JP4965388B2 - Manufacturing method of transflective liquid crystal display device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a transflective liquid crystal display having a new construction using a ferroelectric liquid crystal. <P>SOLUTION: The transflective liquid crystal display 5 is provided which has an element substrate 1, a counter substrate 2 disposed opposite thereto and thereon and the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 interposed between the element substrate 1 and the counter substrate 2 and aligned in the horizontal direction and in which a plurality of pixel parts each constituted of a reflection part A1 and a transmission part A2 are demarcated, wherein the element substrate 1 is provided with a reflection pattern layer 30 at a part corresponding to the reflection part on the upper surface side of the element substrate and a retardation pattern layer 22 (quarter-wave retardation layer) formed above the reflection pattern layer 30 and a first polarizing layer 36 on the lower surface side of the element substrate, and wherein the counter substrate 2 is provided with a second polarizing layer 36a having a light transmission axis PA2 orthogonal to a light transmission axis PA1 of the first polarizing layer 36 on the upper surface side of the counter substrate, and wherein the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 is aligned in a direction parallel or vertical to the light transmission axis PA2 of the second polarizing layer 36a of the counter substrate 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a transflective liquid crystal display device, and more particularly to a method for manufacturing a transflective liquid crystal display device that can be suitably applied to a flexible liquid crystal display using a plastic film as a substrate.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a liquid crystal display device is thin and lightweight, and has an advantage that it can be driven at a low voltage and consumes less power, and is widely used as a display for information equipment. In recent years, a flexible liquid crystal display device using a plastic film as a substrate has attracted attention. Such a flexible-type liquid crystal display device can be used not only for ultra-thin and lightweight mobile devices that can be rolled up and stored and is convenient to carry, but also for large displays.

  However, the plastic film has a low rigidity and a low thermal deformation temperature, and thus is likely to undergo thermal deformation such as warping and expansion / contraction in a manufacturing process involving heat treatment. For this reason, in a manufacturing method in which various elements are formed directly on a plastic film, conditions such as a manufacturing process involving heat treatment are limited, and high-precision alignment becomes difficult, so that an element substrate having desired characteristics is manufactured. It may not be possible.

  In order to avoid such a problem, a transparent layer, a color filter, etc. are aligned and formed with high precision on a heat-resistant and rigid glass substrate without restricting manufacturing conditions, and then the transfer layer is used. There is a method of manufacturing an element substrate for a liquid crystal display device by transferring and forming a transfer layer on a plastic film (Patent Document 1).

  Since the liquid crystal display device is not a self-luminous display device that emits light by itself, it is necessary to display by supplying light. The liquid crystal display device is classified into a transmission type and a reflection type depending on the light supply method. In a transmissive liquid crystal display device, a backlight is disposed behind the liquid crystal display device, and display is performed based on light incident from the backlight. In the reflective liquid crystal display device, display is performed based on light reflected by the reflective layer from outside light.

  In a transmissive liquid crystal display device, since display is performed using a backlight, a bright and high-contrast display can be performed, but there is a disadvantage that power consumption is large. In addition, since a reflective liquid crystal display device does not use a backlight, power consumption can be extremely reduced, but there is a drawback in that display characteristics greatly affect the usage environment such as ambient brightness.

  Therefore, transflective liquid crystal display devices having both functions of reflection and transmission have been developed. The transflective liquid crystal display device has a structure in which a reflection portion that transmits reflected light of external light and a transmission portion that transmits light from a backlight are formed for each pixel. In the transflective liquid crystal display device, a liquid crystal image can be displayed using any one of a reflective type, a transmissive type, and a reflective / transmissive type depending on the brightness of the use environment.

  As a technique related to such a transflective liquid crystal display device, in Patent Document 2, an upper polarizing plate and a lower polarizing plate are respectively provided on the outer surface sides of the upper substrate and the lower substrate, and the inner surface side of the lower substrate. Of the structure in which a retardation layer having a quarter wavelength retardation is provided only in the reflective display region, and a retardation plate having a half wavelength retardation is provided between the upper substrate and the polarizing plate. A transmissive liquid crystal display device is described.

  Further, in Patent Document 3, in the transflective liquid crystal display device, an in-cell retardation layer is provided between the liquid crystal layer and the reflective portion, and the cell gap of the reflective portion is set smaller than the cell gap of the transmissive portion. Is described.

Patent Document 4 describes a transflective liquid crystal display device using a memory liquid crystal (ferroelectric liquid crystal).
JP 2001-356370 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-279956 JP 2006-529033 A JP 2006-201799 A

  Although a transflective liquid crystal display device using a ferroelectric liquid crystal as described above has been disclosed, it cannot be said that its optical design has been sufficiently established. In particular, in order to ensure the contrast ratio of the display, an optical design for sufficiently suppressing the black level is required.

  Furthermore, in a flexible transflective liquid crystal display device using a plastic film as a substrate, various functional elements (pixel electrodes, retardation layers, reflective layers, etc.) are accurately aligned on the plastic film. The method that is formed is eagerly desired.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a transflective liquid crystal display device having a novel configuration using a ferroelectric liquid crystal.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention relates to a transflective liquid crystal display device, and relates to an element substrate, a counter substrate disposed opposite to the element substrate, and the element substrate and the counter substrate. Is a transflective liquid crystal display device including a ferroelectric liquid crystal sandwiched between and horizontally aligned, and having a plurality of pixel portions each composed of a reflective portion and a transmissive portion. The substrate includes a reflective pattern layer and a retardation pattern layer formed above the reflective pattern layer in a portion corresponding to the reflective portion on the upper surface side, and includes a first polarizing layer on the lower surface side. A second polarizing layer having a light transmission axis orthogonal to the light transmission axis of the first polarizing layer is provided on the upper surface side, and the ferroelectric liquid crystal is in relation to the light transmission axis of the second polarizing layer of the counter substrate. Oriented in a parallel direction or a vertical direction. Phase difference layer is characterized by being shifted 45 ° relative to the optical transmission axis of lambda / 4, and the slow axis of the first, second polarizing layer.

  In the transflective liquid crystal display device of the present invention, a ferroelectric liquid crystal in which liquid crystal molecules are horizontally aligned is sandwiched between an element substrate in which a plurality of pixel portions each composed of a reflective portion and a transmissive portion are defined and a counter substrate. ing. A reflection pattern layer and a retardation pattern layer (λ / 4 retardation layer) are formed in a portion corresponding to the reflection portion of the element substrate. The light transmission axes of the first polarizing layer provided on the lower surface side of the element substrate and the second polarizing layer provided on the upper surface side of the counter substrate are orthogonal to each other. Further, the ferroelectric liquid crystal is aligned in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction with respect to the light transmission axis of the second polarizing layer of the counter substrate.

  Light propagation when the electric field is OFF when the orientation direction of the ferroelectric liquid crystal is set in the horizontal direction (perpendicular to the light transmission axis of the first polarizing layer of the element substrate) of the second polarizing layer of the counter substrate. Will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the transmission part A2 when the electric field is OFF, the polarization axis of the polarized light LA (linearly polarized light) that passes through the first polarizing layer 36 of the element substrate and enters the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 is the ferroelectric liquid crystal. Since the polarization LA is orthogonal to the alignment direction of 38, the polarized light LA passes through the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 without any phase difference and enters the second polarizing layer 36a of the counter substrate. At this time, the polarization axis of the polarized light LA is orthogonal to the light transmission axis PA2 of the second polarizing layer, resulting in black display.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, in the reflection portion A1 when the electric field is OFF, the polarization axis of the first polarization LB1 obtained by transmitting the external light LX through the second polarization layer 36a of the counter substrate is the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38. Therefore, the first polarized light LB passes through the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 as it is and enters the retardation pattern layer 22 without causing a phase difference. When the first polarized light LB1 passes through the retardation pattern layer 22, the phase of the first polarized light LB1 is shifted by λ / 4 to become the second polarized light LB2 (circularly polarized light).

  Subsequently, after the second polarized light LB2 is reflected by the reflective pattern layer 30 and again passes through the retardation pattern layer 22, the second polarized light LB2 is further shifted in phase by λ / 4 to be converted into the third polarized light LB3 (linearly polarized light). And enters the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38. Since the polarization axis of the third polarized light LB3 is perpendicular to the alignment direction of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 (left plane image), the third polarized light LB3 can be used as it is without causing a phase difference. The light passes through and returns to the second polarizing layer of the counter substrate. At this time, the third polarized light LB3 is orthogonal to the light transmission axis PA2 of the second polarizing layer 36a, resulting in black display.

  As described above, in the present invention, when the polarized light is transmitted through the ferroelectric liquid crystal when the electric field is turned off, the polarization axis of the polarized light is set to be parallel or perpendicular to the alignment direction of the ferroelectric liquid crystal. Is optically designed so as not to suffer from birefringence due to ferroelectric liquid crystal. Thereby, when the electric field is OFF, black display can be performed without being affected by the thickness (birefringence) of the ferroelectric liquid crystal.

  Therefore, when applied to a flexible display using a plastic film as a substrate, even when the thickness (cell gap) of the ferroelectric liquid crystal is not uniform, black display without light leakage can be performed, so that high contrast is achieved. can get.

  When the transflective liquid crystal display device of the present invention is applied to a flexible display, a plastic film is formed after pixel electrodes, a retardation pattern layer, a reflection pattern layer, and the like are formed on a temporary substrate in a state where the transflective liquid crystal display device can be peeled off with high alignment accuracy It is transferred and formed in an upside down state. Such an element substrate includes a plastic film, an adhesive layer formed on the plastic film, a reflective pattern layer formed on the adhesive layer, a retardation pattern layer formed on the reflective pattern layer, The pixel electrode is formed above the retardation pattern layer and includes a pixel electrode formed in a portion corresponding to the pixel portion.

  In a preferred aspect of the present invention, when the element substrate and the counter substrate are assembled to form a transflective liquid crystal display device, the ferroelectric liquid crystal is mixed with a photocurable monomer, and the element substrate and The counter substrate is bonded with the polymer obtained by curing the photocurable monomer.

  In the present invention, since the thickness (birefringence) of the ferroelectric liquid crystal is not affected during black display, various ferroelectric liquid crystals can be selected regardless of the optical design. The content of the polymer to be dispersed can be freely optimized. As a result, when applied to a flexible display, even if the display is bent, a constant cell gap can be secured over the entire display, so that stable display characteristics can be obtained.

  The above-mentioned drawing numbers and symbols are cited for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the present invention.

  As described above, the transflective liquid crystal display device of the present invention can perform black display with no light leakage, obtain good display characteristics, and can be suitably applied to a flexible display.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  1 and 2 are schematic views showing a basic configuration of a transflective liquid crystal display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the transflective liquid crystal display device 3 of this embodiment includes an element substrate 1, a counter substrate 2, a ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 sandwiched therebetween, and a lower side of the element substrate 1. And the backlight 50 arranged in the base. In FIG. 1, one pixel portion of the transflective liquid crystal display device 3 is shown, and a reflective portion A1 and a transmissive portion A2 are defined in each pixel portion of the element substrate 1.

  On the side of the element substrate 1 in contact with the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38, a concave portion C is provided in the substrate portion 1a corresponding to the transmissive portion A2, and the reflective portion A1 is a convex portion P protruding from the transmissive portion A2. . That is, the reflecting portion A1 is set to have a height higher than that of the transmitting portion A2 and protrudes toward the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 side. Thereby, the cell gap (thickness of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38) of the reflection part A1 is set to ½ of the cell gap of the transmission part A2. The substrate unit 1a is provided with TFTs, pixel electrodes, color filters, and the like (not shown).

  A reflective pattern layer 30 and a retardation pattern layer 22 (λ / 4 retardation layer) are provided in order from the bottom on the substrate portion 1a corresponding to the reflective portion A1. Further, a first polarizing layer 36 is provided below the substrate portion 1a.

  On the other hand, the counter substrate 2 has a basic configuration in which a second polarizing layer 36a is provided on a substrate portion 2a provided with a common electrode (not shown).

  The ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 is horizontally aligned by an alignment film (not shown) provided on the element substrate 1 and the counter substrate 2 so that the major axis of the liquid crystal molecules is parallel to the horizontal plane of the substrate portions 1a and 2a. As shown in the first plane image of FIG. 1, the light transmission axis PA <b> 1 of the first polarizing layer 36 of the element substrate 1 is set in a direction orthogonal to the alignment direction of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38. As shown in the second plane image of FIG. 1, the light transmission axis PA2 of the second polarizing layer 36a of the counter substrate 2 is arranged in the same direction (parallel) as the alignment direction of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38.

  The retardation pattern layer 22 has a phase difference of λ / 4, and its slow axis is shifted by 45 ° with respect to the light transmission axis PA1 of the first polarizing layer 36 and the light transmission axis PA2 of the second polarizing layer 36a.

  Next, the light propagation of the transflective liquid crystal display device 3 of this embodiment will be described.

  First, a description will be given of when the electric field is OFF (black display) when no electric field is applied to the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38.

  Referring to FIG. 1 in addition to FIG. 3, in the transmission part A2, first, the light from the backlight 50 passes through the first polarizing layer 36 of the element substrate 1 and enters the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 as polarized light LA. At this time, since the light transmission axis PA1 of the first polarizing layer 36 is orthogonal to the alignment direction of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38, the polarization LA is orthogonal to the alignment direction of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 (major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules). The light enters the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 (planar image in FIG. 3). Since this polarized light LA is orthogonal to the alignment direction of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38, it passes through the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 as it is not subjected to the birefringence effect and is transmitted as it is. For this reason, the polarized light LA is orthogonal to the light transmission axis PA2 of the second polarizing layer 36a of the counter substrate 2, and black is displayed.

  On the other hand, in the reflection part A1, referring to FIG. 1 in addition to FIG. 4, the external light LX passes through the second polarizing layer 36a of the counter substrate 2 and becomes the first polarized light LB1, and enters the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38. To do. At this time, since the light transmission axis PA2 of the second polarizing layer 36a is set in the same direction as the alignment direction of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38, the first polarization LB1 is the same as the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38. Incident with a polarization axis in the direction (planar image on the left side of FIG. 4). Therefore, the first polarization LB1 passes through the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 without changing the polarization axis.

  Further, the first polarized light LB1 is transmitted through the retardation pattern layer 22 (λ / 4 phase difference layer) having a slow axis DA shifted by 45 ° with respect to the light transmission axis PA2 of the second polarizing layer 36a. It becomes polarized light LB2. At this time, a phase shift of λ / 4 occurs between two orthogonal vibration components, so that the second polarized light LB2 becomes circularly polarized light.

  Subsequently, the second polarized light LB2 is reflected by the reflective pattern layer 30 and is transmitted again through the retardation pattern layer 22, and the second polarized light LB2 becomes a third polarized light LB3 whose phase is further shifted by λ / 4, and is a ferroelectric liquid crystal. 38 is incident again. At this time, the third polarized light LB3 becomes linearly polarized light rotated by 90 ° from the first polarized light LB1. In addition, since the polarization axis of the third polarization LB3 is orthogonal to the alignment direction of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 (right-side plane image in FIG. 4), the third polarization LB3 passes through the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38. Transmits while maintaining the polarization axis. For this reason, the third polarized light LB3 is orthogonal to the light transmission axis PA2 of the second polarizing layer 36a of the counter substrate 2, and a black display is obtained.

  In the transflective liquid crystal display device 3 of the present embodiment, the light transmission axis PA2 of the second polarizing layer 36a of the counter substrate 2 is set in the same direction as the alignment direction of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38, and the first polarization of the element substrate 1 is set. The light transmission axis PA1 of the layer 36 is set in a direction orthogonal to the alignment direction of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38.

  Thereby, in the transmission part A2, the linearly polarized light LA transmitted through the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 is orthogonal to the alignment direction of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38, and thus transmits while maintaining the polarization axis without causing a phase shift. In the reflection part A1, the polarization axis of the first polarized light LB incident on the retardation pattern layer 22 is parallel to the alignment direction of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38, and the polarization axis of the third polarized light LB3 emitted from the retardation pattern layer 22 is It is orthogonal to the alignment direction of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38.

  Polarized light that is parallel or orthogonal to the major axis direction of the molecules of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 has a characteristic of transmitting through the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 while maintaining the polarization axis without causing a phase difference. For this reason, in the transflective liquid crystal display device 3 of the present embodiment, it is necessary to consider the phase shift of the polarization due to the birefringence of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 in both the transmission part A2 and the reflection part A1 when the electric field is OFF. Instead, in the reflection part A1, the phase modulation of the polarization is performed only by the retardation pattern layer 22.

  As described above, in the transflective liquid crystal display device 3 of the present embodiment, it is not necessary to consider the birefringence characteristics of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 when the electric field is OFF. The black display can be performed stably without depending on the property (Δn) (normally black mode).

  Unlike the present embodiment, the light transmission axis PA2 of the second polarizing layer 36a of the counter substrate 2 is set to be shifted by 45 ° with respect to the orientation direction of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38, and the first deflection layer 36 of the element substrate 1 is changed. Assume that the light transmission axis PA1 is orthogonal to the light transmission axis PA2 of the second polarizing layer 36a.

  In this case, taking the transmissive portion A2 as an example, the polarization obtained by the light of the backlight 50 being transmitted through the first deflection layer 36 of the element substrate 1 is rotated by 90 ° by the birefringence characteristics of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38. It is necessary to design so as to be orthogonal to the light transmission axis of the second polarizing layer 36 a of the counter substrate 2. In this method, since the polarization direction is rotated by 90 °, it is necessary to strictly control the thickness in accordance with the refractive index anisotropy (Δn) of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38. For this reason, if a slight non-uniformity occurs in the thickness of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38, an elliptically polarized component is generated, light leakage occurs, and the contrast is greatly deteriorated.

  However, in the present embodiment, when the electric field is turned off, the polarization axis is maintained when polarized light passes through the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38. Therefore, the light leakage does not depend on Δn or the thickness of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 and is good. A black display can be obtained.

  By adopting such an optical design, particularly in a flexible type transflective liquid crystal device using a plastic film as a substrate, the thickness of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 that may occur during fabrication is slightly uneven due to unevenness or bending. This is extremely effective against a change in cell gap, and black display can be performed without light leakage in a pixel portion where the electric field is OFF. Thereby, the contrast ratio of the liquid crystal image can be improved.

  As will be described later, when the polymer is dispersed in the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 and the opposing substrates are bonded to each other, Δn of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 changes depending on the dispersion state of the polymer. However, in the present embodiment, it is not necessary to consider Δn of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 when displaying black, and therefore the polymer content can be freely set without being limited.

  In this embodiment, since such a principle is used, the light transmission axes PA1 and PA2 of the upper and lower first and second polarizing layers 36 and 36a are set so as to be orthogonal to each other, and the alignment of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 is performed. The direction may be set so as to be parallel or orthogonal to the light transmission axis PA2 of the second polarizing layer 36a of the counter substrate 2.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the light transmission axis PA1 of the first polarizing layer 36 and the light transmission axis PA2 of the second polarizing layer 36a in FIG. The transmission axis PA2 may be orthogonal to the alignment direction of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38, and the light transmission axis PA1 of the first polarizing layer 36 of the element substrate 1 may be parallel to the alignment direction of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38. The other elements in FIG. 2 are the same as those in FIG.

  In the case of this form, in the transmission part A2, the directions of the light transmission axes PA1 and PA2 of the first and second polarizing layers 36 and 36a in FIG. 3 are switched, and the polarization LA is the orientation direction of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38. The polarized light is transmitted through the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 while maintaining the polarization axis, and the polarized light is orthogonal to the light transmission axis PA2 of the second polarizing layer 36a, resulting in black display.

  In the reflection part A1, the light transmission axis PA2 of the second polarizing layer 36a is inverted by 90 ° in FIG. 4 described above, the polarization axis of the first polarization LB1 is orthogonal to the alignment direction of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38, The polarization axis of the three-polarized light LB3 is the same direction as the alignment direction of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38. As a result, the third polarized light LB3 is orthogonal to the light transmission axis PA2 of the second polarizing layer 36a, resulting in black display.

  Next, the light propagation when the electric field is applied to the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 (white display) will be described. The ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 used in the present embodiment has a characteristic that when the electric field is turned on, the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 is inclined in the horizontal direction in a horizontal alignment state when the electric field is turned off. The rotation angle of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 can be controlled by the dispersion state of the liquid crystal material or polymer. In the present embodiment, a ferroelectric liquid crystal tilted by 45 ° and capable of obtaining the greatest light modulation effect will be described as an example.

  In the transmission part A2, with reference to FIG. 5 in addition to FIG. 5, when the electric field is ON, the first polarized light LA1 obtained by transmitting the light of the backlight 50 through the first polarizing layer 36 of the element substrate 1 is when the electric field is OFF. Is incident on the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 inclined by 45 ° from the orientation direction (planar image in FIG. 5). For this reason, the first polarized light LA1 is subjected to birefringence from the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 and causes a phase difference between two orthogonal vibration components. This is because the long-axis liquid crystal molecules have different refractive indexes in the alignment direction and the direction perpendicular thereto, and thus the wave (light) propagation velocity is displaced in the vector direction.

  The thickness of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 is adjusted so that the first polarized light LA1 is rotated by 90 ° after passing through the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38. As a result, the first polarized light LA1 is transmitted through the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 and then becomes the second polarized light LA2 rotated by 90 ° and enters the second polarizing layer 36a of the counter substrate 2. Since the light transmission axis PA1 of the first polarizing layer 36 and the light transmission axis PA2 of the second polarizing layer 36a are orthogonal, the polarization axis of the second polarized light LA2 obtained by rotating the first polarized light LA1 by 90 ° is the second polarized light. That is, the layer 36a faces the same direction as the light transmission axis PA2. As a result, the second polarized light LA2 passes through the light transmission axis PA2 of the second polarizing layer 36a and is emitted to the outside, resulting in white display.

  On the other hand, in the reflection part A1, when FIG. 6 is added to FIG. 1, when the electric field is ON, the first polarization LB1 obtained by transmitting the external light LX through the second polarizing layer 36a of the counter substrate 2 is when the electric field is OFF. Is transmitted through the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 inclined by 45 ° from the alignment direction (planar image of FIG. 6). Accordingly, the first polarized light LB1 undergoes birefringence from the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 and causes a phase difference, like the transmissive portion A2.

  At this time, since the thickness of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 of the reflection part A1 is set to half of the transmission part A2, the phase difference is also half of the transmission part A2, and the phase difference of λ / 4 is present in the first polarization LB1. Arise. Therefore, when the first polarized light LB1 is transmitted through the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38, the first polarized light LB1 becomes the second polarized light LB2 (circularly polarized light). Further, the second polarized light LB2 passes through the retardation pattern layer 22, thereby generating a phase difference of λ / 4, and the second polarized light LB2 becomes the third polarized light LB3. At this time, the third polarized light LB3 becomes linearly polarized light rotated by 90 ° from the polarization axis of the first polarized light LB1.

  Subsequently, the third polarized light LB3 is reflected by the reflective pattern layer 30 and is transmitted through the retardation pattern layer 22 again, thereby causing a phase difference of λ / 4. The third polarized light LB3 is the fourth polarized light LB4 (circularly polarized light). It becomes. Further, the fourth polarized light LB4 transmits the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 again. At this time, the fourth polarized light LB4 receives birefringence from the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38, and further, a phase difference of λ / 4 is generated to become the fifth polarized light LB5, resulting in white display.

  2, the light transmission axis PA2 of the second polarizing layer 36a of the counter substrate 2 is orthogonal to the alignment direction of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38, and the light transmission of the first polarizing layer 36 of the element substrate 1 is performed. Even if the axis PA1 is set so as to be parallel to the alignment direction of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38, white display is similarly performed in both the reflection part A1 and the transmission part A2 when the electric field is ON. That is, only by reversing the polarization axis of the first incident polarized light by 90 °, light is emitted from the transmission part A2 and the reflection part A1 according to the same principle, and white display is performed.

  As described above, when the electric field is ON, the polarization phase is modulated by the thickness of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 in the transmission portion A2 and the thickness of the retardation pattern layer 22 and the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 in the reflection portion A1, and the light is externally transmitted. To be released. Therefore, when applied to a flexible display, even when an elliptically polarized component is generated due to the non-uniformity of the thickness (cell gap) of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38, the white level is slightly lowered, but the black level is sufficiently low. A high contrast display can be obtained.

  In addition, although the thickness (cell gap) of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 in the transmission part A2 is set to be twice as large as that of the reflection part A1, the height of the transmission part A2 and that of the reflection part A1 are made equal to each other. It is also possible to design the light without changing.

  As the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38, either one having a characteristic of tilting 45 ° to one side by applying a voltage from the black display alignment direction or one having a characteristic tilting ± 45 ° to both sides can be applied. In particular, when stabilizing with a polymer fiber, the inclination angle can be changed in an analog manner according to the voltage to provide a gradation function.

  The maximum tilt angle of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 is ideally 45 °, but is not limited thereto.

  Next, a detailed configuration of the transflective liquid crystal display device of the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, a flexible transflective liquid crystal display device using a plastic film as a substrate will be described as an example.

  In the method of manufacturing the transflective liquid crystal display device of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7A, first, a glass substrate 10 such as blue plate glass is prepared as a temporary substrate, and polyimide or the like is provided on the glass substrate 10. A release layer 12 made of is formed.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7B, after applying the polyimide precursor varnish with a uniform thickness on the release layer 12, pre-baking is performed to form an uncured polyimide coating layer 14a. Subsequently, after forming a positive resist 15 on the polyimide coating layer 14a, the positive resist 15 is exposed through a photomask having a predetermined exposure pattern. Thereafter, the exposed portion of the positive resist 15 is removed with a developer to form an opening 15a.

  Furthermore, the polyimide coating layer 14a thereunder is removed through the opening 15a of the positive resist 15 with a developing solution. Thereafter, the positive resist 15 is selectively removed with respect to the polyimide coating layer 14a by the stripping solution. Further, the polyimide coating layer 14a is completely cured by heat treatment.

  Thereby, as shown in FIG.7 (c), the peelable pattern part 14 (convex part) obtained by patterning a polyimide layer on the peeling layer 12 is obtained. The height of the peelable pattern portion 14 is set to, for example, 1 to 4 μm, and unevenness is provided on the peelable layer 12.

  A red pixel portion R, a green pixel portion G, and a blue pixel portion B are defined on the glass substrate 10, and the peelable pattern portion 14 has openings 14a in the regions of the pixel portions R, G, and B, respectively. It is formed in the provided state. Referring to FIG. 7C in addition to the partial plan view, in each of the pixel portions R, G, and B, the opening portion 14a (concave portion) of the peelable pattern portion 14 corresponds to the reflective portion A1 and is disposed at the center portion. The peelable pattern portion 14 is arranged so as to correspond to the transmission portion A2.

  As will be described later, the peelable pattern portion 14 is for making the liquid crystal thickness (cell gap) of the transmissive portion A2 thicker than the liquid crystal thickness of the reflective portion A1 when the liquid crystal display device is assembled. Therefore, when it is not necessary to change the thickness of the liquid crystal between the transmission part A2 and the reflection part A1, the peelable pattern part 14 may be omitted.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8A, a transparent conductive layer 16a having a thickness of about 150 nm is formed on the release layer 12 and the peelable pattern portion 14 by sputtering. The transparent conductive layer 16a is formed of ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) or IZO (Indium Zinc Oxide). Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 8B, a resist pattern (not shown) is formed on the transparent conductive layer 16a, and the transparent conductive layer 16a is etched using the resist pattern as a mask to obtain the pixel electrode 16. Thereafter, the resist pattern is removed. The pixel electrodes 16 are arranged separately in the regions of the pixel portions R, G, and B, respectively.

  In this embodiment, since the pixel electrode 16 is formed on the glass substrate 10, the process conditions such as the film formation temperature are not limited unlike the case of forming the pixel electrode 16 on the plastic film. For example, when an ITO layer is used as the pixel electrode 16, a sputtering method having a film forming temperature of about 200 ° C. can be employed. Thus, the pixel electrode 16 (ITO) is formed with low resistance (sheet resistance value: 15Ω / □) electrical characteristics.

  Since the height of the peelable pattern portion 14 is several μm, the pixel electrode 16 is formed without being disconnected at the boundary portion between the reflective portion A1 and the transmissive portion A2.

Incidentally, on the release layer 12 and release pattern portion 14, forming a barrier layer such as SiO _X or SiN _X, it may form a pixel electrode 16 thereon. The barrier layer is formed with a film thickness of about 15 nm by a sputtering method with a substrate temperature of 220 ° C.

  Further, in this embodiment, an example of manufacturing an active matrix type element substrate is illustrated, and each pixel electrode 16 is connected to a TFT (not shown) provided for each pixel portion R, G, B, respectively. Formed. Alternatively, an element substrate for simple matrix driving may be manufactured by forming the pixel electrodes 16 in a stripe pattern.

  In this way, the pixel electrodes 16 are aligned and arranged in the regions of the pixel portions R, G, and B, respectively.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8C, a first protective layer 18 made of acrylic resin or the like and having a thickness of about 2 μm is formed on the pixel electrode 16. Next, as shown in FIG. 9A, an alignment film 20 made of polyimide having a thickness of about 1 μm is formed on the first protective layer 18, and after the alignment film 20 is heat-treated, the liquid crystal molecules are aligned in the horizontal direction. An orientation process is performed in a certain direction so as to be oriented. Next, as shown in FIG. 9B, a photocurable liquid crystal monomer 22 a is formed on the alignment film 20. At this time, the photocurable liquid crystal monomer 22 a is formed by aligning the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules in the horizontal direction with respect to the glass substrate 10.

  Next, by irradiating the photocurable liquid crystal monomer 22a with pulse xenon light, the photocurable liquid crystal polymer 22a is cured with the liquid crystal molecules aligned in the horizontal direction to obtain a polymer 22b. Thereafter, the polymer 22b is baked under the conditions of temperature: 150 ° C. and processing time: 1 hour. Thus, the cured polymer 22b functions as a retardation layer (λ / 4 retardation layer).

  Next, a positive resist (not shown) is formed on the cured polymer 22b, and the positive resist is exposed and developed through a photomask for leaving a pattern on the reflection portion A2 of each pixel portion R, G, B. . Further, after etching the polymer 22b using the patterned positive resist as a mask, the positive resist is removed.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 9C, the retardation pattern layer 22 (λ / 4 position) formed from the polymer 22b on the alignment film 20 corresponding to the reflection portion A1 of each pixel portion R, G, B. The phase difference layer) is formed by patterning. A suitable polymer 22b that functions as the retardation pattern layer 22 (λ / 4 retardation layer) has a refractive index anisotropy Δn of 0.17 and a film thickness of 810 nm.

  In addition, without patterning the polymer, a retardation pattern layer is formed by partially curing a photo-curable liquid crystal monomer in which liquid crystal molecules are aligned in the horizontal direction on the alignment film of the reflection portion, and the alignment of the transmission portion. A transparent layer may be formed by partially curing a photocurable liquid crystal monomer in which liquid crystal molecules are randomly or vertically aligned on the film.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 10A, a second protective layer 24 made of an acrylic resin or the like is formed on the alignment film 20 and the retardation pattern layer 22. Further, as shown in FIG. 10B, a color filter 26 is formed on the second protective layer 24. The color filter 26 includes a red color filter 26R disposed in the red pixel portion R, a green color filter 26G disposed in the green pixel portion G, a blue color filter 26B disposed in the blue pixel portion B, and each pixel portion. It is comprised by the light shielding layer 26X arrange | positioned between. The pixel portions R, G, and B (sub-pixels) of the three primary colors constitute a display unit. The color filter 26 is formed by sequentially patterning, for example, a pigment dispersion type photosensitive coating film by photolithography.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 10C, after the third protective layer 28 made of acrylic resin or the like is formed on the color filter 26, the surface is roughened to form fine irregularities.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 11A, a metal layer 30a such as aluminum is formed on the third protective layer 28 by vacuum deposition. Further, a positive resist (not shown) is formed on the metal layer 30a, and the positive resist is formed through a photomask having an exposure pattern for leaving a pattern on the reflection portion A1 of each pixel portion R, G, B. Exposure and development. Furthermore, after the metal layer 30a is etched using the patterned positive resist as a mask, the positive resist is removed.

  Thus, as shown in FIG. 11B, the reflective pattern layer 30 is formed on the third protective layer 28 corresponding to the reflective portion A1 of each pixel portion R, G, B.

  In this way, the retardation pattern layer 22 and the reflective pattern layer 30 are respectively aligned and arranged in the region corresponding to the reflective portion A1 of each pixel portion R, G, B.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 12A, an ultraviolet curable adhesive having a film thickness of about 10 μm is formed on the reflective pattern layer 30 and the third protective layer 28 of the structure of FIG. 11B by spray coating. Layer 32 is formed. At this time, by mixing spacer particles in the adhesive layer 32 in advance, the film thickness can be kept uniform.

  Further, an optically isotropic plastic film 40 is bonded onto the adhesive layer 32. As the plastic film 40, a polyethersulfone film or a polycarbonate film having a thickness of 100 to 200 μm (preferably 120 μm) is used.

  Thereafter, the adhesive layer 32 is cured by irradiating ultraviolet rays from the plus chip film 40 side, and then heat-treated in a clean oven at a temperature of 120 ° C. and a treatment time of 30 minutes.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 12B, a roll (not shown) is fixed to one end of the plastic film 40, and the glass substrate 10 is peeled while rotating the roll. At this time, it peels along the interface of the glass substrate 10 and the peeling layer 12, and the glass substrate 10 is discarded.

  FIG. 13A shows a state where the structure of FIG. 12B is turned upside down. As shown in FIG. 13A, on the plastic film 40, in the reflective A1, in order from the bottom, the adhesive layer 32, the reflective pattern layer 30, the third protective layer 28, the color filter 26, the second protective layer 24, A transfer layer T composed of the retardation pattern layer 22, the alignment film 20, the first protective layer 18, the pixel electrode 16, the peelable pattern portion 14, and the peelable layer 12 is transferred and formed.

  Unlike the present embodiment, when various elements are aligned and formed directly on a plastic film, the reflection of each pixel portion R, G, B is caused by thermal deformation of the plastic film in the process of forming various elements. It is difficult to form the retardation pattern layer 22 and the reflective pattern layer 30 in the portion A1 with high accuracy.

  However, in this embodiment, the retardation pattern layer 22 and the reflective pattern layer 30 are accurately aligned with the reflective portions A1 of the pixel portions R, G, and B defined on the heat-resistant and rigid glass substrate 10. Formed. Thereafter, the transfer layer T formed on the glass substrate 10 is transferred and formed on the plastic film 40 while being inverted upside down.

  By adopting such a transfer technique, it is not necessary to consider the thermal deformation of the plastic film 40 in the process of forming various elements. Therefore, the reflective portions A1 of the pixel portions R, G, B on the plastic film 40 are used. In addition, the retardation pattern layer 22 and the reflective pattern layer 30 are formed with high precision alignment.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 13B, wet etching using a plasma of oxygen-containing gas or an alkaline solution is performed on the release layer 12 and the peelable pattern portion 14 on the upper surface side of the structure in FIG. Thus, the pixel electrode 16 is exposed. Since the release layer 12 and the peelable pattern portion 14 are made of polyimide that can be easily peeled off, they are selectively removed from the underlying pixel electrode 16 and the first protective layer 18 by the above-described treatment.

  Thereby, in each pixel part R, G, B, on the upper surface side of the exposed pixel electrode 16, the peelable pattern part 14 is removed, and the concave part C is provided in the transmission part A2, and the reflection part A1 is separated from the transmission part A2. It becomes the convex part P which protrudes. In this way, the height of the reflection part A1 is set higher than the height of the transmission part A2.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 14, an alignment film 34 for aligning liquid crystal is formed on the pixel electrode 16 and the first protective layer 18 on the upper surface side of the structure in FIG. I do. Further, the first polarizing layer 36 is formed on the lower surface of the plastic film 40. Thus, the element substrate 1 for constituting the transflective liquid crystal display device of the present embodiment is obtained.

  Next, a transflective liquid crystal display device configured using the element substrate 1 of the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 15, first, the above-described element substrate 1 and the counter substrate 2 disposed to face the element substrate 1 are prepared. The counter substrate 2 is formed on the plastic film 40a, the protective layer 18a formed on one surface thereof, the common electrode 17 made of ITO or the like formed on the protective layer 18a, and the common electrode 17. The alignment film 34a and the second polarizing layer 36a formed on the other surface of the plastic film 40a are basically configured.

  Then, the surface on the alignment film 34 side of the counter substrate 2 is disposed opposite to the surface on the alignment film 34 side of the element substrate 1 with a predetermined gap therebetween, and the ferroelectric is interposed between the element substrate 1 and the counter substrate 2. The transflective liquid crystal display device 3 of the present embodiment is obtained by sandwiching the conductive liquid crystal 38.

  16A to 16C schematically show a method for assembling the transflective liquid crystal display device 3 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 16A, first, in the present embodiment, as the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38, a liquid crystal / monomer mixed solution 38x in which a photocurable liquid crystal monomer 38a is mixed is used. The liquid crystal / monomer mixture liquid 38x is obtained by stirring the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 and the photocurable liquid crystal monomer 38a. As the photocurable liquid crystal monomer 38a, a liquid crystalline acrylic monomer that is polymerized by ultraviolet irradiation is used. Such a photocurable liquid crystal monomer 38a is compatible with the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 and exhibits molecular orientation together with the ferroelectric liquid crystal.

  Then, the liquid crystal / monomer mixture liquid 38x is uniformly applied on the alignment film 34 (FIG. 15) on which the alignment treatment of the element substrate 1 has been performed. Further, the surface of the alignment film 34a (FIG. 15) of the counter substrate 2 is disposed in contact with the liquid crystal / monomer mixture liquid 38x, and the counter substrate 2 and the element substrate 1 are pressed, whereby the liquid crystal / monomer mixture liquid 38x is obtained. Sandwich. At this time, since the spacer particles (not shown) are dispersed in the liquid crystal / monomer mixture liquid 38x, the counter substrate 2 and the element substrate 1 are pushed to the size of the spacer, and the distance between them (the liquid crystal / monomer mixture liquid 38x). (Thickness) becomes constant. At this time, the photocurable liquid crystal monomer 38a is molecularly aligned by the alignment films 34 and 34a (FIG. 15) together with the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38.

  Instead of dispersing the spacer particles, spacer columns may be formed on the substrate by photolithography or the like.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 16B, the liquid crystal / monomer mixed solution 38x is subjected to pattern exposure through the lattice-like photomask 42. At this time, the monomer molecules diffusing and floating in the liquid crystal / monomer mixture liquid 38x are polymerized and cured when reaching the exposed portion, and the polymer wall 44 that adheres to the counter substrate 2 and the element substrate 1 is constructed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 16C, the monomer component in the liquid crystal / monomer mixture liquid 38x left in the unexposed area is aggregated in the liquid crystal by exposing the entire liquid crystal / monomer mixture liquid 38x to ultraviolet rays. -It precipitates and the polymer fiber 46 is formed in a network form. In this manner, the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 is sandwiched between the element substrate 1 and the counter substrate 2, and these substrates are bonded to each other with the polymer wall and the polymer fiber 46 at a predetermined interval.

  In order to align the molecular orientation of the polymer to be formed in the rubbing direction, it is desirable to control the nematic phase by heating the liquid crystal / monomer mixture liquid 38x during exposure, but this is limited to the nematic phase. is not. In FIG. 16, the ultraviolet rays are irradiated in two stages, but the polymer wall 44 is not necessarily formed. That is, partial exposure through the photomask 42 may be omitted, and only the polymer fiber 46 may be provided by exposing the entire liquid crystal / monomer mixture liquid 38x with ultraviolet rays.

  As described above, the flexible transflective liquid crystal display device 3 of the present embodiment described above is obtained.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the transflective liquid crystal display device 3 of this embodiment is basically composed of an element substrate 1, a counter substrate 2, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 sandwiched therebetween. In the element substrate 1, a red pixel portion R, a green pixel portion G, and a blue pixel portion B are defined on the plastic film 40. The regions of the pixel portions R, G, and B are configured by a transmissive portion A2 disposed in the center portion and a reflective portion A1 disposed on the peripheral side. Various forms can be adopted for the layout of the reflection part A1 and the transmission part A2. Contrary to the present embodiment, the reflection part A1 may be arranged at the center and the transmission part A2 may be arranged at the peripheral side. Furthermore, the reflection part A1 and the transmission part A2 may be divided into a plurality of areas within the regions of the pixel parts R, G, and B.

  Further, the division ratio between the reflection part A1 and the transmission part A2 can be arbitrarily set. If the area of the reflection part A1 is made larger than that of the transmission part A2, reflection-oriented display characteristics can be obtained. Conversely, if the area of the transmission part A2 is larger than that of the reflection part A1, transmission-oriented display characteristics can be obtained.

  An adhesive layer 32 is formed on the plastic film 40, and the reflective pattern layer 30 is formed on the adhesive layer 32 in a state of being embedded therein. The reflective pattern layer 30 is disposed in a portion corresponding to the reflective portion A1 of each pixel portion R, G, B.

  Further, a third protective layer 28 and a color filter 26 are formed in order on the reflective pattern layer 30. The color filter 26 includes a red color filter 26R disposed in the red pixel portion R, a green color filter 26G disposed in the green pixel portion G, a blue color filter 26B disposed in the blue pixel portion B, and a pixel portion. It is comprised by the light shielding layer 26X arrange | positioned in the area | region between.

  A second protective layer 24 is formed on the color filter 26. A retardation pattern layer 22 (λ / 4 retardation layer) is formed on the second protective layer 24 corresponding to the reflective portion A1 of each pixel portion R, G, B (a portion corresponding to the reflective pattern layer 30). Yes.

  On the retardation pattern layer 22, an alignment film 20 used for aligning liquid crystal molecules when forming the retardation pattern layer 22 is formed. A first protective layer 18 is formed on the alignment film 20. Further, pixel electrodes 16 are formed on the first protective layer 18 corresponding to the entire pixel portions R, G, and B, respectively. An alignment film 34 for aligning the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 is formed on the pixel electrode 16. Further, a first polarizing layer 36 is provided on the lower surface of the plastic film 40.

  On the other hand, in the counter substrate 2, the protective layer 18a, the common electrode 17 and the alignment film 34a are formed in this order on the plastic film 40a (lower in FIG. 15), and the surface opposite to the surface on which the common electrode 17 is disposed. The second polarizing layer 36a is formed.

  In order to achieve the above-described light propagation, the first polarizing layer 36 of the element substrate 1 and the second polarizing layer 36a of the counter substrate 2 are arranged so that their light transmission axes are orthogonal to each other.

  In the element substrate 1 according to the present embodiment, as described above, the concave portion C is provided in the portion corresponding to the transmission portion A2 of each pixel portion R, G, B on the surface side in contact with the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38. The reflection part A1 is a convex part P protruding from the transmission part A2. Thus, the thickness (cell gap) of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 in the transmission part A2 is set to be thicker (about twice) than the thickness of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 in the reflection part A1. In order to achieve the light propagation as described above, the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 is aligned in an alignment direction that is parallel or orthogonal to the light transmission axis PA2 of the second polarizing layer 36a of the counter substrate 2.

  By setting the cell gap in this way, the path of light passing through the ferroelectric liquid crystal 38 can be made equal between the reflective portion A1 and the transmissive portion A2, so that the optical loss between the reflective portion A1 and the transmissive portion A2 is reduced. Fewer image displays can be realized.

  In the transflective liquid crystal display device 3 of the present embodiment, the element substrate 1 and the counter substrate 2 are closely bonded by the polymer wall 44 and the polymer fiber 46 so that the two substrates and the liquid crystal are integrated. Even if 40 and 40a are bent, a constant cell gap is secured throughout. Therefore, stable display characteristics can be obtained in the flexible liquid crystal display. In addition, as described above, when the electric field is OFF, it is not necessary to consider the phase difference of light due to the liquid crystal, so the dispersion rate of the polymer wall 44 and the polymer fiber 46 can be freely set without considering the influence on the optical design. Can be optimized.

  In this embodiment, as a preferred embodiment, the reflection substrate 30, the retardation pattern layer 22, the pixel electrode 116, and the like are formed on the plastic film with a high alignment accuracy by using a transfer technique. If manufactured, but alignment accuracy is not a problem, the element may be formed directly on the plastic film. Alternatively, a semi-transmissive liquid crystal display device having rigidity may be used by using a glass substrate or the like instead of a plastic film as a substrate.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram (No. 1) showing a basic configuration of a transflective liquid crystal display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram (No. 2) showing a basic configuration of a transflective liquid crystal display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the state of light propagation in the transmissive portion when the electric field is OFF in the transflective liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the state of light propagation in the reflecting portion when the electric field is OFF in the transflective liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the state of light propagation in the transmissive portion when the electric field is ON in the transflective liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing the state of light propagation in the reflecting portion when the electric field is ON in the transflective liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention. 7A to 7C are sectional views (No. 1) showing a method for manufacturing an element substrate of a transflective liquid crystal display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 8A to 8C are cross-sectional views (part 2) showing the method for manufacturing the element substrate of the transflective liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention. 9A to 9C are cross-sectional views (No. 3) showing the method for manufacturing the element substrate of the transflective liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention. 10A to 10C are cross-sectional views (part 4) showing the method for manufacturing the element substrate of the transflective liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention. 11A and 11B are sectional views (No. 5) showing the method for manufacturing the element substrate of the transflective liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention. 12A and 12B are sectional views (No. 6) showing the method for manufacturing the element substrate of the transflective liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention. 13A and 13B are cross-sectional views (No. 7) showing the method for manufacturing the element substrate of the transflective liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing an element substrate of a transflective liquid crystal display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a transflective liquid crystal display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 16A to 16C are schematic views showing a method for assembling the transflective liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Element substrate, 1a, 2a ... Substrate part, 2 ... Opposite substrate, 3 ... Semi-transmissive liquid crystal display device, 10 ... Glass substrate, 12 ... Release layer, 14 ... Release pattern part, 14a, 15a ... Opening part, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 ... Positive resist, 16a ... Transparent conductive layer, 16 ... Pixel electrode, 17 ... Common electrode, 18 ... 1st protective layer, 18a ... Protective layer, 20, 34, 34a ... Alignment film, 22a ... Photocurable liquid crystal monomer, 22b ... polymer, 22 ... retardation pattern layer, 23 ... photomask, 24 ... second protective layer, 26 ... color filter, 26R ... red color filter, 26G ... green color filter, 26B ... blue color filter, 26X ... light shielding layer, 28 ... third protective layer, 30a ... metal layer, 30 ... reflective pattern layer, 32 ... adhesive layer, 36 ... first polarizing layer, 36a ... second polarizing layer, 38 ... ferroelectric liquid crystal, 38a ... Curing monomer, 38x ... liquid crystal / monomer mixture, 40, 40a ... plastic film, 42 ... photomask, 44 ... polymer wall, 46 ... polymer fiber, 50 ... backlight, A1 ... reflection part, A2 ... transmission part, R ... red pixel part, G ... green pixel part, B ... blue pixel part, C ... concave part, P ... convex part, PA1, PA2 ... light transmission axis, LA, LA1, LA2, LB1 to LB5 ... polarized light, LX ... external light , DA ... Slow axis.

Claims (3)

Preparing a temporary substrate in which a plurality of pixel portions composed of a reflective portion and a transmissive portion are defined;
Forming a release layer on the temporary substrate;
Partially forming a peelable pattern portion on the release layer corresponding to the transmission portion;
Forming a pixel electrode above the release layer and the peelable pattern portion corresponding to the reflective portion and the transmissive portion;
Forming a retardation pattern layer above the pixel electrode corresponding to the reflective portion;
Forming a reflective pattern layer above the retardation pattern layer corresponding to the reflective portion;
Adhering a plastic film on the reflective pattern layer via an adhesive layer;
By peeling the temporary substrate from the interface with the release layer, the reflective pattern layer, the retardation pattern layer, the pixel electrode, the peelable pattern portion, and the plastic film on the plastic film via the adhesive layer. A step of transferring and forming the release layer;
A step of exposing the pixel electrode by removing the release layer and the peelable pattern portion,
A plurality of pixel portions each including the reflective portion and the transmissive portion are defined, and the reflective pattern layer and the retardation pattern layer provided above the reflective pattern layer are provided in a portion corresponding to the reflective portion on the upper surface side. And an element substrate provided with a first polarizing layer on the lower surface side, the height of the reflective portion being set higher than the height of the transmissive portion,
Preparing a counter substrate provided with a second polarizing layer on the upper surface side having a light transmission axis perpendicular to the light transmission axis of the first polarizing layer;
Between the element substrate and the counter substrate disposed opposite thereto, liquid crystal molecules are aligned in a direction parallel or perpendicular to the light transmission axis of the second polarizing layer of the counter substrate. And a step of sandwiching a ferroelectric liquid crystal. A method of manufacturing a transflective liquid crystal display device. The step of sandwiching the ferroelectric liquid crystal between the element substrate and the counter substrate,
As the ferroelectric liquid crystal, a liquid crystal / monomer mixed liquid in which a photocurable monomer is mixed with the ferroelectric liquid crystal is used,
The liquid crystal / monomer mixed liquid is sandwiched between the element substrate and the counter substrate, and the photocurable monomer is cured by irradiating the entire surface with ultraviolet rays to form a polymer fiber. The method of manufacturing a transflective liquid crystal display device according to claim 1 , further comprising adhering the substrate. Before forming the polymer fiber, partially exposing the photocurable monomer through a photomask to form a polymer wall,
3. The method for manufacturing a transflective liquid crystal display device according to claim 2 , wherein the polymer fiber is formed by curing the photo-curable monomer in an unexposed portion by exposing the entire surface.

Images