JP2002148643A - Liquid crystal device and method for manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method by which a liquid crystal cell can be manufactured in a short time and the surface of a glass substrate on the surface of the liquid crystal cell is hardly damaged. SOLUTION: The liquid crystal device comprises a hardened liquid crystal layer 15d containing liquid crystal molecules and hardened partially or entirely, a first substrate 1 stuck onto one surface of the hardened liquid crystal layer, a first electrode formed on the one surface of the first substrate, a second substrate 11 stuck onto the other surface opposite to the one surface of the liquid crystal layer and a second electrode 2 formed on the other surface side of the second substrate. The distance between the first and the second substrates is determined by the thickness of the hardened liquid crystal layer without using an other gap controlling material 7.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal device, and more particularly to a method for manufacturing a small liquid crystal device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a liquid crystal device, particularly a small liquid crystal device, has been manufactured by the following steps.

FIGS. 10 to 16 show a manufacturing process of a liquid crystal device.

[0004] Two glass substrates are prepared. An orientation process is performed.

As shown in FIG. 10A, a gap control material (hereinafter, referred to as a “GC material”) 101 a having a predetermined particle size is sprayed on a first glass substrate 101 using a dispenser D.

As shown in FIG. 10B, the second substrate 1
A sealing material 103b to which a GC agent 103a having a predetermined particle size is added is applied on the substrate 03. The sealing material 103b is
For example, it has an injection port 105 and is applied in a shape surrounding the outer periphery of a display unit for a liquid crystal device. In addition, FIG.
In (B), 1 is applied to the glass substrates 101 and 103.
Although the case where two liquid crystal cells are provided is shown,
Actually, many liquid crystal cells are formed on a glass substrate.

As shown in FIG. 11, first and second glass substrates 101 and 103 are overlaid. Liquid crystal inlet 1
An empty cell EC having 05 is formed.

As shown in FIG. 12, the first and second glass substrates 101 and 103 are pressed from the outer surface using a press machine P.

Heat treatment is performed by the heater H with both the glass substrates 101 and 103 pressed. The sealant 103b is cured, and the first substrate 101 and the second substrate 103 are fixed via the sealant 103b.

[0010] Instead of the usual thermosetting sealing material 103b, a sealing material containing an ultraviolet curable resin may be used. In this case, a method of curing the sealing material by irradiating ultraviolet light instead of heat treatment can be used.

As shown in FIG. 13, a scribe line SL (cut line) is formed on a glass substrate 101 and a glass substrate 103 by a diamond cutter DC. The scribe line SL facilitates the cutting of the glass substrate, and defines a cutting position. The scribe line SL
It is formed so as to surround each liquid crystal cell 107 formed in the glass substrate.

One of the scribe lines SL1 surrounding the four corners of one liquid crystal cell 107 is
The liquid crystal cell 107 is formed so as to be aligned with the opening surface of the liquid crystal injection port 105.

The liquid crystal injection port 105 of the liquid crystal cell 107 formed adjacent to one liquid crystal cell 107 also has an opening surface arranged along one scribe line SL1.

The glass substrates 101 and 103 are cleaved along the scribe lines SL.

Individual liquid crystal cells 107 having empty cells EC
Is formed.

Next, as shown in FIG.
The plurality of liquid crystal cells 107 are set on the holding tool 110 such that the liquid crystal injection ports 105 of the empty cells EC provided in the unit 7 are aligned on one plane.

[0017] As shown in FIG.
Are placed in the vacuum chamber VC. Liquid crystal container 1 containing liquid crystal E
15 is also placed in the vacuum chamber VC. The vacuum chamber VC is evacuated.

As shown in FIG. 15B, when a predetermined degree of vacuum is reached, a plurality of liquid crystal device cells 107 are moved so that at least the liquid crystal injection port 105 of the empty cell EC is immersed in the liquid crystal filling container 115. State. When the inside of the vacuum chamber VC is returned to the atmospheric pressure, the liquid crystal in the liquid crystal filling container 115 is injected from the liquid crystal injection port 105 into the empty cell EC.

As shown in FIG. 16A, a liquid crystal cell 107 into which liquid crystal has been injected is sandwiched between pressing jigs 111. The liquid crystal injection port 105 is set to protrude from the end surface of the pressing jig 111. The liquid crystal cell 107 is pressed at a predetermined pressure. Excess liquid crystal E exits from the inlet 105.

[0020] As shown in FIG.
After wiping off the excess liquid crystal coming out of the substrate, the inlet 105 is closed. For example, the end seal material ES is applied around the injection port 105, and the end seal material ES is cured by irradiation with UV light or heat treatment.

Through the above steps, a liquid crystal cell can be formed.

[0022]

However, the above-described method for manufacturing a liquid crystal device has the following problems.

1) According to the above manufacturing method, it is necessary to cut the glass substrate in the direction (side) where the injection port is provided. Because the sides are aligned with the upper and lower substrates,
An extraction electrode cannot be formed on the surface of one glass substrate. For this reason, the direction in which the extraction electrode is extracted is determined, and there is a problem that the degree of freedom in designing the liquid crystal device is reduced.

2) Among the above steps, there are a very large number of steps (it is difficult to automate), which complicates the manufacturing process and increases the manufacturing cost. In particular, when manufacturing small liquid crystal cells, if the injection port is not set properly on the injection jig, such as when the injection ports are not aligned on one plane, all the injection ports will not be immersed in the liquid crystal. There is a problem that poor injection occurs.

3) There are many steps of setting and pressing into a jig, and there is a problem that the surface of the liquid crystal cell is easily damaged.

In particular, if a large amount of glass chips generated in the substrate cutting step adhere to the substrate surface, this may cause damage to the glass substrate surface or the like in a later step. Although it is possible to add a washing step to remove the cut pieces, there is a problem that the number of steps is further increased.
In addition, there has been a problem that the cutting pieces are not completely removed even after the washing step.

4) In the vicinity of the main seal and the end seal, there has been a problem that the orientation of liquid crystal and electric characteristics are easily deteriorated.

An object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a liquid crystal device which can be manufactured in a short time by reducing the number of manufacturing steps of a liquid crystal cell and which is less likely to damage the surface of a glass substrate of the liquid crystal cell. . Particularly suitable for small liquid crystal cells.

[0029]

According to one aspect of the present invention, a partially or fully cured cured liquid crystal layer containing liquid crystal molecules and a second cured liquid crystal layer adhered on one surface of the cured liquid crystal layer. A first substrate, a first electrode formed on the one surface side of the first substrate, and a second electrode adhered on the other surface of the liquid crystal layer opposite to the one surface. A substrate, and a second electrode formed on the other surface side of the second substrate, wherein the first substrate and the first substrate are separated by the thickness of the cured liquid crystal layer without using another gap control material. A liquid crystal device having a fixed distance to a second substrate is provided.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a cured liquid crystal layer containing liquid crystal molecules and partially or wholly cured, a first substrate adhered on one surface of the cured liquid crystal layer, A first electrode formed on the one surface side of the first substrate; a second substrate adhered on the other surface of the liquid crystal layer opposite to the one surface; A second electrode formed on the other surface side of the second substrate and a display region provided in the cured liquid crystal layer and defining the first electrode and the second electrode. Together with the first
A liquid crystal device provided with a wall corresponding to a distance between the first substrate and the second substrate.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a) a step of preparing a pair of substrates surrounded by an invalid region having a predetermined width and defining a plurality of liquid crystal cell regions; Disposing a dummy wall portion for temporarily defining a distance between the pair of substrates on at least a part of the invalid region on one of the substrates; and (c) between the pair of substrates. A step of laminating and attaching the pair of substrates in a direction in which the dummy wall portion is interposed, and (d) a step of filling a liquid crystal material curable in a later step between the pair of substrates; (E) curing a part or all of the liquid crystal material in the liquid crystal cell region to form a liquid crystal panel;
(F) cutting the liquid crystal panel along the invalid area for each liquid crystal cell area.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, (a)
Providing a first substrate surrounded by an invalid region having a predetermined width and defining a plurality of liquid crystal cell regions, and a second substrate different from the first substrate; An area inside the invalid area on one of the substrates, the outer periphery of the liquid crystal cell area is closed and has a predetermined height, and the first substrate and the second substrate are later (C) curing the seal material, and (d) curing the seal material in a region surrounded by the seal material. A step of dropping a liquid crystal material that can be cured in a later step,
(D) a step of laminating and bonding the first substrate and the second substrate in a direction in which the cured sealing material is interposed between the two substrates; and (e) a step of: Curing a part or all of a liquid crystal material filled in a part of the invalid area outside the liquid crystal cell area to form a liquid crystal panel; and (f) setting the liquid crystal panel to the invalid state. Cutting each liquid crystal cell region along a region of the region where the liquid crystal material is not cured.

[0033]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Before describing embodiments of the present invention, considerations made by the inventor will be described.

If the liquid crystal material can be injected into a single large panel formed by laminating the first substrate and the second substrate, the liquid crystal material can be injected more than by injecting the liquid crystal material into each empty cell. The injection process is simplified. After injecting a liquid crystal material into a large panel capable of forming a large number of liquid crystal cells having a size of about 2 inches square, the display area of the liquid crystal cells is defined.
By mixing a hardening agent capable of hardening the liquid crystal material by external force after injection into the liquid crystal material, the display area of the liquid crystal cell can be defined after the liquid crystal material is injected.

Based on the above consideration, a liquid crystal device according to the first embodiment of the present invention and a method of manufacturing the same will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a state in which a sealing material is provided on a substrate. 2 and 3 are cross-sectional views illustrating a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal device.

First glass substrate 1 on which desired orientation processing has been performed
A number of pixel electrodes 3 are formed thereon.

The pixel electrodes 3 are arranged, for example, in the vertical and horizontal directions. Although only one pixel electrode is shown in one display area in FIG. 1, a plurality of electrodes may be provided in one display area. The sealing material 5 is formed so as to substantially surround the outer periphery of each pixel electrode 3. More specifically, a first sealant 5a extending in the vertical direction is formed between columns of the pixel electrodes 3 arranged in the vertical direction and adjacent in the horizontal direction. Further, a second sealant 5b extending in the horizontal direction is intermittently formed between rows of the pixel electrodes 3 which are arranged in the horizontal direction and adjacent in the vertical direction.
The sealing materials 5a and 5b are formed of a thermosetting sealing material.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the sealing material 5a,
To 5b, a gap control agent (GC agent) 7 having a predetermined particle size is added. The sealing materials 5a and 5b containing the GC agent 7 are supplied by, for example, a dispenser device. In order to control the cell thickness of a liquid crystal cell to be formed later to a desired value by the GC agent 7 added to the sealing materials 5a and 5b, the distance W1 between the adjacent first sealing materials 5a is controlled.
It is desirable that the distance L1 (FIG. 1) between the second seal member 5b and the second seal member 5b be within 2 inches. Within 2 inches, it is possible to keep the gap between the substrates forming the panel almost constant when forming a large panel. If L1 and W1 are too far apart, it becomes difficult to keep the gap between the substrates forming the panel almost constant when forming a large panel.

Of course, a GC agent may be sprayed other than in the sealing material 5. However, when the GC agent is sprayed, it is preferable to devise a measure such as providing a cover on the display unit so that the GC agent does not remain on the actual display unit.

As shown in FIG. 2B, a common electrode 13 is formed on one surface of the second glass substrate 11. Note that the pixel electrode 3 is usually formed by a plurality of segment electrodes, and can display a specific shape by a selection method when applying a voltage to any combination of the plurality of segment electrodes.

As shown in FIG. 2C, the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 11 are overlaid. In a state where the two glass substrates 1 and 11 are overlapped with each other, the pixel electrode 3 formed on each of the substrates 1 and 11 and the counter electrode (common electrode) 13 are overlapped with each other. The direction in which the distance between the first and second substrates 1 and 11 is reduced while the first and second substrates 1 and 11 are overlapped while maintaining the desired distance between the substrates by the thermosetting sealing material 5 to which the GC agent 7 is added. Press to When heat treatment is performed in a pressed state, the sealing material 5 is hardened. Instead of using a press to press the outside of both substrates, a liquid crystal cell may be placed in a vacuum pack and the inside of the vacuum pack may be depressurized to press between the two substrates. In this case, it is necessary that a space capable of reducing pressure is provided between the two substrates.

The liquid crystal material 15 is injected into the empty cell. The liquid crystal material 15 includes an ultraviolet (UV) curable liquid crystal (UCL-00).
1: Dai Nippon Ink Co., Ltd.) and 10% by weight of a photoreaction initiator. FIG. 1 shows an inlet 21 and a spout 23 of the liquid crystal material 15. Seal material 5a
By making the shape of FIG. 1 a shape in which the region where the outlet 23 is to be provided is closed, only the inlet 21 may be provided without providing the outlet.

With a structure having only the injection port 21, the liquid crystal material 15 can be injected by a vacuum injection method using a closed shape excluding the injection port. If the shape has an inlet 21 and an outlet 23 as shown in FIG.
In this state, the liquid crystal material is pressurized in a state where the liquid crystal material 5 is arranged, and a pressure reduction method in which the liquid crystal material is exhausted from the outlet 23 or an injection method utilizing a capillary phenomenon can be used. In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal material 15 is injected using a method utilizing a capillary phenomenon.

As shown in FIG. 3 (D), while the liquid crystal cell thus formed in the above-described process is kept pressed, a predetermined region (opening of the opening) is formed using a light shielding mask MK having an opening O. Only the region corresponding to the formed region) was irradiated with UV light. The region irradiated with the UV light is a region including a liquid crystal cell region 25 that finally forms a liquid crystal cell. The liquid crystal material in the region irradiated with the UV light is cured. The layer of the cured liquid crystal material is called a cured liquid crystal layer, and is indicated by reference numeral 15d. The region where the cured liquid crystal layer 15d is formed corresponds to the range indicated by the broken line 25a in FIG. 1, and in this case, the region surrounded by the broken line 25a substantially corresponds to the liquid crystal cell region 25.

The liquid crystal cell region 25 is a region inside the region where the first and second sealing materials 5 (5a, 5b) are provided, and includes the region where the pixel electrode 3 is provided. It is. This area substantially corresponds to the display area of the display device.

As shown in FIG. 3E, a scribe line SL1 is formed on the first substrate 1, and a scribe line SL2 is formed on the second substrate 11. Scribe line SL1,
By cutting the substrates 1 and 11 along SL2, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, an actual liquid crystal 31a can be formed.
The portion 31b between the liquid crystal cell 31 and another adjacent liquid crystal cell 31a is an invalid area (unnecessary part). still,
Scribe line SL1 and scribe line SL2
Unless the liquid crystal material in the invalid region cut by the curing is cured, the liquid portion may be cut, so that the glass substrate can be cut easily.

Actually, it is considered that a portion where the liquid crystal material is solidified and a portion where the liquid crystal material remains liquid are appropriately distributed in the cured liquid crystal material 15d. In the portion where the liquid crystal material has been solidified, the director direction (orientation direction) of the liquid crystal does not change even when a voltage is applied between the pixel electrode 3 and the common electrode 13, but the liquid portion remains in the liquid crystal material and the common electrode 13. By applying a voltage between them, the director direction of the liquid crystal can be changed.

According to the liquid crystal display technology of the present embodiment, the steps for manufacturing a liquid crystal device, particularly a small liquid crystal device having a small display area, can be simplified. In addition, since no sealing material or the like surrounding the display area remains, it is possible to draw out the electrodes from all cut surfaces, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in electrode design. Since the final step for manufacturing the liquid crystal device is a step of cutting and cleaving the liquid crystal cell, damage to the surface of the liquid crystal cell due to the effects of cut pieces or the like can be minimized.

The step of pressing the two substrates from both sides is as follows:
Since it can be performed using the atmospheric pressure or the liquid pressure, breakage of the liquid crystal cell can be prevented, and the yield is improved.
In addition, the liquid crystal material does not directly contact a liquid crystal substance such as a sealing material before curing and an end sealing material. Therefore,
A liquid crystal cell can be manufactured while maintaining a desired liquid crystal alignment state and electro-optical characteristics (without causing disorder of liquid crystal alignment and deterioration of electro-optical characteristics). In particular, in a small liquid crystal device, it is difficult to increase the margin of the distance between the position of the sealing material and the position of the display unit, and it is important to maintain good characteristics of the liquid crystal around the sealing material.

The step of finally sealing the liquid crystal cell with the end seal material requires time for setting in a press jig and the like, and the step of extruding the liquid crystal material is also troublesome. If the method for manufacturing a liquid crystal device according to the present embodiment is used, a sealing step using an end seal is unnecessary, and the manufacturing step is simplified.

In this embodiment, the sealing material 5 shown in FIG.
Although the liquid crystal material existing in the region between a and 5b is cured, the region including the sealing materials 5a and 5b may be cured. Further, the sealing material may have a substantially closed shape and a shape partially having an opening. In this case, the liquid crystal material in the region including the opening may be cured, or the liquid crystal material in the region including the sealing material and the opening may be cured.

Next, a liquid crystal device and a method of manufacturing the same according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a state where a sealing material is arranged on a substrate. From FIG. 5 (A) to FIG. 9 (H),
It is sectional drawing which shows the manufacturing process of a liquid crystal device.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5A, the first
A plurality of pixel electrodes 53 corresponding to a plurality of liquid crystal cell regions are formed on one surface of the glass substrate 51. Pixel electrode 53
An alignment film (not shown) may be formed on the substrate.

The thermosetting sealing material 55 is formed by, for example, the dispenser 54. The sealing material 55 is, for example, a rectangular liquid crystal cell region (including one or a plurality of pixel electrodes 53).
Is formed in a closed shape so as to surround the outer periphery of the device, and the line width is 200 μm. A gap control material (G) for keeping the distance between the substrates at a desired value later in the sealing material 55.
C material) 57.

As shown in FIG. 5B, for example, a vertical alignment film 62 is formed on one surface of the second glass substrate 61.

As shown in FIG. 6C, the first glass substrate 51 and the second glass substrate 61 are placed such that the surface on which the sealing material 55 is formed and the surface on which the vertical alignment film 62 is formed face each other. Overlap. In this state, the first and second substrates 51 and 61 are pressed from outside by the press 71 into the two substrates 5.
Pressing in the direction in which the distance between 1 and 61 approaches. In a state of being pressed, heat treatment is performed by a heater 73 arranged near both the substrates 51 and 61 to cure the sealing material 55.

As shown in FIG. 7D, both substrates 51, 6
After removing 1 from the press 71, the second substrate 61 is separated from the first substrate 51. As a separation method, a method using a separation material may be used.

As a method for forming a seal pattern on a substrate, a method in which a photosensitive material is applied to the substrate by using a spin coating method or the like and then patterned by photolithography can be used. Alternatively, a light-curing sealing material or a thermosetting sealing material containing a GC material is formed on a substrate by a dispenser or a screen printing method, and another smooth surface (for example, using a material having a low surface energy,
Glass, quartz, ceramics, SUS, Teflon (registered trademark), aluminum, etc., which has been subjected to a treatment to reduce the surface energy or formed a film to reduce the surface energy, to a desired distance between the substrates. The light-curing or thermosetting sealing material including the GC material is cured by heat or light while pressed (with the necessary force to obtain a corresponding uniform height), and after curing, another smooth surface A method of peeling the surface to form a wall may be used.

On one surface of the first substrate 51, a closed seal pattern 55 (FIG. 4) formed of a desired sealing material is formed.

As shown in FIG. 7E, a liquid crystal cell region is formed in the closed seal pattern 55. One or a plurality of pixel electrodes 53 are formed in the liquid crystal cell region.

Next, a liquid crystal material 65 is dropped into the closed seal pattern 55 using a dispenser 75. In the liquid crystal material 65, UV cure liquid crystal (UCL-001:
10% by weight of Dai Nippon Ink Co., Ltd., a photoreaction initiator (Irgacure 784: manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals)
0.1 wt% is added. The liquid crystal material 65 is dropped in an amount sufficient to ascend or overflow from the closed seal pattern 55.

As shown in FIG. 8F, the vacuum chamber V
In C, the substrate is superposed on another substrate in a state where the pressure is reduced by evacuation. As another substrate (herein, denoted by the same reference numeral 61 as the second substrate for convenience) 61, the second substrate 61 used in FIG. 5B may be used, or another substrate may be used. May be used. A common electrode 63 is formed on the surface of the second substrate or another substrate 61. First substrate 5
One and another substrate 61 are overlapped in a direction in which the pixel electrode 53 and the common electrode 63 face each other. The liquid crystal material 65 overflows from the closed seal pattern 55 and enters outside the liquid crystal cell region.

The substrates 51 and 61 are placed in a transparent vacuum pack. In this state, the inside of the vacuum pack is evacuated to press the liquid crystal cell. As described above, when a substrate is placed in a vacuum pack, it is necessary to form a space capable of reducing pressure between the substrates 51 and 61.

As shown in FIG. 9G, both substrates 51 and 6
The liquid crystal is cured by irradiating a laser beam (argon ion laser: wavelength 514 nm) that causes optical interference in a state where 1 is pressed. On the opposite side of the substrates 51 and 61 from the direction of incidence of the laser beam, a reflection plate 81 provided substantially in parallel with the substrates is provided. Light is collected so that the laser interference light impinges only on the display section 91 and its vicinity in the pressed state.
The liquid crystal present in the liquid crystal cell region including the display portion 91 and the region in the vicinity thereof is cured to form a cured portion 65d.
The area where the hardened portion 65d is formed is the sealing material 55
Are formed, and a region near the outside thereof.
As in the case of the first embodiment, the cured portion 65d may be formed only in a region not including the sealing material 55.

In order to cause the laser light to interfere with the light, interference may be caused between the laser light and the light reflected by the reflector. In this way, laser light having different light intensities is formed in layers according to the same principle as the hologram,
A layered region resulting from the difference in the intensity of the irradiation light is formed in the irradiated portion.

As the wavelength of the laser beam, a laser beam having a wavelength of, for example, 488 nm or 368 nm other than 514 nm may be used.

Further, by mixing a predetermined reaction initiator having sensitivity to visible light, for example, into a UV-curable liquid crystal material, the liquid crystal material can be cured by a visible light laser.

As shown in FIG. 9H, the cured portion 65d
Adjacent sealing material 5 at a position other than (liquid crystal cured layer)
A scribe line is formed in a region between 5 and the substrate is cleaved along the scribe line. A plurality of liquid crystal cells 93a are formed.

The scribe line SL is located in a region other than the hardened portion 65d and between the adjacent seal members 55.
Since No. 3 is formed, cleavage is easily performed. This is because the resistance to cleavage is low because the liquid crystal material portion is included.

The hardened portion 65d, in which the liquid crystal material is hardened by irradiating the laser interference light, has a solidified portion of the liquid crystal material and a liquid portion formed in layers in a direction parallel to the substrate surface. I have. Of course, by changing the irradiation direction of the laser interference light, a layer having an inclination with respect to the substrate surface can be formed.

Liquid portion (liquid crystal material) formed in layers
By applying a voltage to the pixel electrode 53 and the common electrode 63, the orientation direction of the liquid crystal can be controlled.

According to the liquid crystal display technology of the present embodiment, the steps for manufacturing a liquid crystal device, particularly a small liquid crystal device having a small display area, can be simplified. In addition, since the final step for manufacturing the liquid crystal device is the step of cutting and cleaving the liquid crystal cell, it is possible to minimize damage to the liquid crystal cell surface due to the effects of the cut pieces and the like. Since the step of pressing the two substrates from both sides can be performed using atmospheric pressure or liquid pressure, breakage of the liquid crystal cell can be prevented, and the yield is improved.

The liquid crystal material does not directly contact, for example, a sealing material before curing or an end sealing material. Therefore, a liquid crystal cell can be manufactured while maintaining the desired liquid crystal alignment state and electro-optical characteristics (without causing disorder in the alignment of the liquid crystal or deteriorating the electro-optical characteristics). In particular, in a small liquid crystal device, it is difficult to increase the margin of the distance between the position of the sealing material and the position of the display unit, and it is important to maintain good characteristics of the liquid crystal around the sealing material.

The step of finally sealing the liquid crystal cell with the end seal material requires time for setting in a press jig and the like, and the step of extruding the liquid crystal material also takes time. If the method of manufacturing a liquid crystal device according to the present embodiment is used, a sealing step using an end seal is unnecessary, and the manufacturing step is simplified.

The added amount of the ultraviolet (UV) curable liquid crystal is 5
Preferably it is between wt% and 40wt%.

In addition to the glass substrate, a substrate made of an organic material such as a film or a plastic substrate may be used.

As a method for pressing a substrate using a press machine, it is preferable to apply aluminum, ceramics, or the like whose surface has been finished with high precision to the surface on which the substrate is pressed.
Pressing may be performed using a cushion made of urethane rubber or the like. When pressing between the two substrates by reducing the pressure using a vacuum pack, at least one surface can be pressed by the pressure of a gas such as air or nitrogen or a liquid such as water.

As a method of forming the scribe line, a method of forming a cut line with a diamond cutter or the like and then applying a pressure to the substrate to cleave the substrate is generally used. A method of applying ultrasonic vibration to the diamond cutter or a method of cutting with a high-power laser may be used. If a method of cutting with a high-power laser is used, the entire thickness of the substrate can be cut. For example, if the substrate is placed on a table and the region including the substrate surface is covered with an extensible film to fix the substrate, it is easy to cut the substrate at desired intervals.

The liquid crystal device according to the above embodiment is
Small liquid crystal displays, instant films,
This covers all products including a liquid crystal light shutter such as a photographic paper writing light source, an optical pickup, a camera aperture, a shutter, and a laser printer, a liquid crystal lens, a liquid crystal optical head, and a liquid crystal sensor.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes, improvements, combinations, and the like can be made.

[0083]

In the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal device, the liquid crystal cell can be manufactured in a short time, and the surface of the glass substrate on the surface of the liquid crystal cell is hardly damaged.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A to 2C show a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the method for manufacturing the liquid crystal device according to the embodiment.

3 (D) to 3 (F) are cross-sectional views showing one process of a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views illustrating a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6C is a sectional view illustrating the method for manufacturing the liquid crystal device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 7D and 7E are cross-sectional views illustrating a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8F is a sectional view illustrating the method for manufacturing the liquid crystal device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 9G and 9H are cross-sectional views illustrating a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a manufacturing process of a general liquid crystal device. FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating a step of arranging a spacer agent on a first substrate, and FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating a step of arranging a sealant on a second substrate.

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a manufacturing process of a general liquid crystal device, and is a view illustrating a step that follows the step illustrated in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a manufacturing process of a general liquid crystal device, and is a view illustrating a step that follows the step illustrated in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a manufacturing process of a general liquid crystal device, and is a view illustrating a step that follows the step illustrated in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a manufacturing process of a general liquid crystal device, and is a view illustrating a step that follows the step illustrated in FIG. 13;

FIGS. 15A and 15B are diagrams showing a manufacturing process of a general liquid crystal device.

FIGS. 16A and 16B are diagrams showing a manufacturing process of a general liquid crystal device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 1st board | substrate 3 pixel electrode 5a, 5b sealing material 7 gap control material 11 2nd substrate 13 common electrode 15 liquid crystal material 15d hardened liquid crystal layer 25 liquid crystal cell area 51 1st board | substrate 53 pixel electrode 55 sealing pattern 61 2nd Substrate 63 common electrode 65d cured part 93a liquid crystal cell

Claims (18)

[Claims] A cured liquid crystal layer containing liquid crystal molecules and partially or wholly cured; a first substrate adhered on one surface of the cured liquid crystal layer; A first electrode formed on one surface side; a second substrate adhered on the other surface of the liquid crystal layer opposite to the one surface; and the other substrate on the second substrate. A second electrode formed on the front surface side, wherein the distance between the first substrate and the second substrate is determined by the thickness of the cured liquid crystal layer without using another gap control material. Liquid crystal device. 2. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein an alignment film that defines an alignment direction of liquid crystal molecules in the cured liquid crystal layer is provided on at least one of the one surface and the other surface. The liquid crystal device according to the above. 3. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein a side surface of the cured liquid crystal layer is exposed. 4. A cured liquid crystal layer containing liquid crystal molecules and partially or wholly cured; a first substrate adhered on one surface of the cured liquid crystal layer; A first electrode formed on one surface side; a second substrate adhered on the other surface of the liquid crystal layer opposite to the one surface; and the other substrate on the second substrate. A second electrode formed on a front surface side; a second electrode provided in the cured liquid crystal layer, defining a display area where the first electrode and the second electrode are formed, and a first substrate; A liquid crystal device having a wall corresponding to a distance between the second substrate and the second substrate. 5. The liquid crystal device according to claim 4, wherein the wall is adhered to only one of the first substrate and the second substrate. 6. The liquid crystal device according to claim 4, wherein the wall surrounds the first electrode and the second electrode and has a closed shape. 7. The wall according to claim 4, further comprising a gap control member defining a distance between the first substrate and the second substrate in the wall. 3. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1. 8. The first substrate and the second substrate,
The liquid crystal device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the liquid crystal device has a size of 1 cm square or less. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first substrate and the second substrate are
9. The device according to claim 1, which has a size of 0.5 cm square or less.
The liquid crystal device according to any one of the above. 10. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein the cured liquid crystal layer contains a polymer of an ultraviolet curing liquid crystal.
A liquid crystal device according to the item. 11. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal cured layer contains a curable monomer or a polymer thereof. 12. A step of: (a) preparing a pair of substrates surrounded by an ineffective region having a predetermined width and defining a plurality of liquid crystal cell regions; and (b) one of the pair of substrates. On the board,
Arranging a dummy wall portion for temporarily defining a distance between the pair of substrates on at least a part of the invalid area; and (c) a direction in which the dummy wall portion is interposed between the pair of substrates. (D) filling a liquid crystal material that can be cured in a later step between the pair of substrates, and (e) filling the liquid crystal material in the liquid crystal cell region. A method for manufacturing a liquid crystal device, comprising: a step of curing a part or all of the liquid crystal panel to form a liquid crystal panel; and (f) a step of cutting the liquid crystal panel along the invalid area for each liquid crystal cell area. 13. The method for manufacturing a liquid crystal device according to claim 12, wherein the step (b) is a step of forming a dummy wall portion having at least one opening and substantially surrounding the liquid crystal cell region. . 14. The method according to claim 12, wherein the step (f) includes a step of separating the dummy wall from the liquid crystal cell region.
3. The method for manufacturing a liquid crystal device according to item 1. 15. The step (d) is a step of filling a liquid crystal material that can be cured by irradiating light, and the step (e) is to cure the liquid crystal material in the liquid crystal cell region. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of irradiating the light.
5. The method for manufacturing a liquid crystal device according to item 4. 16. (a) a first substrate surrounded by an ineffective region having a predetermined width and defining a plurality of liquid crystal cell regions;
Preparing a second substrate different from the first substrate; and (b) on one of the pair of substrates,
In a region inside the invalid region, a gap control material that closes the outer periphery of the liquid crystal cell region, has a predetermined height, and defines a distance between the first substrate and the second substrate later. (C) curing the sealing material; and (d) dropping a liquid crystal material that can be cured in a subsequent process into a region surrounded by the cured sealing material. (D) a step of laminating the first substrate and the second substrate in a direction in which the cured sealing material is interposed between the two substrates, and (e) the liquid crystal cell region. (C) curing a part or all of the liquid crystal material filled in the inside and in a part of the ineffective region outside the liquid crystal cell region to form a liquid crystal panel; The liquid crystal material is not cured in the invalid area. Method of manufacturing a liquid crystal device including the step of cutting each liquid crystal cell regions along the region. 17. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: before the step (c), the first substrate and the other substrate having a smooth surface are placed in a direction in which the cured sealing material is interposed between the two substrates. The method for manufacturing a liquid crystal device according to claim 16, further comprising a step of superimposing and temporarily adhering, and a step of peeling the another substrate from the first substrate before the step (d). 18. The step (d) is a step of filling a liquid crystal material which can be cured by irradiating light, and the step (e) is a step of curing the liquid crystal material in the liquid crystal cell region. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of irradiating the light.
18. The method for manufacturing a liquid crystal device according to 6 or 17.