JP2008261936A - Liquid crystal device, method for manufacturing the same, and substrate for liquid crystal device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid crystal device with which a pair of substrates is highly efficiently aligned with a simple structure and with a simple method, and which is equipped with a construction to suitably control a distance between the pair of substrates. <P>SOLUTION: The liquid crystal device 10 comprises a liquid crystal 20 interposed between the pair of substrates 18, 19. On the liquid crystal 20 side of one substrate 18 out of the pair of substrates 18, 19, a columnar object 40 protruding from the substrate surface is formed, and on the other hand, a recession 50 is formed on the liquid crystal 20 side of the other substrate 19. The liquid crystal device 10 is characterized in that the distance between the pair of substrates 18, 19 is controlled in the state in which the columnar object 40 is fitted in the recession 50, and the pair of substrates 18, 19 is aligned in a plane direction by combination of the columnar object 40 and the recession 50. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid crystal device, a manufacturing method thereof, and a substrate for a liquid crystal device.

The liquid crystal device, for example, sandwiches a liquid crystal layer between a glass transparent substrate on which a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) is formed and a glass transparent substrate on which a color filter having RGB colored layers is formed. It becomes. In such a liquid crystal device, the thickness (so-called gap) of the liquid crystal layer regulated by the substrate interval is required to be uniform within the substrate surface in order to prevent display unevenness of the liquid crystal device. As a means for making this gap uniform, a configuration is known in which columnar spacers are arranged between transparent substrates and the gaps are uniformly held over the entire surface of the transparent substrate (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-333628 A (FIG. 1)

  In the liquid crystal device disclosed in Patent Document 1, columnar spacers are formed outside the display area together with the display area in order to ensure the uniformity of the gap. In addition, an alignment mark for determining the combination position of the two transparent substrates is provided outside the display area.

However, it may not be possible to sufficiently align the substrate only by providing such an alignment mark. The alignment mark has no function in the manufactured liquid crystal device. Therefore, there is a demand for a technique that enables alignment of the substrate other than providing such an alignment mark.
On the other hand, the columnar spacer has a function of ensuring the uniformity of the gap, but does not have any other function. Since columnar spacers require more time for installation than, for example, spherical spacers, further added value is desired.

  The present invention has been completed based on the above-described circumstances, and a pair of substrates can be aligned with high efficiency by a simple configuration and a simple method, and the pair of substrates is preferably used. It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid crystal device having a configuration capable of being regulated.

  In order to achieve the above object, a liquid crystal device of the present invention is a liquid crystal device in which liquid crystal is sandwiched between a pair of substrates, and the substrate is disposed on the liquid crystal side of one of the pair of substrates. While a columnar object protruding from the surface is formed, a recess is formed on the liquid crystal side of the other substrate, and the interval between the pair of substrates is regulated in a state where the columnar object is fitted in the recess. The pair of substrates are aligned in the plane direction by a combination of the columnar and the concave portion.

  According to such a liquid crystal device, the columnar object formed on one of the pair of substrates is configured to be fitted into the recess formed on the other substrate. By designing the height defined by the relationship between the height and the shape of the recess in accordance with each placement location, it is possible to suitably regulate the height.

  By the way, when the columnar object and the concave portion are produced by, for example, photolithography, they can be arranged at any place and in any shape with high positional accuracy. By making use of this characteristic, the alignment function can be provided as well as ensuring the uniformity of the distance between the substrates as the function of the columnar object. Specifically, the positional relationship in the planar direction of the pair of substrates is naturally regulated by fitting the columnar object and the recess. Therefore, by inserting the columnar object in combination with the specific concave portion formed at the position to be opposed to the specific columnar shape among the concave portions formed on the other substrate, in the planar direction of the pair of substrates Even a delicate positional relationship is naturally regulated and does not cause a positional shift, so that alignment (positioning) can be performed efficiently.

The liquid crystal device of the present invention includes a display area and a frame area provided outside the display area, and the columnar object and the recess may be provided in the display area. .
Since the columnar objects and the recesses are arranged in the display area in this way, the uniformity of the substrate spacing in the display area is ensured, so that display unevenness and the like can be prevented, and the design value of the substrate spacing in the surface area Therefore, it is possible to prevent a problem that display characteristics such as contrast are deteriorated.

Furthermore, the liquid crystal device of the present invention includes a display area and a frame area provided outside the display area, and the columnar object and the recess are arranged in the frame area. Can do.
Thereby, since any number of columnar objects and recesses can be arranged at any place without concern for the influence on the display, the uniformity of the substrate interval can be further improved.

In addition, at least one of the pair of substrates includes a color filter in which a plurality of colored layers are arranged in a plane, and the columnar body is formed by stacking a part or all of the plurality of colored layers. Can be.
Thereby, at the time of forming the colored layer, a columnar object can be formed at the same time, and since it is not necessary to use a new material to form the columnar object, the manufacturing process can be simplified. .

Further, an island-shaped portion is formed on the liquid crystal side of the substrate, and the concave portion is formed in a state where a part of the island-shaped portion is depressed.
Thereby, it becomes possible to form suitably the recessed part which can insert a columnar thing.

Moreover, the said recessed part shall be formed in the state in which a part of said board | substrate was depressed.
Further, at least one of the pair of substrates includes a switching element and a pixel electrode connected to the switching element through an interlayer insulating film, and a state in which a part of the substrate is depressed is And formed along a depression formed in a part of the interlayer insulating film.

  Thereby, since it is not necessary to use a new material for forming the recess, the manufacturing process can be simplified. In addition, after rough alignment when aligning a pair of substrates, a part of the layer that is normally formed has a recessed shape, so there is no protrusion, and even if one substrate is translated and aligned, a columnar object Does not contact the outer peripheral wall of the recess, the substrate can be moved smoothly, and alignment can be performed efficiently.

  Further, in order to solve the above problems, the method for manufacturing a liquid crystal device according to the present invention includes a columnar object forming step of forming a columnar object protruding from the substrate surface on the first substrate, and the columnar object on the second substrate. A recess forming step for forming a recess into which the first substrate can be fitted, and a bonding step for bonding the first substrate and the second substrate. In the bonding step, the first substrate and the first The alignment in the planar direction with two substrates is performed based on the combination of the fitting of the columnar object and the recess, and the interval between the first substrate and the second substrate is fitted between the columnar object and the recess. It is characterized by being restricted by the relative positional relationship in the direction.

In the substrate bonding step, it is important to ensure the accuracy of alignment of the two substrates in the plane direction and to ensure the uniformity of the distance between the substrates. According to said method, after forming a columnar object in a 1st board | substrate and forming a recessed part in a 2nd board | substrate, in a bonding process, each columnar object of a 1st board | substrate is opposed to each specific columnar object of a 2nd board | substrate. It fits in combination with a specific recess formed at the position to be. As a result, delicate alignment in the planar direction of the pair of substrates can be performed naturally and accurately, and no positional shift can be caused, so that alignment can be performed efficiently.
Furthermore, the height defined by the relationship between the height of the columnar object and the shape of the recess (for example, the total height of the columnar object and the bottom surface of the recess) is designed according to the location of each. In addition, it is possible to suitably regulate the substrate interval by fitting the columnar object and the recess in the bonding step.

Moreover, in the said bonding process, the said 1st board | substrate and the said 2nd board | substrate are bonded together through a sealing agent, and further includes the process of filling a liquid crystal in the area | region enclosed with the said sealing agent, The said column shape In the object forming step and the concave portion forming step, the columnar object and the concave portion can be manufactured by a method of forming the inner region of the sealant.
According to such a method, it is easy to ensure the uniformity of the substrate interval in the inner region of the sealant where the image is actually displayed after completion of the liquid crystal device, and it is possible to prevent display unevenness and the like, and in the region where the image is displayed. Since a deviation from the design value of the substrate interval does not occur, it is possible to prevent a problem that display characteristics such as contrast are deteriorated.

Furthermore, in the said bonding process, the said 1st board | substrate and the said 2nd board | substrate are bonded together through a sealing agent, and further includes the process of filling a liquid crystal in the area | region enclosed with the said sealing agent, The said columnar shape In the object forming step and the concave portion forming step, the columnar object and the concave portion can be manufactured by a method of forming the outer region of the sealant.
According to such a method, since the liquid crystal is not filled in the outer region of the sealant, there is no possibility that the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules is disturbed due to the positions of the columnar objects and the recesses, and the display quality is accordingly impaired. . Therefore, in the outer region of the sealant, since any number of columnar objects and recesses can be disposed at any place without concern for the influence on the display, the uniformity of the substrate interval can be further improved. Is possible.

In addition, the method may further include a step of forming a color filter in which a plurality of colored layers are arranged in a plane on one of the first substrate and the second substrate. It can be manufactured by a method in which some or all of the plurality of colored layers are laminated.
According to such a method, in the process of forming the color filter, the colored layer and the columnar object can be formed in the same process, and there is no need to use a new material for forming the columnar object. Therefore, the manufacturing process can be simplified.

Moreover, the said recessed part formation process can be made into the process including the process of forming an island-shaped part in the said 2nd board | substrate, and the process of making the surface of the said island-shaped part into a recessed part.
According to such a method, since the island-shaped portion can be formed at an arbitrary place and the surface of the island-shaped portion can be further recessed to form the concave portion, the concave portion can be preferably formed.

Moreover, the said recessed part formation process WHEREIN: The said recessed part can be manufactured by the method of forming a part of said 2nd board | substrate indented.
The method further includes forming a switching element and a pixel electrode connected to the switching element via an interlayer insulating film on the second substrate, wherein the recess is formed in a part of the interlayer insulating film. It can manufacture by the method of forming in the state which depressed.

  According to such a method, it is not necessary to use a new material in order to form the recess, so that the manufacturing process can be simplified. In addition, after rough alignment when aligning a pair of substrates, a part of the layer that is normally formed has a recessed shape, so there is no protrusion, and even if one substrate is translated and aligned, a columnar object Does not contact the outer peripheral wall of the recess, the substrate can be moved smoothly, and alignment can be performed efficiently.

  Moreover, in order to solve the said subject, the board | substrate for liquid crystal devices of this invention is a board | substrate for liquid crystal devices which consists of a pair of base material, Comprising: From the said base material surface to one base material among the said base materials While the protruding columnar object is formed, a recess is formed in the other base material, and the interval between the pair of base materials can be regulated in a state where the columnar object is fitted in the recess. The pair of base materials can be aligned in a planar direction by a combination of a columnar object and a concave portion.

  According to such a substrate for a liquid crystal device, since the columnar object formed on one of the pair of substrates is fitted into the recess formed on the other substrate, the height of the columnar object is increased. By designing the height defined by the relationship between the height of the recess and the shape of the recess (for example, the sum of the height of the columnar object and the height of the bottom surface of the recess) according to the location of each, It is possible to suitably regulate the material interval.

  Furthermore, if the columnar object and the concave portion are produced by, for example, photolithography, the columnar object and the concave portion can be arranged at an arbitrary position and in an arbitrary shape with high positional accuracy. By making use of this characteristic, the columnar object can be provided not only with the uniformity of the base material interval but also with an alignment function. Specifically, the positional relationship in the planar direction of the pair of base materials is naturally regulated by fitting the columnar object and the recess. Therefore, by inserting the columnar object in combination with the specific concave portion formed at the position to be opposed to the specific columnar shape among the concave portions formed on the other base material, the planar direction of the pair of base materials Even the subtle positional relationship in is naturally regulated and does not cause a positional shift, so that the alignment can be performed efficiently.

In the substrate for a liquid crystal device of the present invention, the pair of base materials includes a sealant forming region for forming a sealant, and the columnar object and the recess are disposed inside the sealant forming region. It is characterized by.
As a result, in a liquid crystal device manufactured by bonding a pair of base materials, it is easy to ensure the uniformity of the base material interval inside the sealant forming region where an image is actually displayed, thereby preventing display unevenness and the like. In addition, since there is no deviation from the design value of the base material interval in the area where the image is displayed, it is possible to prevent a problem that display characteristics such as contrast deteriorate.

Furthermore, in the substrate for a liquid crystal device of the present invention, the pair of base materials includes a sealant forming region for forming a sealant, and the columnar object and the recess are disposed outside the sealant forming region. It is characterized by.
As a result, in a liquid crystal device manufactured by bonding a pair of base materials, liquid crystal is not filled outside the sealing agent forming region. There is no risk of any accompanying display quality problems. Therefore, it is possible to dispose any number of columnar objects and recesses at any location outside the sealant forming region without concern about the influence on the display.

Furthermore, in the substrate for a liquid crystal device of the present invention, the pair of base materials are bonded to the pair of base materials, the sealing agent forming region for forming the sealing agent and the outside of the sealing agent forming region. And a peripheral region that is a region to be cut off later, and the columnar object and the concave portion are arranged in the peripheral region.
Thus, since the peripheral region is a region that is cut off after bonding, it is possible to dispose any number of columnar objects and recesses in any location without concern for the performance of the liquid crystal device. .

  According to the present invention, a pair of substrates can be aligned with high efficiency with a simple configuration and a simple method, and the distance between the pair of substrates can be suitably regulated.

<Embodiment 1>
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, the structure of a liquid crystal device including a liquid crystal panel will be described. 1 and 2, the liquid crystal device 10 includes a liquid crystal panel 11 and a backlight 12 that is an external light source disposed on the back side (lower side shown in FIG. 2) of the liquid crystal panel 11 (see FIG. 2). It is set as the structure hold | maintained in the assembly | attachment state by the bezel 13 covered from the upper side.

  The backlight 12 includes a case 14 having a substantially box shape that opens toward the front side (the liquid crystal panel 11 side), and a plurality of linear light sources 15 (for example, cold lights) accommodated in the case 14 in a state of being arranged in parallel with each other. A plurality of optical sheets 16 (for example, a diffusion plate, a diffusion sheet, a lens sheet, and a brightness enhancement sheet in order from the back side), and a group of these optical sheets 16. The frame 17 is formed in a substantially frame shape to be held between the case 14 and the case 14. Each optical sheet 16 has a function of converting light emitted from each linear light source 15 into a planar shape.

  The liquid crystal panel 11 generally has a rectangular shape as a whole, and includes a pair of transparent glass substrates 18 and 19. The two substrates 18 and 19 are arranged opposite to each other, and a liquid crystal 20 that is a substance whose optical characteristics change with application of an electric field therebetween, and a columnar object 40 and a recess 50 (see FIG. 3) described later in detail. The periphery is sealed with a sealing agent 21 while being interposed. The two substrates 18 and 19 are held by the columnar object 40, the recess 50 and the sealant 21 with a predetermined gap (interval between the substrates) therebetween. In addition, a pair of front and back polarizing plates 22 and 23 are attached to the outer surface sides of the substrates 18 and 19, respectively.

  The two substrates 18 and 19 have a CF substrate 18 on the front side and an array substrate 19 on the back side. As shown in FIG. 3, a large number of switching elements 24 (for example, TFTs) are provided on the inner surface side of the array substrate 19 (the liquid crystal 20 side and the surface facing the CF substrate 18). A pixel electrode 26 made of ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) is connected through an interlayer insulating film 25. On the surface of the pixel electrode 26, a recess 50 having a recess on the side facing the CF substrate 18 is formed. Further, an alignment film 27 is formed on the surface of the pixel electrode 26 and the recess 50.

  On the other hand, a large number of color filters 31 are arranged on the CF substrate 18 at positions corresponding to the pixel electrodes 26 on the array substrate 19 side. The color filter 31 includes a first colored layer 31A, a second colored layer 31B, and a third colored layer 31C. Further, a light shielding film 32 (black matrix) is formed between adjacent color filters 31, and each color filter 31 is partitioned. A counter electrode 33 made of ITO is formed on the surfaces of the color filter 31 and the light shielding film 32. Further, a columnar object 40 is provided on the inner surface side of the counter electrode 33, and the columnar object 40 is disposed at a position where the color filter 31 and the light shielding film 32 overlap with each other, and the concave portion 50 provided on the facing array substrate 19 side. It is in a state fitted in. Further, an alignment film 34 is formed on the surfaces of the counter electrode 33 and the columnar object 40. The columnar object 40 is formed in such a manner that, for example, three columns are provided for four pixels with reference to a pixel composed of three colored layers 31A, 31B, and 31C.

  Here, the structure of the columnar object 40 and the recessed part 50 is demonstrated in detail with reference to FIG. Both the columnar object 40 and the recess 50 are formed using an insulating material as a raw material. As the insulating material, an inorganic material such as silicon nitride can be used in addition to the photosensitive resin. The concave portion 50 is formed in a box-shaped island-shaped portion 51 such as a rectangular parallelepiped, for example, and a recess having a depth corresponding to half from the upper surface of the island-shaped portion 51 in the height direction (substrate spacing direction). Have. The depression 50 has a circular shape at the entrance, and has a so-called mortar shape in which the inner diameter gradually decreases toward the bottom surface. An alignment film 27 is formed on the surface of the recess 50.

  On the other hand, the columnar object 40 has a substantially cylindrical shape that extends vertically from the surface of the counter electrode 33 and whose outer diameter decreases toward the tip. An alignment film 34 is formed on the surface of the columnar object 40, and the outer diameter of the end surface composed of the columnar object 40 and the alignment film 34 coincides with the inner diameter of the bottom surface of the recess composed of the recess 50 and the alignment film 27. Yes. Furthermore, since the end face of the columnar object 40 and the bottom surface of the recess 50 and the alignment film 34 and the alignment film 27 formed on these surfaces are in a parallel relationship, the tip of the columnar object 40 and the bottom surface of the recess 50 are aligned with each other. 27 and 34 are fitted so that there is no gap.

  Next, a method for manufacturing the liquid crystal device 10 will be described. Here, in particular, among the manufacturing methods, a CF substrate creating process including a columnar object forming process (see FIGS. 4 and 5), an array substrate creating process including a recess forming process (see FIGS. 6 and 7), and substrate pasting The combined process will be described in detail.

First, in the CF substrate creation process, as shown in FIG. 4, a base material 101A such as glass is prepared, and the light shielding film 32, the first colored layer 31A, and the like are formed on the surface of the base material 101A using, for example, a photolithography method. The second colored layer 31B and the third colored layer 31C are sequentially formed.
After that, as shown in FIG. 5, the counter electrode 33 is formed on the surface by, for example, sputtering. Next, in order to form the columnar object 40, for example, the photosensitive resin film 42 is formed, and this is exposed and developed to form the columnar object 40 having a predetermined pattern (columnar object forming step). Finally, an alignment film 34 is formed on the surfaces of the counter electrode 33 and the columnar object 40 to obtain a CF substrate (substrate for a liquid crystal device) 18.

On the other hand, in the array substrate creating step, as shown in FIG. 6, a base material (similarly made of glass or the like) 101B is prepared separately from the base material 101A, and a known method is applied to the surface of the base material 101B. After forming the switching element 24 made of TFT (Thin Film Transistor) by the above, an interlayer insulating film 25 is formed so as to cover the surface of the base material 101B and the switching element 24 by, for example, a plasma CVD method. Further, the pixel electrode 26 is formed on the surface by, for example, sputtering and photolithography. Next, in order to form the recess 50, a photosensitive resin film 52 is formed by, for example, a spin coating method.
Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 7, the photosensitive resin film 52 is exposed and developed in a predetermined pattern to form an island-shaped portion 51, and then, at a position where the island-shaped portion 51 can be a recess 50. Further exposure is performed to form the recess 50 (recess formation step). Finally, an alignment film 27 is formed on the surface of the pixel electrode 26 and the recess 50 (island-like portion 51) to obtain the array substrate (liquid crystal device substrate) 19.

Then, it transfers to a board | substrate bonding process.
The array substrate 19 obtained as described above is fixed so that the opening of the recess 50 faces upward, for example. Next, a sealant 21 (see FIG. 2) is disposed, for example, by screen printing on the outer edge of a region where an image is actually displayed after completion of the liquid crystal device. Subsequently, the CF substrate 18 is lifted so that the columnar object 40 faces downward (the concave portion 50 and the columnar object 40 face each other), and is transported to above the array substrate 19, and the planes of the substrates 18 and 19 for both liquid crystal devices. Roughly adjust the position of the direction (rough alignment). Subsequently, when the pressure is gradually applied to the array substrate 19 while slightly vibrating the CF substrate 18 in the parallel direction, each columnar object 40 provided on the CF substrate 18 identifies each of the array substrates 19. It is naturally fitted at a position where it can be fitted into a specific recess 50 formed at a position to be opposed to the columnar object 40. After applying pressure until the columnar object 40 is completely fitted in the recess 50, the sealing agent 21 is cured to bond the substrates 18 and 19 for both liquid crystal devices together.

  Thereafter, the liquid crystal panel 11 is divided to obtain a predetermined size, the liquid crystal 20 is injected from an injection port (not shown), and additionally, polarizing plates 22 and 23 are attached, and a drive circuit and the like are connected to connect the liquid crystal. Panel 11 is produced. Further, the liquid crystal device 10 is manufactured by applying the backlight 12 as shown in FIG.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the columnar object 40 and the recess 50 are disposed on the CF substrate 18 and the array substrate 19 with high positional accuracy by the photolithography method, respectively. When the CF substrate 18 and the array substrate 19 are aligned in the planar direction, each columnar object 40 can be fitted into a specific recess 50 formed at a position that should face the specific columnar object 40. It fits naturally in the different positions. As a result, in the substrate bonding step, the alignment in the planar direction of the two substrates 18 and 19 which has been time-consuming so far can be performed with very high accuracy and in a short time.

  Moreover, the columnar object 40 and the recess 50 are produced with high dimensional accuracy by a plasma CVD method and a photolithography method. As a result, since the height generated by fitting the columnar object 40 and the recess 50 is also good in dimensional accuracy, the thing due to the fitting of the columnar object 40 and the recess 50 has a function as a spacer. Therefore, in the substrate bonding step, the height defined by the fitting of the columnar object 40 and the recess 50, that is, the substrate interval between the CF substrate 18 and the array substrate 19 can be obtained with high accuracy, and the substrate interval can be easily uniform. Sex can be secured.

  In this way, with the simple configuration of providing the columnar object 40 and the recess 50 on the CF substrate 18 and the array substrate 19, respectively, the alignment of the substrates 18 and 19 for both liquid crystal devices can be performed with high efficiency, and the substrate. It is possible to provide the liquid crystal device 10 having a configuration capable of suitably regulating the interval.

<Embodiment 2>
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The difference from the first embodiment is that the configuration of the columnar object and the concave portion is changed, and the others are the same as in the first embodiment. The same parts as those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

The columnar object 60 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and includes, for example, a red first colored layer 61A, a green second colored layer 61B, and a blue third colored layer 61C that form the color filter 61, for example. Are formed by laminating. Such a columnar object 60 can be formed as follows. As shown in FIG. 9, after forming the light shielding film 32 and the first colored layer 61A on the surface of the substrate 102A, the second colored layer resin film 62B is formed. Subsequently, when this second colored layer resin film 62B is exposed and developed in a predetermined pattern, the light-shielding film 32 and the first colored layer together with the second colored layer 61B arranged in a plane with the first colored layer 61A. The second colored layer 61B can also be formed in a specific portion overlapping with 61B.
Further, as shown in FIG. 10, after the third colored layer resin film 62C is formed in the same manner, when a predetermined pattern of exposure and development is performed, the first colored layer 61A and the second colored layer 61B are planarly arranged. In addition to the third colored layer 61C, the third colored layer 61C can be formed in a portion where the light shielding film 32, the first colored layer 61A, and the second colored layer 61B overlap. Then, the columnar object 60 can be obtained by forming the counter electrode 33 and the alignment film 34.

  On the other hand, the recess 70 has a so-called mortar shape in which the inner diameter gradually decreases from the circular entrance toward the bottom surface, and is formed as a recess provided in the interlayer insulating film 75. Such a recess 70 can be formed as follows. As shown in FIG. 11, the switching element 24 and the interlayer insulating film 75 are formed on the surface of the base material 102B. The interlayer insulating film 75 is exposed to a predetermined pattern and developed to form a mortar-shaped depression. Thereafter, the recess 70 can be obtained by forming the pixel electrode 26 and the alignment film 27.

In this embodiment, the columnar object 60 is formed by laminating colored layers 61A, 61B, and 61C, and the recess 70 is formed in a state where the interlayer insulating film 75 is depressed. By adopting such a configuration, it is not necessary to use a new material to form the columnar object 60 and the concave portion 70, so that the manufacturing process can be simplified.
Further, since the recess 70 is formed with the interlayer insulating film 75 depressed, there is no protrusion around the recess 70. Therefore, in the substrate bonding step, even if the CF substrate 18 is translated and aligned, the columnar object 60 does not come into contact with the outer peripheral wall of the recess 70, so that the CF substrate 18 can be moved smoothly and aligned. Can be performed efficiently.

<Embodiment 3>
Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The difference from the first and second embodiments is that the configuration and arrangement of the columnar object and the concave portion are changed, and the others are the same as in the first embodiment. The same parts as those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the liquid crystal panel 11 has a display area AA at the center of the screen on which the pixel electrode 26 and the like are arranged so that an image can be displayed, and a frame shape surrounding the outside of the display area AA. And a frame area NA that does not display an image. The boundary position between the display area AA and the frame area NA substantially coincides with the position where the sealing agent 21 is formed.

In the display area AA, the columnar object 60 and the concave portion 70 similar to those in the second embodiment are provided.
On the other hand, a columnar object 80 and a recess 90 are provided in the frame area NA. The columnar object 80 includes a first resin film 82 made of the same material as the light shielding film 32, a second resin film 83A, a third resin film 83B, and a fourth resin film made of the same material as the colored layers 61A, 61B, 61C, respectively. It is formed by lamination with 83C. On the other hand, the recess 90 is formed in a state where the upper surface of the island-shaped portion 91 made of the same material as the interlayer insulating film 75 is depressed.

  By the way, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, it is set as the structure which obtains the four CF board | substrates 18 from the one base material 103A. The base material 103A includes a sealant forming area inside AA1 that can become the display area AA after completion of the liquid crystal device, a sealant forming area outside NA1 that can become the frame area NA, and a peripheral area PA1 that is cut off because it is not used in the liquid crystal device. Become. Note that the sealant forming region is a position indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG.

  A columnar object 60 is formed in the sealant forming area inside AA1, and a columnar object 80 is formed in the area between the sealant forming area outside NA1 and the peripheral area PA1. The resin films 82, 83A, 83B, and 83C constituting the columnar object 80 are exposed and developed in a predetermined pattern at the same time when the light shielding film 32 and the colored layers 61A, 61B, and 61C in the sealant forming area inside AA1 are formed. It is formed by doing. The height matching between the columnar object 60 and the columnar object 80 can be easily performed by adjusting the exposure amount using, for example, a slit mask.

  On the other hand, four array substrates 19 are obtained from different base materials 103B (not shown). A recess 70 is formed in the seal formation area inside AA1 at a position facing the columnar object 60, and a recess 90 is formed in a position between the sealant formation area outside NA1 and the peripheral area PA1 at a position facing the columnar object 80. ing. The island-like portion 91 including the concave portion 90 is formed by performing exposure and development of a predetermined pattern at the same time when the interlayer insulating film 75 in the sealant forming region inner side AA1 is formed. Further, the recess 90 is formed by further exposing the island-shaped portion 91 at a position where it can become the recess 90. Note that the height matching between the recess 70 and the recess 90 can be easily performed by adjusting the exposure amount using, for example, a slit mask.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the columnar object 60 and the concave portion 70 are disposed in the sealant forming area inside AA1 of the base material, and the columnar object is disposed in the sealant forming area outer side NA1 and the peripheral area PA1. 80 and the recessed part 90 are arrange | positioned. Accordingly, the liquid crystal 20 is not filled in the sealant forming area outside NA1 and the peripheral area PA1, so that the arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules is disturbed due to the positions where the columnar objects 80 and the recesses 90 are disposed, and the display quality is accordingly impaired. There is no fear. Therefore, it is possible to suitably dispose any number of columnar objects 80 and recesses 90 in any place in the sealant forming area outside NA1 and the peripheral area PA1 without worrying about the influence on the display.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  In the above-described embodiment, the CF substrate 18 is provided with the columnar object 40 and the array substrate 19 is provided with the recess 50. However, conversely, the CF substrate 18 may be provided with the recess 50 and the array substrate 19 provided with the columnar object 40. good.

  In the above-described embodiment, the columnar object 40 is a substantially cylindrical shape, and the recess 50 is a mortar shape having a circular bottom surface, but each shape is not limited to this, and may be any shape. However, the outer diameter of the end of the columnar object 40 and the inner diameter of the bottom surface of the recess 50 are the same, and it is necessary to have a shape that can be fitted without a gap.

  In the above-described embodiment, the columnar object 60 is configured by laminating all three types of colored layers 61A, 61B, and 61C. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and some colored layers such as only the first colored layer 61A are used. It is good also as a structure which consists of.

  In the above-described embodiment, the recess 70 is formed with the interlayer insulating film 75 depressed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the recess 70 may be formed with any film depressed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the columnar object 80 and the concave portion 90 are disposed in the sealant forming region outer side NA1 and the peripheral region PA1, but the region in which the columnar object 80 and the concave portion 90 are disposed may be only an arbitrary region or an arbitrary region. A combination of these areas may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the TFT is used as the switching element 24. However, the present invention is also applicable to a liquid crystal device using, for example, a TFD (thin film diode). Further, the present invention can be applied to a liquid crystal device for monochrome display in addition to a liquid crystal device for color display.

1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a liquid crystal device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of the liquid crystal device of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main configuration (a part of a liquid crystal panel) of the liquid crystal device of FIG. 1. Explanatory drawing which shows 1 process about the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal device of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows 1 process about the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal device of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows 1 process about the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal device of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows 1 process about the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal device of FIG. Sectional drawing which shows the principal part structure (part of liquid crystal panel) of the liquid crystal device which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing one step in the method for manufacturing the liquid crystal device of FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing one step in the method for manufacturing the liquid crystal device of FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing one step in the method for manufacturing the liquid crystal device of FIG. 8. Sectional drawing which shows the principal part structure (part of liquid crystal panel) of the liquid crystal device which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. The top view which shows schematic structure of the board | substrate for liquid crystal devices which concerns on the liquid crystal device of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  10 ... Liquid crystal device, 18 ... CF substrate (substrate, substrate for liquid crystal device), 19 ... Array substrate (substrate, substrate for liquid crystal device), 20 ... Liquid crystal, 21 ... Sealing agent, 24 ... switching element, 25, 75 ... interlayer insulating film, 26 ... pixel electrode, 31, 61 ... color filter, 31A, 61A ... first colored layer, 31B, 61B ... Second colored layer, 31C, 61C ... Third colored layer, 40, 60, 80 ... Columnar, 50, 70, 90 ... Recess, 51, 91 ... Island-like portion, 101A, 101B , 102A, 102B, 103A, 103B ... base material, AA ... display area, NA ... frame area, AA1 ... inside sealant forming area, NA1 ... outside sealant forming area, PA1. .. Surrounding area

Claims (18)

A liquid crystal device having a liquid crystal sandwiched between a pair of substrates,
A columnar object protruding from the substrate surface is formed on the liquid crystal side of one of the pair of substrates, while a recess is formed on the liquid crystal side of the other substrate,
In a state where the columnar object is fitted in the recess, the distance between the pair of substrates is regulated, and the pair of substrates are aligned in a planar direction by a combination of the columnar object and the recess. A characteristic liquid crystal device. A display area, and a frame area provided outside the display area,
The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the columnar object and the recess are arranged in the display area. A display area, and a frame area provided outside the display area,
The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the columnar object and the concave portion are arranged in the frame region. At least one of the pair of substrates includes a color filter in which a plurality of colored layers are arranged in a plane,
4. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the columnar body is formed by stacking a part or all of the plurality of colored layers. 5. An island is formed on the liquid crystal side of the substrate,
5. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the recess is formed in a state in which a part of the island-shaped portion is depressed.   5. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the recess is formed in a state in which a part of the substrate is depressed. At least one of the pair of substrates includes a switching element and a pixel electrode connected to the switching element via an interlayer insulating film,
The liquid crystal device according to claim 6, wherein the state in which the part of the substrate is recessed is formed along a recess formed in a part of the interlayer insulating film. A columnar object forming step of forming a columnar object protruding from the substrate surface on the first substrate;
A recess forming step of forming a recess capable of fitting the columnar object into the second substrate;
A bonding step of bonding the first substrate and the second substrate,
In the bonding step, the planar alignment of the first substrate and the second substrate is performed based on a combination of fitting of the columnar object and the recess, and the first substrate and the second substrate The method of manufacturing a liquid crystal device is characterized in that the substrate interval is regulated by the relative positional relationship in the fitting direction between the columnar object and the recess. In the bonding step, the first substrate and the second substrate are bonded through a sealing agent,
A step of filling a liquid crystal in a region surrounded by the sealant;
9. The method of manufacturing a liquid crystal device according to claim 8, wherein in the columnar object forming step and the recess forming step, the columnar object and the recess are formed in an inner region of the sealant. In the bonding step, the first substrate and the second substrate are bonded through a sealing agent,
A step of filling a liquid crystal in a region surrounded by the sealant;
9. The method of manufacturing a liquid crystal device according to claim 8, wherein in the columnar object forming step and the recess forming step, the columnar object and the recess are formed in an outer region of the sealant. Forming a color filter in which a plurality of colored layers are arranged in a plane on one of the first substrate and the second substrate;
11. The liquid crystal device according to claim 8, wherein in the columnar object forming step, the columnar object is formed by stacking a part or all of the plurality of colored layers. Manufacturing method.   The recess forming step includes a step of forming an island-shaped portion on one of the first substrate and the second substrate, and a step of forming a recess by recessing the surface of the island-shaped portion. 12. The method of manufacturing a liquid crystal device according to claim 8, wherein the liquid crystal device is a liquid crystal device.   12. The method according to claim 8, wherein, in the recess forming step, the recess is formed by recessing a part of one of the first substrate and the second substrate. A manufacturing method of a liquid crystal device given in the above. Forming a switching element and a pixel electrode connected to the switching element via an interlayer insulating film on one of the first substrate and the second substrate;
14. The method of manufacturing a liquid crystal device according to claim 13, wherein, in the recess forming step, the recess is formed in a state in which a part of the interlayer insulating film is depressed. A substrate for a liquid crystal device comprising a pair of base materials,
On one of the substrates, a columnar object protruding from the substrate surface is formed, while a recess is formed on the other substrate.
While the columnar object is fitted in the recess, the distance between the pair of base materials can be regulated, and the pair of base materials can be aligned in the planar direction by a combination of the columnar object and the recess. A substrate for a liquid crystal device. The pair of base materials includes a sealing agent forming region for forming a sealing agent,
16. The substrate for a liquid crystal device according to claim 15, wherein the columnar object and the recess are disposed inside the sealant forming region. The pair of base materials includes a sealing agent forming region for forming a sealing agent,
The substrate for a liquid crystal device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the columnar object and the recess are disposed outside the sealant forming region. The pair of base materials includes a sealing agent forming region for forming a sealing agent and a peripheral region that is outside the sealing agent forming region and is a region that is cut off after the pair of base materials are bonded together. ,
18. The substrate for a liquid crystal device according to claim 15, wherein the columnar object and the concave portion are arranged in the peripheral region.

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