 21 (the second transparent substrate 21 in the illustrated example) corresponds to the above uneven shape with respect to the inner surface thereof. A mold (mold member) 120 having a shape is pressed. As a result, on the inner surface, a concave / convex shape in which concave portions and convex portions are periodically arranged at an n-pixel pitch, and the gap between the concave and convex portions is a gentle slope is formed. The pressing of the mold 120 is performed, for example, by heating and pressing the transparent substrate 21 at a temperature equal to or higher than its deformation temperature.

Subsequently, on the inner surface of the second transparent substrate 21,
The second electrode substrate 20 is completed by sequentially forming the second transparent electrode 22, the insulating film 23, and the second alignment film 24. After that, the first and second electrode substrates 10 and 20 are overlapped via the sealing resin 30 so that the partition wall 40 is located on the concave portion on the inner surface of the second electrode substrate 20, and pressurized and heated. Finally, by enclosing the liquid crystal 50, a liquid crystal cell as shown in FIG. The rubbing direction is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the partition wall 40 (the left-right direction in FIG. 20).

In FIG. 20C, each transparent substrate 1
1 and 21, only the transparent electrodes 12 and 22, and the partition 40 are shown, and the others are omitted. In this liquid crystal display element,
The first and second gap regions G1 and G2 are formed at an n pixel pitch corresponding to the periodic uneven shape having a gentle slope structure formed on the inner surface of the second electrode substrate 20. I have.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the seventh
Similarly to the eighth embodiment, it is possible to provide a liquid crystal display element having a small viewing angle dependence of display and a small number of liquid crystal alignment defects. And according to this manufacturing method, such a liquid crystal display element can be manufactured appropriately. In addition, the present manufacturing method can be similarly applied to a case where an uneven shape is formed on the inner surface of the first electrode substrate 10.

(Tenth Embodiment) The tenth embodiment is directed to
As in the above-described seventh to ninth embodiments, by forming one of the inner surfaces of the first and second electrode substrates 10 and 20 into a periodic uneven shape having a gentle slope structure,
Although the first and second gap regions G1 and G2 are formed corresponding to the uneven shape, the present embodiment employs a manufacturing method different from the seventh to ninth embodiments. I have.

A method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device according to this embodiment is shown in the schematic sectional view of FIG. 21 in the order of steps. Note that FIG.
In, only the transparent substrate, the transparent electrode, and the partition are shown,
Others are omitted. First, as shown in FIG. 21A, one of the first and second transparent substrates 11 and 21 (the second transparent substrate 21 in the illustrated example) has a convex portion in the above-mentioned uneven shape with respect to the inner surface thereof. Are formed at a pitch of n pixels using a photolithographic method.

As shown in the figure, the projection pattern 130 is gently inclined from the top to the inner surface of the transparent substrate 21 (inclined projection shape). Such an inclined protrusion shape can be formed by patterning a film of a transparent photosensitive material formed on the inner surface of the transparent substrate 21 by using a photolithographic method. By changing the amount and providing a difference in the amount of etching during development, by partially changing the film thickness,
It can be formed.

On the transparent substrate 21 on which the projection pattern 130 is formed, the second transparent electrode 22 and the insulating film 2 are sequentially formed.
3. By forming the second alignment film 24, the second electrode substrate 20 is completed. Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 21B and 21C, the sealing resin 30 is positioned so that the partition wall 40 is located on the concave portion on the inner surface of the second electrode substrate 20.
Then, the first and second electrode substrates 10 and 20 are overlapped with each other, pressurized and heated, and finally the liquid crystal 50 is sealed, whereby a liquid crystal cell is completed. The rubbing direction is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the partition wall 40 (the left-right direction in FIG. 21).

In this liquid crystal display device, the first and second gap regions G 1, G 2, G 3, G 2, G 3, G 2, G 3, G 2, G2 is formed at an n pixel pitch. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, as in the seventh to ninth embodiments, it is possible to provide a liquid crystal display element having little viewing angle dependence of display and having few alignment defects of liquid crystal. And according to this manufacturing method, such a liquid crystal display element can be manufactured appropriately. In addition, the present manufacturing method can be similarly applied to a case where an uneven shape is formed on the inner surface of the first electrode substrate 10.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing a simple matrix type liquid crystal display device using a smectic liquid crystal.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an arrangement relationship between a transparent electrode and a partition in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a part A1 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a method of superposing electrode substrates of a liquid crystal display element according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing a chevron structure of a smectic liquid crystal according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing an arrangement of alignment regions of a smectic liquid crystal according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of a liquid crystal display device showing a modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement relationship between a transparent electrode and a partition wall according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion A2 in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of a liquid crystal display device showing a modification of the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a view showing an arrangement relationship between a transparent electrode and a partition in a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a part A3 in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a schematic sectional view showing an arrangement relationship between a transparent electrode and a partition wall according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a schematic sectional view showing an arrangement relationship between a transparent electrode and a partition wall according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a schematic sectional view showing an arrangement relationship between a transparent electrode and a partition wall according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a process chart illustrating a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display element according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a schematic sectional view of a liquid crystal display device according to the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a process chart illustrating a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display element according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a schematic sectional view of a liquid crystal display device according to the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a process chart illustrating a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display element according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a process chart illustrating a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display element according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an arrangement relationship between a transparent electrode and a partition in a conventional liquid crystal display element.

FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of a portion A surrounded by a circle in FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a chevron structure of a smectic liquid crystal.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 ... first electrode substrate, 11 ... first transparent substrate, 12 ...
1st transparent electrode, 14 ... 1st orientation film, 20 ... 2nd electrode substrate, 21 ... 2nd transparent substrate, 22 ... 2nd transparent electrode, 24 ... 2nd orientation film, 40 ... partition, 41 ... wide part of partition, 42 ... narrow part of partition, 43 ... partition with wide line width, 4
4 Partition walls having a small line width, 45 Partition walls having a large thickness, 46 Partition walls having a small thickness, 47 Partition walls disposed on electrodes, 48
Partition walls arranged on the space, 50: smectic liquid crystal, 51: first alignment region, 52: second alignment region, 6
0: pixel, 101, 111: stripe pattern, 10
2: resin film, 112: flattening layer, 120: mold, 130
... projection pattern, G1 ... first gap area, G2 ... second gap area, S ... space between adjacent transparent electrodes, S1 ... space wide part, S2 ... space narrow part.

Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2H088 EA02 FA02 FA20 GA04 HA04 HA12 JA17 JA20 KA02 LA02 MA07 MA18 2H090 HA15 HB08Y JA03 JC03 KA14 KA15 LA02 LA15 MA15 MB01 5C094 AA03 AA06 AA12 AA33 AA47 AA19 EA01 AE02 FB15 GB10

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A first electrode substrate (10) and a second electrode substrate (20) arranged in parallel with each other, and a smectic liquid crystal (50) provided between the first and second electrode substrates. The first electrode substrate comprises: a first transparent substrate (11); a plurality of stripe-shaped first transparent electrodes (12) formed on an inner surface of the first transparent substrate; A first alignment film (14) facing the smectic liquid crystal; and the second electrode substrate is formed on a second transparent substrate (21) and an inner surface of the second transparent substrate. A plurality of second stripe-shaped second electrodes positioned to intersect the first transparent electrode
A transparent electrode (22) and a second alignment film (24) facing the smectic liquid crystal, and a portion where the first and second transparent electrodes cross
In a liquid crystal display element constituting a matrix-shaped pixel (60) as a display unit, the bending direction of the chevron structure in the smectic liquid crystal is substantially the same in n (n is an integer of 1 or more) pixels. A first alignment region (51) aligned in a direction, and a second alignment region (52) in which the bending direction of the chevron structure in the smectic liquid crystal is aligned in a direction different from the first alignment region. And a liquid crystal display element which is arranged alternately and periodically. 2. The first and second alignment regions (51, 5).
2. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein 2) have substantially the same area. 3. The first and second alignment regions (51, 5).
The liquid crystal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the 2) is a pseudo bookshelf structure by applying a voltage to the smectic liquid crystal (50) instead of the chevron structure. Display element. 4. The first electrode substrate (10) and the second electrode substrate (10).
A first gap region (G1) in which the gap between the two electrode substrates is gradually narrowed in one direction, and a first gap region (G1) adjacent to the first gap region. The second gap region (G) in which the gap gradually narrows in a direction opposite to the first gap region.
2) are formed, and the first gap region and the second gap region are periodically arranged corresponding to the first alignment region (51) and the second alignment region (52). Wherein both the first and second alignment films (14, 24) have been rubbed substantially parallel to the direction in which the gap in the first and second gap regions becomes narrower. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein: 5. The first electrode substrate (10) and the second electrode substrate (10).
The electrode substrate (20) is supported by the partition member by being overlapped between the two electrode substrates while being pressed through a partition member (40) defining the gap, and supported by the partition member. The first and second gap regions are formed by changing the height of the partition member in the above to correspond to the first gap region (G1) and the second gap region (G2). The liquid crystal display device according to claim 4, wherein 6. The partition member (40) has substantially the same width in its longitudinal direction, and has a width substantially equal to that of the first and second transparent electrodes (1).
2, 22) so as to extend obliquely across the space (S) between adjacent electrodes, and correspond to the space traversed by the partition member. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 5, wherein the second gap regions (G1, G2) are periodically arranged. 7. The partition member (40) alternately forms a wide portion and a narrow portion in the longitudinal direction thereof, and has a wide portion (41) having a maximum width and a narrow portion (41) having a minimum width. 42) and the first and second gap regions (G
6. The liquid crystal according to claim 5, wherein the liquid crystal is formed periodically corresponding to (1, G2), and the width between the wide portion and the narrow portion changes gradually. Display element. 8. The first and second transparent electrodes (11, 1).
In either one of 2), the space (S) between the adjacent electrodes is formed by alternately forming a wide portion and a narrow portion in the longitudinal direction, and has a wide portion (S1) which is the maximum width and a minimum width. A certain narrow portion (S2) is formed periodically corresponding to the first and second gap regions (G1, G2), and the narrow portion (S2) is formed between the wide portion and the narrow portion. The width of the partition member (40) is wider than the narrow portion and has substantially the same width in the longitudinal direction thereof, and the wide portion and the narrow portion are formed. 6. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 5, wherein the liquid crystal display device extends over the space formed. 9. The partition members (43, 44) are formed of two types having different widths in the longitudinal direction periodically corresponding to the first and second gap regions (G1, G2). 6. The device according to claim 5, wherein
3. The liquid crystal display device according to item 1. 10. The partition members (45, 46) are formed periodically with two types having different heights in the gap direction corresponding to the first and second gap regions (G1, G2). The liquid crystal display element according to claim 5, wherein the liquid crystal display element is configured as a liquid crystal display. 11. The partition member (47, 48) has a space between one of the first and second transparent electrodes (12, 22) extended on an electrode and a space between adjacent electrodes. 6. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 5, wherein the one extending upward is periodically arranged corresponding to the first and second gap regions (G1, G2). . 12. An inner surface of one of the first electrode substrate (10) and the second electrode substrate (20) has a periodic uneven shape having a gentle slope structure. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 4, wherein the first and second gap regions (G1, G2) are formed corresponding to the shape. 13. The method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display element according to claim 12, wherein the inner surface of the transparent substrate (11, 21) on one of the first and second electrode substrates (10, 20). Forming a protruding member (101) protruding from the inner surface at a portion corresponding to the convex portion of the concavo-convex shape; and applying a resin to the inner surface of the transparent substrate so as to fill the protruding member. Forming the transparent electrodes (12, 22) on the resin film, and thereafter, laminating the first and second electrode substrates. A method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device, comprising: 14. The method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display element according to claim 12, wherein the inner surface of the transparent substrate (11, 21) on one of the first and second electrode substrates (10, 20). Forming a protruding member (111) protruding from the inner surface at a portion corresponding to the concave or convex portion of the concavo-convex shape; and forming the protruding member on the inner surface of the transparent substrate so as to fill the protruding member.
A planarizing layer having a hardness different from that of the protruding member;
A step of polishing the flattening layer to expose a tip of the protruding member. Subsequently, the transparent electrode (12, 22) is formed on the flattening layer and the exposed portion of the protruding member. Forming a liquid crystal display element, and thereafter, laminating the first and second electrode substrates. 15. The method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display element according to claim 12, wherein the inner surface of the transparent substrate (11, 21) on one of the first and second electrode substrates (10, 20). Pressing the mold member (120) having a shape corresponding to the uneven shape to form the uneven shape on the inner surface; and subsequently, the inner surface on which the uneven shape is formed. Forming the transparent electrodes (12, 22), and thereafter, laminating the first and second electrode substrates. 16. The method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display element according to claim 12, wherein the inner surface of the transparent substrate (11, 21) on one of the first and second electrode substrates (10, 20). Forming a projection pattern (130) made of a transparent photosensitive material having a shape corresponding to the projection in the uneven shape by using a photolithography method; and forming the transparent electrodes (12, 22) on the projection pattern. ), And thereafter, a step of superimposing the first and second electrode substrates on each other.