JP3184761B2 - Liquid crystal element, image display apparatus and image forming apparatus including the same - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid crystal device which can be used for a display device used in a television receiver, a viewfinder of a video camera, a monitor for a computer terminal, or a light valve used in a liquid crystal printer or a projector. In particular, the present invention relates to a liquid crystal device using a liquid crystal exhibiting a chiral smectic phase such as a ferroelectric liquid crystal and an antiferroelectric liquid crystal.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a liquid crystal display element that can be manufactured at a relatively low cost, a passive matrix drive type liquid crystal display element using a TN liquid crystal is known. However, this device has limitations in terms of crosstalk and contrast,
A liquid crystal display element of a passive matrix driving method using a TN liquid crystal is not suitable for a display element having a high number of wirings, for example, a liquid crystal television panel.

As a solution to the fundamental problem of the conventional TN liquid crystal, a dual TN liquid crystal is disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,367,924 to Clark and Lagaval. A ferroelectric liquid crystal device having stability is known. In this ferroelectric liquid crystal element, a chiral smectic liquid crystal exhibiting a smectic phase such as a chiral smectic C phase (SmC ^* ) or an H phase (SmH ^* ) in use is used. In this ferroelectric liquid crystal device, the chiral smectic liquid crystal has a bistable state composed of two stable states, and it is difficult to take an intermediate molecular position.

By constructing a liquid crystal element utilizing the switching of liquid crystal molecules between such bistable states,
Many essential improvements have been made to many problems of the liquid crystal element using the conventional TN liquid crystal.

As will be described later, this liquid crystal element
Under applied voltage, liquid crystal molecules may move in the plane direction of the substrate. Due to such movement, the cell thickness of the liquid crystal element (the distance between the substrates sandwiching the liquid crystal material) fluctuates, and a phenomenon called “yellowing” in which the display portion is partially colored yellow appears. Such a phenomenon is not limited to the display, but causes deterioration of the optical characteristics of all the elements that perform the optical modulation, and causes a reduction in reliability.

On the other hand, US Pat. No. 5,381,25 discloses a technique for roughening the inner surface of a substrate to prevent liquid crystal movement.
No. 6 is described in the specification.

However, the technique for roughening the inside of the substrate described above is insufficient for preventing the movement of liquid crystal molecules. Since the surface roughening is a technique based on the idea of mechanically stopping the movement of liquid crystal molecules, there was a point to be improved in terms of versatility.

For example, it is a point that some liquid crystals are more likely to be in a high-quality alignment state if the surface is not roughened.

Although there is no problem with a normal pattern used for editing characters, when a certain special graphic pattern is displayed, the liquid crystal moves and collects within the effective plane, and the cell thickness (substrate spacing) is increased. And the yellowing phenomenon described above may occur.

[0010] Further, as a major problem concerning the performance of the liquid crystal element, there is a problem that impurities are mixed in the liquid crystal cell and the liquid crystal is deteriorated due to remaining bubbles. In particular,
In manufacturing a liquid crystal element, a vacuum injection method is known and widely adopted as a method of injecting a liquid crystal material into a cell. In this method, moisture and impurities remaining in the cell before the liquid crystal injection are filled with the liquid crystal. Occasionally, after being pushed by the inner wall of the cell opposite to the liquid crystal injection port, it is mixed into the liquid crystal again with an environmental change in the atmosphere. In addition, in this method, an operation of returning from a vacuum state to atmospheric pressure is performed. At this time, bubbles remain in the liquid crystal inside the cell and are mixed into the liquid crystal. Thus, the liquid crystal is deteriorated, and the display characteristics and the like of the liquid crystal element are significantly deteriorated.

As one of the measures against the above-mentioned problem, for example, a method has been proposed in which a liquid crystal cell is provided with a filling portion of liquid crystal to be discarded such as air bubbles, and such a portion is cut and removed after liquid crystal injection and sealed. (Japanese Patent Publication No. 62-9)
885).

However, in the above method, when the liquid crystal filling portion for disposal is provided on the side opposite to the liquid crystal inlet and finally cut off and sealed, a sealing portion (including the liquid crystal inlet) is provided on at least two sides of the cell. As a result, there is a problem that reliability of the obtained liquid crystal element such as moisture resistance is impaired.

[0013] Such contamination of the inside of the liquid crystal cell is an important problem in a liquid crystal exhibiting a chiral smectic phase, particularly in a liquid crystal element using a ferroelectric liquid crystal.

More specifically, when two substrates subjected to the alignment treatment are bonded together and chiral smectic liquid crystal is injected from a part of the substrate (liquid crystal injection port), and the state of the liquid crystal cell is observed, it is not necessarily uniform over the entire surface. The problem that a proper orientation has not been obtained has been clarified. In particular, the phase transition temperature (Sm) of the liquid crystal near the cell edge opposite to the liquid crystal injection port.
C ^* ← → SmA, SmA ← → Ch, Ch ← → Iso. )
Is lower than that at the center of the cell.
According to the study of the present inventors, some impurities existing on the alignment film before liquid crystal injection are collected at the tip of the liquid crystal injection wavefront and aggregated with the liquid crystal injection, and finally the liquid crystal injection port is formed. It is considered that the liquid crystal is disturbed by being pushed to the vicinity of the cell edge on the opposite side, and the physical properties of the liquid crystal such as the phase transition temperature are changed.

As a countermeasure, it is conceivable to drive the abnormal liquid crystal having changed physical properties into a peripheral area other than the effective optical modulation area. However, due to the above-described movement of the liquid crystal, the abnormal liquid crystal having changed physical properties existing in the peripheral area moves to the effective optical modulation area. Then, a problem has arisen in that uniform optical modulation over the entire cell cannot be performed due to a difference in threshold voltage during driving between the normal liquid crystal and the abnormal liquid crystal.

Here, the effective optical modulation area is, in the case of a display element, an area which includes a large number of pixels and controls the transmittance of the pixels by applying a drive signal to perform display, and in the case of a non-display element. , An area where optical modulation is performed in accordance with a drive signal.

[0017]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to minimize or eliminate fluctuations in cell thickness due to liquid crystal movement and the accompanying yellowing phenomenon in a liquid crystal device.

Another object of the present invention is to reduce the incorporation of impurities or bubbles into the liquid crystal in the effective optical modulation region of the liquid crystal element, and to provide a uniform and stable alignment state and optical modulation over the entire effective optical modulation region. It is to provide a liquid crystal element exhibiting characteristics.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a liquid crystal device using a chiral smectic liquid crystal which can be moved by applying a voltage, and which realizes the above-described excellent performance.

[0020]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention is a liquid crystal device having a liquid crystal sandwiched between a pair of substrates each having an electrode, the liquid crystal being movable along the surface of the substrate by applying a voltage. Liquid crystal, a region sandwiching the liquid crystal, an effective optical modulation region, a first peripheral region outside the effective optical modulation region, and a second peripheral region, is configured,
The pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the first peripheral region is
It is larger than the pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the effective optical modulation region, the second peripheral region is formed at least partially or entirely outside the first peripheral region, and the liquid crystal in the second peripheral region is formed. The liquid crystal element is characterized in that the alignment state is random alignment without uniaxiality.

The present invention also relates to a liquid crystal element having a liquid crystal sandwiched between a pair of substrates each having an electrode, wherein the liquid crystal is a liquid crystal that can move along the surface of the substrate by applying a voltage. A region sandwiching the liquid crystal, an effective optical modulation region, a first peripheral region outside the effective optical modulation region,
A second peripheral region, wherein the pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the first peripheral region is larger than the pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the effective optical modulation region, and the second peripheral region is the second peripheral region. The liquid crystal in the second peripheral region is formed at least partially or entirely outside the one peripheral region, and the liquid crystal in the second peripheral region has a layer structure. The liquid crystal element is characterized in that the angle formed by the peripheral region of the first peripheral region and the boundary surface between the second peripheral region is in the range of 70 ° to 110 °.

Further, the present invention provides a liquid crystal element having a liquid crystal sandwiched between a pair of substrates each having an electrode, and having an effective optical modulation region and a peripheral region located outside the effective optical modulation region. Uniaxial alignment treatment is performed on the interface between the substrate and the liquid crystal, and the peripheral region has a region partitioned by a sealing material so as to communicate with another region, and the longitudinal direction of the region is at least This is a liquid crystal element characterized by making an angle with the direction of the uniaxial alignment treatment on one substrate.

According to the present invention, there is provided a liquid crystal device having a liquid crystal sandwiched between a pair of substrates each having an electrode, wherein the liquid crystal is movable along a surface of the substrate by applying a voltage. The region sandwiching the liquid crystal is composed of an effective optical modulation region and a peripheral region outside the effective optical modulation region. In the effective optical modulation region, a uniaxial alignment treatment is performed on an interface between at least one of the substrates and the liquid crystal. The pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the peripheral region is larger than the pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the effective optical modulation region, and the peripheral region is partitioned by a sealing material so as to communicate with another region. A liquid crystal element characterized by having a region that is not flat.

Further, the present invention is a liquid crystal element having a liquid crystal sandwiched between a pair of substrates each having an electrode, wherein the liquid crystal is a liquid crystal which can move along the surface of the substrate by applying a voltage. The region sandwiching the liquid crystal is composed of an effective optical modulation region, a first peripheral region outside the effective optical modulation region, and a second peripheral region, and at least one substrate in the effective optical modulation region The interface with the liquid crystal is subjected to a uniaxial alignment treatment, the pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the first peripheral region is larger than the pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the effective optical modulation region, and the second peripheral region The region is formed at least partially or entirely outside the first peripheral region, and the alignment state of the liquid crystal in the second peripheral region is random alignment without uniaxiality, and the first peripheral region and Or said second peripheral region, a liquid crystal element, characterized in that it comprises a region defined by the sealing member so as to communicate with the other regions.

According to the present invention, there is provided a liquid crystal device having a liquid crystal sandwiched between a pair of substrates each having an electrode, wherein the liquid crystal is movable along the surface of the substrate by applying a voltage. A region sandwiching the liquid crystal, an effective optical modulation region, a first peripheral region outside the effective optical modulation region,
A second peripheral region, wherein in the effective optical modulation region, a uniaxial alignment treatment is performed on an interface with the liquid crystal of at least one of the substrates, and a pretilt angle of liquid crystal molecules in the first peripheral region. Is larger than the pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the effective optical modulation region, the second peripheral region is formed at least partially or entirely outside the first peripheral region, and the second peripheral region The liquid crystal has a layer structure, and an angle between a normal line of the liquid crystal layer in the second peripheral region and a boundary between the first peripheral region and the second peripheral region is 70 ° or more. A liquid crystal element having a range of 110 ° and having, in the first peripheral region and / or the second peripheral region, a region partitioned by a sealing material so as to communicate with another region. .

In addition, the present invention is an image display device and an image forming device provided with the above-mentioned liquid crystal element.

[0027]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing a liquid crystal device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
It is a line sectional view. As shown in FIG. 2, this liquid crystal element
A pair of upper substrate 11a and lower substrate 11b are arranged facing each other,
It is formed by bonding with a sealing material 17.
Liquid crystal 15 is sandwiched between both substrates 11a and 11b. The liquid crystal element includes an effective optical modulation area (corresponding to a display area in a display element), a first peripheral area, and a second peripheral area (an area surrounded by the substrates 11a and 11b and the sealing material 17). Each of the display elements has a non-display area).

Each of the substrates 11a and 11b has electrodes 12a and 12b having a predetermined pattern, respectively.

It is desirable that at least one of the electrodes 12a and 12b is formed of a transparent conductor. As such a transparent conductor material, indium oxide, tin oxide, indium tin oxide (ITO) or the like is preferably used. Further, if necessary, a configuration may be adopted in which a metal having a lower resistance is added to the transparent conductor. The thickness of the transparent conductor is
It is preferable to set it to 40 to 200 nm.

In the present embodiment, in order to make the liquid crystal in the second peripheral region have a random alignment without uniaxiality, a film (having an alignment regulating force) is provided on a portion corresponding to the second peripheral region of the upper and lower substrates. No alignment film) is provided, and no alignment treatment is performed. However, in consideration of other characteristics, an organic film or an inorganic film having no alignment regulating force may be provided in a region including the second peripheral region of the upper and lower substrates. Further, after the alignment film is once provided in the second peripheral region, the alignment regulating force may be lost.
On the other hand, alignment films 14a and 14b are provided in portions corresponding to the first peripheral region and the effective optical modulation region of the upper and lower substrates. In the portion corresponding to the effective optical modulation region, a direction based on specific conditions (for example, the direction shown in FIG. 1) is used in order to orient the chiral smectic liquid crystal substantially horizontally with an appropriate pretilt angle with respect to the horizontal or substrate. Is subjected to a uniaxial orientation treatment such as a rubbing treatment. Also,
The alignment film corresponding to the first peripheral region vertically or substantially vertically aligns the chiral smectic liquid crystal.

Examples of such an alignment film include polyimide, polypyrrole, polyvinyl alcohol, polyamide imide, polyester imide, polyparaxylene, polyester, polycarbonate, polyvinyl acetal, and the like.
An organic film such as polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, polystyrene, polyaniline, cellulose resin, acrylic resin, and melamine resin, or an inorganic film such as an obliquely deposited SiO film can be appropriately selected.

The thickness of the alignment film is preferably set to 5 to 100 nm. In the oblique deposition method, the uniaxial orientation processing direction can be set by controlling the deposition direction and the deposition angle.

Here, the uniaxial orientation direction in the effective optical modulation region is preferably not perpendicular or parallel to each side of the substrate. In the following embodiments and examples, the direction of the uniaxial alignment processing (rubbing processing) forms an angle of 60 ° with the liquid crystal injection direction (long side direction of the substrate) unless otherwise specified.

By setting the direction of the uniaxial alignment processing not perpendicular or parallel to the substrate, the viewing angle in the vertical and horizontal directions can be increased when the liquid crystal device of the present invention is used as a display.

In this embodiment, the chiral smectic liquid crystal 15 is sandwiched between the substrates in the effective optical modulation region, the first peripheral region, and the second peripheral region.

Further, the thickness between the alignment films 14a and 14b and the transparent electrodes 12a and 12b is, for example, 20 to 300 n.
m insulating films (SiO ₂ film, TiO ₂ film, Ta ₂ O ₅ film, etc.) 13a and 13b may be arranged.

In order to increase the pretilt angle near the substrate interface, the insulating film may have an average particle size of 1 to 3 if necessary.
The surface roughening treatment may be performed by dispersing fine particles of about 40 nm.

The distance between the substrates was determined by the chiral smectic liquid crystal 1
5 and held by a plurality of silica beads 16 having an average particle size of about 1.5 μm, and the upper and lower substrates 11a and 11b are adhered by the sealing material (adhesive) 17 as described above. A plurality of bead-shaped adhesives may be sprayed in the chiral smectic liquid crystal 15.

The surface of the alignment film may have irregularities.
For this purpose, the surface is roughened by providing a film having irregularities such as an insulating film in which fine particles are dispersed also in the effective optical modulation region. The insulating film for roughening can be formed by dispersing and applying fine particles in a solution of a component having a ratio of Ti to Si of 1: 1 and then sintering. As for the degree of the surface roughening treatment, a desired rough surface can be obtained by appropriately designing the dispersion density of the fine particles, the average particle diameter, the thickness of the layer provided thereon, and the like.

The average particle diameter of the fine particles forming the above rough surface is preferably 1 to 40 nm. Further, the thickness of the insulating film holding the fine particles is desirably 20 to 300 nm.

As the liquid crystal element of the present invention, any type of light modulation type can be used.
It is preferably used for a light modulation type such as a light shutter or a light valve that can be controlled to a value or multi-value. In addition, the method of addressing the pixels can be adopted in either the multiplex method using a matrix electrode or the optical address method using a photoconductive film.

The rubbing directions are described in a plurality of drawings showing the liquid crystal element according to the present invention, but these are merely examples, and rubbing can be performed in any direction.

According to the study of the present inventors, the above-mentioned increase in the cell thickness is caused by the fact that the liquid crystal molecules themselves move in a specific direction in the liquid crystal cell by driving, thereby increasing the pressure particularly at the cell edge. It has been found that this is caused by things. Although the cause of the force that causes the liquid crystal molecules to move in the liquid crystal cell is unknown,
It is presumed that this is probably an electrodynamic effect caused by the fluctuation of the dipole moment of the liquid crystal molecules by the AC electric field caused by the driving pulse.

Although the mechanism of liquid crystal molecule movement has not been clarified, the estimated mechanism will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7 which are schematic diagrams.

According to the experiments performed by the present inventors, FIG.
As shown in (1), the direction 22 of the movement of the liquid crystal molecules seems to be substantially determined by the rubbing direction 20 and the average molecular axis directions 21 and 21 'in the bistable state of the chiral smectic liquid crystal molecules. Since the moving direction of the liquid crystal molecules depends on the rubbing direction in this way, it is presumed that the phenomenon depends on the pretilt state of the liquid crystal molecules at the substrate interface. Here, for example, when an appropriate AC electric field is applied such that the liquid crystal does not switch when the average molecular axis direction is 21, the liquid crystal molecules move in the direction of arrow 22. However, here, the case where a liquid crystal material having a negative spontaneous polarization direction is used is described. Further, the liquid crystal movement phenomenon depends on the alignment state of the liquid crystal as described later.

In the actual liquid crystal cell, as shown in FIG. 7A, for example, assuming that the position of the liquid crystal molecules is in the state indicated by the arrow 21 in the whole cell, the movement of the liquid crystal molecules in the actual cell is as follows. The liquid crystal moves from right to left on the page of FIG. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7B, the cell thickness of the region 23 increases with time, and coloring occurs. When the position of the liquid crystal molecule is in the state shown by the arrow 21 ', the moving direction under the AC electric field is reversed, but in any case, the direction perpendicular to the rubbing direction 20, that is, in the smectic liquid crystal layer, Movement occurs. Furthermore, in addition to the smectic liquid crystal layer direction, the cell thickness was also increased in the layer normal direction.

According to the experiment by the present inventors, if the display cell shown in FIG. 4 continues to be driven in a state in which a black and white stripe pattern is displayed, black is displayed and the average molecular axis is one.
The liquid crystal molecules in the area in the state of (1) move in the direction a, and as a result, the cell thickness of the area A at the cell end increases as compared with the other areas. Conversely, the liquid crystal molecules in the area where white is displayed and the average molecular axis is in the state of 2 move in the direction b, and as a result, the cell thickness of the area B increases as compared with the other areas. Such an increase in cell thickness causes a yellowing phenomenon. Here, as described above, an abnormal liquid crystal having changed physical properties due to impurities exists at the cell end opposite to the injection port. The abnormal liquid crystal moves from the peripheral region to the effective optical modulation region at the portion C. As a result, in the effective optical modulation region near the portion C, the threshold voltage at the time of driving is lowered, and a difference from a normal portion is generated, so that uniform information display cannot be performed on the entire cell.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, a first peripheral region is provided so as to surround the outer periphery of the display region, and the pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the first peripheral region is set to the pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the effective optical modulation region. By making it larger than the corner,
It was found that the liquid crystal molecules moved in the a direction during the black display moved to the first peripheral area, and the liquid crystal molecules gathered in the first peripheral area could be further moved in the c and d directions. Also,
Conversely, liquid crystal molecules can move in the e direction from the first peripheral region to the effective optical modulation region.

Also, when the liquid crystal molecules move in the direction b during white display, the liquid crystal molecules gathered in the first peripheral region can move further in the directions c and d, and conversely in the direction e. Movement is possible.

Usually, movement of liquid crystal molecules between liquid crystal layers is very unlikely to occur. That is, in the effective optical modulation region in which the liquid crystal molecules are horizontally or substantially horizontally aligned with respect to the substrate, the movement of the liquid crystal molecules in the direction horizontal to the substrate is regulated by the layer structure. On the other hand, in the first peripheral region where the pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules is large and close to the vertical alignment, the layer structure is formed in the direction horizontal to the substrate, so that the liquid crystal layer, that is, The movement of the liquid crystal molecules in the direction is possible. Therefore, the liquid crystal molecules can move as shown in FIG.

By the movement of the liquid crystal molecules horizontal to the substrate in the first peripheral region as described above, the pressure distribution in the liquid crystal cell can be relaxed, and the increase in the cell thickness at the end of the panel is suppressed. Accordingly, yellowing can be prevented.

However, as described with reference to FIG. 4, there remains a problem that uniform optical modulation or information display cannot be performed uniformly on the entire panel due to the abnormal liquid crystal having changed physical properties in the portion C and moved to the effective display area. It had been.

On the other hand, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 6, a second peripheral region is provided outside the first peripheral region on the side opposite to the injection port, and Of the liquid crystal molecules in the peripheral region is random alignment having no uniaxiality. Then, impurities existing at the tip of the traveling wave front of the liquid crystal at the time of injection are finally driven to the second peripheral region.
In the second peripheral region, the liquid crystal molecules are in a random alignment state without uniaxiality, and a clear layer structure over a wide range is not formed, so that the liquid crystal molecules can move relatively isotropically. It is. However, when the first peripheral region and the second peripheral region are compared with each other with respect to ease of movement of liquid crystal molecules in a direction horizontal to the substrate, a first layer structure horizontal to the substrate is formed. The liquid crystal molecules are much easier to move in the peripheral region. Therefore, the abnormal liquid crystal having changed physical properties is fixed to the second peripheral region. As a result, the threshold voltage does not decrease near the portion C as described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the increase in cell thickness at the cell edge is suppressed, and uniform effective optical modulation or information display is performed over the entire cell. Can be performed.

In the above embodiment, the second peripheral region is provided outside the first peripheral region on the side opposite to the injection port.
As shown in (2), a second peripheral region may be provided on all outer sides of the first peripheral region.

The effects of the present invention are further improved by making the following improvements as required.

At least one of the substrates used in the present invention preferably has a roughened inner surface. In particular, if the movement of the liquid crystal molecules in the effective optical modulation region is suppressed to some extent by the roughening, the injection of the liquid crystal from the first peripheral region and the escape of the liquid crystal to the first peripheral region are optimized. That's why. Such a rough surface may be irregular or regular. Preferably, the irregularities having irregularities and a smaller height difference than the irregularities are arranged in regular irregularities having a large period. It is desirable to have a surface with unevenness.

There are two effective design ideas for the pretilt angle in the effective optical modulation region according to the present invention. One is to perform an orientation treatment so that the pretilt angle is in a range of 10 ° or more and 25 ° or less. Another is to set the pretilt angle to 5 ° or less.

In the former case, in a chevron structure in which the smectic layer is bent in the cell, it is easy to selectively take the C1 orientation described later. The high pretilt chevron structure is advantageous in that the alignment state is not easily disturbed even if the substrate is roughened. In the latter case, it is easy to adopt a bookshelf structure in which the smectic layer does not bend in the cell.
The low pretilt bookshelf structure has a relatively low moving speed of liquid crystal molecules even if it is not roughened,
The movement speed of the liquid crystal molecules in the peripheral region is easily balanced.
Further, from an optical point of view, the alignment state is more excellent.

In order to adopt a bookshelf structure,
In order to obtain a better alignment state, it is preferable that the alignment states of the upper and lower substrates are made different (asymmetric alignment processing is performed). For example, one substrate is provided with a polyimide-based polymer alignment film and then rubbed, and the other substrate is provided with a film made of a silane coupling material.

More preferably, each of the first peripheral region and the second peripheral region has a width larger than the width of one pixel. Further, it is preferable that the first peripheral region and the second peripheral region are shielded by a light shielding member so that optical modulation is not substantially performed (image is not displayed).

In the first peripheral region of the present invention, similarly to the effective optical modulation region, an electrode may be provided to selectively apply an electric field to promote the movement of liquid crystal molecules.
It is preferable to use the same drive signal as a scan signal and / or an information signal for scanning and selecting pixels. Further, at the time of cell assembly, it is desirable to disperse the spacer beads and the adhesive beads to suppress the movement of the liquid crystal within the effective optical modulation region.

Next, the structure of the smectic liquid crystal used in the present invention will be described.

The chevron structure of the smectic liquid crystal has C
This can be explained by two types of orientation models, 1 and C2. In FIG. 8, 31 indicates a smectic layer, 32 indicates a C1-oriented region, and 33 indicates a C2-oriented region. The smectic liquid crystal generally has a layer structure, but when the SmA phase transitions to the SmC phase or SmC ^* phase, the layer structure shrinks, so that the layer is bent at the center of the alignment control films 14a and 14b on the upper and lower substrates as shown in FIG. Take a structure (chevron structure). As shown in FIG. 8, there are two possible bending directions, C1 and C2. However, as is well known, the liquid crystal molecules at the substrate interface form an angle with the substrate by rubbing (pretilt).
In this direction, the liquid crystal molecules are tilted toward the rubbing direction A (the tip is floating). Due to this pretilt, the C1 orientation and the C2 orientation are not equivalent in elastic energy, and transition occurs at a certain temperature. In addition, transition may occur due to mechanical strain. When the layer structure of FIG. 8 is viewed two-dimensionally, the boundary 34 when shifting from the C1 orientation to the C2 orientation in the rubbing direction A is called a lightning defect in a zigzag lightning shape, and the boundary 35 when shifting from C2 to C1. Is called a hairpin defect with a wide gentle curve.

A pair of substrates, which are substantially parallel to each other and are uniaxially oriented in the same direction for aligning the chiral smectic liquid crystal, such as rubbing, are provided. α, tilt angle (cone angle 1/2), ｍ, SmC
^{* When} the inclination angle of the layer is set to δ and the relationship represented by the equation 1 is satisfied, the C1 orientation state is selectively generated. As shown in FIG. 9A, there are four states in the C1 orientation state.

Θ <α + δ (Equation 1)

Two stable states (bistable states) of the four C1 orientation states form a uniform state. Here, if the tilt angle of apparent when no electric field and theta _a, among the four states in C1 alignment state, a state indicating the number two formulas relationship uniform states. Θ> θ _a > Θ / 2 ... [Equation 2]

In the uniform state, it is considered from the optical properties that the director is hardly twisted between the upper and lower substrates. FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of directors at each position between substrates in each state of C1 orientation. In the figure, reference numerals 51 to 54 denote projections of the director on the bottom surface of the cone in each state, which are viewed from the bottom direction. Reference numerals 51 and 52 indicate a spray state, and reference numerals 53 and 54 indicate arrangements of the directors in a uniform state. And 51 and 52, 53 and 5 respectively.
Switching between four. As can be seen from the figure, the liquid crystal molecules at the substrate interface do not switch in the spray state, whereas the liquid crystal molecules at the substrate interface switch in the uniform state. Therefore, a higher contrast is obtained in the uniform state than in the splay state.

FIG. 9B shows the C2 orientation, in which the liquid crystal molecules at the interface are not switched, and there are two states 55 and 56 due to internal switching. The uniform states 53 and 54 in the C1 orientation generate _a larger tilt angle θa than the conventionally used bistable state in the C2 orientation, and provide a large luminance and a high contrast.

In the present invention, a high pretilt chevron structure or a low pretilt bookshelf structure with a CI uniform orientation having the above pretilt angle is desirable.

Here, the outline of the method for manufacturing the liquid crystal element according to the present invention will be described. Note that the following is merely an example.

First, a transparent substrate such as glass is prepared, and then a transparent conductive film is formed by a vapor deposition method such as a CVD method, a sputtering method, or an ion plating method, and this is patterned on a stripe. After that, an insulating film is formed by the above-described evaporation method. Subsequently, the solution in which the fine particles are dispersed is printed, pre-baked and cured to form a rough surface. The orientation control film is formed by spinner coating a solution such as polyamic acid and baking. A rubbing process is performed on this film. Beads as spacers are dispersed on one of the substrates thus obtained, a sealing material around the substrate is provided, and another substrate is bonded. Thereafter, a liquid crystal material is injected from the injection port and gradually cooled to be transformed into a chiral smectic phase.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The liquid crystal element according to this embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment described above, except that the alignment state of the liquid crystal in the second peripheral region and the substrate surface state corresponding to the second peripheral region. Are different. In the liquid crystal element according to the present embodiment, the liquid crystal in the second peripheral region is in a uniaxially oriented state and has a layer structure. An alignment film is provided on a substrate corresponding to the second peripheral region, and is subjected to a uniaxial alignment treatment. FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view illustrating an example of the liquid crystal element according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. Hereinafter, the description of the same parts as in the first embodiment will be omitted.

In the liquid crystal element according to this embodiment, the liquid crystal in the second peripheral region forms a layer structure in a specific direction. Here, the layer structure in a specific direction refers to a layer structure in a direction in which the liquid crystal in the second peripheral region does not move or hardly moves to the first peripheral region or the effective optical modulation region. is there. Specifically, the angle between the boundary between the first peripheral region and the second peripheral region and the layer normal of the second peripheral region is 70 ° to 110 °, preferably 80 ° to 100 °,
More preferably, it is set in the range of 85 ° to 95 °. As the angle approaches 90 °, the movement of the liquid crystal from the second peripheral region to the first peripheral region decreases, and the movement of the abnormal liquid crystal having changed physical properties to the effective optical modulation region can be reduced. .

In order for the layer structure of the liquid crystal in the second peripheral region to be as described above, the direction of the uniaxial alignment treatment applied to the second peripheral region may be specified. Specifically, the angle between the boundary between the first peripheral region and the second peripheral region and the rubbing process is 70 ° to 110 °, preferably 80 ° to 1 °.
00 °, more preferably in the range of 85 ° to 95 °.

Like the effective optical modulation area, the liquid crystal layer structure in the second peripheral area is also desirably a C1 uniform oriented high pretilt chevron structure or a low pretilt bookshelf structure.

According to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the second peripheral region is provided outside the first peripheral region on the opposite side to the injection port, and the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules in the second peripheral region is changed. It has a specific layer direction, preferably a uniform orientation.
Then, impurities existing at the tip of the traveling wave front of the liquid crystal at the time of injection are finally driven to the second peripheral region. In the second peripheral region, the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules has a specific layer direction,
Preferably, the liquid crystal is in a uniform alignment state, and the movement of the liquid crystal between the first peripheral region and the first peripheral region is hard to occur.

Therefore, the abnormal liquid crystal having changed physical properties is fixed in the second peripheral region. As a result, the threshold voltage does not decrease near the portion C as described with reference to FIGS.
It is possible to suppress an increase in cell thickness at the cell edge and to perform uniform effective optical modulation or information display over the entire effective optical modulation region.

In the above embodiment, the second peripheral region is provided outside the first peripheral region on the side opposite to the injection port.
As shown in (2), a second peripheral region may be provided on all outer sides of the first peripheral region.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The description of the same parts as in the first embodiment is omitted.

FIG. 12 is a plan view schematically showing a liquid crystal device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB 'of FIG. As shown in the figure, in the liquid crystal element, a pair of substrates 11a and 11b are arranged to face each other and bonded together by a sealing material 17 to sandwich the liquid crystal 15, and an effective optical modulation region (between the substrates 11a, 11b and the sealing material 17). The display element has a display area) and a peripheral area around the periphery (equivalent to a non-display area in the display element). On each of the substrates 11a and 11b, electrodes 12a and 12b having a predetermined pattern are formed.

Alignment films 14a and 14b are provided in portions corresponding to the peripheral regions of the upper and lower substrates and the effective optical modulation region. At least one of the alignment films 14a and 14b is based on a specific condition in order to orient the chiral smectic liquid crystal in a substantially horizontal direction with an appropriate pretilt angle with respect to the horizontal or substrate in a portion corresponding to the effective optical modulation region. A uniaxial orientation treatment such as rubbing is performed in a direction (for example, the direction shown in FIG. 12).

In the liquid crystal device of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a separate sealing material 18 is provided in a peripheral region on two sides adjacent to the side where the liquid crystal injection port is provided. An area 19 for filling contaminated liquid crystal containing partitioned impurities and the like is provided. The region 19 partitioned by the sealing material 18 has an opening, for example, on the opposite side of the position of the liquid crystal injection port, and communicates with the rest of the peripheral region and the effective optical modulation region. The longitudinal direction of the region partitioned by the sealing material 18 is as follows.
For example, the orientation film may be set to have an appropriate angle with the direction of the uniaxial orientation treatment performed as shown in FIG. 12 on at least one of the orientation films shown in FIG.

Here, the position of the sealing material 18 is not limited to two sides adjacent to the side where the liquid crystal injection port is set, but may be located on the opposite side of the liquid crystal injection port depending on various factors such as liquid crystal injection conditions. It may be provided. It is preferable that a region for containing contaminated liquid crystal containing impurities and the like is not recognized by light shielding or the like.

Here, as the sealing material 18, a material similar to the sealing material 17 provided on the outer periphery of the liquid crystal injection region, for example, an epoxy resin is preferably used.

It is preferable that the width of the sealing material 18 is set smaller than the width of the sealing material 17. For example, when the width of the sealing material 17 is 1 mm, the width of the sealing material 18 is 0.4 to
It is set to 0.5 mm.

According to such a configuration, the injected liquid crystal contaminated at the time of liquid crystal injection is filled in the area 19 partitioned by the sealing material 18, and the contaminated liquid crystal is mixed into the effective optical modulation area even during element driving. Can be prevented.

In the above-described liquid crystal device according to the present embodiment, the materials described in the first embodiment can be used as the materials for the electrodes and the alignment films.

In this embodiment, it is preferable that the peripheral region be in a vertical alignment state. As a result, an increase in the cell thickness at the end of the panel is suppressed, and yellowing can be prevented.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The description of the same parts as in the first embodiment is omitted.

The liquid crystal element according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the sealing material 18 described in the third embodiment is applied to the liquid crystal element according to the first embodiment.

Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 14 is a plan view schematically showing a liquid crystal element according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along line AA. As shown in FIG. 15, this liquid crystal element
A pair of upper substrate 11a and lower substrate 11b arranged in parallel
And electrodes 12a and 12b arranged on the respective substrates.

In the present embodiment, in order to make the second peripheral region have a random orientation without uniaxiality, a film (alignment film) having an alignment regulating force is provided on a portion corresponding to the second peripheral region of the upper and lower substrates. ) Is not provided, and no alignment treatment is performed. However, in consideration of other characteristics, an organic film or an inorganic film having no alignment regulating force may be provided in a region including the second peripheral region of the upper and lower substrates. Further, after the alignment film is once provided in the second peripheral region, the alignment regulating force may be lost. on the other hand,
Alignment films 14a and 14b are provided in portions corresponding to the first peripheral region and the effective optical modulation region of the upper and lower substrates.
Among them, a portion corresponding to the effective optical modulation region is subjected to a uniaxial alignment treatment such as rubbing for aligning the chiral smectic liquid crystal horizontally or almost horizontally.

[0098] A seal member 18 is provided in the first peripheral region and / or the second peripheral region. In FIGS. 14 and 15, the sealing material 18 is provided in the first peripheral region on the opposite side to the liquid crystal injection port, but, for example, along two sides adjacent to the side having the injection port as shown in FIG. 16. A sealing material 18 may be provided, or a sealing material may be provided in the second peripheral region. Not limited to the above example, the seal member 17 may be provided so that the region defined by the seal member 18 is outside the effective optical modulation region, and the partitioned region communicates with another region.

In the case of a color liquid crystal element, a dummy color filter may be provided outside the effective optical modulation region. However, as shown in FIG. 17A, the sealing material 18 may be provided so as to cover the dummy color filter. Well, Figure 17
As shown in (B), it may be provided outside the dummy color filter. 17B is more preferable in that the cell thickness can be made more uniform over the whole. As shown in FIG. 17, the color liquid crystal cell is preferably provided with a flattening film so as to cover the color filter and the dummy color filter in the effective optical modulation region.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, a second peripheral region is provided outside the first peripheral region on the side opposite to the injection port, and the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules in the second peripheral region is made uniaxial. Random orientation that does not have. Further, an area defined by the seal material is provided in the first peripheral area and / or the second peripheral area so as to communicate with another area. Then, impurities existing at the tip of the traveling wavefront of the liquid crystal at the time of injection are finally driven to the second peripheral region and / or the region defined by the sealing material.

In the second peripheral region, the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules is in a random alignment state having no uniaxiality, and a clear layer structure over a wide range is not formed. Movement is possible. However, when the first peripheral region and the second peripheral region are compared with each other with respect to ease of movement of liquid crystal molecules in a direction horizontal to the substrate, a first layer structure horizontal to the substrate is formed. The area around
Liquid crystal molecules are much easier to move. Therefore, the abnormal liquid crystal having changed physical properties is fixed to the second peripheral region. Also,
Providing the first peripheral area and / or the second peripheral area with a region partitioned by the sealing material so as to communicate with another region allows the liquid crystal between the partitioned region and the other region to be separated. Movement is further restricted.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG.
The threshold voltage does not decrease near the portion, the increase in the cell thickness at the edge of the cell thickness is suppressed, and uniform effective optical modulation or information display can be performed on the entire cell.

In the above embodiment, the second peripheral region is provided outside the first peripheral region on the side opposite to the injection port.
As shown in (2), the second peripheral region may be provided on three sides other than the injection port outside the first peripheral region, or may be provided on all sides outside the first peripheral region.

As a modification of the fourth embodiment, the liquid crystal in the second peripheral region may be a liquid crystal having a layer structure in a specific direction. Here, the layer structure in a specific direction is a layer structure as shown in the above-described second embodiment.

In the fourth embodiment, only the region 19 partitioned by the sealing material can be used as the second peripheral region. Here, the liquid crystal in the second peripheral region is in a random alignment state or a horizontal alignment state. Thereby, only the movement of the liquid crystal in the region 19 partitioned by the sealing material can be suppressed. When the liquid crystal in the region 19 is in a horizontal alignment state, the liquid crystal preferably forms a layered structure in a specific direction.

Here, the layer structure in a specific direction means a layer in a direction in which the liquid crystal in the second peripheral region (region 19) does not move or hardly moves to the first peripheral region or the effective optical modulation region. It is a structure. Specifically, the angle between the opening of the sealing material (corresponding to the boundary between the first peripheral region and the second peripheral region) and the layer normal in the second peripheral region is 70 ° to 110 °, Preferably 80 ° -100
°, more preferably in the range of 85 ° to 95 °.

The liquid crystal element of the present invention can constitute various image-related devices.

An image display device using the liquid crystal element of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a control system of the image display device. Reference numeral 200 denotes a display unit in which the above-described liquid crystal element is combined with a polarizing plate, and has a back light source as necessary. Reference numeral 201 denotes a scanning line driving circuit including a decoder and a switch; 202, an information line driving circuit including a latch circuit, a shift register, a switch, and the like;
Reference numeral 03 denotes a reference voltage generation circuit that generates a large number of reference voltages to be supplied to both drive circuits 201 and 202, reference numeral 204 denotes a control circuit including a CPU and RAM for holding image information, and reference numeral 210 denotes an image sensor and an application program for image input. Is an image signal source such as a computer on which is executed.

Next, an image forming apparatus using the liquid crystal element of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a control system of the image display device. 210 is for forming an electrostatic image on a photosensitive member 213 such as amorphous silicon containing carbon, and includes a liquid crystal element as a light valve and a light source 215.
Exposure means comprising: A developing unit 211 develops the electrostatic image on the photoconductor 213 into a toner image, and a cleaning unit 212 removes residual toner on the photoconductor 213. The developed toner image on the photoconductor is recorded on a recording medium 214.
Is transferred to

[0112]

EXAMPLES Specific examples will be described below.

(Example 1) 300 mm × 320 mm,
1.1mm thick glass substrate, ITO as transparent electrode
(Indium Tin Oxide) was deposited to a thickness of about 150 nm by a sputtering method, and a striped electrode was formed by a photolithographic method. A Ta ₂ O ₅ film was formed thereon as a short-circuit preventing insulating film to a thickness of about 90 nm by a sputtering method.

Next, LQ1800 (trade name: manufactured by Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.) is printed as an alignment film on the effective optical modulation region and the first peripheral region as shown in FIG. 1 by a flexographic printing method. A polyimide film of about 200 ° was formed by sintering and imidizing on a hot plate for about 30 minutes.

Thereafter, a thin stainless steel plate is closely attached to the first peripheral region and the second peripheral region other than the effective optical modulation region to perform masking.
A rubbing treatment was performed with a nylon rubbing cloth having a brushed pile.

Then, silica beads having a particle size of about 1.5 μm are sprayed on one of the substrates, and an epoxy resin adhesive is formed on the other substrate in a shape as shown in FIG. 1 by a flexographic printing method. Were bonded so that the rubbing directions were substantially parallel in the vertical direction. At this time, the rubbing directions may cross vertically.

The size of the liquid crystal cell produced in this way is a diagonal size of 15 inches. As shown in FIG. 1, a part of the adhesive is opened as an injection port for injecting liquid crystal. Chiral smectic liquid crystal is injected from this injection port.

In the liquid crystal injection, a cell is introduced into an injection tank which can be heated and pressurized, and the inside of the cell is evacuated by evacuating the injection tank. Block. Thereafter, the temperature in the injection tank was increased to lower the viscosity of the liquid crystal, and the inside of the tank was pressurized to fill the entire cell. After the injection of the liquid crystal was completed, the liquid crystal phase was gradually cooled until it became a SmC ^* phase, and then the injection port was covered with an epoxy-based adhesive. The injected chiral smectic liquid crystal is a pyrimidine-based liquid crystal composition exhibiting the following phase transition.

-8.5 ° C 67 ° C 88 ° C 94 ° C Cryst. → SmC ^* → SmA → Ch → Iso.

Next, a liquid crystal cell for measuring the pretilt angle of each of the effective optical modulation area and the first peripheral area of the cell was prepared by the above-described method. However, the substrates were bonded so that the rubbing directions of the upper and lower substrates were antiparallel. And
The pretilt angle was measured by the following method.

[Measurement Method of Pretilt Angle] The pretilt angle is measured by a crystal rotation method (Jpa.
Appl. Phys. Vol. 19 (1980) No.
10 Short Notes 2013). As a liquid crystal for measuring a pretilt angle, a mixture of a compound represented by the following structural formula and a compound represented by the following structural formula at a weight ratio of 20% was injected into a ferroelectric liquid crystal (CS-1014 manufactured by Chisso Corporation) as a standard liquid crystal and measured.

[0122]

[Outside 1]

The liquid crystal composition which is the standard liquid crystal is 1
It exhibited a SmA phase at 0-55 ° C.

The measurement procedure is as follows. While rotating the liquid crystal cell in a plane perpendicular to the upper and lower substrates and including the alignment processing axis (rubbing axis), a helium.multidot.
Neon laser light was irradiated from a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, and the transmitted light intensity was measured by a photodiode through a polarizing plate having a transmission axis parallel to the incident polarization plane on the opposite side. Then, a pretilt angle α was determined by simulation for fitting a theoretical curve, equations (3) and (4) to the spectrum of transmitted light intensity generated by the interference.

[0125]

[Outside 2]

The pretilt angle measured by the above-mentioned method was 20.5 ° in the effective optical modulation area and was almost 90 ° in the first peripheral area.

Next, when the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules in the cell not used for measuring the pretilt angle (the substrates were bonded so that the rubbing axes of the upper and lower substrates were substantially parallel) was observed with a polarizing microscope, the effective optical modulation area was observed. And the first peripheral region was in a dark vertical state under a crossed Nicols polarizing plate. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the second peripheral region had a random orientation (focal conic) having no uniaxiality.

Next, as an evaluation of the movement phenomenon of liquid crystal molecules,
As shown in FIG. 4, the average molecular axes of the liquid crystal molecules were aligned in an optically stable state of 1 and an optically stable state of 2 in a stripe-shaped area perpendicular to the rubbing direction, and a pulse width of 25 μm.
s, voltage amplitude 40V, 1/2 duty rectangular wave about 2
The voltage was applied for 0 hour, and then the cell thickness at each of the positions A and B was measured to evaluate the increase in the cell thickness due to the liquid crystal movement. As a result, no change in the cell thickness at each of the positions A and B was observed as compared to before the voltage application. Further, when the threshold voltage of switching from white to black in the vicinity of C near the peripheral region 2 was compared with that before the application of the electric field, no difference was observed.

(Comparative Example 1) A liquid crystal cell was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1. However, the alignment film was formed in the effective optical modulation area, the first peripheral area, and the second peripheral area. At this time, the alignment states of the liquid crystal molecules in the first peripheral region and the second peripheral region were both vertical alignment states.

Next, when the increase in cell thickness due to the liquid crystal movement phenomenon was evaluated under the same conditions as in Example 1, no difference was observed as compared with before the voltage application. However, when the threshold voltage for switching from white to black in the portion C near the second peripheral region was compared with that before the electric field was applied, the threshold voltage was reduced by about 10%.

(Comparative Example 2) A liquid crystal cell was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1. However, the alignment film is formed in the effective optical modulation area, the first peripheral area, and the second peripheral area, and the same orientation processing (rubbing processing) as in the effective optical modulation area is performed in the first peripheral area and the second peripheral area. ). After injecting the liquid crystal, the pretilt angle was measured by the same method as in Example 1. As a result, the pretilt angle was 22.5 ° in the effective optical modulation region, and 22.2 ° in both the first peripheral region and the second peripheral region.

Next, when the increase in the cell thickness due to the liquid crystal movement phenomenon was evaluated under the same conditions as in Example 1, the cell thickness was 35% in the portion A and 39% in the portion B as compared with before the electric field application. Was increasing. Further, when the threshold voltage for switching from white to black at the portion C near the peripheral region 2 was compared with that before the electric field was applied, the threshold voltage was reduced by about 13%.

(Example 2) A liquid crystal cell was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1. However, as shown in FIG. 10, a second peripheral region was provided so as to surround the outer periphery of the first peripheral region. The same chiral smectic liquid crystal as in Example 1 was injected into this liquid crystal cell, and the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules was observed. In the effective optical modulation region, a uniform uniform alignment was obtained.
The first peripheral region had vertical alignment without a bright state, and the second peripheral region had random alignment without uniaxiality. When the pretilt angle was measured in the same manner as in Example 1,
22.5 ° in the effective optical modulation area, about 9 in the first peripheral area
0 °.

Next, when the increase in cell thickness due to the liquid crystal movement phenomenon was evaluated under the same conditions as in Example 1, no change in cell thickness was observed at all as compared to before the electric field application. further,
When the threshold voltage for switching from white to black in the portion C near the second peripheral region was compared with that before the electric field application, no difference was observed.

(Example 3) A liquid crystal cell was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1. However, the alignment film was formed in the effective optical modulation area, the first peripheral area, and the second peripheral area. afterwards,
After rubbing only the effective optical modulation region in the same manner as in Example 1, a light-shielding mask made of a metal plate is provided in the effective optical modulation region and the first peripheral region with a clearance of about 50 μm. By irradiating with ozone and selectively decomposing most or all of the alignment film in the second peripheral region, the alignment control force was lost. Irradiation of this ultraviolet ray and ozone is performed by an 800 W low-pressure mercury lamp for 20 minutes.
mm was passed through the glass substrate at a speed of 10 cm / min.

The alignment film in the second peripheral region is decomposed / removed in this way to eliminate the alignment regulating force, and then bonded and liquid crystal is injected in the same manner as in Example 1 to form a liquid crystal cell. did. At this time, the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules was uniform uniform alignment in the effective optical modulation region, vertical alignment having no bright state in the first peripheral region, and random alignment having no uniaxiality in the second peripheral region. The pretilt angle was measured in the same manner as in Example 1. As a result, the pretilt angle was 21.3 ° in the effective optical modulation area and about 90 ° in the first peripheral area.

Next, when the increase in cell thickness due to the liquid crystal movement phenomenon was evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1, no change in the cell thickness was observed as compared to before the voltage application. further,
When the threshold voltage for switching from white to black in the portion C near the second peripheral region was compared with that before the voltage application, no difference was observed.

Example 4 300 mm × 320 mm
1.1mm thick glass substrate, ITO as transparent electrode
(Indium Tin Oxide) was deposited to a thickness of about 150 nm by a sputtering method, and a striped electrode was formed by a photolithographic method. A Ta ₂ O ₅ film was formed thereon as a short-circuit preventing insulating film to a thickness of about 90 nm by a sputtering method.

Next, LQ1800 (trade name: manufactured by Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.) is printed as an alignment film on the effective optical modulation area, the first peripheral area, and the second peripheral area as shown in FIG. 1 by flexographic printing. Thereafter, it was baked on a hot plate at about 270 ° C. for about 30 minutes and imidized to form a polyimide film of about 200 °.

Thereafter, a thin stainless steel plate is closely attached to the first peripheral region and the second peripheral region other than the effective optical modulation region to perform masking.
A rubbing treatment was performed with a nylon rubbing cloth having a brushed pile.

Further, a thin stainless steel plate is closely adhered to the effective optical modulation area and the first peripheral area to mask it, and the polyimide films in the second peripheral area of the upper and lower substrates are each made of nylon rubbing having a brushed pile. Rubbing treatment was performed with a cloth. At that time, the rubbing process was performed in a direction orthogonal to the boundary between the first peripheral region and the second peripheral region.

Then, silica beads having a particle size of about 1.5 μm are sprayed on one of the substrates, and an epoxy resin adhesive is formed on the other substrate in a shape as shown in FIG. 1 by a flexographic printing method. Were bonded so that the rubbing directions were substantially parallel in the vertical direction. At this time, the rubbing directions may cross vertically.

The size of the liquid crystal cell produced in this way is a diagonal size of 15 inches. As shown in FIG. 1, a part of the adhesive is opened as an injection port for injecting liquid crystal. Chiral smectic liquid crystal is injected from this injection port.

In the liquid crystal injection, a cell is introduced into an injection tank that can be heated and pressurized, and the inside of the cell is evacuated by evacuating the injection tank. Block. Thereafter, the temperature in the injection tank was increased to lower the viscosity of the liquid crystal, and the inside of the tank was pressurized to fill the entire cell. After the injection of the liquid crystal was completed, the liquid crystal phase was gradually cooled until it became a SmC ^* phase, and then the injection port was covered with an epoxy-based adhesive. The injected chiral smectic liquid crystal is a pyrimidine-based liquid crystal composition exhibiting the following phase transition.

-8.5 ° C 67 ° C 88 ° C 94 ° C Cryst. → SmC ^* → SmA → Ch → Iso.

Next, a liquid crystal cell for measuring the pretilt angles of the effective optical modulation area and the first peripheral area of the cell was prepared by the above-described method. However, the substrates were bonded so that the rubbing directions of the upper and lower substrates were antiparallel. When the pretilt angle was measured in the same manner as in Example 1, the pretilt angle was 19.0 in the effective optical modulation area and the second peripheral area.
° and approximately 90 ° in the first peripheral region.

Next, when the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules in the cell not used for measuring the pretilt angle (the substrates were bonded so that the rubbing axes of the upper and lower substrates were substantially parallel) was observed with a polarizing microscope, the effective optical modulation area was measured. The second peripheral region had a uniform orientation, and the first peripheral region had a dark vertical orientation under a crossed Nicol polarizing plate.

Next, as an evaluation of the liquid crystal molecule movement phenomenon,
As shown in FIG. 4, the average molecular axes of the liquid crystal molecules were aligned in an optically stable state of 1 and an optically stable state of 2 in a stripe-shaped area perpendicular to the rubbing direction, and a pulse width of 25 μm.
s, voltage amplitude 40V, 1/2 duty rectangular wave about 2
The voltage was applied for 0 hour, and then the cell thickness at each of the positions A and B was measured to evaluate the increase in the cell thickness due to the liquid crystal movement. As a result, no change in the cell thickness at each of the positions A and B was observed as compared to before the voltage application. Further, an effective optical modulation area near the peripheral area 2 (FIG. 4)
(Part C of FIG. 7), the threshold voltage of switching from white to black was compared with that before the electric field application, and no difference was observed.

(Example 5) A liquid crystal cell was prepared in the same manner as in Example 4. However, as shown in FIG. 10, the second peripheral region was provided entirely outside the first peripheral region. The rubbing treatment was performed in the following procedure. First, similarly to the fourth embodiment, the first peripheral region and the second peripheral region are masked,
The rubbing process was performed only on the effective optical modulation area. Next, the effective optical modulation area, the first peripheral area, and the second peripheral area are closer to the injection port (a rectangular area having the boundary A in FIG. 10 as one side) and the opposite side (the boundary B in FIG. A mask was provided on a rectangle having one side), and a rubbing process was performed in a direction orthogonal to the boundary lines C and D. Finally, the effective optical modulation area,
A mask was provided in the rubbed areas of the first peripheral area and the second peripheral area, and rubbing processing was performed in a direction orthogonal to the boundary lines A and B.

In this way, a liquid crystal cell was prepared in which the direction of the liquid crystal layer in the second peripheral region was parallel to the boundary line between the respective layers.

The same chiral smectic liquid crystal as in Example 4 was injected into this liquid crystal cell, and the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules was observed. As a result, the effective optical modulation region and the second peripheral region were in uniform alignment, and the first peripheral region was uniform. The region had a vertical orientation without a bright state.

When the pretilt angle was measured in the same manner as in Example 1, it was 19.5 ° in the effective optical modulation area and the second peripheral area, and was about 90 ° in the first peripheral area.

Next, when the increase in cell thickness was evaluated under the same conditions as in Example 4, no change in the cell thickness was observed as compared to before the voltage application. Further, a second peripheral area (FIG. 10)
When the threshold voltage for switching from white to black in the effective optical modulation region (portion C in FIG. 3) near the boundary line B) was compared with that before the electric field was applied, no difference was observed.

(Example 6) A liquid crystal cell was prepared in the same manner as in Example 5. However, in the second peripheral region, the rubbing treatment was not performed on the injection port side (the portion in contact with the boundary line A in FIG. 10).

The same chiral smectic liquid crystal as in Example 4 was injected into this liquid crystal cell, and the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules was observed. As a result, the uniform rubbed area in the effective optical modulation area and the second peripheral area was uniform. In orientation,
The non-rubbed portions of the first peripheral region and the second peripheral region had vertical alignment without a bright state. When the pretilt angle was measured in the same manner as in Example 1, the rubbed portion of the effective optical modulation area and the second peripheral area was 19.3 °, and the first peripheral area and the second peripheral area were rubbed. About 90 ° in the unrubbed area
Met.

Next, when the increase due to the liquid crystal movement phenomenon was evaluated under the same conditions as in Example 4, no change in the cell thickness was observed as compared with before the electric field application. Further, when the threshold voltage for switching from white to black in the effective optical modulation area (the part C in FIG. 3) near the second peripheral area was compared with that before the electric field application, no difference was observed.

(Example 7) A liquid crystal cell was prepared in the same manner as in Example 5. However, the rubbing process was performed in the same direction as the effective optical modulation region on the injection port side (the portion in contact with the boundary line A in FIG. 10) in the second peripheral region. The angle between the rubbing direction and the boundary line A was about 40 °.

The same chiral smectic liquid crystal as in Example 4 was injected into this liquid crystal cell, and the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules was observed. The uniform optical alignment was observed in the effective optical modulation region and the second peripheral region. In the peripheral region of, vertical alignment without a bright state was observed. When the pretilt angle was measured in the same manner as in Example 1, it was 18.3 ° in the effective optical modulation area and the second peripheral area, and was about 90 ° in the first peripheral area.

Next, the increase in cell thickness due to the liquid crystal movement phenomenon was evaluated under the same conditions as in Example 4. As a result, no change in cell thickness was observed as compared to before the electric field application. further,
When the threshold voltage for switching from white to black in the effective optical modulation area (portion C in FIG. 3) near the second peripheral area was compared with that before the electric field application, no difference was observed.

Comparative Example 3 A liquid crystal cell was prepared in the same manner as in Example 5. However, a rubbing process was performed on the second peripheral region in a direction parallel to each boundary line.

The same chiral smectic liquid crystal as in Example 4 was injected into this liquid crystal cell, and the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules was observed. The uniform optical alignment was observed in the effective optical modulation region and the second peripheral region. In the peripheral region of, vertical alignment without a bright state was observed. When the pretilt angle was measured by the same method as in Example 1, it was 19.0 ° in the effective optical modulation region and the second peripheral region, and was approximately 90 ° in the first peripheral region.

Next, when the increase in the cell thickness due to the liquid crystal movement phenomenon was evaluated under the same conditions as in Example 4, no change in the cell thickness was observed at all as compared to before the application of the electric field. further,
The threshold voltage for switching from white to black in the effective optical modulation area (the part C in FIG. 3) near the second peripheral area was about 15% lower than before the electric field application.

Next, a method of manufacturing the liquid crystal element used in Examples 8 to 12 will be described.

A liquid crystal element was manufactured according to the structure shown in FIGS. That is, a glass substrate 11a having a thickness of 1.1 mm,
11b was prepared, and ITO transparent electrodes 12a and 12b were formed by a sputtering method. The transparent electrodes 12a and 12b had a film thickness of 1500 °, and a large number of strips having a width of 170 μm were provided at intervals of 30 μm. After a Ta ₂ O ₅ film is formed by sputtering to a thickness of 900 °, a coating type insulating layer (TiSi =
1: 1 (manufactured by Tokyo Ohkasha Co., Ltd.) and fired at 300 ° C. The film thickness is 1200 °. Further, Ti · Si =
Fine particles made of silica having an average particle diameter of 400 ° are previously dispersed in a solution of 6.0% by weight of an insulating film having a ratio of 1: 1 and the printing of the solution is performed by using a colored plate having a roughness of 5 μm. This was performed using Thereafter, pre-baking is performed at 100 ° C. for about 10 minutes, UV irradiation is further performed, and further at 300 ° C. for about 1 hour.
A heat baking treatment was performed for a long time. The thickness of this insulating film is 20
0 °.

Thus, a film having irregularities on the surface of the alignment film was obtained. From the SEM photograph and the AFM (atomic force microscope) measurement, the width of the unevenness on the alignment film surface was 5 to 17 nm and the density was about 1
08 pieces / mm ² , and the height difference was found to be 10 to 25 nm.

On the other hand, the alignment control films 14a and 14b are formed by using a polyamic acid (manufactured by Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd .; LQ180).
A solution prepared by diluting 2) with NMP / nBC = 1/1 solution to 1.5 Wt% was applied by a spinner under application conditions of 2000 rpm and 20 sec, and then baked at 270 ° C. for 1 hour. This film thickness was 200 °.

The alignment control films 14a and 14b are rubbed. FIGS. 20A and 20B are schematic diagrams illustrating a rubbing process. The rubbing roller 20 has a structure in which a rubbing cloth 22 such as a nylon cloth is adhered to a cylindrical roller 21. This rubbing roller 20
Is rotated in the direction of C while the glass substrate 11a (11
b) is brought into contact with the upper alignment control films 14a and 14b at a predetermined pressure, and the glass substrate 11a (11b) (or rubbing roller) is moved in the direction of arrow B so that the alignment control film 14
Sliding contact between a and 14b provides an alignment regulating force. The orientation regulating force is determined by the contact force when the rubbing roller 20 is brought into contact with the glass substrate 11a (11b). Usually, the rubbing cloth 22 is moved by moving the rubbing roller 20 up and down (changing the pushing amount ε). And the orientation control films 14a, 14b. The pushing amount ε is 0.35 mm, and the number of roller turns is 1000 rpm.
The pre-tilt angle was set to 20 ° twice at a rubbing condition of p and a roller feed speed of 30 mm / sec.

The glass substrate 11 manufactured as described above
a and 11b are dispersed on one glass substrate 11a (11b) with bead spacers 16 (silica beads, alumina beads, or the like) having an average particle size of about 0.8 to 1.2 μm, and epoxy is applied on the other glass substrates 11a and 11b. Seal adhesives 17 and 18 as resin adhesives were formed by a screen printing method.
A region for filling liquid crystal containing impurities or bubbles was simultaneously formed. Note that various settings were made for the printing position of the sealant 18. A cell was formed by bonding both glass substrates 11a and 11b. In addition, bonding is performed on the glass substrate 11.
The rubbing process performed on a and 11b was performed so that the rubbing directions were substantially parallel. Thereafter, a pyrimidine-based ferroelectric liquid crystal having the following phase transition temperature and physical properties was heated to an isotropic phase under reduced pressure, injected by capillary action, and then gradually cooled to produce a liquid crystal device. Incidentally, the uniaxial aligning treatment direction of one substrate 11a, when the angle between the uniaxial alignment treatment direction forms of the other substrate 11b was theta _C, theta _C is 0 ° <θ _C <to meet the 20 ° relationship: It may be.

−8.3 ° C. 67.3 ° C. 91.7 ° C. 100.1 ° C. Cryst → SmC * → SmA → Ch → Iso Tilt angle θ = 15.1 ° (at 30 ° C.) Layer tilt angle δ = 10 0.2 ° (at 30 ° C.) Spontaneous polarization Ps = 5.5 (nc / cm ² ) (at 30
° C) A liquid crystal element was manufactured according to the above conditions, and various evaluations were made.

The following description (drawings) of Examples 8 to 12
The same reference numerals as those used in FIGS. 12 and 13 indicate the same members as those in FIGS.

(Embodiment 8) In this embodiment, the sealing material 18 shown in FIG. 21A is not formed, and the sealing material 18 shown in FIG. 21B is formed on the opposite side of the liquid crystal injection port. The durability of the liquid crystal alignment state (display durability) was evaluated for the cells in which the rubbing directions were set to two directions (a) and (b) ((1) to (4)). Note that the direction of the sealing material 18 (the rubbing direction (upward in the drawing) parallel to the longitudinal direction of the region 19 partitioned by the sealing material 18) is 0 °. The endurance conditions are as follows.
The entire black pattern was continuously written at op = 20 V, and the display state after one month was evaluated for the presence or absence of alignment abnormality. The results are shown below. In FIG. 31, I is the information signal waveform, S1, S
2, S3 represents a scanning signal waveform. Here, one information signal electrode and three scanning signal electrodes are shown, but in reality, there are 1280 information signal electrodes and 1024 scanning signal electrodes.

An information signal (black) is always applied to these information signal electrodes, and a scanning signal is sequentially applied to the scanning signal electrodes. Thereby, 1280 × 102
The pixel 4 is always displayed in black.

[0173]

[Table 1]

The difference between the alignment state immediately after the liquid crystal injection and one month after the liquid crystal injection under the respective conditions (1) to (4), particularly the presence state of the contaminated liquid crystal containing impurities and the like, are shown in FIGS. )
(B) is shown.

From the above results, the condition for preventing the impurities from being mixed into the display area is determined by the relationship between the long axis direction of the region 19 filled with the liquid crystal containing the impurities partitioned by the sealing material 18 and the uniaxial alignment processing direction. I found it.

When the cells were stored for a long period of time without driving, no abnormal alignment was observed in all the cells even after one month.

(Embodiment 9) In order to clarify the relationship with the layer structure, the same cell as the liquid crystal shown in FIG. 24 (rubbing direction 90 ° in FIG. 21B) of Embodiment 8 was used. The same cell was stored at 101 ° C. (Iso) for one month, gradually cooled to obtain an SmC ^* phase, and the same evaluation was performed.

[0178]

[Table 2]

FIGS. 26A and 26B show the alignment state immediately after the liquid crystal injection and one month later in the evaluation.

From this result, it can be seen that mixing of impurities in the display region occurs without a layer structure.

Therefore, the present invention is more effective for a liquid crystal having a layer structure such as a smectic liquid crystal.

(Embodiment 10) In the cell shown in FIG. 21B of Embodiment 8, the relationship between the rubbing direction and the formation position (direction) of the sealing material 18 was examined in detail. The same experiment as in Example 8 was performed except that the rubbing direction was different. The results are shown below.

[0183]

[Table 3]

From this experiment, it can be said that an angle of 50 ° to 130 ° with respect to the longitudinal direction of the region 19 filled with the contaminated liquid crystal containing impurities partitioned by the sealant 18 is an effective range. The same effect can be expected at an angle of 230 ° to 310 °.

(Example 11) In order to find conditions for reliably isolating contaminated liquid crystal containing impurities and the like in a region 19 defined by the sealing material 18, the position where the sealing material is formed and the wavefront at the time of injecting the liquid crystal. Was evaluated.

Regarding the wavefront at the time of liquid crystal injection, a case where the liquid crystal injection port is set to a concave surface and a case where the liquid crystal injection port is a convex surface is set. The position where the sealing material is formed may be the opposite side of the side where the liquid crystal injection port is installed as shown in FIG. 21B in Example 8 (shown in FIG. 27), or the side where the liquid crystal injection port is installed. (See FIG. 28). The rubbing direction on at least one of the substrates was in any case 90 degrees with the region 19 defined by the sealing material 18. In each setting, the existence state of the contaminated liquid crystal including impurities and the like after the injection of the liquid crystal was observed. FIG. 27 shows the result.
28 and FIG.

The irregularities of the wavefront at the time of injection were controlled by the pressure at the time of injection. By injecting under atmospheric pressure, the wavefront at the time of injection was made concave, and by injecting under a pressure of atmospheric pressure + 2 kg / cm ² , the wavefront at the time of injection was made convex.

According to the results shown in these figures, when the liquid crystal injection wavefront is concave, the region 19 for filling the contaminated liquid crystal containing impurities and the like, which is defined by the sealing material, has the liquid crystal injection port. It is preferable that the liquid crystal injection wavefront is provided on the opposite side of the side where the liquid crystal injection port is provided, and the same region is preferably provided on the side adjacent to the side where the liquid crystal injection port is installed, more preferably on two sides. It will be appreciated that

In order to efficiently fill the surrounding area with the contaminated liquid crystal irrespective of the shape of the injection wavefront of the liquid crystal, it is preferable to dispose the sealing material 18 in a configuration as shown in FIG. 29, for example.

Note that, in the configuration shown in FIG.
As in the case of 0, the rubbing direction, the position (direction) of the formation of the sealing material 18, that is, the positional relationship in the longitudinal direction of the region 19 to be filled with the contaminated liquid crystal containing impurities and the like, and the occurrence of abnormal liquid crystal alignment Example 1
Evaluation results similar to 0 were obtained.

(Example 12) The liquid crystal injection wavefront is set to be convex with respect to the side where the liquid crystal injection port is set, and the region 19 defined by the sealing material 18 for filling the contaminated liquid crystal containing impurities. Of the opening, that is, a position communicating with another region.

[0192] As shown in FIG.
Provided on two sides adjacent to the side where the liquid crystal injection port is provided and having openings at both ends. As shown in FIG. 30B, a sealing material 18 is provided adjacent to the side where the liquid crystal injection port is provided. A cell provided on two sides and having an opening only at the end on the side where the liquid crystal injection port is provided.
With respect to the cell of the setting shown in FIG. 8 (B), the presence state of the contaminated liquid crystal containing impurities and the like after liquid crystal injection was observed in the same manner as in Example 11.

As a result, in the cells shown in FIGS. 30A and 30B, as compared with the cells set as shown in FIG.
In the region 19 partitioned by the sealing material 18, very large bubbles are generated at the time of liquid crystal injection, and there is a case where the contaminated liquid crystal including impurities cannot be sufficiently filled in the region 19. From such a result, in the present invention, it is more preferable that the opening of the region to be filled with the contaminated liquid crystal containing impurities, which is defined by the sealing material, is provided as far as possible from the liquid crystal inlet. It turns out there is.

Example 13 300 mm × 320 mm,
1.1mm thick glass substrate, ITO as transparent electrode
(Indium Tin Oxide) was deposited to a thickness of about 150 nm by a sputtering method, and a striped electrode was formed by a photolithographic method. A Ta ₂ O ₅ film was formed thereon as a short-circuit preventing insulating film to a thickness of about 90 nm by a sputtering method.

Next, in the effective optical modulation area and the peripheral area as shown in FIG. 12, LQ1800 (trade name:
(Manufactured by Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.) by a flexographic printing method, and then baked and imidized on a hot plate at about 270 ° C. for about 30 minutes to form a polyimide film of about 200 °.

Thereafter, a thin stainless steel plate is closely attached to a peripheral area other than the effective optical modulation area to perform masking.
The polyimide films on the upper and lower substrates were subjected to a rubbing treatment with a nylon rubbing cloth having a raised pile.

Then, silica beads having a particle size of about 1.5 μm are sprayed on one substrate, and an epoxy resin adhesive (sealant) is formed on the other substrate in a shape as shown in FIG. 12 by flexographic printing. The upper and lower substrates were bonded so that the rubbing directions were substantially parallel in the upper and lower directions. At this time, the rubbing directions may cross vertically. At this time, as shown in FIG. 12, there is a region defined by the sealing material in the peripheral region.

The size of the liquid crystal cell manufactured as described above is 15 inches diagonally. As shown in FIG. 12, a part of the adhesive is opened as an inlet for injecting liquid crystal. Chiral smectic liquid crystal is injected from this injection port.

In the liquid crystal injection, a cell is introduced into an injection tank that can be heated and pressurized, and the inside of the cell is evacuated by evacuating the injection tank. Block. Thereafter, the temperature in the injection tank was increased to lower the viscosity of the liquid crystal, and the inside of the tank was pressurized to fill the entire cell. After the injection of the liquid crystal was completed, the liquid crystal phase was gradually cooled until it became a SmC ^* phase, and then the injection port was covered with an epoxy-based adhesive. The injected chiral smectic liquid crystal is a pyrimidine-based liquid crystal composition exhibiting the following phase transition.

-8.5 ° C 67 ° C 88 ° C 94 ° C Cryst → SmC ^* → SmA → Ch → Iso.

Next, a liquid crystal cell for measuring the pretilt angles of the effective optical modulation area and the peripheral area of the cell was prepared by the above-described method. However, the substrates were bonded so that the rubbing directions of the upper and lower substrates were antiparallel.

The pretilt angle measured by the same method as in Example 1 was 20.5 ° in the effective optical modulation area and was almost 90 ° in the peripheral area.

Next, when the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules in the cell not used for measuring the pretilt angle (the substrates were bonded so that the rubbing axes of the upper and lower substrates were substantially parallel) was observed with a polarizing microscope, the effective optical modulation area was measured. In this example, the film was in a uniform orientation, and the peripheral region was in a dark state under a crossed Nicols polarizing plate.

Next, as an evaluation of the movement phenomenon of liquid crystal molecules,
As shown in FIG. 4, the average molecular axes of the liquid crystal molecules were aligned in an optically stable state of 1 and an optically stable state of 2 in a stripe-shaped area perpendicular to the rubbing direction, and a pulse width of 25 μm.
s, voltage amplitude 40V, 1/2 duty rectangular wave about 2
The voltage was applied for 0 hour, and then the cell thickness at each of the positions A and B was measured to evaluate the increase in the cell thickness due to the liquid crystal movement. As a result, no change in the cell thickness at each of the positions A and B was observed as compared to before the voltage application. Further, when the threshold voltage of switching from white to black near C in the vicinity of the peripheral region was compared with that before the electric field application, no difference was observed.

(Example 14) A liquid crystal cell was prepared in the same direction as in Example 13. However, as shown in FIG. 24, the area partitioned by the sealing material was provided along the side opposite to the liquid crystal injection port.

The same chiral smectic liquid crystal as in Example 13 was injected into this liquid crystal cell, and the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules was observed. As a result, a uniform uniform alignment was obtained in the effective optical modulation region, and a vertical alignment having no bright state in the peripheral region. Met. When the pretilt angle was measured in the same manner as in Example 1, it was 21.3 ° in the effective optical modulation area and about 90 ° in the peripheral area.

Next, when the increase in the cell thickness due to the liquid crystal movement phenomenon was evaluated under the same conditions as in Example 13, no change in the cell thickness was observed as compared to before the electric field application. Furthermore, when the threshold voltage for switching from white to black in the portion C near the peripheral region was compared with that before the electric field application, no difference was found.

Example 15 300 mm × 320 mm,
1.1mm thick glass substrate, ITO as transparent electrode
(Indium Tin Oxide) was deposited to a thickness of about 150 nm by a sputtering method, and a striped electrode was formed by a photolithographic method. A Ta ₂ O ₅ film was formed thereon as a short-circuit preventing insulating film to a thickness of about 90 nm by a sputtering method.

Next, LQ1800 (trade name: manufactured by Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.) is printed as an alignment film on the effective optical modulation region and the first peripheral region as shown in FIG. 1 by a flexographic printing method. A polyimide film of about 200 ° was formed by sintering and imidizing on a hot plate for about 30 minutes.

Then, a thin stainless steel plate is closely attached to the first peripheral region and the second peripheral region other than the effective optical modulation region to perform masking.
A rubbing treatment was performed with a nylon rubbing cloth having a brushed pile.

Then, silica beads having a particle size of about 1.5 μm are scattered on one substrate, and an epoxy resin adhesive (sealant) is formed on the other substrate by flexographic printing in a shape as shown in FIG. The upper and lower substrates were bonded so that the rubbing directions were substantially parallel in the upper and lower directions. At this time, the rubbing directions may cross vertically. At this time, as shown in FIG. 14, there is a region defined by the sealing material in the first peripheral region.

The size of the liquid crystal cell thus manufactured is 15 inches diagonally. In addition, as shown in FIG. 14, a part of the adhesive is opened as an injection port for injecting the liquid crystal. Chiral smectic liquid crystal is injected from this injection port.

In the liquid crystal injection, a cell is introduced into an injection tank which can be heated and pressurized, and the inside of the cell is evacuated by evacuating the injection tank. Block. Thereafter, the temperature in the injection tank was increased to lower the viscosity of the liquid crystal, and the inside of the tank was pressurized to fill the entire cell. After the injection of the liquid crystal was completed, the liquid crystal phase was gradually cooled until it became a SmC ^* phase, and then the injection port was covered with an epoxy-based adhesive. The injected chiral smectic liquid crystal is a pyrimidine-based liquid crystal composition exhibiting the following phase transition.

-8.5 ° C 67 ° C 88 ° C 94 ° C Cryst → SmC ^* → SmA → Ch → Iso.

Next, a liquid crystal cell for measuring the pretilt angles of the effective optical modulation area and the first peripheral area of the cell was prepared by the above-described method. However, the substrates were bonded so that the rubbing directions of the upper and lower substrates were antiparallel.

The pretilt angle measured by the same method as in Example 1 was 21.0 ° in the effective optical modulation area and was almost 90 ° in the first peripheral area.

Next, when the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules in the cell not used for measuring the pretilt angle (the substrates were bonded so that the rubbing axes of the upper and lower substrates were substantially parallel) was observed with a polarizing microscope, the effective optical modulation area was observed. And the first peripheral region was in a dark vertical state under a crossed Nicols polarizing plate. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the second peripheral region had a random orientation (focal conic) having no uniaxiality.

Next, as an evaluation of the liquid crystal molecule movement phenomenon,
As shown in FIG. 3, the average molecular axes of the liquid crystal molecules were aligned in the optically stable state of a and the optically stable state of b in the stripe-shaped area perpendicular to the rubbing direction, and the pulse width was 25 μm.
s, voltage amplitude 40V, 1/2 duty rectangular wave about 2
The voltage was applied for 0 hour, and then the cell thickness at each of the positions A and B was measured to evaluate the increase in the cell thickness due to the liquid crystal movement. As a result, no change in the cell thickness at each of the positions A and B was observed as compared to before the voltage application. Further, when the threshold voltage for switching from white to black near C in the vicinity of the second peripheral region was compared with that before the electric field application, no difference was observed.

Further, when the presence or absence of an alignment abnormality after one month was evaluated in the same manner as in Example 8, no alignment abnormality in the effective optical modulation region possibly caused by impurities was found.

(Example 16) A liquid crystal cell was formed in the same direction as in Example 15. However, as shown in FIG. 16, the second peripheral region was provided on three sides outside the first peripheral region. Further, a region partitioned by the sealing material was provided along a side orthogonal to the liquid crystal injection port, and liquid crystal was injected into the partitioned region from a side opposite to the liquid crystal injection port.

The same chiral smectic liquid crystal as in Example 15 was injected into this liquid crystal cell, and the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules was observed. Not vertical orientation,
The second peripheral region had random orientation without uniaxiality. When the pretilt angle was measured by the same method as in Example 1, it was 22.6 ° in the effective optical modulation area and about 90 ° in the first peripheral area.

Next, when the increase in cell thickness due to the liquid crystal movement phenomenon was evaluated under the same conditions as in Example 15, no change in cell thickness was observed as compared to before the electric field application. Further, when the threshold voltage of switching from white to black in the portion C near the second peripheral region was compared with that before the electric field application,
No difference was seen.

Further, when the presence or absence of an alignment abnormality after one month was evaluated in the same manner as in Example 8, no alignment abnormality in the effective optical modulation region probably caused by impurities was found.

Example 17 A liquid crystal cell as shown in FIG. 16 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 16. However, an alignment film was also provided on a portion corresponding to the second peripheral region of both substrates. Further, the same rubbing treatment as that provided on the portion corresponding to the effective optical modulation region was performed on the portion corresponding to the second peripheral region of the alignment film. At that time, the rubbing treatment was performed in a direction parallel to the side of the cell where the liquid crystal injection port was provided.

The same chiral smectic liquid crystal as in Example 15 was injected into this liquid crystal cell, and the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules was observed. The region had a vertical orientation without a bright state.

Next, the increase in cell thickness due to the liquid crystal movement phenomenon was evaluated under the same conditions as in Example 15. As a result, no change in cell thickness was observed as compared to before the electric field application. further,
When the threshold voltage for switching from white to black in the vicinity of the second peripheral area (portion C in FIG. 3) was compared with that before the electric field was applied, no difference was observed.

Further, when the presence or absence of an alignment abnormality after one month was evaluated in the same manner as in Example 18, no alignment abnormality in the effective optical modulation region presumably due to impurities was found.

(Example 18) A liquid crystal cell was produced in the same manner as in Example 13. However, no alignment film was provided in a region 19 defined by the sealant 18 on both substrates. In the following embodiments, the region 19 is a portion corresponding to a rectangle having one side of the sealing material 18 existing in the peripheral region in FIG.

The same chiral smectic liquid crystal as in Example 13 was injected into this liquid crystal cell, and the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules was observed. The uniform optical alignment was obtained in the effective optical modulation region, and the random alignment having no uniaxiality was obtained in the region 19. In the peripheral region other than the region 19, the vertical alignment without a bright state was observed.

Next, the increase in cell thickness due to the movement of the liquid crystal was evaluated under the same conditions as in Example 13. As a result, no change in the cell thickness was observed as compared to before the electric field was applied. Further, when the threshold voltage for switching from white to black in the vicinity of the peripheral region (portion C in FIG. 3) was compared with that before the electric field was applied, no difference was observed.

Further, when the presence or absence of an alignment abnormality after one month was evaluated by the same method as in Example 8, no alignment abnormality in the effective optical modulation region probably caused by impurities was found.

(Example 19) A liquid crystal cell was produced in the same manner as in Example 13. However, a rubbing process was performed in the same direction as in Example 17 in the region 19 defined by the sealant 18 on both substrates.

The same chiral smectic liquid crystal as in Example 13 was injected into this liquid crystal cell, and the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules was observed. It was a vertical alignment without a bright state.

Next, the increase in cell thickness due to the movement of the liquid crystal was evaluated under the same conditions as in Example 13. As a result, no change in the cell thickness was observed as compared to before the voltage application. further,
When the threshold voltage for switching from white to black in the vicinity of the peripheral region (portion C in FIG. 3) was compared with that before the electric field was applied, no difference was observed.

Further, when the presence or absence of an alignment abnormality after one month was evaluated in the same manner as in Example 8, no alignment abnormality in the effective optical modulation region due to impurities was found.

(Example 20) In the cell shown in FIG. 12 of Example 13, the relationship between the width of the area 19 defined by the sealing material 18 in the peripheral area and the presence or absence of an alignment abnormality one month later was examined. . P, p ′ in FIG. 12 (peripheral region 1
9) and the sum of q, q '(width of region 19) is p +
Assuming that q = p ′ + q ′ = 10 mm, p = p ′ and q = q ′, the orientation abnormality in the effective optical modulation region after one month was examined in the same manner as in Example 8. The results are shown in Table 4 below.

[0237]

[Table 4]

From this result, it became clear that the width of the region 19 is preferably smaller than the width of the peripheral region other than the region 19.

[0239]

As described above, according to the present invention, a peripheral region (first peripheral region) is provided outside the effective optical modulation region, and the pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the region is adjusted by the liquid crystal in the effective optical modulation region. By making the tilt angle larger than the pretilt angle of the molecule, it is possible to prevent a pressure distribution from being generated inside the liquid crystal cell due to the movement of the liquid crystal by driving, and to prevent an increase in the cell thickness at the edge of the liquid crystal cell and coloring of the cell. Can be.
In addition, an area defined by a sealing material is provided in the peripheral area so as to communicate with another area. And / or by further providing a second peripheral region having a specific alignment state, it is possible to reduce the movement of the abnormal liquid crystal having changed physical properties to the effective optical modulation region.

That is, according to the present invention, yellowing is unlikely to occur even when a liquid crystal material or a driving method which has conventionally caused the cell thickness to fluctuate is employed, and the cell thickness is conventionally fluctuated. Even if such a pattern is displayed, yellowing hardly occurs. In addition, by reducing the movement of abnormal liquid crystals having changed physical properties to the effective optical modulation region, unevenness in threshold voltage is eliminated, and a liquid crystal element capable of uniform optical modulation or information display and having excellent durability is provided. can do.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view illustrating an example of a liquid crystal element according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view showing an AA section of the liquid crystal element shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing a portion where a cell thickness increases due to a liquid crystal movement phenomenon.

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing a portion where a cell thickness increases and a portion where a threshold voltage decreases due to a liquid crystal movement phenomenon.

FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing a portion of a liquid crystal cell provided with a first peripheral region, in which a threshold voltage decreases due to a liquid crystal movement phenomenon.

FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing a liquid crystal movement phenomenon in an example of the liquid crystal element according to the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a plan view schematically showing a relationship between an average molecular axis direction of a liquid crystal moving molecule and a moving direction. (B) is a schematic plan view showing an increase in cell thickness due to a liquid crystal movement phenomenon.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a chevron structure and a zigzag defect of a smectic liquid crystal.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a director for explaining C1, C2 orientation, a uniform state, and a spray state.

FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing another example of the liquid crystal element according to the present invention.

11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal element shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view showing another example of the liquid crystal element according to the present invention.

13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along line BB 'of the liquid crystal element shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a schematic sectional view showing another example of the liquid crystal element according to the present invention.

15 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an AA cross section of the liquid crystal element illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view showing another example of the liquid crystal element according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a position of a sealing material in the liquid crystal element according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a control system of an image display device using the liquid crystal element according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a control system of an image forming apparatus using the liquid crystal element according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a schematic view showing an example of a rubbing device used in a process for manufacturing a liquid crystal element according to the present invention.

FIG. 21 shows a liquid crystal element (cell) used in Example 8 of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of FIG.

FIG. 22 is a liquid crystal element (cell) in Example 8 of the present invention.
FIG.

FIG. 23 is a liquid crystal element (cell) according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention.
FIG.

FIG. 24 is a liquid crystal element (cell) in Example 8 of the present invention.
FIG.

FIG. 25 is a liquid crystal element (cell) in Example 8 of the present invention.
FIG.

FIG. 26 is a liquid crystal element (cell) according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention.
FIG.

FIG. 27 is a plan view showing the evaluation results of the liquid crystal element (cell) in Example 11 of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a plan view showing evaluation results of a liquid crystal element (cell) in Example 11 of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a schematic plan view showing another example of the liquid crystal element according to the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a plan view schematically showing a configuration of a liquid crystal element (cell) used in Embodiment 12 of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing driving waveforms used in Examples 8 to 12 of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11a, 11b Upper and lower substrates 12a, 12b Transparent electrodes 13a, 13b Insulating film 14a, 14b Alignment control film 15 Chiral smectic liquid crystal 16 Spacer 17 Sealing material 18 Sealing material 19 Region partitioned by sealing material 18 20 Rubbing direction 21, 21 'Liquid crystal Average molecular axis direction of molecules 22 Moving direction of liquid crystal molecules 23 Liquid crystal cell end 31 Smectic layer 32 C1 alignment region 33 C2 alignment region 34 Lightning defect 35 Hairpin defect 51, 52 C1 director of C1 splay alignment 53, 54 C1 uniform alignment C-director 56 C-director with C2 orientation

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (31) Priority claim number Japanese Patent Application No. 8-86614 (32) Priority date April 9, 1996 (1996.4.9) (33) Priority claim country Japan (JP) (72) Inventor Kenji Onuma 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Ryu Wada 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Seishi Miura 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. Masamichi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Bunra Sato 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (56) References JP-A-7- 13167 (J , A) (58) investigated the field (Int.Cl. ^7, DB name) G02F 1/1337 510 G02F 1/141

Claims (101)

(57) [Claims] 1. A liquid crystal element having a liquid crystal sandwiched between a pair of substrates each having an electrode, wherein the liquid crystal is a liquid crystal movable along a surface of the substrate by applying a voltage, and the liquid crystal is sandwiched. The region is composed of an effective optical modulation region, a first peripheral region outside the effective optical modulation region, and a second peripheral region, and a pretilt angle of liquid crystal molecules in the first peripheral region is:
Larger than the pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the effective optical modulation area, the second peripheral area is formed at least partially or entirely outside the first peripheral area, and the liquid crystal in the second peripheral area A liquid crystal element, wherein the alignment state is random alignment without uniaxiality. 2. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the effective optical modulation area corresponds to a display area, and the first peripheral area and the second peripheral area correspond to a non-display area. 3. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal is a chiral smectic liquid crystal. 4. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein said liquid crystal is a ferroelectric liquid crystal. 5. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal is an antiferroelectric liquid crystal. 6. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein a pretilt angle of liquid crystal molecules in the effective optical modulation region is 10 ° or more.
The liquid crystal element according to the above. 7. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein a pretilt angle of liquid crystal molecules in the effective optical modulation region is 5 ° or less. 8. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein at least one inner surface of said pair of substrates is roughened. 9. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the alignment state of the liquid crystal in the effective optical modulation region is a uniform alignment. 10. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the first peripheral region and the second peripheral region are shielded from light by a light shielding member. 11. An image display device comprising the liquid crystal element according to claim 1. 12. An image forming apparatus comprising the liquid crystal element according to claim 1. 13. A liquid crystal element in which liquid crystal is sandwiched between a pair of substrates each having an electrode, wherein the liquid crystal is a liquid crystal that can move along the surface of the substrate by applying a voltage, and the liquid crystal is sandwiched. The region is composed of an effective optical modulation region, a first peripheral region outside the effective optical modulation region, and a second peripheral region, and a pretilt angle of liquid crystal molecules in the first peripheral region is:
Greater than the pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the effective optical modulation region, the second peripheral region is formed at least partially or entirely outside the first peripheral region, and the liquid crystal in the second peripheral region is An angle between a normal line of the liquid crystal layer in the second peripheral region and a boundary surface between the first peripheral region and the second peripheral region is 7;
A liquid crystal element which is in a range of 0 ° to 110 °. 14. An angle between a normal line of the liquid crystal layer in the second peripheral region and a boundary surface between the first peripheral region and the second peripheral region is in a range of 80 ° to 100 °. The liquid crystal device according to claim 13, wherein: 15. An angle between a normal line of the liquid crystal layer in the second peripheral region and a boundary surface between the first peripheral region and the second peripheral region is in a range of 85 ° to 95 °. The liquid crystal device according to claim 13, wherein: 16. The liquid crystal device according to claim 13, wherein the effective optical modulation area corresponds to a display area, and the first peripheral area and the second peripheral area correspond to a non-display area. 17. The liquid crystal device according to claim 13, wherein the liquid crystal is a chiral smectic liquid crystal. 18. The liquid crystal device according to claim 13, wherein the liquid crystal is a ferroelectric liquid crystal. 19. The liquid crystal device according to claim 13, wherein the liquid crystal is an antiferroelectric liquid crystal. 20. The liquid crystal device according to claim 13, wherein a pretilt angle of liquid crystal molecules in the effective optical modulation region is 10 ° or more. 21. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein a pretilt angle of liquid crystal molecules in the effective optical modulation region is 5 ° or less.
3. The liquid crystal element according to 3. 22. The substrate according to claim 13, wherein at least one of the inner surfaces of the pair of substrates is roughened.
The liquid crystal element according to the above. 23. The liquid crystal device according to claim 13, wherein the alignment state of the liquid crystal in the effective optical modulation region is a uniform alignment. 24. The liquid crystal device according to claim 13, wherein an alignment state of the liquid crystal in the second peripheral region is a uniform alignment. 25. The liquid crystal device according to claim 13, wherein the first peripheral region and the second peripheral region are shielded from light by a light shielding member. 26. An image display device comprising the liquid crystal element according to claim 13. 27. An image forming apparatus comprising the liquid crystal element according to claim 13. 28. A liquid crystal element having a liquid crystal interposed between a pair of substrates each having an electrode, and having an effective optical modulation region and a peripheral region located outside the effective optical modulation region, wherein the liquid crystal of at least one substrate is Has an area which is partitioned by a sealing material so as to communicate with another area in the peripheral area, and a longitudinal direction of the area is equal to that of the at least one substrate. A liquid crystal element, which forms an angle with the direction of the uniaxial alignment treatment. 29. An angle formed between a longitudinal direction of a region defined by the sealant and a direction of the uniaxial orientation treatment is as follows:
The liquid crystal device according to claim 28, wherein the angle is in a range of 50 ° to 130 °. 30. The liquid crystal device according to claim 28, wherein the liquid crystal element is constituted by a plurality of sides, and the liquid crystal element has two areas, one on each side not adjacent to each other, divided by the sealing material. Liquid crystal element. 31. The liquid crystal element has a plurality of sides, has a liquid crystal injection port on one side, and has a region defined by the sealing material adjacent to the side having the liquid crystal injection port.
30. The liquid crystal element according to claim 28, wherein the liquid crystal element is provided on a side. 32. A liquid crystal device comprising: a plurality of sides; a liquid crystal injection port on one side; and a region defined by the sealing material on a side opposite to the side having the liquid crystal injection port. 30. The liquid crystal device according to claim 28, wherein: 33. The liquid crystal device according to claim 28, wherein the effective optical modulation area corresponds to a display area, and the peripheral area corresponds to a non-display area. 34. The liquid crystal device according to claim 28, wherein the uniaxial alignment treatment is a rubbing treatment. 35. The liquid crystal device according to claim 28, wherein the liquid crystal is a chiral smectic liquid crystal. 36. The liquid crystal device according to claim 28, wherein the liquid crystal is a ferroelectric liquid crystal. 37. The liquid crystal device according to claim 28, wherein the liquid crystal is an antiferroelectric liquid crystal. 38. The liquid crystal device according to claim 28, wherein a pretilt angle of liquid crystal molecules in the effective optical modulation region is 10 ° or more. 39. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 2, wherein a pretilt angle of liquid crystal molecules in the effective optical modulation region is 5 ° or less.
30. The liquid crystal device according to 8 or 29. 40. An inner surface of at least one of the pair of substrates is roughened.
29. A liquid crystal device according to 29. 41. A liquid crystal display device according to claim 2, wherein the liquid crystal in the effective optical modulation region has a uniform alignment state.
30. The liquid crystal device according to 8 or 29. 42. The liquid crystal device according to claim 28, wherein the peripheral region is shielded from light by a light shielding member. 43. An image display device comprising the liquid crystal element according to claim 28. 44. An image forming apparatus comprising the liquid crystal element according to claim 28. 45. A liquid crystal element having a liquid crystal sandwiched between a pair of substrates each having an electrode, wherein the liquid crystal is a liquid crystal that can move along the surface of the substrate by applying a voltage, and the liquid crystal is sandwiched. The region includes an effective optical modulation region and a peripheral region outside the effective optical modulation region. In the effective optical modulation region, a uniaxial alignment process is performed on an interface between at least one of the substrates and the liquid crystal. The pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the peripheral region is larger than the pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the effective optical modulation region, and the peripheral region has a region partitioned by a sealing material so as to communicate with another region. A liquid crystal element characterized by the above-mentioned. 46. The method according to claim 45, wherein an angle formed between a longitudinal direction of the region defined by the sealing material and the direction of the uniaxial orientation treatment is in a range of 50 ° to 130 °. Liquid crystal element. 47. The area defined by the seal material in a cross section perpendicular to the seal material in an area perpendicular to the seal material is 0.5 times or less the area of a cross section in the peripheral region perpendicular to the seal material. 46. The liquid crystal device according to 46. 48. The liquid crystal device according to claim 45, wherein the liquid crystal element is constituted by a plurality of sides, and the liquid crystal element has a total of two areas, one on each side that is not adjacent to each other, defined by the sealing material. Liquid crystal element. 49. The liquid crystal element is composed of a plurality of sides, has a liquid crystal injection port on one side, and forms a region defined by the sealing material adjacent to the side having the liquid crystal injection port.
The liquid crystal element according to claim 45 or 46, wherein the liquid crystal element is provided on a side. 50. The liquid crystal element is constituted by a plurality of sides, has a liquid crystal injection port on one side, and has a region defined by the sealant on a side opposite to the side having the liquid crystal injection port. The liquid crystal element according to claim 45 or 46. 51. The liquid crystal device according to claim 45, wherein the effective optical modulation area corresponds to a display area, and the peripheral area corresponds to a non-display area. 52. The liquid crystal device according to claim 45, wherein the uniaxial alignment treatment is a rubbing treatment. 53. The liquid crystal device according to claim 45, wherein the liquid crystal is a chiral smectic liquid crystal. 54. The liquid crystal device according to claim 45, wherein the liquid crystal is a ferroelectric liquid crystal. 55. The liquid crystal device according to claim 45, wherein the liquid crystal is an antiferroelectric liquid crystal. 56. The liquid crystal device according to claim 45, wherein a pretilt angle of liquid crystal molecules in the effective optical modulation region is 10 ° or more. 57. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 4, wherein a pretilt angle of liquid crystal molecules in the effective optical modulation region is 5 ° or less.
49. The liquid crystal device according to 5 or 46. 58. An inner surface of at least one of the pair of substrates is roughened.
Or the liquid crystal element of 46. 59. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 4, wherein the alignment state of the liquid crystal in the effective optical modulation region is a uniform alignment.
49. The liquid crystal device according to 5 or 46. 60. The liquid crystal device according to claim 45, wherein the peripheral region is shielded from light by a light shielding member. 61. An image display device comprising the liquid crystal element according to claim 45. 62. An image forming apparatus comprising the liquid crystal element according to claim 45. 63. A liquid crystal element in which liquid crystal is sandwiched between a pair of substrates each having an electrode, wherein the liquid crystal is a liquid crystal that can move along the surface of the substrate by applying a voltage, and the liquid crystal is sandwiched. The region is constituted by an effective optical modulation region, a first peripheral region outside the effective optical modulation region, and a second periphery, and in the effective optical modulation region, an interface with the liquid crystal of at least one substrate. Is subjected to a uniaxial alignment treatment, and the pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the first peripheral region is
Larger than the pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the effective optical modulation area, the second peripheral area is formed at least partially or entirely outside the first peripheral area, and the liquid crystal in the second peripheral area The orientation state is random orientation without uniaxiality, and the first peripheral region and / or the second peripheral region have a region partitioned by a sealing material so as to communicate with another region. Characteristic liquid crystal element. 64. The angle according to claim 63, wherein an angle formed between a longitudinal direction of the region defined by said seal material and a direction of said uniaxial orientation treatment is in a range of 50 ° to 130 °. Liquid crystal element. 65. A region defined by the sealing material is provided at least in the first peripheral region, and a part of the sealing material defined by the first peripheral region in the region defined by the sealing material is provided. 65. The liquid crystal element according to claim 63, wherein an area of a cross section perpendicular to the first peripheral region is 0.5 times or less of an area of a cross section perpendicular to the sealing material of the first peripheral region. 66. The liquid crystal device according to claim 63, wherein the liquid crystal element is constituted by a plurality of sides, and has a total of two areas defined by the sealing material, one on each side not adjacent to each other. Liquid crystal element. 67. A liquid crystal device comprising: a plurality of sides; a liquid crystal injection port on one side; and a region defined by the sealing material adjacent to the side having the liquid crystal injection port. A liquid crystal device according to claim 63 or 64. 68. The liquid crystal element is constituted by a plurality of sides, has a liquid crystal injection port on one side, and has a region defined by the sealing material on a side opposite to the side having the liquid crystal injection port. The liquid crystal device according to claim 63 or 64, wherein: 69. The liquid crystal according to claim 63, wherein the effective optical modulation area corresponds to a display area, and the first peripheral area and the second peripheral area correspond to a non-display area. element. 70. The liquid crystal device according to claim 63, wherein the uniaxial alignment treatment is a rubbing treatment. 71. The liquid crystal device according to claim 63, wherein the liquid crystal is a chiral smectic liquid crystal. 72. The liquid crystal device according to claim 63, wherein the liquid crystal is a ferroelectric liquid crystal. 73. The liquid crystal device according to claim 63, wherein the liquid crystal is an antiferroelectric liquid crystal. 74. The liquid crystal device according to claim 63, wherein a pretilt angle of liquid crystal molecules in the effective optical modulation region is 10 ° or more. 75. The pretilt angle of liquid crystal molecules in the effective optical modulation region is 5 ° or less.
64. The liquid crystal device according to 3 or 64. 76. The substrate according to claim 63, wherein at least one of the inner surfaces of the pair of substrates is roughened.
Or the liquid crystal element of 64. 77. The liquid crystal in the effective optical modulation region has a uniform alignment state.
64. The liquid crystal device according to 3 or 64. 78. The liquid crystal device according to claim 63, wherein the first peripheral region and the second peripheral region are shielded from light by a light shielding member. 79. An image display device comprising the liquid crystal element according to claim 63. 80. An image forming apparatus comprising the liquid crystal element according to claim 63. 81. A liquid crystal element having a liquid crystal sandwiched between a pair of substrates each having an electrode, wherein the liquid crystal is a liquid crystal that can move along the surface of the substrate by applying a voltage, and the liquid crystal is sandwiched. The region is composed of an effective optical modulation region, a first peripheral region outside the effective optical modulation region, and a second peripheral region. In the effective optical modulation region, at least one of the substrates has a liquid crystal. The interface is subjected to a uniaxial alignment treatment, and the pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the first peripheral region is:
Greater than the pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the effective optical modulation region, the second peripheral region is formed at least partially or entirely outside the first peripheral region, and the liquid crystal in the second peripheral region is An angle between a normal line of the liquid crystal layer in the second peripheral region and a boundary surface between the first peripheral region and the second peripheral region is 7;
The first peripheral region and / or the second peripheral region include a region partitioned by a sealing material so as to communicate with another region. Liquid crystal element. 82. An angle formed by a longitudinal direction of a region defined by the sealant and a direction of the uniaxial orientation treatment,
The liquid crystal device according to claim 81, wherein the angle is in a range of 50 ° to 130 °. 83. A region defined by the seal material is provided at least in the first peripheral region, and a part of the seal material in the first peripheral region in the region partitioned by the seal material is provided. 83. The liquid crystal element according to claim 81, wherein the area of the cross section perpendicular to the first peripheral region is 0.5 times or less the area of the cross section perpendicular to the sealing material of the first peripheral region. 84. An angle between a normal line of the liquid crystal layer in the second peripheral region and a boundary between the first peripheral region and the second peripheral region is in a range of 80 ° to 100 °. The liquid crystal device according to claim 81, wherein the liquid crystal element is provided. 85. An angle between a normal line of the liquid crystal layer in the second peripheral region and a boundary surface between the first peripheral region and the second peripheral region is in a range of 85 ° to 95 °. The liquid crystal device according to claim 81, wherein the liquid crystal element is provided. 86. The liquid crystal device according to claim 81, wherein the liquid crystal element is constituted by a plurality of sides, and has a total of two areas defined by the sealing material, one on each side not adjacent to each other. Liquid crystal element. 87. The liquid crystal element is composed of a plurality of sides, has a liquid crystal injection port on one side, and forms a region defined by the sealing material adjacent to the side having the liquid crystal injection port.
The liquid crystal element according to claim 81 or 82, wherein the liquid crystal element is provided on a side. 88. The liquid crystal element is constituted by a plurality of sides, has a liquid crystal injection port on one side, and has a region defined by the sealant on a side opposite to the side having the liquid crystal injection port. A liquid crystal device according to claim 81 or 82. 89. The liquid crystal according to claim 81, wherein the effective optical modulation area corresponds to a display area, and the first peripheral area and the second peripheral area correspond to a non-display area. element. 90. The liquid crystal device according to claim 81, wherein the uniaxial alignment treatment is a rubbing treatment. 91. The liquid crystal device according to claim 81, wherein the liquid crystal is a chiral smectic liquid crystal. 92. The liquid crystal device according to claim 81, wherein the liquid crystal is a ferroelectric liquid crystal. 93. The liquid crystal device according to claim 81, wherein the liquid crystal is an antiferroelectric liquid crystal. 94. The liquid crystal device according to claim 81, wherein a pretilt angle of liquid crystal molecules in the effective optical modulation region is 10 ° or more. 95. A pretilt angle of liquid crystal molecules in the effective optical modulation region is 5 ° or less.
83. The liquid crystal element according to 1 or 82. 96. An apparatus according to claim 81, wherein at least one inner surface of said pair of substrates is roughened.
Or the liquid crystal element of 82. 97. An alignment state of liquid crystal in the effective optical modulation region is a uniform alignment.
83. The liquid crystal element according to 1 or 82. 98. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 81, wherein the alignment state of the liquid crystal in the second peripheral region is a uniform alignment.
Or the liquid crystal element of 82. 99. The liquid crystal device according to claim 81, wherein the first peripheral region and the second peripheral region are shielded from light by a light shielding member. 100. An image display device comprising the liquid crystal element according to claim 81. An image forming apparatus comprising the liquid crystal element according to claim 81.