JP4663138B2 - Manufacturing method of color filter - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal element for color display used in a color television, a personal computer, a pachinko game machine or the like, a color filter which is a constituent member of the liquid crystal element, and a method for manufacturing the same.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, with the development of personal computers, in particular with the development of portable personal computers, the demand for color liquid crystal displays tends to increase. However, for further widespread use, there is an increasing demand for cost reduction of color filters that are particularly high in cost.
[0003]
Conventionally, methods for producing a color filter include a pigment dispersion method, a dyeing method, an electrodeposition method, and a printing method. Recently, an ink jet method has been developed. The ink jet method is a method in which a colored portion is formed by applying ink on a transparent substrate using an ink jet recording apparatus, but there are a plurality of colors, usually red (R), green (G), and blue (B). A plurality of colors can be colored in one step by simultaneously applying color inks onto a transparent substrate.
[0004]
FIG. 12 schematically shows the state of the color filter coloring process by the ink jet method. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a black matrix formed on a transparent substrate, which has a plurality of openings 2. In this step, at least the opening 2 is colored by applying ink to form a colored portion. Reference numerals 121a to 121c denote ink jet heads for applying inks of R, G, and B, respectively, and each have a plurality of nozzles 122 arranged linearly. Each of the inkjet heads 121a to 121c ejects ink from each nozzle while scanning in the direction of the arrow in the drawing. At this time, the inkjet head is inclined with respect to a direction orthogonal to the scanning direction, and the nozzle ejects ink. (Every four nozzles are selected in FIG. 12), the pitch of the selected nozzles 122 is made to correspond to the arrangement pitch of the colored portions of the same color filter.
[0005]
According to the ink jet system, as shown in FIG. 12, by using a plurality of ink jet heads having a plurality of nozzles corresponding to the respective colors of R, G, and B, a plurality of colors and a plurality of rows of colored portions are provided. It can be colored simultaneously by scanning. Furthermore, by performing the scanning a plurality of times while shifting the inkjet head in a direction orthogonal to the scanning direction, even color filters having different sizes can be colored with the same apparatus.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, the method for producing a color filter by the ink jet method is simple as a process, can easily cope with different sizes, and is expected as a method for providing a color filter at a lower cost. The phenomenon of “unification” occurs. “Uniformity” refers to a phenomenon in which a solvent component such as moisture evaporates from the ink in the nozzle when time is required until the ink is ejected, and the first ink droplet becomes darker.
▲ 1 ▼ Invitation accuracy is reduced, which is called “yore”.
(2) Further, when a long time has passed, non-discharge (no nozzle does not discharge ink) occurs.
Will cause problems.
[0007]
Uniformity occurs even after a short period of time, and after the ejected ink has landed on the substrate, its dot diameter increases, so that the ink extends to adjacent different colored areas, so-called `` mixed color '' Cause problems. Further, color mixing is caused by causing the above-described kinking.
[0008]
As a method of solving such a problem due to the uniformity, the coloring process is started with as little time as possible after performing a recovery operation before starting the discharge or performing an operation called preliminary discharge. . However, in the actual coloring process, after performing the recovery operation or preliminary ejection, it is necessary to align the inkjet head and the transparent substrate (alignment process). there were.
[0009]
Therefore, as a possible method for avoiding the uniformity, as shown in FIG. 13, when the liquid crystal element or the like is configured, an area related to display is set as an effective area, and at least outside one end thereof, an ineffective area not related to display is displayed. And by scanning from the invalid area, an ink droplet 131 having a dot diameter larger than the original ink droplet 3 is consumed in the invalid area to prevent the influence on the valid area. With this method, it is possible to carry out after the alignment step, and the production tact can be improved by omitting steps other than the original coloring step such as recovery operation or preliminary discharge. In FIG. 13, ink is applied only to the opening 2. However, as shown in FIG. 14, ink may be applied continuously between adjacent openings 2.
[0010]
However, when a liquid crystal element is formed using a color filter manufactured by avoiding the influence of uniformity by providing an ineffective region, in the step of forming an ITO film that is a transparent conductive film on the color filter, Invalid areas become a problem. Specifically, the ITO film is formed by bringing a metal mask into close contact with the surface of the color filter, but the metal mask has a size slightly larger than the four sides around the effective area of the color filter. For this reason, the colored portion formed in the invalid region is damaged by the edge portions of the four sides of the metal mask. Since this invalid area is left as it is during the assembly of the liquid crystal element, when the color filter is washed in the assembly process, water is mixed from the damaged part and the color of the colored part near the end of the effective area becomes light. It will occur.
[0011]
For this reason, it is preferable to make the invalid area as narrow as possible. However, once color mixing occurs, there is a tendency to spread instantaneously from the location of occurrence toward the scanning direction, and color mixing tends to occur as the invalid area becomes narrower. In other words, the narrower the invalid area, the more likely the mixed color generated in the invalid area due to the uniformity is in the effective area. In particular, when ink is continuously applied in a line shape as shown in FIG. 14, the possibility is considered to be higher.
[0012]
An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and in the method of manufacturing a color filter by an ink jet method, while avoiding the influence of the uniformity by the ineffective region, the width of the ineffective region is minimized, and the liquid crystal element The object of the present invention is to provide a color filter that suppresses problems during assembly, and to provide a liquid crystal element for color display at a lower cost by using the color filter.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Main departure Tomorrow A color filter manufacturing method for forming a colored portion by applying ink by an ink jet method on a transparent substrate, wherein an ineffective region is provided adjacent to the outside of at least one end of the effective region on the transparent substrate. Ink that is applied to the invalid area by sequentially applying ink from the area toward the effective area and making the drive pulse for applying the ink different between the invalid area and the effective area Per drop A color filter manufacturing method characterized in that the amount is less than the effective area.
[0014]
In the said invention, the following structure is included as a preferable aspect.
An ink receiving layer made of a resin composition is formed on a transparent substrate, and the ink receiving layer is colored by applying ink by an ink jet method to form a colored portion.
A resin layer having a plurality of openings is formed on a transparent substrate, and a curable ink is applied to the openings of the resin layer and cured to form colored portions.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The method of manufacturing a color filter of the present invention reduces the dot diameter of the ink droplets that cause the unidirectionality by reducing the ejection amount of the ink droplets in the ineffective region to be smaller than the ejection amount to the effective region, and the influence thereof. It has the feature in having suppressed. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to sufficiently avoid the influence of the uniformity in the ineffective area narrower than the conventional one.
[0017]
The state of the coloring step in the production method of the present invention is schematically shown in FIG. In the figure, 1 is a black matrix, 2 is an opening of the black matrix 1, and 3 to 5 are ink droplets. In the present invention, an invalid area is provided on at least one end of the display area of the color filter, that is, on the scanning start side of the coloring process, and ink is sequentially applied from the invalid area toward the effective area. At this time, the ejection amount of the ink droplet 4 applied in the invalid area is set to be smaller than the ejection amount of the ink droplet 3 applied in the effective area. As a result, the dot diameter of the ink droplet 5 that causes the uniformity is also reduced, and its influence on the color mixture is greatly suppressed. Note that by increasing the number of ink droplets to be applied by the amount of ink droplets 4 ejected less than that of ink droplets 3, the amount of ink applied per unit area is equivalent to the effective region, and the discharge of ink having a high density is performed. Complete in the invalid area.
[0018]
The basic process of the color filter manufacturing method according to the present invention will be described. In the method of manufacturing a color filter by an ink jet method, (1) an ink receiving layer made of a resin composition is formed on a transparent substrate, and ink is applied to the ink receiving layer by an ink jet method to form a colored portion. And (2) a method of forming a light-shielding layer having an opening on a transparent substrate, applying a curable ink to the opening of the light-shielding layer, and curing to form a colored portion. First, the above method (1) will be described with reference to FIG.
[0019]
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a manufacturing process of a color filter by an inkjet method, and is a schematic cross-sectional view in a direction orthogonal to the scanning direction of the inkjet head. In the figure, 10 is a transparent substrate, 11 is a black matrix corresponding to 2 in FIG. 1, 12 is an ink receiving layer made of a resin composition, 13 is a photomask, 14 is a non-colored portion, 15 is a colored portion, and 17 is a colored portion. Ink, 18 is a colored portion, and 19 is a protective layer. Each step will be described below. FIGS. 2A to 2D are schematic cross-sectional views corresponding to the following steps (a) to (d), respectively.
[0020]
Step (a)
A black matrix 11 is formed on the transparent substrate 10 as necessary. As the transparent substrate 1, glass is generally used, but plastic or the like can be used as long as it has necessary characteristics such as strength without impairing the transparency of the color filter. The black matrix 11 may be a black stripe, and the film thickness is usually about 0.1 to 0.5 μm. A metal such as chromium is formed on the transparent substrate 1 by sputtering or vapor deposition, and patterned by a photolithography process. Is obtained. Further, the black matrix 11 may be formed on the ink receiving layer 12, and may be formed using a black resin or the like other than metal.
[0021]
In the present manufacturing process, the opening of the black matrix 11 only needs to be formed in the effective area according to the present invention, and the ineffective area is not involved in the display when the liquid crystal element is configured, so it is not necessary to form the opening. . Rather, it is preferable not to form the opening in order to prevent the ineffective area from being displayed.
[0022]
Next, an ink receiving layer 12 made of a resin composition is formed on the entire surface of the transparent substrate 10. The ink receiving layer 12 is a coloring medium for forming a colored portion 19 by coloring in a process described later, and preferably is formed of a photosensitive resin composition whose ink receiving ability is changed by light irradiation or light irradiation and heat treatment. In the next step, pattern exposure is performed to form a non-colored portion 14 for preventing color mixing. The photosensitivity may be either negative type or positive type, specifically, cellulose derivatives such as acrylic resins, epoxy resins, silicone resins, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, or modified products thereof. An amide resin, a phenol resin, a polystyrene resin, or the like is used in combination with a photoinitiator (crosslinking agent) as necessary. As photoinitiators, dichromates, bisazide compounds, radical initiators, cationic initiators, anionic initiators, etc. can be used. Furthermore, these photoinitiators are mixed or other It can be used in combination with other sensitizers. Furthermore, it is also possible to use a photoacid generator such as an onium salt as a crosslinking agent. This embodiment shows an example using a negative resin composition that loses (or reduces) the ink receptivity by light irradiation.
[0023]
The photosensitive resin composition is applied onto the transparent substrate 10 by a method such as spin coating, roll coating, bar coating, spray coating, dip coating, or the like, and pre-baked as necessary to form the ink receiving layer 12. The thickness of the ink receiving layer 12 is usually about 0.3 to 3.0 μm.
[0024]
Step (b)
When the ink receiving layer 12 is formed of a photosensitive resin composition, the photoreceptive layer 12 is subjected to pattern exposure using a photomask 13, and the ink receiving ability of the exposed portion is lost (or reduced) to thereby remove the uncolored portion. 14 is formed. The non-colored portion 14 is formed at a position overlapping the black matrix 11, and in particular, the non-colored portion 14 is formed narrower than the width of the black matrix 11 from the viewpoint of preventing white spots at the opening boundary of the black matrix 11. It is preferable to do. In order to enhance the effect of preventing color mixing, it is also preferably applied to the ink receiving layer 12 with a component that causes the non-colored portion 14 to exhibit ink repellency.
[0025]
A region that has not been exposed in this process becomes the colored portion 15. In addition, when a positive resin composition that exhibits (or increases) ink receptivity by exposure is used, exposure may be performed in a reverse pattern.
[0026]
Step (c)
From an inkjet head (not shown), ink 17 of a predetermined color is ejected to the colored portion 15 along a predetermined coloring pattern and colored.
[0027]
In the present invention, the ink 17 used for coloring the ink receiving layer 12 is preferably used as long as it contains a colorant such as a dye or a pigment and is in a liquid state upon ejection.
[0028]
Step (d)
Necessary processing such as heat treatment or light irradiation is performed to cure the entire ink receiving layer, and a colored layer composed of the non-colored portion 14 and the colored portion 18 is formed.
[0029]
Furthermore, a protective layer 19 is formed on the colored layer as necessary to obtain the color filter of the present invention. The protective layer 19 can be a photocurable, thermosetting, or combined heat / light curable resin composition layer, or an inorganic film formed by vapor deposition, sputtering, or the like. In any case, any color filter can be used as long as it has transparency as a color filter and can withstand the subsequent ITO film forming step, alignment film forming step, and the like.
[0030]
Next, FIG. 3 schematically shows an example of the manufacturing method of (2). FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view in the direction orthogonal to the scanning direction of the inkjet head, as in FIG. In the figure, 31 is a black matrix, 32 is a curable ink, 33 is a colored portion, and the same members as those in FIG. 3A to 3C are cross-sectional views corresponding to the following steps (a) to (c), respectively.
[0031]
Step (a)
A resin layer having a plurality of openings is formed on the transparent substrate 10. The resin layer is a member that functions as a partition for storing ink. In the present embodiment, the resin layer is formed of a black resin, and the black matrix 31 also serves as a light shielding layer that shields light between adjacent colored portions 33. An example is shown. Such a black matrix 31 can be formed by patterning by a general photolithography using a black pigment-containing resist. In addition, it is preferable to impart ink repellency to the black matrix 31 in order to prevent color mixture when ink described later is discharged. The thickness of the black matrix 31 is preferably 0.5 μm or more in consideration of the partition effect and the light shielding effect. Further, as the material of the black matrix 31, in addition to the black pigment-containing resist, a metal such as chromium or chromium oxide or a metal oxide film can be used. As described above, in order to obtain a thickness of 0.5 μm or more, It is preferable to provide a layer of silicone rubber or the like on the top.
[0032]
In this manufacturing process, since the opening of the black matrix 31 is a recess necessary for applying the curable ink 32 described later, the opening is ineffective according to the present invention, unlike the process of FIG. It is also necessary to form the region.
[0033]
Step (b)
A curable ink 32 of a predetermined color is ejected from an inkjet head (not shown) along a predetermined coloring pattern using the opening of the black matrix 31 as a portion to be colored.
[0034]
The curable ink 32 used in the present invention is preferably a curable colored resin composition, and contains at least a colorant such as a dye or pigment and a resin that is cured by applying energy such as heat treatment or light irradiation. For example, as a thermosetting resin composition, a combination of a known resin and a crosslinking agent can be used. Specifically, a melamine resin, a hydroxyl group or carboxyl group-containing polymer and a melamine, a hydroxyl group or carboxyl group-containing polymer and a polyfunctional epoxy are used. Examples thereof include a compound, a hydroxyl group- or carboxyl group-containing polymer and a fibrin-reactive compound, an epoxy resin and a resol type resin, an epoxy resin and an amine, an epoxy resin and a carboxylic acid or acid anhydride, and an epoxy compound. Moreover, as a photocurable resin composition, a commercially available negative resist is used suitably.
[0035]
Various solvents can be used for the ink. In particular, a mixed solvent of water and a water-soluble organic solvent is preferably used from the viewpoint of dischargeability when used in an inkjet method.
[0036]
In addition to the above components, surfactants, antifoaming agents, preservatives, and the like can be used to give desired properties as required, and commercially available water-soluble dyes can also be added. it can.
[0037]
In addition, among the light or thermosetting resins described above, a solvent other than water or a water-soluble organic solvent may be used as long as it can be stably discharged even if it is not dissolved in water or a water-soluble organic solvent. In particular, when a curable compound that is polymerized by light is used, a solventless type in which a dye is dissolved in a monomer may be used.
[0038]
Step (c)
Necessary processing such as heat treatment or light irradiation is performed to cure the curable ink 32 to form the colored portion 33. Furthermore, the protective layer 19 is formed on the colored portion 33 as necessary to obtain the color filter of the present invention.
[0039]
Next, FIG. 4 schematically shows a basic overall configuration of a color filter manufacturing apparatus using an ink jet method. In the figure, 41 is a color filter manufacturing apparatus, 42 is an apparatus base, 43 is a substrate placed on an XYθ stage (not shown) of the apparatus base 42, 44 is an effective area formed on the substrate 43, 45 is R, G , B is a head unit comprising an ink jet head having nozzles for ejecting ink of each color and a head mount that supports them, 47 is a controller for controlling the overall operation of the color filter manufacturing apparatus 41, and 48 is an input / output of the controller 47. A teaching pendant (personal computer), which is a means, 49 is a display unit that displays information such as the manufacturing progress status and the presence or absence of head abnormality, and 50 is an operation unit (keyboard) that instructs the operation of the color filter manufacturing apparatus 41. The head unit 45 is attached to the color filter manufacturing apparatus 41 so as to be detachable and adjustable in a rotation angle within a horizontal plane.
[0040]
FIG. 5 schematically shows an example of the structure of an ink jet head used in the color filter manufacturing apparatus used in the present invention. In the figure, 51 is a heater, 52 is a heater board, 53 is a top plate, 54 is a discharge port, 55 is a partition, 56 is an ink liquid chamber, 57 is an ink supply pipe, and 58 is a liquid path.
[0041]
As shown in FIG. 5, the ink jet head of this example includes a heater board 52 that is a substrate on which a plurality of heaters 51 for heating ink are formed, and a top plate 53 that covers the heater board 52. It is roughly composed. A plurality of discharge ports 54 are formed in the top plate 53, and a tunnel-like liquid path 58 that communicates with the discharge ports 54 is formed behind the discharge ports 54. Each liquid path 58 is isolated from the adjacent liquid path 58 by a partition wall 55, and is connected in common to one ink liquid chamber 56 behind the liquid path 58. Ink is supplied to the ink liquid chamber 56 via an ink supply pipe 57, and this ink is supplied from the ink liquid chamber 56 to each liquid path 58.
[0042]
The heater board 52 and the top plate 53 are aligned so that each heater 51 is arranged at a position corresponding to each liquid path 58, and assembled in a state as shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, only two heaters 51 are shown, but one heater 51 is arranged corresponding to each liquid path 58. In the configuration of FIG. 5, when a predetermined drive pulse is supplied to the heater 51, the ink in contact with the heater 51 is boiled to generate bubbles, and the ink is pushed out from the discharge port 54 and discharged by the volume expansion of the bubbles. The Therefore, the size of the bubbles can be adjusted by controlling the drive pulse applied to the heater 51, for example, by controlling the voltage value, and the volume of ink ejected from the ejection port 54 can be freely controlled. it can.
[0043]
FIG. 6 shows an example of driving pulses for the ink jet head. In the figure, (a) shows the driving waveform of single pulse driving, and (b) shows the driving waveform of double pulse driving. In the case of the single pulse drive of (a), the discharge amount can be controlled by changing the voltage or the pulse width. Further, from the viewpoint of the discharge amount control width, the double pulse width of (b) can be adjusted wider. Where T ₁ Is the prepulse period, T ₂ Is the suspension period, T _Three Is the main pulse period. The reason why double pulse driving is more efficient than single pulse driving is that the amount of heat generated by the heater is partially absorbed by the ink that touches the surface of the heater. This is because it can help foaming in the main pulse thereafter. In the present invention, for example, by shortening the pre-pulse by double pulse driving capable of widely adjusting the discharge amount, it is possible to reduce the discharge amount of the ink droplets applied to the invalid area.
[0044]
Next, in the double pulse drive, the actual T ₁ An example of means for controlling the discharge amount by selecting is shown.
[0045]
As shown in FIG. 7, 2-bit data corresponding to the nozzle is written in the ROM areas A and B of the control board for controlling the inkjet head. With this 2-bit data, four types of pulse widths T shown in FIG. ₁ Is selectable. For example, since nozzle numbers 1 and 2 are (0, 1), PH ₂ Because nozzle number 3 is (1, 0), PH _Three T ₁ The pulse width is selected.
[0046]
In this way, before the ejection of ink from the inkjet head is started, T ₁ The T of each nozzle is selected by the selection bit. ₁ The pulse width is selected. Thereafter, a predetermined main pulse is applied. The discharge amount control is performed at a desired position where the discharge amount is desired to be changed. ₁ This can be done by rewriting the selection bit.
[0047]
FIG. 9 shows an electric circuit configuration capable of performing the driving. In the figure, the signal line VH is the power source of the inkjet head, H _GND Is the GND line for VH, MH is T _Three The signal line of the main pulse applied during the period, PH ₁ ~ PH _Four Is the pre-pulse signal line B _LAT Is PH ₁ ~ PH _Four A signal line for latching bit data for selecting D, _LAT Is a signal line for latching data necessary for ink ejection (ejection pattern data), and DATA is a signal line to which bit data and ejection pattern data are transferred as serial data and confirmed by a shift register.
[0048]
In the configuration of FIG. 9, the bit data (selection bit) shown in FIG. 7 is stored as serial data from the DATA signal line to the shift register. When the bit data of all nozzles is ready, B _LAT A signal is generated and the bit data is latched.
[0049]
Next, ejection pattern data necessary for coloring is similarly stored from the DATA signal into the shift register. D when all nozzle data is available _LAT A signal is generated and data is latched. PH from the previously latched bit data through the selection logic circuit ₁ ~ PH _Four Is selected. The selected PH signal and the main pulse signal MH are combined, and the AND of the ejection pattern data and the transistor of the nozzle n are driven, and VH is applied to the resistor (heater board) to eject ink from the nozzle. .
[0050]
Such an operation is performed for all nozzles. The manner in which the PH signal and the MH signal are combined is as shown in FIG. Also, new bit data is sent to the shift register at the desired timing when the discharge amount is changed, and B _LAT The discharge amount can be controlled by generating a signal.
[0051]
Here, four types of PH pulses can be selected using 2 bits, but the present invention can also be implemented as two types of selection using 1 bit. In addition, finer discharge amount control is possible by increasing the number of bits, but on the other hand, the selection logic circuit configuration is complicated.
[0052]
In the above description, an example in which a bubble jet head is used as an inkjet head has been shown. However, in addition to this, as a pressure generating means for ejecting ink, there are means using electrostatic attraction force, deformation by a piezoelectric element, or the like. Can be mentioned. Further, with respect to such a head, the ejection amount can be controlled by appropriately considering the drive pulses shown in FIG.
[0053]
Next, FIG. 11 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the liquid crystal element of the present invention. The present embodiment is an example in which a TFT color liquid crystal element is configured using the color filter of the present invention obtained by the process of FIG. In the figure, 111 is a common electrode, 112 and 117 are alignment films, 113 is a liquid crystal, 115 is a counter substrate, and 116 is a pixel electrode. The same members as those in FIG.
[0054]
The color liquid crystal element is generally formed by combining the substrate 10 on the color filter side and the counter substrate 115 and enclosing the liquid crystal 113. TFTs (not shown) and pixel electrodes 116 are formed in a matrix inside one substrate 115 of the liquid crystal element. Further, a color filter coloring portion 18 is formed inside the substrate 10 on the color filter side so that R, G, and B are arranged at a position facing the pixel electrode 116, and a transparent common electrode is formed thereon. 111 is formed. The black matrix 11 is normally formed on the color filter side, but may be formed on the counter substrate 115 side in a BM on-array type liquid crystal element or the like. Further, alignment films 112 and 117 are formed in the planes of both substrates, and liquid crystal molecules are arranged in a certain direction. These substrates are arranged to face each other via a spacer (not shown), are bonded together by a sealing material (not shown), and the gap is filled with liquid crystal 113.
[0055]
When the liquid crystal element is a transmissive type, a backlight in which a substrate 115 and a pixel electrode 116 are formed of a transparent material, a polarizing plate is bonded to the outside of each substrate, and a fluorescent lamp and a scattering plate are generally combined. Is used to make the liquid crystal compound function as an optical shutter that changes the light transmittance of the backlight. In the case of a reflective type, the substrate 115 or the pixel electrode 116 is formed of a material having a reflection function, or a reflective layer is provided on the substrate 115 and a polarizing plate is provided outside the transparent substrate 10 to provide a color. Display is performed by reflecting light incident from the filter side.
[0056]
In addition, in the liquid crystal element of the present invention, it is needless to say that the conventional technique can be used as it is for other members as long as the liquid crystal element of the present invention is configured.
[0057]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, “uniformity” that is a problem in the ink jet system can be avoided without affecting the tact, and color mixing due to this can be prevented. In addition, if the present invention is used, it is possible to deal with a color filter with a narrow invalid area, and it is possible to provide a liquid crystal element with high reliability for color display at a lower cost.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing a coloring step in a method for producing a color filter of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a manufacturing process of a color filter by an ink jet method.
FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the manufacturing process of the color filter by the ink jet method.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a basic overall configuration of a color filter manufacturing apparatus using an inkjet method.
FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the structure of an ink jet head used in the color filter manufacturing apparatus used in the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a drive pulse of an inkjet head.
7 is a diagram showing pre-pulse selection bits in the double-pulse drive waveform of FIG. 6; FIG.
8 is a diagram showing waveforms of prepulses that can be selected by a selection bit in FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an electric circuit configuration capable of implementing the double pulse driving shown in FIGS.
10 is a diagram illustrating synthesis of a PH signal and an MH signal in FIG. 9. FIG.
FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a liquid crystal element of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view showing a state of a color filter coloring process by an inkjet method.
FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view showing a state of a coloring process when an invalid area is provided as a means for avoiding the uniformity.
FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view showing another example of the coloring process when an invalid area is provided as a means for avoiding the uniformity.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Black matrix
2 opening
3, 4, 5 ink drops
10 Transparent substrate
11, 31 Black matrix
12 Ink receiving layer
13 Photomask
14 Uncolored part
15 Colored part
17 ink
18, 33 Coloring part
19 Protective layer
32 curable ink
41 Color filter manufacturing equipment
42 Equipment stand
43 substrates
44 Effective area
45 head unit
47 Controller
48 Teaching pendant
49 Display
50 Operation unit
51 Heater
52 Heater board
53 Top plate
54 Discharge port
55 Bulkhead
56 Ink chamber
57 Ink supply tube
58 Fluid path
111 Common electrode
112, 117 Alignment film
113 LCD
115 Counter substrate
116 pixel electrodes
121a to 121c inkjet head
122 nozzles
131 Ink drops

Claims (3)

A method of manufacturing a color filter that forms a colored portion by applying ink by an ink jet method on a transparent substrate, wherein an ineffective region is provided adjacent to the outside of at least one end of the effective region on the transparent substrate. By applying ink sequentially toward the effective area, and by making the drive pulse for applying the ink different between the ineffective area and the effective area, the amount per ink droplet applied to the ineffective area is effective. A method for producing a color filter, characterized in that it is smaller than the area.   The method for producing a color filter according to claim 1, wherein an ink receiving layer made of a resin composition is formed on a transparent substrate, and ink is applied to the ink receiving layer by an ink jet method to form a colored portion.   The method for producing a color filter according to claim 1, wherein a resin layer having a plurality of openings is formed on a transparent substrate, a curable ink is applied to the openings of the resin layer and cured to form colored portions.

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