JP2019003048A - Intermediate member for liquid crystal element, manufacturing method of intermediate member for liquid crystal element and manufacturing apparatus of intermediate member for liquid crystal element - Google Patents

Abstract

To prevent a fluid material including a liquid crystal material from flowing out of a support plate, and to prevent a contamination of a manufacturing apparatus of a liquid crystal element by the flown-out fluid material.SOLUTION: An intermediate member 60 for a liquid crystal element includes: a first support plate 11; a second support plate 12 arranged opposing the first support plate 11; and a liquid crystal layer 20 arranged between the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12. At least one of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 includes embossed parts 17, 18 at two ends in a first direction d1 parallel to a plate surface thereof.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid crystal element intermediate member, a liquid crystal element intermediate member manufacturing method, and a liquid crystal element intermediate member manufacturing apparatus.

  Conventionally, for example, a polymer dispersion type liquid crystal element in which liquid crystal droplets are dispersed in a transparent polymer material is known. In this polymer-dispersed liquid crystal element, it is possible to switch between a transmissive state that transmits incident light and a scattering state that scatters incident light by applying and releasing an electric field to the dispersed liquid crystal. Examples of polymer-dispersed liquid crystals include liquid crystal droplets dispersed in transparent polymer materials (PDLC: Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal), and a polymer resin network formed in a continuous layer of liquid crystals. Examples thereof include polymer network liquid crystal (PNLC) and polymer stabilized cholesteric liquid crystal (PSCT) using cholesteric liquid crystal. Since these polymer dispersed liquid crystals do not require the use of a polarizing plate, they have a feature of high light utilization efficiency.

  These polymer-dispersed liquid crystal elements are used for windows of trains, automobiles, and buildings, and are used for controlling the viewing angle of a liquid crystal display by combining it with a backlight of a liquid crystal display (Patent Document 1). (Patent Document 2).

  Patent Document 3 discloses a method for producing a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal element using a roll-to-sheet method. In this manufacturing method, first, a roll-shaped transparent conductive film is drawn out by a predetermined length, and liquid crystal ink is applied onto the transparent conductive film with an applicator. Here, the liquid crystal ink contains an uncured resin composition and liquid crystal molecules in a liquid state. Next, another roll-shaped transparent conductive film is pulled out by a predetermined length, laminated on the liquid crystal ink, and the transparent conductive film on both sides is pressed by a pair of pressure rollers to perform a laminating process. . Next, the transparent conductive film is irradiated with ultraviolet light from a light source, the resin composition in the liquid crystal ink is cured, and the liquid crystal molecules are dispersed. Then, only a desired length is cut out and an electrode is formed at the end of the transparent conductive film. Such a method for producing a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal element has an advantage that the production of the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal element can be speeded up by using a roll-to-sheet method.

JP-A-5-72529 JP-A-6-301005 Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-215417

  As a result of investigations on the manufacturing method of the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal element disclosed in Patent Document 3, the inventors have found the following problems.

  The liquid crystal ink has a certain degree of fluidity in consideration of easy application by an applicator. At this time, the liquid crystal ink may flow toward the edge in the width direction of the transparent conductive film (support plate), and the liquid crystal ink may flow out of the edge. This is particularly noticeable when the liquid crystal ink is applied to the vicinity of the edge of the transparent conductive film. Further, in the step of laminating the transparent conductive films on both sides, the transparent conductive films on both sides are pressed by a pair of pressure rollers, so that the liquid crystal ink sandwiched between the transparent conductive films on both sides further flows. , The transparent conductive film may flow out of the edge in the width direction. And the liquid crystal element manufacturing apparatus may be contaminated by the liquid crystal ink that has flowed out.

  In order to solve such problems, it is also considered to make the application width of the liquid crystal ink sufficiently narrower than the width of the transparent conductive film so that it does not protrude from the edge of the transparent conductive film even if the liquid crystal ink flows. It is done. However, in this case, there may be a new problem that a transparent conductive film including an expensive transparent conductive layer made of ITO or the like cannot be effectively used.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and suppresses the outflow of the fluid material containing the liquid crystal material from the support plate and prevents the liquid crystal element manufacturing apparatus from being contaminated by the outflowed fluid material. For the purpose.

The intermediate member for a liquid crystal element of the present invention is
A first support plate;
A second support plate disposed opposite the first support plate;
A liquid crystal layer disposed between the first support plate and the second support plate,
At least one of the first support plate and the second support plate has embossed portions at both ends in the first direction parallel to the plate surface.

The intermediate member for a liquid crystal element of the present invention is
A first support plate;
A second support plate disposed opposite the first support plate;
A liquid crystal layer disposed between the first support plate and the second support plate,
A blocking member is disposed between the first support plate and the second support plate at both ends in the first direction parallel to the plate surfaces of the first support plate and the second support plate.

The method for producing the intermediate member for a liquid crystal element of the present invention comprises:
A first support plate preparation step of preparing a first support plate;
A second support plate preparation step of preparing a second support plate;
An application step of applying a liquid crystal mixed material on the first support plate;
A bonding step of bonding the first support plate and the second support plate through the liquid crystal mixed material,
Prior to the bonding step, an embossed portion forming step of forming embossed portions at both ends in the width direction of at least one of the first support plate and the second support plate is further included.

The method for producing the intermediate member for a liquid crystal element of the present invention comprises:
A first support plate preparation step of preparing a first support plate;
A second support plate preparation step of preparing a second support plate;
An application step of applying a liquid crystal mixed material on the first support plate;
A bonding step of bonding the first support plate and the second support plate through the liquid crystal mixed material,
In the bonding step, a blocking member is disposed between the first support plate and the second support plate at both ends in the width direction of the first support plate and the second support plate.

In the method for producing an intermediate member for a liquid crystal element of the present invention,
A curing step of curing the liquid crystal mixed material;
A transport step of transporting the first support plate, the second support plate, and a laminate having the cured liquid crystal mixed material, and
In the bonding step, the first support plate is supported by a first support roll having a first length along the width direction of the first support plate and the second support plate,
In the curing step, the laminate is supported by a second support roll having a second length along the width direction,
In the transport step, the laminate is supported by a third support roll having a third length along the width direction,
The first length and the second length may be shorter than the third length.

In the method for producing an intermediate member for a liquid crystal element of the present invention,
The first length and the second length may be shorter than the width along the width direction of the first support plate and the second support plate.

The intermediate member manufacturing apparatus for a liquid crystal element of the present invention is
A first feeding section for feeding the first support plate;
A second feeding section for feeding the second support plate;
An applicator for applying a liquid crystal mixed material on the first support plate or the second support plate;
A bonding apparatus for bonding the first support plate and the second support plate via the liquid crystal mixed material,
The apparatus further includes an embossed portion forming device that forms embossed portions at both ends in the width direction of at least one of the first support plate and the second support plate.

The intermediate member manufacturing apparatus for a liquid crystal element of the present invention is
A first feeding section for feeding the first support plate;
A second feeding section for feeding the second support plate;
An applicator for applying a liquid crystal mixed material on the first support plate or the second support plate;
A bonding apparatus for bonding the first support plate and the second support plate via the liquid crystal mixed material,
It further includes a blocking member feeding device that feeds the blocking member between the first support plate and the second support plate at both ends in the width direction of the first support plate and the second support plate.

In the liquid crystal element intermediate member manufacturing apparatus of the present invention,
A curing device for curing the liquid crystal mixed material;
A transport device for transporting the first support plate, the second support plate, and a laminate having the cured liquid crystal mixed material;
The bonding device supports the first support plate by a first support roll having a first length along the width direction of the first support plate and the second support plate,
The curing device supports the laminate by a second support roll having a second length along the width direction,
The transport device supports the laminate by a third support roll having a third length along the width direction,
The first length and the second length may be shorter than the third length.

In the liquid crystal element intermediate member manufacturing apparatus of the present invention,
The first length and the second length may be shorter than the width along the width direction of the first support plate and the second support plate.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the outflow from the support plate of the fluid material containing a liquid crystal material can be suppressed, and the contamination of the liquid crystal element manufacturing apparatus by the outflowed fluid material can be prevented.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a liquid crystal element for explaining an embodiment according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a cross section of the liquid crystal element corresponding to the line II-II in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a part of the liquid crystal element intermediate member manufacturing apparatus used for manufacturing the liquid crystal element of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing a part of the liquid crystal element intermediate member manufacturing apparatus used for manufacturing the liquid crystal element of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the bonding device, the curing device, and the transport device of the intermediate member manufacturing apparatus for a liquid crystal element in FIG. 4 as viewed from the side. FIG. 6 is a view illustrating the bonding device, the curing device, and the conveying device of the liquid crystal element intermediate member manufacturing device of FIG. 4 as viewed from above. FIG. 7 is a view showing a cross section corresponding to the line VII-VII in FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an intermediate member for a liquid crystal element. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an intermediate member for a liquid crystal element, and shows a cross section corresponding to the line IX-IX in FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a process of manufacturing a liquid crystal element from the liquid crystal element intermediate member. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a modification of the present invention, and is a perspective view schematically showing a part of an intermediate member manufacturing apparatus for a liquid crystal element. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the bonding device, the curing device, and the conveying device of the intermediate member manufacturing apparatus for a liquid crystal element shown in FIG. 11 as viewed from the side. FIG. 13 is a view showing a cross section corresponding to line XIII-XIII in FIG. FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a modification of the intermediate member for a liquid crystal element. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the intermediate member for a liquid crystal element, and shows a cross section corresponding to the XV-XV line of FIG.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings attached to the present specification, for the sake of illustration and ease of understanding, the scale, the vertical / horizontal dimension ratio, and the like are appropriately changed and exaggerated from those of the actual product.

  In this specification, the terms “plate”, “sheet”, and “film” are not distinguished from each other only based on the difference in designation. For example, “plate” is a concept that includes members that can be called “sheets” and “films”. Therefore, for example, “support plate” is a member called “support sheet” or “support film”. It cannot be distinguished only by the difference in designation.

  In addition, “plate surface (sheet surface, film surface)” means a target plate-like member (sheet-like) when the target plate-like (sheet-like, film-like) member is viewed as a whole and globally. It refers to the surface that coincides with the plane direction of the member or film-like member.

  Furthermore, as used in this specification, the shape and geometric conditions and the degree thereof are specified. For example, terms such as “parallel”, “orthogonal”, “identical”, length and angle values, etc. Without being bound by meaning, it should be interpreted including the extent to which similar functions can be expected.

  1-13 is a figure for demonstrating one Embodiment by this invention. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a liquid crystal element, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a cross section of the liquid crystal element corresponding to the II-II line of FIG.

  The liquid crystal element 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is provided in a window of a vehicle such as a train or an automobile, a building such as a house, etc., and controls the transparency through the liquid crystal element 10, It can be used for controlling the viewing angle of a liquid crystal display by combining with a backlight. The application of the liquid crystal element 10 is not limited to these.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid crystal element 10 includes a first support plate 11, a second support plate 12 disposed to face the first support plate 11, and the first support plate 11 and the second support. And a liquid crystal layer 20 disposed between the plate 12 and the liquid crystal layer 20.

  The first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 have a function of supporting the liquid crystal layer 20 and applying an electric field to the liquid crystal layer 20. The first support plate 11 includes a first base material 13 and a first transparent conductive layer 14 provided on the first base material 13. The second support plate 12 includes a second base material 15 and a second transparent conductive layer 16 provided on the second base material 15. In the illustrated example, the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 are arranged to face each other so that the first transparent conductive layer 14 and the second transparent conductive layer 16 face each other. Therefore, in the illustrated example, the first base material 13, the first transparent conductive layer 14, the liquid crystal layer 20, the second transparent conductive layer 16, and the second base material 15 are laminated in this order.

  The base materials 13 and 15 of the support plates 11 and 12 function as a support that supports the transparent conductive layers 14 and 16. The material of the base materials 13 and 15 is not particularly limited, and for example, various transparent film materials having flexibility can be used. Specifically, polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyolefin resins such as polypropylene (PP), triacetyl cellulose (cellulose triacetate: A film material containing cellulose resin such as TAC), cycloolefin polymer (COP), polycarbonate (PC) resin, or the like can be used. Moreover, as thickness of the base materials 13 and 15, the thing of 20 micrometers or more and 300 micrometers or less can be used, for example, Preferably the thing of 50 micrometers or more and 150 micrometers or less can be used.

  The transparent conductive layers 14 and 16 of the support plates 11 and 12 function as electrodes for applying an electric field to the liquid crystal layer 20 when energized, thereby driving the liquid crystal material 22 contained in the liquid crystal layer 20. Here, “driving” the liquid crystal material 22 means changing the direction of the liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal material 22. For example, the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal material 22 of the liquid crystal layer 20 can be changed by applying an electric field to the liquid crystal layer 20 using the transparent conductive layers 14 and 16.

  As the transparent conductive layers 14 and 16, it is possible to apply an electric field to the liquid crystal layer 20, and it is possible to apply various configurations that are perceived as transparent. For example, transparent conductive materials ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), IZO (Indium Zinc Oxide), AZO (Aluminum-doped Zinc Oxide), GZO (Gallium-doped Zinc Oxide), ATO (Antimony Tin Oxide), ZNO (Zinc Oxide) In addition to a metal oxide such as), a material containing a conductive polymer film, silver nanowires, carbon nanotubes, or the like can be used. The sheet resistance and transmittance in the transparent conductive layers 14 and 16 are not particularly limited. For example, the sheet resistance can be 100Ω / □ or more and 300Ω / □ or less, and the transmittance can be 85% or more.

  Next, the liquid crystal layer 20 will be described. The liquid crystal layer 20 has a function of changing the transparency through the liquid crystal layer 20 in accordance with the application state of the electric field by the transparent conductive layers 14 and 16. The liquid crystal layer 20 is formed of a polymer dispersed liquid crystal. As an example of polymer-dispersed liquid crystals, liquid crystal droplets are dispersed in a transparent polymer material (PDLC: Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal), and a polymer resin network is formed in a continuous layer of liquid crystals. Examples thereof include, but are not limited to, polymer network liquid crystal (PNLC) and polymer stabilized cholesteric liquid crystal (PSCT) using cholesteric liquid crystal. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, an example in which the liquid crystal layer 20 is formed by PDLC including a polymer matrix 21 and a liquid crystal material 22 dispersed in the polymer matrix 21 will be described. To do. The liquid crystal layer 20 shown in FIG. 2 includes a spacer 25 for keeping the distance between the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 at a predetermined distance.

  In the liquid crystal layer 20 shown in FIG. 2, as an example, a liquid crystal mixed material 27 is prepared by mixing a polymerizable monomer, a photopolymerization initiator, and a liquid crystal material 22 having no polymerization group. It can be formed by phase-separating the liquid crystal material 22 when the monomer inside is photopolymerized. Thereby, the polymer matrix 21 of the liquid crystal layer 20 is formed from the polymerized monomer, and the liquid crystal material 22 is dispersed in the polymer matrix 21.

  The liquid crystal material 22 is a liquid material containing liquid crystal molecules having a longitudinal direction. The liquid crystal molecules have refractive index anisotropy corresponding to the shape. That is, the refractive index in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the liquid crystal molecules is different from the refractive index in the direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the liquid crystal molecules. The liquid crystal material 22 is not particularly limited, and a liquid crystal material such as a nematic material can be used. Specifically, as the liquid crystal material 22, for example, a nematic material such as E7 manufactured by Merck & Co. can be used. Further, the polymerizable monomer may be any material that can phase-separate the liquid crystal material 22 and has high light transmittance, and has either a monofunctional or polyfunctional polymerizable monomer (polymerizable group). Resins can also be used. Examples of such resins include monofunctional (meth) acrylates such as methyl (meth) acrylate, 1,6-hexanediol di (meth) acrylate, trimethylolpropane tri (meth) acrylate, pentaerythritol tetra (meth) And polyfunctional (meth) acrylates such as dipentaerythritol penta (meth) acrylate and dipentaerythritol hexa (meth) acrylate. In addition, the description with (meth) acrylate means an acrylate or a methacrylate. In addition to acrylics, cation polymerizable monomers include alicyclic epoxides such as 3,4-epoxycyclohexenylmethyl-3 ′, 4′-epoxycyclohexenecarboxylate, and glycidyl ethers such as bisphenol A diglycidyl ether. Kinds can also be used. These polymerizable monomers can be used alone or in combination of two or more depending on the required performance, coating suitability and the like.

  The photopolymerization initiator is not particularly limited, and various photopolymerization initiators can be used. For example, benzoin and alkyl etherated products thereof, benzyl ketals, and acetophenones can be used. As acetophenones, for example, hydroxyacetophenone, aminoacetophenone, dialkoxyacetophenone, halogenated acetophenone and the like can be used. As these photopolymerization initiators, for example, products such as Irgacure (registered trademark) 907, Irgacure 651, and Irgacure 184 manufactured by BASF are commercially available, and these can be used alone or in combination.

  The spacer 25 has a function of keeping the distance between the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 at a predetermined distance, thereby maintaining the thickness (height) of the liquid crystal layer 20 at a predetermined thickness (height). Have As the spacer 25, for example, a resin-made one having high light transmittance such as plastic beads can be used. In the example shown in FIG. 2, a spherical spacer is used as the spacer 25, but the shape of the spacer 25 is not limited to this.

  By the way, the liquid crystal material 22 may have a dichroic dye. Similar to the liquid crystal molecules, the dichroic dye has a longitudinal direction. When the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules is changed by an electric field, the orientation is changed according to the movement. And a dichroic pigment | dye comes to have a color according to the direction. For this reason, the liquid crystal element 10 is maintained in a colorless and transparent or nearly colorless and transparent state in a low haze state, while in a high haze state, the liquid crystal element 10 is not simply turbid but has a predetermined color and an invisible state. can do. Here, when the predetermined color is the same color as the surrounding portion of the liquid crystal element 10 (the portion where the liquid crystal element 10 is not provided), the appearance of the liquid crystal element 10 is prevented from being different from the surrounding portion. Can do. Further, the design including the liquid crystal element 10 may be positively imparted so that the color of the liquid crystal element 10 in the low haze state is different from the color of the surrounding portion of the liquid crystal element 10. As such a dichroic dye, various well-known things as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2007-009120 and 2011-246411 can be used.

  Note that a sealing material may be provided on the peripheral edge of the liquid crystal element 10. In particular, by providing the sealing material so as to cover the peripheral portion of the liquid crystal layer 20, it is possible to prevent the liquid crystal layer 20, particularly the liquid crystal material 22, from leaking out. For this reason, when providing a sealing material in the peripheral part of the liquid crystal element 10, the sealing material has a shape surrounding the liquid crystal layer 20 in the observation from the normal direction to the plate surface of the liquid crystal element 10, that is, in plan view. It is preferable to have. As the material of the sealing material, for example, the same resin as that forming the polymer matrix 21 of the liquid crystal layer 20 can be used.

  In the liquid crystal element 10 configured as described above, the refractive index of the liquid crystal material 22 and the refractive index of the polymer matrix 21 are aligned in a state where the liquid crystal molecules are aligned. In this state, light incident on the liquid crystal element 10 can pass through the liquid crystal element 10 without greatly bending the traveling direction. That is, the liquid crystal element 10 is in a low haze state in a state where the liquid crystal molecules are aligned. In this state, the liquid crystal element 10 is in a transparent state, and the visibility through the liquid crystal element 10 is increased.

  On the other hand, in the liquid crystal element 10, when the liquid crystal molecules are not aligned, the longitudinal direction of the liquid crystal molecules becomes irregular depending on the polymer matrix 21 located in the vicinity of the liquid crystal molecules. . In this state, the light incident on the liquid crystal element 10 is diffused with its traveling direction greatly bent. That is, in a state where the liquid crystal molecules are not aligned, the liquid crystal element 10 is in a high haze state. At this time, the liquid crystal element 10 becomes clouded and visibility through the liquid crystal element 10 is lowered.

  In the normal type liquid crystal element 10, a liquid crystal material containing positive liquid crystal molecules is used as the liquid crystal material 22. In this case, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules is irregular in a state where no electric field is applied by the transparent conductive layers 14 and 16. Therefore, the normal type liquid crystal element 10 becomes cloudy in a state where an electric field is not applied, and thereby the visibility through the liquid crystal element 10 is lowered. On the other hand, in a state where an electric field is applied by the transparent conductive layers 14 and 16, the liquid crystal molecules are aligned. Therefore, the normal type liquid crystal element 10 becomes transparent when an electric field is applied, and thus the visibility through the liquid crystal element 10 is increased.

  In the reverse type liquid crystal element 10, a liquid crystal material containing negative liquid crystal molecules is used as the liquid crystal material 22. In this case, the direction of the liquid crystal molecules is irregular in a state where an electric field is applied by the transparent conductive layers 14 and 16. Therefore, the reverse type liquid crystal element 10 becomes cloudy in a state where an electric field is applied, and thereby the visibility through the liquid crystal element 10 is lowered. On the other hand, the liquid crystal molecules are aligned in a state where no electric field is applied by the transparent conductive layers 14 and 16. Accordingly, the reverse-type liquid crystal element 10 becomes transparent when no electric field is applied, thereby increasing the visibility through the liquid crystal element 10.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6, an intermediate member for a liquid crystal element used for manufacturing an intermediate member for liquid crystal element (hereinafter also simply referred to as an intermediate member) 60 that is an intermediate member in the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal element 10. An example of the apparatus (hereinafter simply referred to as an intermediate member manufacturing apparatus) 30 will be described. 3 and 4 are perspective views schematically showing a part of the intermediate member manufacturing apparatus 30. FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the bonding device 42, the curing device 44, and the conveying device 46 of the intermediate member manufacturing apparatus 30 as viewed from the side, and FIG. 6 illustrates the bonding device 42 and the curing device of the intermediate member manufacturing apparatus 30. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the transfer device 44 and the transfer device 46 as viewed from above. In FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, illustration of a part of the members constituting the intermediate member manufacturing apparatus 30 is omitted for easy understanding.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the intermediate member manufacturing apparatus 30 includes a first feeding unit 34 that feeds the first support plate 11 and a second feeding unit that feeds the second support plate 12. 36, a coating device 38 for coating the liquid crystal mixed material 27, and a bonding device 42 for bonding the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 via the liquid crystal mixed material 27. As shown in FIG. 3, the intermediate member manufacturing apparatus 30 includes an embossed part forming apparatus 31 that forms the embossed parts 17 and 18 on the support plates 11 and 12. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the intermediate member manufacturing apparatus 30 includes a curing device 44 for polymerizing (curing) the monomer in the liquid crystal mixed material 27, the first support plate 11, the second support plate 12, and the curing. A transport device 46 that transports the laminate including the liquid crystal mixed material 27 and a winding unit 48 that winds up the manufactured intermediate member 60 are provided.

  The embossed part forming device 31 forms the embossed parts 17 and 18 on at least one of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12. In particular, the embossed portion forming device 31 forms the embossed portions 17 and 18 at both ends of the support plates 11 and 12 in the width direction (first direction) d1. The embossed part forming device 31 has an embossed roll 32 for forming the embossed parts 17 and 18 on the support plates 11 and 12. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the embossed part forming device 31 further includes a feeding shaft 31 a for feeding the support plates 11 and 12 and a winding shaft 31 b for winding the support plates 11 and 12. Have.

  The feed shaft 31a is a shaft to which the support plates 11 and 12 wound in a roll shape are attached. When the support plates 11 and 12 are unwound from the feed shaft 31a, the support plates 11 and 12 are wound. It is fed toward the take-up shaft 31b. The winding shaft 31b winds the support plates 11 and 12 fed from the feeding shaft 31a around the winding shaft 31b. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the rotating shaft of the feeding shaft 31a and the rotating shaft of the winding shaft 31b are parallel. A rotation mechanism (not shown) is connected to the winding shaft 31b. The rotation mechanism has a drive source such as a motor and a transmission mechanism that transmits the drive force from the drive source to the take-up shaft 31b. Then, the driving force from the drive source is transmitted to the take-up shaft 31b through the transmission mechanism, and the support plates 11 and 12 are taken up around the take-up shaft 31b rotated by the drive force. 11 and 12 are fed from the feeding shaft 31a toward the winding shaft 31b. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a rotation mechanism may be connected to the feeding shaft 31a, and the feeding shaft 31a and the winding shaft 31b may be rotated by driving force from the driving source.

  The embossing roll 32 forms the embossed portions 17 and 18 on the support plates 11 and 12 on the way from the feeding shaft 31a to the winding shaft 31b. A pair of embossing rolls 32 and 32 are provided corresponding to one end and the other end in the width direction d1 of the support plates 11 and 12, respectively. In the example shown in FIG. 3, each embossing roll 32, 32 has a columnar shape or a cylindrical shape, and is provided to be rotatable around a rotation axis. The rotational axes of the embossing rolls 32, 32 forming a pair are parallel to each other. In particular, the rotation shaft of each embossing roll 32 is parallel to the rotation shaft of the feeding shaft 31a and the rotation shaft of the winding shaft 31b.

  Here, the width direction d1 of the support plates 11 and 12 refers to a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the long support plates 11 and 12 and parallel to the plate surface. Moreover, the edge part of one side of the width direction (1st direction) d1 of the support plates 11 and 12 contains the edge 111,121 of the one side of the width direction (1st direction) of the support plates 11 and 12, An area having a width of 1/10 of the width of the support plates 11, 12 is indicated. The other end of the width direction (first direction) d 1 of the support plates 11, 12 is the width direction of the support plates 11, 12. The region includes the edges 112 and 122 on the other side in the (first direction) and has a width that is 1/10 of the width of the support plates 11 and 12.

  Forming the embossed portions 17 and 18 at both ends in the width direction d1 of the support plates 11 and 12 not only forms the embossed portions 17 and 18 in the entire region included in each end portion of the support plates 11 and 12. The embossed portions 17 and 18 are formed in a part of the regions included in the end portions of the support plates 11 and 12. Therefore, forming the embossed portions 17 and 18 at both ends of the support plates 11 and 12 in the width direction d1 includes, for example, the respective edges 111, 121, 112, and 122 of the support plates 11 and 12, The embossed portions 17 and 18 having a width less than 1/10 of the width of 12 or the end portions of the support plates 11 and 12 are separated from the end edges 111, 121, 112, and 122 and supported. An aspect of forming the embossed portions 17 and 18 having a width less than 1/10 of the width of the plates 11 and 12 is also included in forming the embossed portions 17 and 18 at both ends in the width direction d1 of the support plates 11 and 12. It is. The embossed portions 17 and 18 may be formed continuously along the longitudinal direction of the support plates 11 and 12, or intermittently along the longitudinal direction of the support plates 11 and 12, that is, along the longitudinal direction. It may also be formed with a broken portion.

  Each embossing roll 32 has an uneven surface 33 around it. In other words, the peripheral surface of each embossing roll 32 has an uneven shape. In particular, the concavo-convex surfaces 33 forming the peripheral surfaces of the paired embossing rolls 32 and 32 have complementary shapes. That is, the pair of embossing rolls 32, 32 provided corresponding to one end portion in the width direction d1 of the support plates 11, 12 has a concavo-convex surface 33 having a complementary shape around each other, A pair of embossing rolls 32 and 32 provided corresponding to the other end has an uneven surface 33 which is complementary to each other. The specific uneven shape on the uneven surface 33 is not particularly limited.

  The embossing rolls 32, 32 forming a pair are configured to be rotatable around a rotation axis while being pressed against each other. And the embossing parts 17 and 18 are formed in the support plates 11 and 12 by the support plates 11 and 12 being pinched | interposed between a pair of embossing rolls 32 and 32. FIG. Specifically, at least a part of one end part in the width direction d1 of the support plates 11 and 12 fed from the feed shaft 31a and at least a part of the other end part correspond to the respective end parts. It passes between a pair of embossing rolls 32 and 32 provided in this way. At this time, the support plates 11 and 12 are sandwiched between the concave and convex surfaces 33 of the emboss rolls 32 and 32 pressed against each other, and the concave and convex surfaces are formed on the portions of the support plates 11 and 12 sandwiched between the two concave and convex surfaces 33. Embossed portions 17 and 18 having uneven shapes corresponding to the 33 uneven shapes are formed.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the first feeding unit 34 includes a first feeding shaft 34 a that holds a first support plate roll 11 a around which the first support plate 11 is wound. The first feed shaft 34a is a member to which a first support plate roll 11a in which a long first support plate 11 is wound in a roll shape along the longitudinal direction thereof is attached. Moreover, the 2nd feeding part 36 has the 2nd feeding shaft 36a holding the 2nd support plate roll 12a by which the 2nd support plate 12 was wound. The second feed shaft 36a is a member to which the second support plate roll 12a in which the long second support plate 12 is wound in a roll shape along the longitudinal direction thereof is attached. The feeding units 34 and 36 rotate around the central axes of the feeding shafts 34a and 36a while holding the supporting plate rolls 11a and 12a by the feeding shafts 34a and 36a, and the supporting plate rolls 11a and 12a turn the supporting plate 11 and 12 is configured to feed. For this purpose, the feeding units 34 and 36 have a rotation mechanism (not shown) connected to the feeding shafts 34a and 36a. The rotation mechanism has a drive source such as a motor and a transmission mechanism that transmits the drive force from the drive source to the feed shafts 34a and 36a. In the illustrated example, the feeding shafts 34 a and 36 a extend in a direction parallel to the horizontal direction and intersecting the transport direction dc of the first support plate 11. In particular, in the illustrated example, the central axis of rotation of the feed shafts 34a and 36a extends parallel to the horizontal direction and parallel to the direction (first direction d1) perpendicular to the transport direction dc of the first support plate 11. ing.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, the transparent conductive layers 14 and 16 are wound around the support plate rolls 11 a and 12 a so as to be located inside the base materials 13 and 15, respectively. In the first feeding unit 34, the first support plate 11 is unwound from the first support plate roll 11 a so that the first transparent conductive layer 14 is positioned above the first base material 13. The second support plate 12 is unwound from the second support plate roll 12 a so that the second transparent conductive layer 16 is positioned above the second base material 15.

  In the present embodiment, the support plates 11 and 12 having the embossed portions 17 and 18 formed by the embossed portion forming device 31 are attached to the feed shafts 34a and 36a, respectively. Specifically, a first support plate roll 11a around which a first support plate 11 having embossed portions 17 formed at both ends in the width direction d1 is wound is attached to the first feed shaft 34a. A second support plate roll 12a around which the second support plate 12 with the embossed portions 18 formed at both ends in the width direction d1 is wound is attached to the feed shaft 36a. That is, in this embodiment, the support plate rolls 11a and 12a are produced by winding the support plates 11 and 12 on which the embossed portions 17 and 18 are formed by the embossed portion forming device 31, and the support plate rolls 11a and 12a are prepared. 12a is attached to the feeding shafts 34a and 36a of the feeding sections 34 and 36. Thus, the embossed portions 17 and 18 can be formed on both the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 using one embossed portion forming device 31. Thereby, the installation space and cost which concern on the embossing part formation apparatus 31 can be reduced. Further, since the embossed part forming device 31 can be installed separately from the first feeding unit 34, the second feeding unit 36, the coating device 38, and the bonding device 42, the installation location of the intermediate member manufacturing device 30 The degree of freedom of selection is improved. Furthermore, a large amount of the support plates 11 and 12 having the embossed portions 17 and 18 formed thereon are manufactured and stored, and then the intermediate member 60 is manufactured using the support plates 11 and 12 after a period of time. The degree of freedom in the progress of each manufacturing process can be improved.

  The embossed part forming device 31 is not limited to this, and may be provided on the downstream side of the feeding parts 34 and 36. For example, the 1st embossing part formation apparatus 31 is provided between the 1st feeding part 34 and the coating device 38, and the 2nd embossing part formation apparatus 31 is provided between the 2nd feeding part 36 and the bonding apparatus 42. May be provided. In this case, the first support plate 11 fed from the first feeding unit 34 and having the embossed part 17 formed by the first embossed part forming device 31 is fed to the coating device 38 and fed from the second feeding unit 36. The second support plate 12 that is sent and on which the embossed portion 18 is formed by the second embossed portion forming device 31 is sent to the bonding device 42. Moreover, the 1st embossing part formation apparatus 31 is provided between the coating device 38 and the bonding apparatus 42, and the 2nd embossing part formation apparatus 31 is provided between the 2nd feeding part 36 and the bonding apparatus 42. You may do it. In this case, the 1st support plate 11 with which the liquid crystal mixed material 27 was apply | coated with the coating device 38 is sent to the bonding apparatus 42, and it is fed from the 2nd feeding part 36, and is the embossing part by the 2nd embossing part formation apparatus 31. The 2nd support plate 12 in which 18 was formed is sent to the bonding apparatus 42. FIG. Thereby, the feeding shaft 31a and the winding shaft 31b in the embossed part forming apparatus 31 can be omitted. In this specification, the downstream side refers to the front side in the traveling direction along the transport path of the support plates 11 and 12, and the upstream side refers to the rear side in the traveling direction along the transport path of the support plates 11 and 12. Shall be pointed to. Therefore, when the support plates 11 and 12 sequentially pass through the two devices as they are conveyed, the device through which the support plates 11 and 12 pass first is the upstream device, and the device that passes later is the downstream device. Device.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, the intermediate member manufacturing apparatus 30 guides the bending direction of the second support plate 12 fed from the second support plate roll 12 a to the bonding device 42. A roll 39 is provided.

  The coating device 38 is used for coating the liquid crystal mixed material 27 on the first support plate 11. The coating device 38 applies the liquid crystal mixed material 27 on the first transparent conductive layer 14 of the first support plate 11. As the coating device 38, for example, a die coater, a Mayer bar coater, a roll coater, a spray coater or the like can be used.

  The bonding device 42 is a device that bonds the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 via the liquid crystal mixed material 27. In particular, the laminating device 42 is configured so that the liquid crystal mixed material 27 applied on the first support plate 11 and the second transparent conductive layer 16 of the second support plate 12 face each other. The second support plate 12 is bonded. In the example shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the bonding apparatus 42 includes a first support roll 51 and a pressing roll 52. In the illustrated example, the first support roll 51 and the press roll 52 are arranged side by side so that the first support roll 51 is on the lower side and the press roll 52 is on the upper side. The first support roll 51 and the pressing roll 52 have a columnar shape or a cylindrical shape, and are configured to be rotatable around the central axis. The central axes of the first support roll 51 and the pressing roll 52 extend in parallel with the first direction d1. The first support roll 51 is a member that supports the first support plate 11 in the bonding apparatus 42. The pressing roll 52 is a member that presses the second support plate 12 toward the first support plate 11 while changing the traveling direction of the second support plate 12. In particular, the pressing roll 52 causes the second transparent conductive layer 16 of the second support plate 12 to face the liquid crystal mixed material 27 applied on the first support plate 11, and the second support plate 12 to the first support plate 11. Press toward.

  The laminate formed by joining the second support plate 12 to the first support plate 11 to which the liquid crystal mixed material 27 is applied passes between the first support roll 51 and the pressing roll 52. The pressing roll 52 is biased toward the first support roll 51, whereby the second support plate 12 is biased toward the first support plate 11, and the first support plate 11 and the second support plate are pressed. A predetermined interval is formed between the two. That is, a predetermined thickness is given to the layer of the liquid crystal mixed material 27. In particular, in the present embodiment, since the spacer 25 is mixed with the liquid crystal mixed material 27, the distance between the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12, that is, the thickness of the layer of the liquid crystal mixed material 27 is It is defined by the dimension (the diameter of the spacer 25 when the spacer 25 is spherical).

  The curing device 44 polymerizes (cures) the polymerizable monomer contained in the liquid crystal mixed material 27 to form the liquid crystal layer 20 from the liquid crystal mixed material 27. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the curing device 44 includes a second support roll 53 that supports the laminated body of the first support plate 11, the liquid crystal mixed material 27, and the second support plate 12. When the liquid crystal mixed material 27 contains a photopolymerization initiator activated by ultraviolet rays, the curing device 44 may include an ultraviolet irradiation device 45. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the liquid crystal mixed material 27 contains a polymerization initiator that is activated by heating, for example, the curing device 44 may include a heating device. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the laminate is conveyed through the curing device 44 while being supported by the second support roll 53. In particular, the laminated body is conveyed through the curing device 44 while the first support plate 11 of the laminated body is supported by the second support roll 53. While the laminate is transported through the curing device 44, the ultraviolet light irradiation device 45 irradiates the liquid crystal mixed material 27 with ultraviolet rays via the first support plate 11 and / or the second support plate 12, and The contained monomer is polymerized (cured). Thereby, the intermediate member 60 is manufactured from the laminated body which has the 1st support plate 11, the 2nd support plate 12, and the hardened | cured liquid crystal mixed material 27. FIG.

  The transport device 46 is a device that transports the laminated body (intermediate member 60) having the first support plate 11, the second support plate 12, and the cured liquid crystal mixed material 27. The conveyance apparatus 46 has the 3rd support roll 55 which supports a laminated body. In particular, in the example shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the conveyance device 46 conveys the first support plate 11 of the laminated body while supporting it. The third support roll 55 has a columnar shape or a cylindrical shape, and is configured to be rotatable around the central axis. The central axis of the third support roll 55 extends in parallel with the first direction d1. In the illustrated example, the transport device 46 includes one third support roll 55, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the transport device 46 may include a plurality of third support rolls 55. The third support roll 55 may be configured to be connected to a drive source such as a motor and rotated by a drive force from the drive source. The third support roll 55 itself is not driven and is used for transporting the laminate. At the same time, it may be configured to rotate around the central axis by friction with the laminate.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6, the first support roll 51 has a first length L1 along the width direction (first direction d1) of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12, The two support rolls 53 have a second length L2 along the first direction d1, and the third support rolls 55 have a third length L3 along the first direction d1. The first length L1 and the second length L2 are shorter than the third length L3. In particular, in the illustrated example, the first length L1 and the second length L2 are shorter than the width along the width direction d1 of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12. Note that the first length L1 and the second length L2 may coincide with each other. Further, the third length L3 may be longer than the width along the width direction d1 of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12.

  The winding unit 48 is a device that is provided on the downstream side of the transport device 46 and winds up the laminate having the first support plate 11, the second support plate 12, and the cured liquid crystal mixed material 27, that is, the intermediate member 60 in a roll shape. is there. The winding unit 48 includes a winding shaft 48 a that winds the intermediate member 60 and holds it in a roll shape. The winding shaft 48a is configured to be rotatable around its central axis. The central axis of the winding shaft 48a extends in parallel with the first direction d1. The winding unit 48 has a rotation mechanism (not shown) connected to the winding shaft 48a. The rotation mechanism has a drive source such as a motor and a transmission mechanism that transmits the drive force from the drive source to the take-up shaft 48a. The driving force from the driving source is transmitted to the take-up shaft 48a through the transmission mechanism, and the intermediate member 60 is taken up around the take-up shaft 48a rotated by this drive force. In the present embodiment, the intermediate member roll 60a is formed by the intermediate member 60 that is wound into a roll shape.

  Next, a method for manufacturing the intermediate member 60 will be described. Here, although the example which manufactures the intermediate member 60 using what is called a roll toe roll method is demonstrated, it is not restricted to this, For example, you may produce the intermediate member 60 using a roll toe sheet method.

[Support plate preparation process]
First, the support plates 11 and 12 having the base materials 13 and 15 and the transparent conductive layers 14 and 16 are prepared (first support plate preparation step, second support plate preparation step). Examples of the base materials 13 and 15 include polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyolefin resins such as polypropylene (PP), and triacetyl cellulose. A film material containing cellulose resin such as (cellulose triacetate: TAC), cycloolefin polymer (COP), polycarbonate (PC) resin, or the like can be used.

  Transparent conductive layers 14 and 16 are formed on the base materials 13 and 15. Accordingly, the first support plate 11 provided with the first transparent conductive layer 14 on the first base material 13 and the second support plate 12 provided with the second transparent conductive layer 16 on the second base material 15 are provided. Produced. For example, the long base materials 13 and 15 are wound into a roll shape, and the base materials 13 and 15 are continuously fed therefrom. The transparent conductive layers 14 and 16 are formed on the fed base materials 13 and 15, and the produced support plates 11 and 12 are wound into rolls, respectively.

  The transparent conductive layers 14 and 16 are, for example, transparent conductive materials such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), IZO (Indium Zinc Oxide), AZO (Aluminum-doped Zinc Oxide), GZO (Gallium-doped Zinc Oxide), and ATO (Antimony Tin Oxide). Oxide), a layer containing a metal oxide such as ZNO (Zinc Oxide), a physical vapor deposition method (PVD method) such as a vacuum deposition method, a sputtering method, an ion plating method, a chemical vapor deposition method ( CVD method), or a combination of these two or more. When the transparent conductive layers 14 and 16 are formed as layers containing a conductive polymer material, for example, the conductive polymer material is formed on the base materials 13 and 15 using various coating methods or printing methods. Thus, the transparent conductive layers 14 and 16 can be formed. Further, when the transparent conductive layers 14 and 16 are formed as layers containing silver nanowires, carbon nanotubes, etc., for example, a dispersion liquid in which silver nanowires, carbon nanotubes, etc. are dispersed in a solvent such as water is used as the base material 13, The transparent conductive layers 14 and 16 can be formed by drying after coating on the substrate 15.

  At this time, the transparent conductive layers 14 and 16 may be formed on a region including end portions in the width direction of the base materials 13 and 15 on which the embossed portions 17 and 18 are to be formed in an embossed portion forming step described later. The base material 13 or 15 may be formed on a region excluding the end in the width direction. In the following description, an example will be described in which the transparent conductive layers 14 and 16 are formed on regions including the end portions in the width direction of the base materials 13 and 15.

[Embossed part forming process]
Next, the embossed portions 17 and 18 are formed on at least one of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12. Specifically, the embossed portions 17 and 18 are formed at both ends in the width direction d1 of at least one of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12. For example, the embossed portions 17 and 18 are formed on the support plates 11 and 12 by sandwiching the support plates 11 and 12 between the pair of emboss rolls 32 and 32 using the embossed portion forming apparatus 31 described with reference to FIG. To do. Specifically, at least a part of one end part in the width direction d1 of the support plates 11 and 12 fed from the feed shaft 31a and at least a part of the other end part correspond to the respective end parts. The pair of embossing rolls 32, 32 provided as described above are passed through. At this time, the support plates 11 and 12 are sandwiched between the concave and convex surfaces 33 of the emboss rolls 32 and 32 pressed against each other, and the concave and convex surfaces are formed on the portions of the support plates 11 and 12 sandwiched between the two concave and convex surfaces 33. Embossed portions 17 and 18 having uneven shapes corresponding to the 33 uneven shapes are formed.

  Here, in the support plate preparation step, when the transparent conductive layers 14 and 16 are formed on regions including the end portions in the width direction of the base materials 13 and 15, the embossed portions 17 and 18 are formed on the base material 13. 15 and the transparent conductive layers 14 and 16 are formed. Further, in the supporting plate preparation step, when the transparent conductive layers 14 and 16 are formed on the region excluding the end portions in the width direction of the base materials 13 and 15, the embossed portions 17 and 18 are formed on the base material 13. , 15 only.

[First feeding process]
The first support plate 11 is fed from the first support plate roll 11 a held by the first feed shaft 34 a of the first feed unit 34. In this Embodiment, the 1st support plate 11 in which the embossed part 17 was formed at the embossed part formation process is wound, and the 1st support plate roll 11a is formed. The first support plate 11 is unwound from the first support plate roll 11 a so that the first transparent conductive layer 14 is positioned above the first base material 13, and heads toward the coating device 38.

[Second feeding process]
The second support plate 12 is fed from the second support plate roll 12 a held by the second feed shaft 36 a of the second feed unit 36. In the present embodiment, the second support plate 12 on which the embossed portion 18 is formed in the embossed portion forming step is wound to form the second support plate roll 12a. The traveling direction of the second support plate 12 fed from the second feeding unit 36 is changed by the guide roll 39 and heads toward the bonding device 42.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the support plate rolls 11a and 12a formed from the support plates 11 and 12 on which the embossed portions 17 and 18 are formed in the embossed portion forming step are used as the feeding portions 34 and 36. Although it hold | maintains at the feeding shaft 34a, 36a, it is not restricted to this, The embossed parts 17 and 18 may be formed only in either one of the support plates 11 and 12. FIG. That is, support plate rolls 11a and 12a around which support plates 11 and 12 with embossed portions 17 and 18 are wound are attached to one of the supply shafts 34a and 36a, and the other of the supply shafts 34a and 36a. The support plate rolls 11a and 12a around which the support plates 11 and 12 on which the embossed portions 17 and 18 are not formed may be attached.

[Coating process]
The liquid crystal mixed material 27 having fluidity is applied onto the first support plate 11 fed from the first feeding unit 34 by the coating device 38, so that the liquid crystal mixed material 27 layer is formed on the first support plate 11. Is formed. The liquid crystal mixed material 27 is applied on the first transparent conductive layer 14 of the first support plate 11. In the example shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the liquid crystal mixed material 27 is separated by a predetermined distance from both end edges 111, 121, 112, 122 in the width direction (first direction d 1) of the first support plate 11. Applied. In particular, in the illustrated example, the liquid crystal mixed material 27 is applied on the first support plate 11 at a predetermined distance from the embossed portions 17 and 18 in the width direction d1. Thereby, in the below-mentioned bonding process, the liquid crystal mixed material 27 sandwiched between the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 and flows and spreads in the width direction becomes the first support plate in the width direction d1. 11 and the edge 121,122 of the 2nd support plate 12, and it can suppress adhering to the bonding apparatus 42 grade | etc.,.

  In the present embodiment, in the coating device 38, the spacer 25 is mixed with the liquid crystal mixed material 27 and applied onto the first support plate 11. However, the spacer 25 is prepared separately from the liquid crystal mixed material 27. For example, after the liquid crystal mixed material layer forming process of the liquid crystal mixed material 27, the spacer 25 is spread on the liquid crystal mixed material 27 using a spacer spraying device. You may make it do. Alternatively, the spacers 25 may be sprayed on the second transparent conductive layer 16 of the second support plate 12 using a spacer spraying device. In this case, in the below-described bonding step, the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 are pressed toward each other by the first support roll 51 and the pressing roll 52 of the bonding apparatus 42, thereby the spacer 25. Is embedded in the liquid crystal mixed material 27. As the spacer 25, for example, a resin-made one having high light transmittance such as plastic beads can be used.

[Bonding process]
Next, the 1st support plate 11 and the 2nd support plate 12 are bonded through the liquid crystal mixed material 27 using the bonding apparatus 42. FIG. In particular, the liquid crystal mixed material 27 applied on the first support plate 11 and the second transparent conductive layer 16 of the second support plate 12 face each other so that the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 Is pasted. The bonding apparatus 42 includes a first support roll 51 and a pressing roll 52 disposed to face the first support roll 51, and the first support plate 51 and the pressing roll 52 form a first support plate. 11 and the second support plate 12 are sandwiched. At this time, the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 are pressed toward each other by the first support roll 51 and the pressing roll 52, thereby the first support plate 11, the liquid crystal mixed material 27, and the second support plate. The thickness of the 12 laminated bodies has a predetermined thickness corresponding to the distance between the first support roll 51 and the pressing roll 52. In addition, the spacer 25 is embedded in the liquid crystal mixed material 27, thereby preventing the thickness of the liquid crystal mixed material 27 from becoming smaller than a predetermined thickness. That is, the thickness of the liquid crystal mixed material 27 is maintained at a predetermined thickness.

  At this time, the liquid crystal mixed material 27 pressed by the first support roll 51 and the pressing roll 52 via the support plates 11 and 12 is outside the width direction d1 of the support plates 11 and 12, as shown in FIG. Toward the end edges 111, 121, 112, 122 of the support plates 11, 12, respectively. In FIG. 6, the liquid crystal mixed material 27 is hatched. The liquid crystal mixed material 27 that has flowed may protrude outward from the respective edges 111, 121, 112, 122 of the support plates 11, 12 and flow out. In this case, the intermediate member manufacturing apparatus 30 may be contaminated by the liquid crystal mixed material 27 that has flowed out. In particular, the bonding device 42 of the intermediate member manufacturing apparatus 30 and the devices on the downstream side of the bonding device 42 (such as the curing device 44 and the conveying device 46) may be contaminated.

  In the present embodiment, embossed portions 17 and 18 are formed at both ends in the width direction d1 of at least one of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12. In particular, embossed portions 17 and 18 are formed at both ends of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 in the width direction d1. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the liquid crystal mixed material 27 is formed by the embossed portions 17 and 18 at the end in the width direction d1 of the laminate of the first support plate 11, the liquid crystal mixed material 27, and the second support plate 12. Flow is hindered. In particular, due to the embossed portions 17 and 18, the distance between the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 in the thickness direction of the laminate is at the end portions in the width direction d1 of the laminate. A portion that is narrower than the thickness of the liquid crystal mixed material 27 in the region sandwiched between the layers, that is, the central region is generated, thereby preventing the liquid crystal mixed material 27 from flowing.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, the 1st length L1 of the 1st support roll 51 of the bonding apparatus 42 is shorter than the 3rd length L3 of the 3rd support roll 55 of the conveying apparatus 46. FIG. In particular, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the first length L1 is shorter than the width along the width direction d1 of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12. Thereby, the edge part of the width direction d1 of the support plates 11 and 12 in which the embossing parts 17 and 18 were provided is not pinched | interposed between the 1st support roll 51 and the pressing roll 52 of the bonding apparatus 42. FIG. In other words, the end portions in the width direction d1 of the support plates 11 and 12 are in the width direction (the axial direction of the first support roll 51 and the pressing roll 52) d1 rather than the gap between the first support roll 51 and the pressing roll 52. It is located outside the outside. As a result, the liquid crystal mixed material 27 that has flowed toward the outside in the width direction d1 of the support plates 11 and 12 is first outside the gap between the first support roll 51 and the pressing roll 52 in the width direction d1. The support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 are warped in a direction away from each other. That is, the distance between the end portion of the first support plate 11 in the width direction d1 and the end portion of the second support plate 12 in the width direction d1 is widened by the liquid crystal mixed material 27 that has flowed. The liquid crystal mixed material 27 that has flowed is held within the widened space between the end portion in the width direction d1 of the first support plate 11 and the end portion in the width direction d1 of the second support plate 12, and the liquid pool is retained. Form. Since a large amount of the liquid crystal mixed material 27 is held in the liquid reservoir, the flowing liquid crystal mixed material 27 protrudes outward from the end edges 111, 121, 112, 122 of the support plates 11, 12 and flows out. Is prevented.

  In addition, in the example shown by FIG. 6, 1st length L1 of the 1st support roll 51 of the bonding apparatus 42 becomes shorter than 3rd length L3 of the 3rd support roll 55 of the conveying apparatus 46. In particular, the first length L1 is shorter than the width along the width direction d1 of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12, so that the liquid crystal mixed material 27 that has temporarily flowed is supported by the support plate 11, The liquid crystal mixed material 27 is unlikely to adhere to the first support roll 51 even if it protrudes outward from each of the 12 edges 111, 121, 112, 122. Therefore, this also prevents the first support roll 51 from being contaminated by the liquid crystal mixed material 27 that has flowed out.

  In order to exhibit the above effects, the embossed portion forming step may be performed at any stage before the bonding step. That is, in the present embodiment, an example in which the embossed portion forming process is performed after the support plate preparing process and before the first feeding process and the second feeding process is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the embossed portion forming step may be performed before the support plate preparing step. As an example, first, an embossed portion forming step for forming the embossed portions 17 and 18 on the base materials 13 and 15 is performed, and then the transparent conductive layers 14 and 16 are formed on the base materials 13 and 15 on which the embossed portions 17 and 18 are formed. May be formed (support plate preparation step) to produce the support plates 11 and 12. Further, the embossed portion forming step may be performed after the first feeding step and the second feeding step. For example, after the first feeding step and before the liquid crystal mixed material layer forming step, a first embossed portion forming step for forming the embossed portion 17 on the first support plate 11 is performed, that is, the first feeding step, the first embossed portion. The forming step and the liquid crystal mixed material layer forming step are successively performed in this order, and the second embossed portion forming step for forming the embossed portion 18 on the second support plate 12 after the second feeding step and before the bonding step is performed. Also good. Further, the first embossed part forming step is performed after the liquid crystal mixed material layer forming process and before the bonding process, that is, the first feeding process, the liquid crystal mixed material layer forming process, and the first embossed part forming process are successively performed in this order. You may perform a 2nd embossed part formation process after a 2nd feeding process and before a pasting process.

[Curing process]
Next, using the curing device 44, the polymerizable monomer contained in the liquid crystal mixed material 27 is polymerized to cure the liquid crystal mixed material 27. For example, when the liquid crystal mixed material 27 contains a photopolymerization initiator activated by ultraviolet rays, the laminate of the first support plate 11, the liquid crystal mixed material 27, and the second support plate 12 is carried into the curing device 44, The liquid crystal mixed material 27 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays by an ultraviolet irradiation device 45 disposed in the curing device 44. The cured liquid crystal mixed material 27 will later form the liquid crystal layer 20 of the liquid crystal element 10. Here, as the liquid crystal mixed material 27, for example, when a mixture of a polymerizable monomer, a photopolymerization initiator, and a liquid crystal material 22 having no polymerization group is used, photopolymerization in which the polymerizable monomer is activated. When photopolymerization is performed by the action of the initiator, the liquid crystal material 22 having no polymerization group is phase-separated into droplets. Thereby, a polymer matrix 21 of the liquid crystal layer 20 is formed from the polymerized monomer, and droplets of the liquid crystal material 22 are dispersed in the polymer matrix 21. Then, the laminated body including the cured liquid crystal mixed material 27 forms the intermediate member 60. That is, the intermediate member 60 is manufactured from the laminate including the first support plate 11, the second support plate 12, and the cured liquid crystal mixed material 27.

  5 and 6, the curing device 44 has a second support roll 53, and the laminate of the first support plate 11, the liquid crystal mixed material 27, and the second support plate 12 is cured. It moves while being supported by the second support roll 53 in the device 44. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the second length L <b> 2 of the second support roll 53 of the curing device 44 is shorter than the third length L <b> 3 of the third support roll 55 of the transport device 46. In particular, the second length L2 is shorter than the width of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 along the width direction d1. As a result, even if the uncured liquid crystal mixed material 27 flows in the curing device 44 and flows out of the edges 111, 121, 112, 122 of the support plates 11, 12, the liquid crystal mixed material 27 The material 27 is difficult to adhere to the second support roll 53. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the second support roll 53 from being contaminated by the liquid crystal mixed material 27 that has flowed out.

[Conveyance process]
A laminate having the liquid crystal mixed material 27 cured by the curing device 44, that is, a laminate (intermediate member 60) having the first support plate 11, the second support plate 12 and the cured liquid crystal mixed material 27 is cured by the transport device 46. It is transported from the device 44. In the example shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the intermediate member 60 is conveyed from the curing device 44 toward the winding unit 48 by the conveying device 46. In the illustrated example, the transport device 46 has a third support roll 55, and the intermediate member 60 moves while being supported by the second support roll 53 in the transport device 46. In the example shown by FIG.4 and FIG.6, 3rd length L3 of the 3rd support roll 55 of the conveying apparatus 46 is 1st length L1 of the 1st support roll 51 of the bonding apparatus 42, and hardening apparatus. It is longer than the second length L2 of the 44 second support roll 53. In particular, the third length L3 is longer than the width of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 along the width direction d1. Thereby, it can convey, supporting the intermediate member 60 stably.

[Winding process]
In the winding unit 48, the intermediate member 60 conveyed by the conveying device 46 is wound up in a roll shape. The winding unit 48 has a winding shaft 48 a for winding the intermediate member 60. The take-up shaft 48a is rotated by the driving force transmitted through the transmission mechanism from a drive source of a rotation mechanism (not shown) connected to the take-up shaft 48a, whereby the intermediate member 60 is rotated around the take-up shaft 48a. It is wound up. In the present embodiment, the intermediate member roll 60a is formed by the intermediate member 60 that is wound into a roll shape.

  Next, with reference to FIG.8 and FIG.9, the intermediate member 60 manufactured by the manufacturing method of the above-mentioned intermediate member 60 is demonstrated. 8 is a plan view showing the intermediate member 60, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the intermediate member 60, showing a cross section corresponding to the line IX-IX in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the intermediate member 60 includes a first support plate 11, a second support plate 12 disposed to face the first support plate 11, and the first support plate 11. And a liquid crystal layer 20 disposed between the second support plate 12 and the second support plate 12. As shown in FIG. 8, the intermediate member 60 has a long planar shape having a longitudinal direction along the transport direction dc of the first support plate 11.

  The first support plate 11 includes a first base material 13 and a first transparent conductive layer 14 provided on the first base material 13. The second support plate 12 includes a second base material 15 and a second transparent conductive layer 16 provided on the second base material 15. In the illustrated example, the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 are arranged to face each other so that the first transparent conductive layer 14 and the second transparent conductive layer 16 face each other.

  As will be described later, the liquid crystal element 10 is manufactured by cutting the intermediate member 60 into an appropriate dimension. Therefore, the materials constituting the base materials 13 and 15, the transparent conductive layers 14 and 16 and the liquid crystal layer 20 constitute the base materials 13 and 15, the transparent conductive layers 14 and 16 and the liquid crystal layer 20 of the liquid crystal element 10 described above, respectively. Since it is the same as the material to do, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  At least one of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 in the intermediate member 60 has embossed portions 17 and 18 at both ends in a first direction (width direction) d1 parallel to the plate surface. In particular, in the example shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, both the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 in the intermediate member 60 have the embossed portions 17 and 18 at both ends in the first direction d1. .

  The embossed portion 17 of the first support plate 11 includes a convex portion that protrudes toward the second support plate 12. In particular, in the illustrated example, the embossed portion 17 includes a plurality of convex portions. The embossed portion 18 of the second support plate 12 includes a convex portion that protrudes toward the first support plate 11. In particular, in the illustrated example, the embossed portion 18 includes a plurality of convex portions. The specific shape of the convex portion is not particularly limited. As an example, the convex portion extends substantially parallel to the edges 111, 121, 112, 122 of the support plates 11, 12 in a plan view of the intermediate member 60, that is, one or more extending in the longitudinal direction. It may have a linear shape such as a straight line shape, a curved line shape, a broken line shape, a wavy line shape, or may be constituted by a large number of dot-like convex portions. When the embossed portions 17 and 18 have a large number of dot-shaped convex portions, the planar shape of each dot-shaped convex portion is not particularly limited, and may have various shapes such as a circle, an ellipse, a triangle, and a quadrangle. .

  In the example shown in FIG. 9, at each end portion of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 in the first direction d <b> 1, the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 are along a direction away from each other. ing. In other words, the interval between the end portion of the first support plate 11 in the first direction d1 and the end portion of the second support plate 12 in the first direction d1 is the first direction except for the convex portion. It spreads gradually toward the outside along d1.

  In order to manufacture the liquid crystal element 10 from such an intermediate member 60, as shown in FIG. 10 as an example, the intermediate member 60 is unwound from the intermediate member roll 60a and cut into a desired dimension. For example, the cutting is performed along the one-dot chain line C in FIG. 9 (cutting step). Next, the electrode 65 is connected to each of the transparent conductive layers 14 and 16 (electrode connection step). Thereby, the liquid crystal element 10 is manufactured from the intermediate member 60.

  The intermediate member 60 for a liquid crystal element according to the present invention includes a first support plate 11, a second support plate 12 disposed so as to face the first support plate 11, and the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12. And at least one of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 has embossed portions 17 and 18 at both ends in the first direction d1 parallel to the plate surface. Have.

  The manufacturing method of the intermediate member 60 for liquid crystal elements of the present invention includes a first support plate preparation step for preparing the first support plate 11, a second support plate preparation step for preparing the second support plate 12, and a first support plate. 11 and a bonding step of bonding the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 via the liquid crystal mixed material 27, before the bonding step. Furthermore, it has further the embossed part formation process which forms the embossed parts 17 and 18 in the both ends of the width direction d1 of at least one of the 1st support plate 11 and the 2nd support plate 12. FIG.

  The intermediate member manufacturing apparatus for a liquid crystal element according to the present invention includes a first feeding unit 34 that feeds the first support plate 11, a second feeding unit 36 that feeds the second support plate 12, and a first support plate. 11 or a coating device 38 for applying the liquid crystal mixed material 27 on the second support plate 12, a laminating device 42 for bonding the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 via the liquid crystal mixed material 27, and And an embossed portion forming device 31 for forming embossed portions 17 and 18 at both ends in the width direction d1 of at least one of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12.

  According to the liquid crystal element intermediate member 60, the method for manufacturing the liquid crystal element intermediate member 60, and the liquid crystal element intermediate member manufacturing apparatus, the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 of the liquid crystal element intermediate member 60 are provided. Since the embossed portions 17 and 18 are formed at both ends of at least one width direction (first direction) d1, as described with reference to FIG. 7, the first support plate 11, the liquid crystal mixed material 27, and the second 2 At the end in the width direction d1 of the laminated body of the support plate 12, the embossed portions 17 and 18 prevent the liquid crystal mixed material 27 from flowing. In particular, due to the embossed portions 17 and 18, the distance between the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 in the thickness direction of the laminate is at the end portions in the width direction d1 of the laminate. A portion that is narrower than the thickness of the liquid crystal mixed material 27 in the region sandwiched between the layers, that is, the central region is generated, thereby preventing the liquid crystal mixed material 27 from flowing. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively prevent the liquid crystal mixed material 27 that has flowed out from the edges 111, 121, 112, and 122 of the support plates 11 and 12 and flow out to contaminate the liquid crystal element intermediate member manufacturing apparatus. be able to.

  The method for manufacturing the intermediate member 60 for a liquid crystal element according to the present invention transports a laminate including the curing step of curing the liquid crystal mixed material 27, the first support plate 11, the second support plate 12, and the cured liquid crystal mixed material 27. A first supporting plate by a first supporting roll 51 having a first length L1 along the width direction d1 of the first supporting plate 11 and the second supporting plate 12 in the bonding step. 11 is supported, and in the curing step, the laminated body is supported by the second support roll 53 having the second length L2 along the width direction d1, and in the transport step, the third length is extended along the width direction d1. The laminated body is supported by a third support roll 55 having a length L3, and the first length L1 and the second length L2 are shorter than the third length L3.

  In the method for manufacturing the liquid crystal element intermediate member 60 of the present invention, the first length L1 and the second length L2 are the widths of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 along the width direction d1. Shorter.

  The intermediate member manufacturing apparatus for a liquid crystal element of the present invention transports a curing device 44 that cures the liquid crystal mixed material 27, and a laminate that includes the first support plate 11, the second support plate 12, and the cured liquid crystal mixed material 27. The bonding device 42 is further provided with a first support roll 51 having a first length L1 along the width direction d1 of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12. The plate 11 is supported, the curing device 44 supports the laminated body by the second support roll 53 having the second length L2 along the width direction d1, and the transport device 46 includes the second support roll 53 along the width direction d1. The laminated body is supported by the third support roll 55 having a length L3 of 3, and the first length L1 and the second length L2 are shorter than the third length L3.

  In the liquid crystal element intermediate member manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, the first length L1 and the second length L2 are shorter than the width along the width direction d1 of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12. .

  According to the method for manufacturing the liquid crystal element intermediate member 60 and the liquid crystal element intermediate member manufacturing apparatus, the temporarily mixed liquid crystal mixed material 27 is moved outward from the edges 111, 121, 112, 122 of the support plates 11, 12. Even if the liquid crystal mixture material 27 protrudes and flows out, the liquid crystal mixed material 27 hardly adheres to the first support roll 51 and the second support roll 53. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the first support roll 51 and the second support roll 53 from being contaminated by the liquid crystal mixed material 27 that has flowed out.

  Further, according to the method for manufacturing the liquid crystal element intermediate member 60 and the liquid crystal element intermediate member manufacturing apparatus, the end portions of the support plates 11 and 12 in the width direction d1 are the first support roll 51, the pressing roll 52, and the like. It protrudes outside the gap in the width direction d1. Thereby, in the bonding process using the bonding apparatus 42, by the liquid-crystal mixed material 27 which flowed, the edge part of the width direction d1 of the 1st support plate 11, and the edge part of the width direction d1 of the 2nd support plate 12 and It becomes possible to widen the interval between. The liquid crystal mixed material 27 that has flowed is held in a widened space between the end portion in the width direction d1 of the first support plate 11 and the end portion in the width direction d1 of the second support plate 12 to form a liquid pool. By forming and holding a large amount of the liquid crystal mixed material 27 in the liquid reservoir, the liquid crystal mixed material 27 that has flowed protrudes outward from the edges 111, 121, 112, 122 of the support plates 11, 12 and flows out. This is more effectively prevented.

  Note that various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment. Hereinafter, modified examples will be described with reference to the drawings as necessary. In the following description and the drawings used in the following description, the same reference numerals as those used for the corresponding parts in the above embodiment are used for the parts that can be configured in the same manner as the above embodiment, A duplicate description is omitted. In addition, when it is clear that the operational effects obtained in the above-described embodiment can be obtained in the modified example, the description thereof may be omitted.

  FIG. 11 is a view for explaining one modified example of the present invention, and is a perspective view schematically showing a part of the intermediate member manufacturing apparatus 30. 12 is a view showing the bonding device 42, the curing device 44, and the transport device 46 of the intermediate member manufacturing device 30 as viewed from the side, and FIG. 13 shows a cross section corresponding to the XIII-XIII line of FIG. FIG. In FIG. 12, illustration of a part of the members constituting the intermediate member manufacturing apparatus 30 is omitted for easy understanding.

  In the example shown in FIG. 11, the intermediate member manufacturing apparatus 30 includes a first feeding unit 34 that feeds the first support plate 11, a second feeding unit 36 that feeds the second support plate 12, and An application device 38 for applying the liquid crystal mixed material 27 and a bonding device 42 for bonding the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 through the liquid crystal mixed material 27 are provided. The illustrated intermediate member manufacturing apparatus 30 includes a blocking member feeding device 49 that arranges the blocking member 62 between the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12. Further, the intermediate member manufacturing apparatus 30 includes a curing device 44 for polymerizing (curing) the monomer in the liquid crystal mixed material 27, a first support plate 11, a second support plate 12, and a cured liquid crystal mixed material 27. It has the conveyance apparatus 46 which conveys a body, and the winding-up part 48 which winds up the manufactured intermediate member 60. FIG. Here, for specific configurations of the first feeding unit 34, the second feeding unit 36, the coating device 38, the bonding device 42, the curing device 44, the conveying device 46, and the winding unit 48, refer to FIG. Therefore, the description is omitted.

  The blocking member feeding device 49 feeds the blocking member 62 between the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 at both ends of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 in the width direction d1. It is a device to do. The blocking member 62 is a long (tape-shaped) member made of, for example, a resin material. In the illustrated example, the blocking member 62 is wound and attached to the blocking member feeding device 49 as a blocking member roll 62a. Yes. The blocking member roll 62 a is attached to the blocking member feeding device 49 so as to be rotatable around the central axis 49 a, and the blocking member roll 62 a is transported along with the transport of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12. The blocking member 62 is pulled out from the roll 62a and fed.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the fed blocking member 62 is disposed between the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 in the bonding apparatus 42. Specifically, in the bonding apparatus 42, the blocking member 62 is between the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 at both ends in the width direction d1 of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12. It is caught. In particular, in the example shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, the first length L <b> 1 of the first support roll 51 of the bonding apparatus 42 is along the width direction d <b> 1 of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12. The closing member 62 is shorter than the width, and the blocking member 62 is outside the gap d between the first support roll 51 and the pressing roll 52 in the width direction (the axial direction of the first support roll 51 and the pressing roll 52) d1. It is sandwiched between the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12.

  Next, a method for manufacturing the intermediate member 60 according to this modification will be described. For the support plate preparation step, the first feeding step, the second feeding step, and the coating step, except that the embossed portions 17 and 18 may not be formed on the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12. Since it is the same as that of the above-mentioned embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted. Moreover, about a hardening process, a conveyance process, and a winding process, it block | closes between the 1st support plate 11 and the 2nd support plate 12 in the both ends of the width direction d1 of the 1st support plate 11 and the 2nd support plate 12. FIG. Since it is the same as that of the above-mentioned embodiment except the point where the member 62 is arrange | positioned, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the bonding step, each blocking member 62 fed from the blocking member feeding device 49 is connected to the first support plate 11 and the first support plate 11 at both ends in the width direction d1 of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12. 2 It arrange | positions so that it may pinch | interpose between 12 support plates. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 13, the support plate 11 is supported by the blocking member 62 at the end in the width direction d <b> 1 of the laminate of the first support plate 11, the liquid crystal mixed material 27 and the second support plate 12. 12, the liquid crystal mixed material 27 that flows toward the outside in the width direction d1 is blocked. Thereby, it is effectively prevented that the liquid crystal mixed material 27 that has flowed out of the support plates 11, 12 protrudes outward from the edges 111, 121, 112, 122 and contaminates the intermediate member manufacturing apparatus 30. .

  Moreover, the 1st length L1 of the 1st support roll 51 of the bonding apparatus 42 is shorter than the 3rd length L3 of the 3rd support roll 55 of the conveying apparatus 46. FIG. In particular, in the example shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, the first length L <b> 1 is shorter than the width along the width direction d <b> 1 of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12. Thereby, the edge part of the width direction d1 of the support plates 11 and 12 in which the blocking member 62 was pinched | interposed is not pinched | interposed between the 1st support roll 51 and the pressing roll 52 of the bonding apparatus 42. FIG. In other words, the end portions in the width direction d1 of the support plates 11 and 12 are in the width direction (the axial direction of the first support roll 51 and the pressing roll 52) d1 rather than the gap between the first support roll 51 and the pressing roll 52. It is located outside the outside.

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 13, the thickness of the blocking member 62, that is, the thickness along the direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the laminate is along the direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the laminate of the spacers 25. Larger than the size (eg diameter). That is, the thickness of the blocking member 62 is larger than the thickness of the liquid crystal mixed material 27. Thereby, the interval between the end portion in the width direction d1 of the first support plate 11 and the end portion in the width direction d1 of the second support plate 12 is widened by the blocking member 62. The liquid crystal mixed material 27 that has flowed is held within the widened space between the end portion in the width direction d1 of the first support plate 11 and the end portion in the width direction d1 of the second support plate 12, and the liquid pool is retained. Form. When a large amount of the liquid crystal mixed material 27 is held in the liquid reservoir, the liquid crystal mixed material 27 that has flowed out further protrudes and flows out from the end edges 111, 121, 112, 122 of the support plates 11, 12. Effectively prevented.

  Next, with reference to FIG.14 and FIG.15, the intermediate member 60 manufactured by the manufacturing method of the intermediate member 60 which concerns on this modification is demonstrated. FIG. 14 is a plan view showing an intermediate member 60 according to this modification. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing an intermediate member according to this modification, and is a view showing a cross-section corresponding to the XV-XV line of FIG.

  The intermediate member 60 is closed between the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 at both ends of the first direction (width direction) d1 parallel to the plate surfaces of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12. A stop member 62 is disposed.

  In the example shown in FIG. 15, at each end portion of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 in the first direction d1, the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 are along a direction away from each other. ing. In other words, the distance between the end portion of the first support plate 11 in the first direction d1 and the end portion of the second support plate 12 in the first direction d1 is increased toward the outside along the first direction d1. It is gradually spreading.

  The intermediate member 60 for a liquid crystal element according to the present invention includes a first support plate 11, a second support plate 12 disposed so as to face the first support plate 11, and the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12. The first support plate 11 and the second support plate at both ends in the first direction d1 parallel to the plate surfaces of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12. The blocking member 62 is arranged between the two.

  The manufacturing method of the intermediate member 60 for liquid crystal elements of the present invention includes a first support plate preparation step for preparing the first support plate 11, a second support plate preparation step for preparing the second support plate 12, and a first support plate. 11, an application process for applying the liquid crystal mixed material 27 on the substrate 11, and a bonding process for bonding the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 via the liquid crystal mixed material 27. The blocking member 62 is disposed between the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 at both ends in the width direction d1 of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12.

  The liquid crystal element intermediate member manufacturing apparatus 30 according to the present invention includes a first feeding unit 34 that feeds the first support plate 11, a second feeding unit 36 that feeds the second support plate 12, and a first support. A coating device 38 for applying the liquid crystal mixed material 27 on the plate 11 or the second support plate 12, and a bonding device 42 for bonding the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 through the liquid crystal mixed material 27; , And a blocking member feeding device in which a blocking member 62 is disposed between the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 at both ends in the width direction d1 of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12. A device 49 is further provided.

  According to the liquid crystal element intermediate member 60, the liquid crystal element intermediate member 60 manufacturing method and the liquid crystal element intermediate member manufacturing apparatus, the plate surfaces of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 in the intermediate member 60 Since the blocking member 62 is sandwiched between the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 at both ends of the parallel width direction (first direction) d1, as described with reference to FIG. At the end in the width direction d1 of the laminate of the first support plate 11, the liquid crystal mixed material 27, and the second support plate 12, the blocking member 62 flows toward the outside in the width direction d1 of the support plates 11 and 12. The liquid crystal mixed material 27 is blocked. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively prevent the liquid crystal mixed material 27 that has flowed out from the end edges 111, 121, 112, 122 of the support plates 11, 12 and flow out to contaminate the intermediate member manufacturing apparatus 30. Can do.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Liquid crystal element 11 1st support plate 11a 1st support plate roll 12 2nd support plate 12a 2nd support plate roll 13 1st base material 14 1st transparent conductive layer 15 2nd base material 16 2nd transparent conductive layer 20 Liquid crystal layer 21 polymer matrix 22 liquid crystal material 25 spacer 27 liquid crystal mixed material 30 liquid crystal element intermediate member manufacturing device 31 embossed part forming device 32 embossing roll 34 first feeding unit 36 second feeding unit 38 coating device 42 laminating device 44 curing Device 46 Conveying device 48 Winding portion 49 Blocking member feeding device 51 First support roll 52 Pressing roll 53 Second support roll 55 Third support roll 60 Liquid crystal element intermediate member 62 Blocking member

Claims (10)

A first support plate;
A second support plate disposed opposite the first support plate;
A liquid crystal layer disposed between the first support plate and the second support plate,
At least one of the first support plate and the second support plate is an intermediate member for a liquid crystal element having embossed portions at both ends in a first direction parallel to the plate surface. A first support plate;
A second support plate disposed opposite the first support plate;
A liquid crystal layer disposed between the first support plate and the second support plate,
A blocking member is disposed between the first support plate and the second support plate at both ends in the first direction parallel to the plate surfaces of the first support plate and the second support plate. Intermediate member for element. A first support plate preparation step of preparing a first support plate;
A second support plate preparation step of preparing a second support plate;
An application step of applying a liquid crystal mixed material on the first support plate;
A bonding step of bonding the first support plate and the second support plate through the liquid crystal mixed material,
A method for producing an intermediate member for a liquid crystal element, further comprising an embossed portion forming step of forming embossed portions at both ends in the width direction of at least one of the first support plate and the second support plate before the bonding step. . A first support plate preparation step of preparing a first support plate;
A second support plate preparation step of preparing a second support plate;
An application step of applying a liquid crystal mixed material on the first support plate;
A bonding step of bonding the first support plate and the second support plate through the liquid crystal mixed material,
In the bonding step, a liquid crystal element intermediate is disposed between the first support plate and the second support plate at both ends in the width direction of the first support plate and the second support plate. Manufacturing method of member. A curing step of curing the liquid crystal mixed material;
A transport step of transporting the first support plate, the second support plate, and a laminate having the cured liquid crystal mixed material, and
In the bonding step, the first support plate is supported by a first support roll having a first length along the width direction of the first support plate and the second support plate,
In the curing step, the laminate is supported by a second support roll having a second length along the width direction,
In the transport step, the laminate is supported by a third support roll having a third length along the width direction,
5. The method for manufacturing an intermediate member for a liquid crystal element according to claim 3, wherein the first length and the second length are shorter than the third length. 6.   6. The method of manufacturing an intermediate member for a liquid crystal element according to claim 5, wherein the first length and the second length are shorter than a width along a width direction of the first support plate and the second support plate. . A first feeding section for feeding the first support plate;
A second feeding section for feeding the second support plate;
An applicator for applying a liquid crystal mixed material on the first support plate or the second support plate;
A bonding apparatus for bonding the first support plate and the second support plate via the liquid crystal mixed material,
The intermediate member manufacturing apparatus for liquid crystal elements further provided with the embossed part formation apparatus which forms an embossed part in the both ends of the width direction of at least one of the said 1st support plate and the said 2nd support plate. A first feeding section for feeding the first support plate;
A second feeding section for feeding the second support plate;
An applicator for applying a liquid crystal mixed material on the first support plate or the second support plate;
A bonding apparatus for bonding the first support plate and the second support plate via the liquid crystal mixed material,
A blocking member feeding device that feeds the blocking member between the first support plate and the second support plate at both ends in the width direction of the first support plate and the second support plate; Intermediate member manufacturing apparatus for liquid crystal elements. A curing device for curing the liquid crystal mixed material;
A transport device for transporting the first support plate, the second support plate, and a laminate having the cured liquid crystal mixed material;
The bonding device supports the first support plate by a first support roll having a first length along the width direction of the first support plate and the second support plate,
The curing device supports the laminate by a second support roll having a second length along the width direction,
The transport device supports the laminate by a third support roll having a third length along the width direction,
The liquid crystal element intermediate member manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first length and the second length are shorter than the third length.   The liquid crystal element intermediate member manufacturing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first length and the second length are shorter than a width along a width direction of the first support plate and the second support plate.

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