JP2005084268A - Method for manufacturing electrophoretic display device, electrophoretic display device, and electronic appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for manufacturing an electrophoretic display device, with which a plurality of micro capsules are easily and certainly disposed between a pair of substrates in a state in which the micro capsules are compressed so as to enlarge the contact area with the substrate and with which high contrast is obtained, the electrophoretic display device and an electronic appliance. <P>SOLUTION: The method for manufacturing the electrophoretic display device, which has an electrode, a pair of opposing substrates and a plurality of micro capsules 40 arranged on the pair of substrates 2 and constructed by encapsulating an electrophoretic dispersion liquid containing at least a kind of electrophoretic particles, comprises a first step to arrange a gap member 8 to control the gap between the pair of substrates between them together with the micro capsules 40 in arranging the micro capsules 40, and a second step to join the pair of substrates to each other with the micro capsules 40 and the gap member 8 interposed in between. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrophoretic display device manufacturing method, an electrophoretic display device, and an electronic apparatus.

Generally, it is known that when an electric field is applied to a dispersion system in which fine particles are dispersed in a liquid, the fine particles move (migrate) in the liquid by Coulomb force. This phenomenon is called electrophoresis. In recent years, an electrophoretic display device that displays desired information (image) using this electrophoresis has attracted attention as a new display device.
This electrophoretic display device has characteristics such as a display memory property and a wide viewing angle property in a state where voltage application is stopped, and a high-contrast display with low power consumption.

In addition, since the electrophoretic display device is a non-light-emitting device, the electrophoretic display device has a feature that it is easier on the eyes than a light-emitting display device such as a cathode ray tube.
In such an electrophoretic display device, a plurality of microcapsules enclosing electrophoretic particles and a liquid phase dispersion medium and a binder material for fixing each substrate and the microcapsules are arranged between a pair of substrates having electrodes. An installed microcapsule type is known.
Here, FIG. 9 schematically shows an operation principle in such an electrophoretic display device.

  In such an electrophoretic display device 920, when a voltage is applied between the electrodes 903 and 904 provided on a pair of substrates, the electrophoretic particles 905 in the microcapsule cause the direction of the electric field generated between the electrodes 903 and 904. Accordingly, the liquid phase dispersion medium 906 moves toward one of the electrodes. As a result, the observer can see the color of the electrophoretic particles 905 (see FIG. 9A) and / or the color of the liquid phase dispersion medium 906 (see FIG. 9B).

Therefore, desired information can be displayed by patterning one or both electrodes and controlling the voltage applied to them.
When manufacturing this electrophoretic display device, a microcapsule dispersion liquid containing microcapsules and a binder material is applied onto a substrate, a counter substrate is opposed to the substrate, and a plurality of microcapsules are interposed therebetween. The substrate and the counter substrate are bonded to each other.

By the way, as a method for manufacturing an electrophoretic display device, there is a method in which a microcapsule dispersion is applied on a substrate, and then a counter substrate is pressed to dry the microcapsule dispersion (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
However, in the conventional method for manufacturing an electrophoretic display device, if the pressing of the counter substrate is released after the microcapsule dispersion is dried, both the substrates move in a direction away from each other due to the repulsive force of the microcapsules. The distance between the substrates cannot be set to a desired value. As a result, the display performance deteriorates, such as a decrease in contrast.

US Pat. No. 5,961,804

  An object of the present invention is that a plurality of microcapsules can be easily and reliably disposed between a pair of substrates in a compressed state so as to increase the contact area with the substrate, and high contrast can be obtained. An object of the present invention is to provide an electrophoretic display device manufacturing method, an electrophoretic display device, and an electronic apparatus.

Such an object is achieved by the present invention described below.
The method for manufacturing an electrophoretic display device of the present invention includes an electrode, a pair of opposing substrates, and an electrophoretic dispersion liquid that is provided between the pair of substrates and includes at least one type of electrophoretic particles. A method of manufacturing an electrophoretic display device having a plurality of microcapsules,
A first step of providing a gap material for regulating a distance between the pair of substrates together with the microcapsule when the microcapsules are disposed between the pair of substrates;
And a second step of bonding the pair of substrates to each other with the microcapsule and the gap material interposed therebetween.

  Thereby, the distance between the first substrate and the second substrate can be set to a desired value easily and reliably, and thereby, a plurality of microcapsules can be easily and reliably placed on the display area on the substrate. It can be disposed in a compressed state (a deformed state) in such a manner that the contact area with respect to the substrate (electrode) becomes large (so as to be in surface contact). Thereby, an electrophoretic display device with high contrast and excellent display performance can be provided.

In the method of manufacturing an electrophoretic display device according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the gap material is made of a material having an adhesive function at least near the surface.
Thereby, a pair of board | substrate can be joined easily and reliably.
In the method for manufacturing an electrophoretic display device of the present invention, it is preferable that the gap material is supplied before the microcapsules are supplied.
Thereby, the process of providing a gap material between a pair of substrates can be easily performed.

In the method for manufacturing an electrophoretic display device of the present invention, it is preferable that the first step is performed by supplying a microcapsule dispersion liquid including the microcapsules and the gap material.
As a result, the number of steps can be reduced, and the electrophoretic display device can be easily manufactured.

In the method for manufacturing an electrophoretic display device of the present invention, it is preferable that the average length in the thickness direction of the gap material supplied in the first step is smaller than the average particle diameter of the microcapsules.
Accordingly, the plurality of microcapsules can be easily and reliably disposed in the display region on the substrate in a compressed state so that the contact area with the substrate is increased.

In the method of manufacturing an electrophoretic display device according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the gap material has a substantially spherical shape or a substantially columnar shape.
When the gap material is substantially spherical, the gap material can be easily arranged. In addition, when the gap material is columnar, particularly when the thickness direction of the substrate is the longitudinal direction of the gap material, the gap material disposed between the substrates can be reduced, and an electrophoretic display device with excellent display performance is provided. can do.

An electrophoretic display device of the present invention includes an electrode, a pair of opposing substrates, and a plurality of electrophoretic dispersion liquids provided between the pair of substrates and containing at least one type of electrophoretic particles. An electrophoretic display device having a microcapsule,
A gap material for regulating a distance between the pair of substrates is provided between the pair of substrates.
As a result, the plurality of microcapsules can be easily and reliably disposed in a display region on the substrate in a compressed state so as to have a high density and a large contact area with the substrate. Thereby, high contrast is obtained and display performance is excellent.

In the electrophoretic display device of the present invention, it is preferable that the average particle diameter of the microcapsules is equal to the average length in the thickness direction of the gap material.
Thereby, the space | interval between board | substrates can be made substantially equal to the average particle diameter of a capsule, and thereby high contrast is obtained and it is excellent in display performance.
An electronic apparatus according to the present invention includes the electrophoretic display device according to the present invention.
Accordingly, an electronic apparatus having an electrophoretic display device with high contrast and high display performance can be provided.

Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing an electrophoretic display device, an electrophoretic display device, and an electronic apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.
<First Embodiment>
First, a first embodiment of the electrophoretic display device of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a first embodiment of the electrophoretic display device of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the operating principle of the electrophoretic display device shown in FIG.

In the following description, for convenience of explanation, the upper side in FIGS. 1 and 2 (the same applies to the following drawings) is “upper” or “upper”, and the lower side is “lower” or “lower”. ".
An electrophoretic display device 20 shown in FIG. 1 includes a first substrate (counter substrate) 1 including a first electrode 3 and a second substrate (substrate) including a second electrode 4 facing the first electrode 3. ) 2, a plurality of microcapsules 40 disposed between the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 and encapsulating the electrophoretic dispersion 10, and a binder material 41. Hereinafter, the structure of each part is demonstrated sequentially.

The 1st board | substrate 1 and the 2nd board | substrate 2 are respectively comprised by the sheet-like (flat plate-shaped) member, and have a function which supports and protects each member distribute | arranged among these.
Each of the substrates 1 and 2 may be either flexible or hard, but is preferably flexible. By using the substrates 1 and 2 having flexibility, the electrophoretic display device 20 having flexibility, that is, for example, an electrophoretic display device 20 useful in constructing electronic paper can be obtained.

  When each of the substrates 1 and 2 is flexible, the constituent materials thereof include, for example, polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, modified polyolefins, and polyamides (example: Nylon 6, nylon 46, nylon 66, nylon 610, nylon 612, nylon 11, nylon 12, nylon 6-12, nylon 6-66), thermoplastic polyimide, aromatic polyester and other liquid crystal polymers, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide, Polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyether, polyether ether ketone, polyether imide, polyacetal, styrene, polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyester, polyamide, Examples thereof include various types of thermoplastic elastomers such as rebutadiene, trans polyisoprene, fluoro rubber, and chlorinated polyethylene, or copolymers, blends, polymer alloys, etc. mainly composed of these. A seed or a mixture of two or more can be used.

  The thickness (average) of the substrates 1 and 2 is appropriately set depending on the constituent material, application, and the like, and is not particularly limited. However, when having flexibility, it is about 20 to 500 μm. Preferably, it is about 25-250 micrometers. As a result, the electrophoretic display device 20 can be reduced in size (particularly thinner) while achieving harmony between the flexibility and strength of the electrophoretic display device 20.

On the surface of the substrates 1 and 2 on the side of the microcapsule 40, that is, on the lower surface of the first substrate 1 and the upper surface of the second substrate 2, respectively, the first electrode 3 and the Two electrodes 4 are provided.
When a voltage is applied between the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 4, an electric field is generated between them, and this electric field acts on the electrophoretic particles 5.
In the present embodiment, the first electrode 3 is a common electrode, and the second electrode 4 is an individual electrode (pixel electrode) divided into a matrix (matrix). A portion where one second electrode 4 overlaps constitutes one pixel. Note that the first electrode 3 may be divided into a plurality of parts in the same manner as the second electrode 4.

The constituent materials of the electrodes 3 and 4 are not particularly limited as long as they are substantially conductive. For example, copper, aluminum, nickel, cobalt, platinum, gold, silver, molybdenum, tantalum, or these Metal materials such as alloys containing carbon, carbon-based materials such as carbon black, carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, polyacetylene, polypyrrole, polythiophene, polyaniline, poly (p-phenylene), poly (p-phenylenevinylene), polyfluorene, polycarbazole, In an electroconductive polymer material such as polysilane or a derivative thereof, polyvinyl alcohol, polycarbonate, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl carbazole, vinyl acetate, or the like, NaCl, LiClO ₄ , KCl, H ₂ O, LiCl, LiBr, LiI, LiNO ₃ , LiSCN, LiCF ₃ SO ₃ , NaBr, NaI, NaSCN, NaClO ₄ , NaCF ₃ SO ₃ , KI, KSCN, KClO ₄ , KCF ₃ SO ₃ , NH ₄ I, NH ₄ SCN, NH ₄ ClO ₄ , NH ₄ CF ₃ SO ₃ , MgCl ₂ , MgBr ₂ , MgI ₂ , Mg (NO ₃ ) ₂ , MgSCN ₂ , Mg (CF ₃ SO ₃ ) ₂ , ZnCl ₂ , ZnI ₂ , ZnSCN ₂ , Zn Ionic conductivity in which ionic substances such as (ClO ₄ ) ₂ , Zn (CF ₃ SO ₃ ) ₂ , CuCl ₂ , CuI ₂ , CuSCN ₂ , Cu (ClO ₄ ) ₂ , Cu (CF ₃ SO ₃ ) ₂ are dispersed. Polymer materials, indium tin oxide (ITO), fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), tin oxide ( nO _2), various conductive materials include such as a conductive oxide material such as indium oxide (IO), can be used singly or in combination of two or more of them.

In addition, as a constituent material of each electrode 3, 4, for example, a conductive material such as gold, silver, nickel, carbon, etc. in a non-conductive material such as glass material, rubber material, polymer material, etc. Various composite materials in which (conductive particles) are mixed to add conductivity can also be used.
Specific examples of such a composite material include, for example, a conductive rubber in which a conductive material is mixed in a rubber material, a conductive rubber in which an electrically conductive material is mixed in an adhesive composition such as epoxy, urethane, and acrylic. In matrix resins such as conductive adhesive or conductive paste, polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, ABS resin, nylon (polyamide), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, polyester, acrylic resin, epoxy resin, urethane resin Examples thereof include a conductive resin mixed with a conductive material.

The thickness (average) of the electrodes 3 and 4 is appropriately set depending on the constituent material, application, etc., and is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 0.05 to 10 μm, preferably about 0.05 to 5 μm. It is more preferable that
Of the substrates 1 and 2 and the electrodes 3 and 4, the substrate and the electrodes (in the present embodiment, the first substrate 1 and the first electrode 3) disposed on the display surface side are respectively light transmissive. That is, it is preferably substantially transparent (colorless transparent, colored transparent or translucent). Thereby, the state of the electrophoretic particles 5 in the electrophoretic dispersion liquid 10 described later, that is, the information (image) displayed on the electrophoretic display device 20 can be easily recognized visually.

Each of the electrodes 3 and 4 may have a multilayer structure in which a plurality of materials are sequentially stacked, for example, in addition to a single layer structure made of a single material as described above. That is, each of the electrodes 3 and 4 may have a single layer structure made of ITO, for example, or may have a two-layer structure of an ITO layer and a polyaniline layer.
In addition, a function of bonding the first substrate 1 (first electrode 3) and the second substrate 2 (second electrode 4) between the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 is provided. A plurality of gap members 8 are provided.

In the present embodiment, the gap member 8 is long in the vertical direction (thickness direction) in FIG. 1, that is, has a columnar shape with the vertical direction in FIG. 1 as the longitudinal direction (axial direction). The first substrate 2 and the second substrate 2 are arranged at a predetermined interval.
In this case, the interval between the adjacent gap members 8 may be constant or different.
Further, the density of the gap member 8 is set to such an extent that the visibility is not substantially affected.
Note that the arrangement pattern of the gap members 8 may be regular or irregular.
Further, the gap member 8 is composed of a columnar core member 81 and a material (adhesive 82) having an adhesive function provided on the surface of the core member 81.

As a constituent material of the core material 81, a hard material is preferable. For example, various resin materials such as an epoxy resin, an acrylic resin, a urethane resin, a melamine resin, and a phenol resin, and various resins such as silica, alumina, and titania. A ceramic material, various glass, etc. are mentioned, Among these, it can use combining 1 type (s) or 2 or more types.
Further, examples of the constituent material of the adhesive 82 include photocurable resins such as thermoplastic resins, thermosetting resins, and ultraviolet curable resins. Among these, thermoplastic resins are preferable.

  Examples of the thermoplastic resin include polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, modified polyolefins, polyamides (for example, nylon 6, nylon 46, nylon 66, nylon 610, nylon 612, nylon 11, nylon 12). , Nylon 6-12, nylon 6-66), thermoplastic polyimide, aromatic polyester and other liquid crystal polymers, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyether, polyether ether ketone, polyether imide, polyacetal, Styrene, polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyester, polyamide, polybutadiene, trans polyisoprene, fluoro rubber, salt Various thermoplastic elastomers, etc., or a copolymer of these His polyethylene type or the like, blends, polymer alloys and the like, can be used singly or in combination of two or more of them.

Examples of the thermosetting resin include epoxy resins, acrylic resins, urethane resins, melamine resins, phenol resins, and the like, and one or more of these can be used in combination. .
Examples of the ultraviolet curable resin include acrylic resins, epoxy resins, acrylic epoxy resins, and the like, and one or more of these can be used in combination.

The average length of the gap material 8 in the thickness direction, that is, the distance between the electrodes 3 and 4 (distance between the electrodes) is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 10 to 500 μm, and preferably about 20 to 100 μm. More preferred.
In this embodiment, the case where the core material 81 is provided on the gap material 8 and the adhesive 82 is coated on the entire surface of the core material 81 is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the first substrate 1 ( Only the contact surface of the first electrode 3) and the contact surface of the second substrate 2 (second electrode 4) may be coated, or the entire gap material is composed of the adhesive 82. Also good.

Between the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2, a plurality of microcapsules 40 enclosing an electrophoretic dispersion and a binder material 41 are provided.
The microcapsules 40 are disposed between the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 in a single layer (one by one without overlapping in the thickness direction) so as to be arranged in parallel in the vertical and horizontal directions, and each of the first electrodes 3. And in contact with the second electrode 4. In the present embodiment, one microcapsule 40 is arranged for two adjacent second electrodes 4. That is, the microcapsule 40 is disposed so as to straddle the two adjacent second electrodes 4.

The microcapsule 40 is configured by enclosing the electrophoretic dispersion 10 in a capsule body 401.
The constituent material of the capsule body 401 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include various resin materials such as a composite material of gum arabic and gelatin, urethane resin, melamine resin, urea resin, polyamide, and polyether. These can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

Such microcapsules 40 are preferably substantially uniform in size. Thereby, the electrophoretic display device 20 can exhibit more excellent display performance.
The electrophoretic dispersion 10 is obtained by dispersing (suspending) at least one kind of electrophoretic particles 5 in a liquid phase dispersion medium 6.
For example, the electrophoretic particles 5 are dispersed in the liquid phase dispersion medium 6 by combining one or more of paint shaker method, ball mill method, media mill method, ultrasonic dispersion method, stirring dispersion method, and the like. be able to.

  As the liquid phase dispersion medium 6, a medium having a relatively high insulating property is preferably used. Examples of the liquid phase dispersion medium 6 include various waters (distilled water, pure water, ion exchange water, RO water, etc.), alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, butanol, octanol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, and glycerin, Cellosolves such as methyl cellosolve, ethyl cellosolve, phenyl cellosolve, esters such as methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, ethyl formate, ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, diethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, methyl isopropyl ketone, cyclohexanone, Aliphatic hydrocarbons such as pentane, hexane and octane, alicyclic hydrocarbons such as cyclohexane and methylcyclohexane, benzene, toluene, xylene, hexylbenzene, heptylbenzene and octylbenzene Zen, nonylbenzene, decylbenzene, undecylbenzene, dodecylbenzene, tridecylbenzene, aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzenes having a long chain alkyl group such as tetradecylbenzene, methylene chloride, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, Halogenated hydrocarbons such as 1,2-dichloroethane, aromatic fluorinated rings such as pyridine, pyrazine, furan, pyrrole, thiophene, methylpyrrolidone, nitriles such as acetonitrile, propionitrile, acrylonitrile, N, N- Examples include amides such as dimethylformamide and N, N-dimethylacetamide, carboxylates, and other various oils, and these can be used alone or as a mixture.

  Further, in the liquid phase dispersion medium 6 (electrophoretic dispersion liquid 10), for example, particles such as an electrolyte, a surfactant, a metal soap, a resin material, a rubber material, oils, a varnish, and a compound are used as necessary. Various additives such as dispersants such as charge control agents, titanium coupling agents, aluminum coupling agents, and silane coupling agents, lubricants, and stabilizers may be added.

  Further, the liquid phase dispersion medium 6 includes an anthraquinone dye, azo dye, indigoid dye, triphenylmethane dye, pyrazolone dye, stilbene dye, diphenylmethane dye, xanthene dye, alizarin as required. Various dyes such as a dye, an acridine dye, a quinoneimine dye, a thiazole dye, a methine dye, a nitro dye, and a nitroso dye may be dissolved.

  The electrophoretic particles 5 may be any particles as long as they are charged and can be electrophoresed in the liquid phase dispersion medium 6 by the action of an electric field. At least one of particles, resin particles, or composite particles thereof is preferably used. These particles have the advantage that they are easy to manufacture and the charge can be controlled relatively easily.

  Examples of pigments constituting the pigment particles include black pigments such as aniline black, carbon black, and titanium black, white pigments such as titanium dioxide, antimony trioxide, barium sulfate, zinc sulfide, zinc white, and silicon dioxide, monoazo, and disazo. Azo pigments such as polyazo, yellow pigments such as isoindolinone, yellow lead, yellow iron oxide, cadmium yellow, titanium yellow, antimony, azo pigments such as monoazo, disazo, polyazo, quinacridone red, chrome vermilion, etc. Examples thereof include red pigments, blue pigments such as phthalocyanine blue, indanthrene blue, bitumen, ultramarine blue, and cobalt blue, and green pigments such as phthalocyanine green. Among these, one or a combination of two or more can be used.

Examples of the resin material constituting the resin particles include acrylic resin, urethane resin, urea resin, epoxy resin, polystyrene, polyester, and the like, and one or more of these are combined. Can be used.
The composite particles are, for example, composed of pigment particles whose surfaces are coated with a resin material, resin particles whose surfaces are coated with a pigment, or a mixture of a pigment and a resin material mixed in an appropriate composition ratio. Particles and the like.

  The average particle diameter (volume average particle diameter) of the electrophoretic particles 5 is preferably about 0.1 to 10 μm, and more preferably about 0.1 to 7.5 μm. If the average particle size of the electrophoretic particles 5 is too small, a sufficient concealment rate cannot be obtained mainly in the visible light region, and as a result, the display contrast of the electrophoretic display device 20 may be reduced. If the average particle size of the electrophoretic particles 5 is too large, depending on the type or the like, the particles may easily settle in the liquid phase dispersion medium 6, which may cause problems such as deterioration in display quality of the electrophoretic display device 20. .

In such an electrophoretic display device 20, when a voltage is applied between the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 4, the electrophoretic particles 5 are applied to any electrode according to the electric field generated between them. Electrophoresis towards.
For example, when a positively charged particle is used as the electrophoretic particle 5, if the second electrode 4 is set to a positive potential, the electrophoretic particle 5 is on the first electrode 3 side as shown in FIG. To gather on the first electrode 3. For this reason, when the electrophoretic display device 20 is viewed from above (display surface side), the color of the electrophoretic particles 5 can be seen.

On the contrary, if the second electrode 4 is set to a negative potential, the electrophoretic particles 5 move to the second electrode 4 side as shown in FIG. get together. For this reason, when the electrophoretic display device 20 is viewed from above (display surface side), the color of the liquid phase dispersion medium 6 can be seen.
Accordingly, the display surface of the electrophoretic display device 20 is appropriately set by appropriately setting the physical properties (for example, color, positive / negative, charge amount) of the electrophoretic particles 5, the polarity of the electrodes 3 or 4, the potential difference between the electrodes 3 and 4, and the like. On the side, desired information (image) is displayed by the combination of the color of the electrophoretic particles 5 and the color of the liquid phase dispersion medium 6.

The specific gravity of the electrophoretic particles 5 is preferably set so as to be substantially equal to the ratio of the liquid phase dispersion medium 6. Thereby, even after the application of the voltage between the electrodes 3 and 4 is stopped, the electrophoretic particles 5 can stay in a certain position in the liquid phase dispersion 6 for a long time. That is, the information displayed on the electrophoretic display device 20 is held for a long time.
On the other hand, the binder material 41 includes, for example, the purpose of bonding the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2, the purpose of fixing the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 and the microcapsule 40, and the electrodes 3, 4. Supplied for the purpose of ensuring insulation between them. Thereby, durability and reliability of the electrophoretic display device 20 can be further improved.
For the binder material 41, a resin material that is excellent in affinity (adhesion) with the electrodes 3 and 4 and the capsule body 401 (microcapsule 40) and excellent in insulation is preferably used.

  Examples of such a binder material 41 include polyethylene, chlorinated polyethylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer, polypropylene, AS resin, ABS resin, methyl methacrylate resin, and vinyl chloride resin. , Vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, vinyl chloride-vinylidene chloride copolymer, vinyl chloride acrylate ester copolymer, vinyl chloride-methacrylic acid copolymer, vinyl chloride-acrylonitrile copolymer, ethylene-vinyl alcohol- Vinyl chloride copolymers, propylene-vinyl chloride copolymers, vinylidene chloride resins, vinyl acetate resins, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl formal, cellulose resins and other thermoplastic resins, polyamide resins, polyacetals, polycarbonates, polyethylene terephthalates , Polybutylene terephthalate, polyphenylene oxide, polysulfone, polyamideimide, polyaminobismaleimide, polyethersulfone, polyphenylenesulfone, polyarylate, grafted polyphenylene ether, polyetheretherketone, polyetherimide, and other polymers, polytetrafluoride Fluorine-based resins such as ethylene, polyfluorinated ethylene propylene, tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkoxyethylene copolymer, ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, polyvinylidene fluoride, polytrifluoroethylene chloride, fluororubber, silicone Resin, silicone resin such as silicone rubber, urethane resin such as polyurethane, etc., methacrylic acid-styrene copolymer, polybutylene, methyl methacrylate-butadiene Include various resin materials such as styrene copolymer may be used singly or in combination of two or more of them.

The binder material 41 is preferably set so that the dielectric constant thereof is substantially equal to the dielectric constant of the liquid phase dispersion medium 6. For this reason, it is preferable to add a dielectric constant adjusting agent such as alcohols such as 1,2-butanediol and 1,4-butanediol, ketones, and carboxylates to the binder material 41.
Next, a case where the electrophoretic display device shown in FIG. 1 is manufactured will be described as an example for the first embodiment of the method for manufacturing the electrophoretic display device of the present invention.

In the present embodiment, a case where a thermoplastic resin is used as the adhesive 82 will be representatively described.
3 and 4 are views (a diagram schematically showing a manufacturing process) for explaining the first embodiment of the manufacturing method of the electrophoretic display device of the present invention. In the following description, the upper side in FIG. 3 is referred to as “upper” and the lower side is referred to as “lower”.

  In the first embodiment, [1] a manufacturing process of the microcapsule 40, [2] a manufacturing process of the gap material 8, [3] a manufacturing process of the microcapsule dispersion, [4] a supplying process of the gap material 8, [5] ] A step of supplying a microcapsule dispersion, [6] a step of bonding the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2. Hereinafter, these steps will be sequentially described.

[1] Manufacturing Process of Microcapsule 40 First, the microcapsule 40 in which the electrophoretic dispersion liquid 10 is enclosed is manufactured.
A method for producing the microcapsule 40 (a method for encapsulating the electrophoretic dispersion 10 in the capsule body 401) is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include an interfacial polymerization method, an in-situ polymerization method, and a phase separation method (or coacervation). Method), an interfacial sedimentation method, a spray drying method, and various other microencapsulation methods can be used. The above microencapsulation method may be appropriately selected according to the constituent material of the microcapsule 40 and the like.

The microcapsules 40 having a uniform size can be obtained by using, for example, a filtration method, a specific gravity difference class method, or the like.
The average particle size of the microcapsules 40 is preferably about 20 to 200 μm, and more preferably about 30 to 150 μm. When the average particle diameter of the microcapsules 40 is out of the above range, it is difficult to control the migration of the electrophoretic particles 5 in the produced electrophoretic display device 20, and it is difficult to obtain a desired display image. Become.

[2] Step of Producing Gap Material 8 Adhesive 82 is coated on the surface of columnar core material 81 to produce gap material 8.
The average length of the gap material 8 in the thickness direction is preferably slightly smaller than the average particle diameter of the microcapsules 40.
[3] Process for Producing Microcapsule Dispersion Next, a microcapsule dispersion containing the microcapsules 40 produced as described above, the binder material 41, and a dispersion medium (particularly an aqueous solvent) is prepared. In this case, for example, a microcapsule dispersion can be prepared by dispersing the binder material 41 and the microcapsules 40 in a dispersion medium.

  As the dispersion medium, a solvent (aqueous solvent) having high hydrophilicity (that is, low hydrophobicity) is preferable. Specific examples of the aqueous solvent include various waters (distilled water, pure water, ion exchange water, RO water, etc.), lower alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and butanol. Among these, Water is particularly preferable. Lower alcohols may be introduced with a low hydrophobic substituent such as a methoxy group. By using such an aqueous solvent, the penetration of the solvent into the microcapsule 40 is suppressed, and the swelling and dissolution of the microcapsule 40 due to the penetration of the solvent are more reliably prevented.

[4] Supply process of gap material 8 (first process)
Next, as shown in FIG. 3A, the gap material 8 is placed on the second substrate 2 (on the second electrode 4) so that the vertical direction of FIG. Arrange.
[5] Microcapsule dispersion supply process
Next, as shown in FIG. 3 (B), the microcapsule dispersion is formed on the second substrate 2 (on the second electrode 4) and the thickness (coating thickness) is the average particle diameter of the microcapsules 40. The coating film 7 is formed by supplying substantially the same. With such a thickness, the microcapsules 40 can be disposed on the second substrate 2 as a single layer.
Although it does not specifically limit as a supply method of a microcapsule dispersion liquid, A doctor blade method, a roll coat method, a wire bar coat method, etc. are mentioned.

[6] Bonding process of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 (second process)
Next, the coating film 7 formed on the second substrate 2 is heated (first heating) to volatilize and remove at least a part of the liquid phase dispersion medium 6. As a result, the microcapsules 40 are held on the second substrate 2.
Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the first substrate 1 is overlaid on the second substrate 2 so that the first electrode 3 faces the coating film 7, and the first microcapsule 40 is interposed between the first substrate 1 and the first substrate 3. The substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 are pressure-bonded. At this time, the microcapsule 40 is sandwiched between the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 until the first substrate 1 (first electrode 3) contacts the gap material 8 and is crushed. Thereby, the microcapsule 40 is held (fixed) between the two substrates in a state of being deformed to a predetermined thickness. Further, the distance between the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 and the length in the thickness direction of the microcapsule 40 are regulated by the gap material 8 (substantially equal to the thickness of the gap material 8).

Next, in the pressed state, the coating film 7 and the gap material 8 are further heated at a temperature higher than the first heating to dissolve the adhesive 82 on the surface of the gap material 8 and then cooled.
Thereby, the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 are bonded by the adhesive 82 of the gap material 8.
As described above, according to the first embodiment, a plurality of microcapsules 40 can be fixed (fixed) easily and reliably in a state of being deformed (compressed) to a predetermined thickness. Since the area where 40 contacts the substrate is increased, the electrophoretic display device 20 having high contrast and excellent display performance can be provided.

Further, since both the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 are fixed (adhered) by the gap material 8 having an adhesive function, the two substrates are firmly bonded.
In the first embodiment, the gap material 8 is disposed on the second substrate 2, but the gap material 8 may be supplied onto the first substrate 1.
In the first embodiment, the microcapsule dispersion liquid is supplied onto the second substrate 2, but the microcapsule dispersion liquid may be supplied onto the first substrate 1.
In the first embodiment, the microcapsule and the gap material are supplied on the same substrate. However, the microcapsule may be supplied on one substrate and the gap material may be supplied on the other substrate.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the method for manufacturing an electrophoretic display device of the present invention will be described.
Hereinafter, although the second embodiment will be described, the description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment, and the description of the same matters will be omitted.
In the present embodiment, the gap material 8 has a substantially spherical shape, and is disposed at a predetermined interval between the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2.

The gap member 8 is composed of a spherical core member 81 and a material (adhesive) 82 having an adhesive function provided on the surface of the core member 81.
As a constituent material of the core material 81, a hard material is preferable. For example, various resin materials such as an epoxy resin, an acrylic resin, a urethane resin, a melamine resin, and a phenol resin, and various resins such as silica, alumina, and titania. A ceramic material, various glass, etc. are mentioned, Among these, it can use combining 1 type (s) or 2 or more types.

Further, examples of the constituent material of the adhesive 82 include photocurable resins such as thermoplastic resins, thermosetting resins, and ultraviolet curable resins. Among these, thermoplastic resins are preferable.
Examples of the thermoplastic resin include polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, modified polyolefins, polyamides (for example, nylon 6, nylon 46, nylon 66, nylon 610, nylon 612, nylon 11, nylon 12). , Nylon 6-12, nylon 6-66), thermoplastic polyimide, aromatic polyester and other liquid crystal polymers, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyether, polyether ether ketone, polyether imide, polyacetal, Styrene, polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyester, polyamide, polybutadiene, trans polyisoprene, fluoro rubber, salt Various thermoplastic elastomers, etc., or a copolymer of these His polyethylene type or the like, blends, polymer alloys and the like, can be used singly or in combination of two or more of them.

Examples of the thermosetting resin include epoxy resins, acrylic resins, urethane resins, melamine resins, phenol resins, and the like, and one or more of these can be used in combination. .
Examples of the ultraviolet curable resin include acrylic resins, epoxy resins, acrylic epoxy resins, and the like, and one or more of these can be used in combination.

The average particle diameter of the gap material 8 is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 10 to 200 μm, and more preferably about 20 to 100 μm.
In this embodiment, the case where the core material 81 is provided on the gap material 8 and the adhesive 82 is coated on the entire surface of the core material 81 is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the first substrate 1 ( Only the contact surface of the first electrode 3) and the contact surface of the second substrate 2 (second electrode 4) may be coated, or the entire gap material is composed of the adhesive 82. Also good.

Next, a second embodiment of the method for manufacturing an electrophoretic display device of the present invention will be described by taking as an example the case of manufacturing the electrophoretic display device shown in FIG.
In the present embodiment, a case where a thermoplastic resin is used as the adhesive 82 will be representatively described.
FIG. 5 is a view (a diagram schematically showing a manufacturing process) for explaining a second embodiment of the manufacturing method of the electrophoretic display device of the invention.
A feature of the second embodiment is that the microcapsule 40 and the gap material 8 are simultaneously supplied onto the substrate. This second embodiment includes [1] a manufacturing process of the microcapsule 40, and [2] a gap material. 8 manufacturing process, [3] manufacturing process of microcapsule dispersion, [4] supplying process of microcapsule dispersion, and [5] bonding process of first substrate 1 and second substrate 2.

[1] Manufacturing process of microcapsule 40 Same as [1] of the first embodiment.
[2] Production Process of Gap Material 8 An adhesive 82 having an adhesion function is coated on the surface of the substantially spherical core material 81 to produce the gap material 8.
The average particle diameter of the gap material 8 is preferably slightly smaller than the average particle diameter of the microcapsules 40.

[3] Process for Producing Microcapsule Dispersion In the second embodiment, a microcapsule dispersion containing microcapsules 40, a binder material 41, a dispersion medium (particularly an aqueous solvent), and a gap material 8 can be prepared.
Since the other points are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.
[4] Supplying process of microcapsule dispersion The same as [5] of the first embodiment.

[5] Joining process of first substrate 1 and second substrate 2 Same as [6] of the first embodiment.
Also by such 2nd Embodiment, the effect similar to the said 1st Embodiment is acquired.
Moreover, in this 2nd Embodiment, since the gap material has comprised the substantially spherical shape, arrangement | positioning of a gap material can be performed more easily.

In the second embodiment, since the gap material is mixed with the microcapsule dispersion and supplied, the number of steps can be reduced, and the electrophoretic display device can be easily manufactured.
In the second embodiment, the gap material 8 and the microcapsule dispersion liquid are mixed and supplied. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, before supplying the microcapsule dispersion liquid, the gap material 8 is separately provided. You may supply on the board | substrate 2. FIG.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment of the electrophoretic display device of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view (showing an operating state) showing a third embodiment of the electrophoretic display device of the invention.
Hereinafter, an electrophoretic display device according to a third embodiment will be described. However, differences from the electrophoretic display device according to the first embodiment will be mainly described, and description of similar matters will be omitted.

In the electrophoretic display device 20 of the third embodiment, the liquid phase dispersion medium 6 has a plurality of types of electrophoretic particles having different characteristics, specifically, two types of electrophoretic particles 5a and 5b having different colors (hues) and charges. Is the same as the electrophoretic display device 20 of the third embodiment except that is dispersed.
In the present embodiment, an example in which the electrophoretic particles 5a are positively charged and white and the electrophoretic particles 5b are negatively charged and black (colored) is used as an example. To do.

In the electrophoretic display device 20, when the second electrode 4 is set to a positive potential, the electrophoretic particles 5 a move to the first electrode 3 side and gather on the first electrode 3. The particles 5 b move to the second electrode 4 side and gather at the second electrode 4.
On the contrary, when the second electrode 4 is set to a negative potential, the electrophoretic particles 5a move to the second electrode 4 side and gather at the second electrode 4, while the electrophoretic particles 5b It moves to the first electrode 3 side and gathers at the first electrode 3.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, when the electrophoretic display device 20 is viewed from above (display surface side) by the combination of the second electrodes 4, in the left microcapsule 40, the color (white) of the electrophoretic particles 5a. However, in the center microcapsule 40, the color (gray) in which the color of the electrophoretic particles 5b of the electrophoretic particles 5a is mixed, and in the right microcapsule 40, the color (black) of the electrophoretic particles 5b is You will see each one.

With this configuration, the electrophoretic display device 20 can display a multi-tone image.
In the illustrated configuration, the electrophoretic particles 5a and the electrophoretic particles 5b are approximately the same number and are dispersed in the liquid phase dispersion medium 6. However, these numbers may be set according to the purpose. .
Further, the average particle diameter of the electrophoretic particles 5a and the average particle diameter of the electrophoretic particles 5b may be the same or different.

Further, the same type of electrophoretic particles may be used for one microcapsule 40, and the type of electrophoretic particles may be different for each microcapsule 40.
Also by the electrophoretic display device 20 of the third embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.
Also for the manufacturing method of the electrophoretic display device 20 of the third embodiment, the manufacturing methods of the electrophoretic display device 20 of the first embodiment and the second embodiment can be used.
The electrophoretic display device 20 as described above can be incorporated into various electronic devices. Hereinafter, the electronic apparatus of the present invention including the electrophoretic display device 20 will be described.

<< Electronic Paper >>
First, an embodiment when the electronic apparatus of the present invention is applied to electronic paper will be described.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an embodiment when the electronic apparatus of the present invention is applied to electronic paper.
An electronic paper 600 shown in FIG. 7 includes a main body 601 composed of a rewritable sheet having the same texture and flexibility as paper, and a display unit 602.
In such an electronic paper 600, the display unit 602 includes the electrophoretic display device 20 as described above.

<< Display >>
Next, an embodiment when the electronic apparatus of the present invention is applied to a display will be described.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an embodiment when the electronic apparatus of the present invention is applied to a display. 8A is a cross-sectional view, and FIG. 8B is a plan view.
A display (display device) 800 shown in FIG. 8 includes a main body 801 and an electronic paper 600 that is detachably attached to the main body 801. The electronic paper 600 has the same configuration as described above, that is, the configuration shown in FIG.

  The main body 801 is provided with an insertion port 805 into which the electronic paper 600 can be inserted on the side (right side in FIG. 8), and two pairs of conveying rollers 802a and 802b are provided therein. When the electronic paper 600 is inserted into the main body 801 through the insertion port 805, the electronic paper 600 is installed in the main body 801 in a state of being sandwiched between the pair of conveyance rollers 802a and 802b.

  A rectangular hole 803 is formed on the display surface side of the main body 801 (the front side in FIG. 8B), and a transparent glass plate 804 is fitted in the hole 803. . Thereby, the electronic paper 600 installed in the main body 801 can be viewed from the outside of the main body 801. That is, in the display 800, the display surface is configured by visually recognizing the electronic paper 600 installed in the main body 801 on the transparent glass plate 804.

In addition, a terminal portion 806 is provided at the leading end portion (left side in FIG. 8A) of the electronic paper 600 in the insertion direction, and the electronic paper 600 is installed in the main body portion 801 inside the main body portion 801. A socket 807 to which the terminal portion 806 is connected in the state is provided. A controller 808 and an operation unit 809 are electrically connected to the socket 807.
In such a display 800, the electronic paper 600 is detachably installed on the main body 801, and can be carried and used while being detached from the main body 801.

In such a display 800, the electronic paper 600 is configured by the electrophoretic display device 20 as described above.
Note that the electronic apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the application to the above, and for example, a television, a viewfinder type, a monitor direct view type video tape recorder, a car navigation device, a pager, an electronic notebook, a calculator, an electronic Examples include newspapers, word processors, personal computers, workstations, videophones, POS terminals, and devices equipped with touch panels. The electrophoretic display device 20 of the present invention is applied to the display units of these various electronic devices. Is possible.

As mentioned above, although the manufacturing method of the electrophoretic display device of the present invention, the electrophoretic display device, and the electronic apparatus have been described based on the illustrated embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration of each part is as follows. Any structure having a similar function can be substituted. In addition, any other component may be added to the present invention.
Further, the present invention may be a combination of any two or more configurations (features) of the above embodiments.

In the above-described embodiment, the columnar or spherical gap material has been described. However, in the present invention, the shape of the gap material is not limited to this, and examples thereof include a cylindrical shape and a honeycomb shape.
In the above embodiment, a configuration in which a pair of electrodes are provided to face each other is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a configuration in which a pair of electrodes is provided on the same substrate. It can also be applied to.

  In the embodiment, the microcapsules are arranged so as to straddle two adjacent pixel electrodes (electrodes). However, in the present invention, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the microcapsules include three or more adjacent microcapsules. May be arranged so as to straddle the pixel electrodes of each other, may be arranged so as not to straddle the adjacent pixel electrodes, and may be a microcapsule that does not straddle the adjacent pixel electrodes, May be mixed.

  In the embodiment, one microcapsule is arranged for two pixel electrodes. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one microcapsule is arranged for one pixel electrode. In addition, a plurality of microcapsules may be arranged for one pixel electrode, and one microcapsule may be arranged for three or more pixel electrodes.

Next, specific examples of the present invention will be described.
<Preparation of microcapsules>
First, titania particles (made by Ishihara Sangyo Co., Ltd.) surface-treated with a titanate coupling agent (trade name KR-TTS manufactured by Ajinomoto Co., Inc.) and an aluminum coupling agent (product name AL-M manufactured by Ajinomoto Co., Inc.) are dodecylbenzene (Kanto). An electrophoretic dispersion medium was prepared by dispersing in an anthraquinone blue dye (manufactured by Chuo Gosei Chemical Co., Ltd.) and dispersing.

This electrophoretic dispersion medium was dropped into a solution in which arabic gum and gelatin were dissolved and stirred. In addition, the rotational speed of stirring is 1300 rpm.
Next, the pH of the solution was adjusted to 3.7 with acetic acid, and then capsules were precipitated by ice cooling. Further, formaldehyde was added to form a crosslinked structure in the capsule. Thereafter, stirring was continued for a whole day and night, and then classification was performed to prepare microcapsules having a particle size of 50 to 60 μm.

(Example 1)
<Preparation of microcapsule dispersion>
The prepared microcapsules, a water-based emulsion type binder material (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., “Polon”), and water were mixed to prepare a microcapsule dispersion in which the microcapsules and the binder material were dispersed in water.
First, a second substrate made of polyethylene terephthalate on which a second electrode made of ITO was formed was prepared.

Next, as described in the first embodiment, a plurality of columnar gap members were disposed on the second substrate. As the gap material, a polyethylene resin having a longitudinal length of 55 μm was used. Thereafter, the microcapsule dispersion was applied onto the second substrate by the doctor blade method to form a coating film having a thickness of 60 μm (approximately the same thickness as the average particle diameter of the microcapsules).
Next, the coating film was dried at 90 ° C. for 10 minutes.

  Next, using a laminator, the first substrate made of polyethylene terephthalate on which the first electrode made of ITO is formed is stacked on the second substrate so that the first electrode faces the coating film, and 120 ° C. The two substrates were joined by heating for 60 minutes and dissolving the gap material and then cooling. With this gap material, the first substrate and the second substrate were bonded. Through the above steps, the electrophoretic display device shown in FIG. 1 was produced.

(Example 2)
<Production of gap material>
A gap material was produced by coating polyethylene wax on the surface of a substantially spherical glass (core material). The average particle diameter of the gap material was 55 μm.
<Preparation of microcapsule dispersion>
The produced microcapsules, gap material, water-based emulsion type binder material (Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., “Polon”) and water are mixed, and microcapsules, binder material and gap material are dispersed in water. A capsule dispersion was prepared.

First, a second substrate made of polyethylene terephthalate on which a second electrode made of ITO was formed was prepared.
Next, as described in the second embodiment, the microcapsule dispersion is applied onto the second substrate by the doctor blade method, thereby obtaining a thickness of 60 μm (approximately the same thickness as the average particle diameter of the microcapsules). The coating film was formed.
Next, the coating film was dried at 90 ° C. for 10 minutes.

  Next, using a laminator, the first substrate made of polyethylene terephthalate on which the first electrode made of ITO is formed is stacked on the second substrate so that the first electrode faces the coating film, and 120 ° C. The two substrates were joined by heating for 60 minutes and dissolving the gap material and then cooling. With this gap material, the first substrate and the second substrate were bonded. Through the above steps, the electrophoretic display device shown in FIG. 1 was produced.

(Comparative Example 1)
An electrophoretic display device was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the gap material was not provided in Example 1.
[Evaluation]
For the electrophoretic display devices produced in Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Example 1, measurement was performed using a spectrophotometer Spectroeye (manufactured by Gretag Macbeth) as a spectrophotometer, and a contrast CR represented by the following formula was obtained. .

CR = R1 / R2
In the above equation, R1 is the reflectance when white is displayed on the entire display surface of the electrophoretic display device, and R2 is the reflectance when black is displayed on the entire surface.
As a result, the contrast CR was 4.2 in Example 1 and 4.1 in Example 2, all showing high values. On the other hand, Comparative Example 1 showed a low value of 3.5.

1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a first embodiment of an electrophoretic display device of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the principle of operation of the electrophoretic display device shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating 1st Embodiment of the electrophoretic display device of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating 1st Embodiment of the electrophoretic display device of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating 2nd Embodiment of the electrophoretic display device of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows 3rd Embodiment of the electrophoretic display device of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows embodiment at the time of applying the electronic device of this invention to electronic paper. It is a figure which shows embodiment at the time of applying the electronic device of this invention to a display. It is a schematic diagram which shows the working principle of the conventional electrophoretic display device.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... 1st board | substrate 2 ... 2nd board | substrate 3 ... 1st electrode 4 ... 2nd electrode 5, 5a, 5b ... Electrophoretic particle 6 ... Liquid phase dispersion medium 7 ... Coating film 8 ... Gap material 81 ... Core material 82 ... Adhesive 10 ... Electrophoretic dispersion 20 ... Electrophoretic display device 40 ... Microcapsule 401 ... Capsule body 41 ... Binder material 600 ... Electronic paper, 601 ... Main body 602 ... Display unit 800 ... Display 801 ... Main body 802a, 802b ... Conveying roller pair 803 ... Hole 804 ... Transparent glass plate 805 ... Insertion port 806 ... Terminal part 807 ... Socket 808 ... Controller 809 ... Operation unit 903 ... First electrode 904 ... Second electrode 905 ... Electrophoretic particles 906 ... Liquid phase dispersion medium 920 ... Electricity Electrophoretic display device

Claims (9)

An electrophoretic display device comprising an electrode, a pair of opposing substrates, and a plurality of microcapsules encapsulating an electrophoretic dispersion liquid provided between the pair of substrates and containing at least one electrophoretic particle A manufacturing method of
A first step of providing a gap material for regulating a distance between the pair of substrates together with the microcapsule when the microcapsules are disposed between the pair of substrates;
And a second step of bonding the pair of substrates to each other with the microcapsule and the gap material interposed therebetween.   The method for manufacturing an electrophoretic display device according to claim 1, wherein the gap member is made of a material having an adhesive function at least near the surface.   3. The method for manufacturing an electrophoretic display device according to claim 1, wherein the gap material is supplied before the microcapsules are supplied.   The method for manufacturing an electrophoretic display device according to claim 1, wherein the first step is performed by supplying a microcapsule dispersion liquid including the microcapsules and the gap material.   5. The electrophoretic display according to claim 1, wherein an average length in a thickness direction of the gap material supplied in the first step is smaller than an average particle diameter of the microcapsules. 6. Device manufacturing method.   The method for manufacturing an electrophoretic display device according to claim 1, wherein the gap material has a substantially spherical shape or a substantially columnar shape. An electrophoretic display device comprising an electrode, a pair of opposing substrates, and a plurality of microcapsules encapsulating an electrophoretic dispersion liquid provided between the pair of substrates and containing at least one electrophoretic particle Because
An electrophoretic display device, wherein a gap material for regulating a distance between the pair of substrates is provided between the pair of substrates.   The electrophoretic display device according to claim 7, wherein an average particle diameter of the microcapsules is equal to an average length in a thickness direction of the gap material. An electronic apparatus comprising the electrophoretic display device according to claim 7.

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