JPH10282477A - Manufacture of display member - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a display member manufacturing method capable of improving the efficiency of manufacturing by a simple manufacturing process and manufacturing display members of high quality in high yield. SOLUTION: This display member manufacturing method consists of a process for respectively forming translucent electrodes on a pair of translucent members, a process for forming a prescribed pattern 5a of a mixed solution 12 consisting of a high molecular composite and liquid crystal on the electrode surface 3 of one translucent member 1 by printing and a process for curing the mixed solution 12 on the area forming the prescribed pattern 5a and forming a display part consisting of high molecular distributed liquid crystal on the cured area.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a display member suitable for use in a finder display device of a camera / video camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when manufacturing a finder display member of a camera using a liquid crystal, an ITO (Indium Ti
n Oxide) and another electrode formed by applying a spacer (a peas ball having a diameter of several microns) on the surface of a plate made of glass or the like formed by panning an electrode such as n Oxide) and patterning the corresponding electrode thereon. In general, a plate made of glass or the like is placed, and the periphery is adhered with an adhesive except for a portion to be filled with the liquid crystal, and the liquid crystal is sucked up from the suction port by utilizing a capillary phenomenon.

[0003]

However, in such a manufacturing method, since the liquid crystal is sucked up by utilizing the capillary phenomenon, it takes much time to fill the liquid crystal, and the manufacturing efficiency is low. Further, even if bubbles are taken into the liquid crystal filling portion, the bubbles cannot be removed and the bubbles remain, so that it is difficult to maintain the quality of the display member, and as a result, the product yield decreases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art and to provide a method of manufacturing a display member which is capable of manufacturing a high quality display member with good manufacturing efficiency and a high yield by a simple manufacturing process. is there.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object,
In the present invention, using a mixed solution of a polymer composition and a liquid crystal to be cured, the polymer composition of the mixed solution is directly printed on a substrate such as a glass plate and cured by light irradiation or the like, and a pattern display portion is formed. Create That is, the method for manufacturing a display member according to the present invention includes a step of forming a light-transmitting electrode on each of a pair of light-transmitting members, and a step of forming a polymer composition and a liquid crystal on the electrode surface of the one light-transmitting member. Forming a mixed solution in a predetermined pattern by printing, and curing the mixed solution in an area formed in the predetermined pattern, and forming a display section of polymer dispersed liquid crystal in the area. .

According to the present invention, a display portion made of a polymer dispersed liquid crystal can be formed by forming a mixed solution into a predetermined pattern by printing and then curing the polymer composition in the mixed solution. . Since the predetermined pattern is formed by printing, the manufacturing process is simplified, the manufacturing efficiency is extremely improved, and high-quality display members can be manufactured with high yield since no bubbles are generated. In addition, mass production of display members becomes possible.

[0007] The polymer composition may be a thermosetting one or a curable one by light such as ultraviolet rays. In the case of the property, the display portion can be formed by irradiating light such as ultraviolet light.

Further, the display portion can be formed after disposing the other light-transmitting member such that its electrode surface faces the electrode surface of the one light-transmitting member.

According to this configuration, since the display portion is formed after the pair of light-transmitting members are arranged so as to face each other, the distance between the light-transmitting members can be adjusted, which is preferable.

In order to adjust the distance between the light transmitting members, it is preferable to interpose a minute spacer between the light transmitting members. The spacer may be previously mixed in the mixed solution.

Further, when the curable composition or the liquid crystal is interposed between the translucent members, the display section made of the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal can be protected from the atmosphere, and the deterioration of the display section can be prevented. Life can be extended.

Further, the printing can be performed by applying the liquid mixture to the surface of the convex portion having a planar shape corresponding to the predetermined pattern and pressing the convex portion against the electrode surface.

Further, the printing is performed by applying the mixed solution to a surface including a concave portion having a planar shape corresponding to the predetermined pattern, removing the mixed solution from the surface, and pressing the surface against the electrode surface. It can be carried out.

Further, the printing is performed by disposing a film-like member having a transmission part and a non-transmission part of the mixture corresponding to the predetermined pattern on the electrode surface, and applying the mixture to the film-like member. It can be performed by passing through the transmission part.

By the printing process as described above, the member provided with the convex portions or the concave portions or the film-like member can be used repeatedly, which is economical and leads to a reduction in manufacturing cost.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a plan view (a) and a sectional view (b) of a display member according to the present embodiment. The display member 10 shown in FIG. 1A is constituted by a frame having a fixed width as shown in the figure, and a rectangular frame portion 5 can be displayed on the finder surface. The frame portion 5 constitutes a pattern display portion, and can be used to indicate a range to be subjected to AF (autofocus) when displayed on a viewfinder surface of a camera, for example.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the display member 10 includes a pair of glass plates 1 and 2 as a light transmitting member, and light transmitting electrodes 3 formed on the entire surfaces of the glass plates 1 and 2, respectively.
4. A polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer 5 'constituting a frame portion 5 which is a pattern display portion provided between the glass plates 1 and 2, and a portion other than the polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer 5' between the glass plates 1 and 2. Is provided with the ultraviolet-curable resin layer 6 provided in the portion of (1). Electrode 3,
When no voltage is applied between the four, the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer 5 'is in a cloudy state, and the frame portion 5 is visually recognized on the finder surface. On the other hand, when a voltage is applied between the electrodes 3 and 4, the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer 5 'is in a light-transmitting state, and the frame portion 5 is not visible on the finder surface.

The polymer-dispersed liquid crystal is made of a polymer / liquid crystal composite material using a nematic liquid crystal, is a field effect type, is a light scattering type, and does not require a polarizing plate. When no electric field is applied, the light is turbid and scatters external light and does not transmit.In addition, when an electric field is applied, the light transmittance increases and becomes extremely high. Having properties ("Compatech", 1990.
7, 39-43).

More specifically, the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal can be formed from a mixed solution of the uncured polymer composition and the liquid crystal, and the polymer is cured by irradiating ultraviolet rays or applying heat. The liquid crystal, whose refractive index changes sharply due to voltage, is confined in a complex structure formed by applying a voltage, and when no voltage is applied, the liquid crystal does not align, and the refractive index of the liquid crystal becomes lower than that of the surrounding polymer. Since the light is diffused between the liquid crystal and the polymer having a complicated structure, the light is diffusely reflected and appears to be cloudy. However, when an AC voltage is applied, in a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal having a thickness of, for example, about 5 to 10 μm sandwiched between glass plates or the like, the liquid crystal is oriented in the direction of the electric field, that is, in the direction perpendicular to the glass plate. The refractive index of the liquid crystal becomes substantially equal to the refractive index of the polymer, the light transmittance increases, and the liquid crystal becomes transparent. Conversely, there is a reversal type that is transparent when no voltage is applied and becomes cloudy when a voltage is applied. This type can also be used in the present invention.

A feature of the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal is that it can be easily cured by irradiation with ultraviolet rays or the like, so that the display pattern can be easily formed. There is no need to perform complicated filling steps such as spacer application and liquid crystal suction performed in the conventional liquid crystal display. In addition, to transmit light /
Since the light is not transmitted by controlling the degree of light scattering, a polarizing plate as in a conventional liquid crystal display device is not required, and a rubbing treatment for forming a fine elongated groove for aligning liquid crystal on a glass surface is not required. .

A method for manufacturing the display member shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. First, ITO (Indium Tin O 2) is formed on one entire surface of the glass plates 1 and 2 as the translucent member.
xide) films are formed by vapor deposition or the like, and are used as the translucent electrodes 3 and 4. Note that the electrode may be formed in a small size enough to cover the entire frame portion 5. Also, a plurality of frame portions 5 can be formed, and in this case, the electrodes 3 and 3 are used to control each frame portion.
At least one of the four is divided and formed corresponding to each frame portion.

With reference to FIG. 2, a letterpress printing method will be described as a method of forming a liquid crystal pattern on the surface of a glass plate. First, a letterpress member 11 having a protrusion 11a as shown in FIG. 2A is prepared. The projection 11 a has a shape corresponding to the frame 5 shown in FIG. 1A and is configured to protrude from the surface of the relief member 11.

Next, as shown in FIG.
A mixed solution 12 (hereinafter, referred to as a stock solution) of a liquid crystal as a raw material of a polymer dispersed liquid crystal and an ultraviolet curable resin is applied to the surface of the convex portion 11a. In this case, the undiluted solution is applied to the entire surface of the relief printing plate member 11 including the protruded portion 11a, or the undiluted solution is applied to another flat plate, and the protruded portion 11a is pressed against this plate so that only the surface of the protruded portion 11a is exposed. A method of applying a stock solution.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 2C, the letterpress member 11 is pressed against the surface of the light transmitting electrode 3 of the glass plate 1 from the projecting portion 11a. On the surface of the glass plate 1 pressed in this way, as shown in FIG.
Is printed in a rectangular frame-like pattern 5a using a stock solution having a shape corresponding to.

Next, as shown in FIG. 3A, the ultraviolet lamp 2 is applied to the rectangular frame pattern 5a shown in FIG.
UV light is applied from 0 to cure the UV-curable resin in the stock solution of the frame-shaped pattern portion 5a to form a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer. The liquid crystal pattern display portion of the frame portion 5 shown in FIG. Obtainable.

Next, the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer on the glass plate 1 is sandwiched from the surface on which the translucent electrode 4 is formed by the glass plate 2 as shown in FIG. By doing so, the display member 10 shown in FIG. 1A is completed.

Further, before fixing the glass plate 2 to the glass plate 1, an ultraviolet curable resin is applied to the glass plate 1, and thereafter, the glass plate 2 is disposed in opposition to the glass plate 2, and the resin is cured by irradiating ultraviolet light. Thus, the ultraviolet curable resin layer 6 shown in FIG. 1B can be formed. Thus, FIG.
The display member 10 having the cross-sectional configuration shown in FIG.

In place of the UV-curable resin layer 6,
It may be a layer composed of the same liquid crystal as the liquid crystal in the stock solution.
As described above, since the ultraviolet curable resin layer 6 and the liquid crystal layer are provided around the polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer 5 ′, the pattern display portion of the polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer is protected from air.
The liquid crystal pattern display does not deteriorate, and the life of the display member is extended.

Referring to FIG. 4, another silk screen printing method for forming a liquid crystal pattern on a glass plate surface will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 4 (a), the transmitting portion 21a having a shape corresponding to the frame portion 5 of FIG.
Is prepared. The film-like member 21 is made of a material that does not transmit a stock solution composed of an ultraviolet curable resin and liquid crystal. For example, it can be composed of a film-like material that does not allow the undiluted solution to permeate, such as a silk screen, or a material that can partially pass the undiluted solution by applying a treatment to a thin plate. By processing the thin film or thin screen 21 so that only the rectangular frame portion allows the undiluted solution to pass through, the transmission portion 21a of the film member 21 shown in FIG. 4A is formed.

Next, as shown in FIG.
Is placed on the surface of the electrode 3 of the glass plate 1 and, for example, using a roller, the undiluted solution is applied to the roller, and the undiluted solution is imprinted, thereby passing the undiluted solution from the transmission part 21a to the electrode surface. Thereafter, when the film-like member 21 is peeled off, a liquid crystal pattern 5a is formed on the glass plate 1 in the same manner as in FIG. 2 as shown in FIG.

As another printing method for forming a liquid crystal pattern on a glass plate surface, printing can be performed by an intaglio method. This can also be performed in the same manner as in a conventional intaglio printing on paper or the like, and a member having a pattern corresponding to FIG. An undiluted solution is applied to the surface of the intaglio member to wipe off any undiluted solution remaining in the concave portions.
Next, the same pattern as in the case of FIG. 2D can be formed by pressing the intaglio member against the glass surface as in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 5, another method for completing the display member will be described. Immediately after printing the rectangular frame-shaped pattern 5a made of the undiluted solution as shown in FIG. 2 (d) and FIG.
The glass plate 2 on which the translucent electrode 4 is formed as shown in FIG. 1A is bonded or fixed to the glass plate 1. At the time of bonding or fixing, if a spacer is applied to a portion away from the pattern, a space between the glass plates 1 and 2 can be secured. Further, a spacer may be mixed in advance into the stock solution of the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal.

After fixing the pair of glass plates 1 and 2 so as to sandwich the rectangular frame-shaped pattern 5a made of the undiluted solution therebetween, the pair of glass plates 1 and 2 fixed to each other as shown in FIG. , 2 are irradiated from a UV lamp 20 to cure the pattern 5a to form a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer, thereby obtaining a liquid crystal pattern display portion of the frame portion 5 shown in FIG. it can. As described above, when the undiluted solution is cured after the pair of glass plates 1 and 2 are fixed against each other, it is easy to control the distance between the glass plates 1 and 2 to be constant.

Next, the same liquid crystal as the liquid crystal in the ultraviolet curable resin or the stock solution is poured between the glass plates 1 and 2. In the case of an ultraviolet curable resin, the resin is cured by irradiating ultraviolet rays. As described above, the ultraviolet curable resin layer and the liquid crystal layer are provided around the polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer, and the pattern display portion of the polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer is protected from air as in the above-described case.

As described above, when manufacturing a display member using a conventional liquid crystal, a spacer is applied on a glass plate, sandwiched and adhered by another glass plate, and then the liquid crystal is drawn by suction using a capillary phenomenon. According to the present embodiment, the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer can be easily cured and cured by irradiating ultraviolet rays. The display pattern portion can be easily formed without requiring a manufacturing method.
For this reason, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

Further, since the pattern is formed by printing a mixed solution of liquid crystal and ultraviolet curable resin by printing, the manufacturing process is simplified, the manufacturing efficiency is greatly improved, and mass production is possible. Further, since no bubbles or the like are generated, a high-quality display member can be manufactured with high yield. In addition, the relief printing plate member, the intaglio printing plate member, and the film-like member used in the printing process can be repeatedly used, which is economical and contributes to a reduction in manufacturing cost.

In this embodiment, the pattern display section composed of the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer is a rectangular frame section 5. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Needless to say, a plurality of pattern display sections can be provided.

The display member according to the present invention is not limited to a finder display device such as a camera, but can be applied to other display devices to which external light does not enter. Display can be performed.

Further, in the present embodiment, an ultraviolet curable resin is used in the mixed solution 12 and the resin layer 6, but a resin which is photocurable in a wavelength range other than ultraviolet light may be used.

[0040]

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method of manufacturing a display member which is capable of manufacturing a high quality display member with a high yield in a simple manufacturing process and a high yield.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view (a) and a sectional view (b) of a display member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a manufacturing process of the display member shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining a manufacturing process performed after the manufacturing process of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a view for explaining another manufacturing process of the display member shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a view for explaining another manufacturing process performed subsequent to the manufacturing process of FIG. 2 or FIG. 4;

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 2 glass plate (a pair of translucent members) 3, 4 translucent electrode 5 frame portion (display pattern portion) 5 'polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer 5a rectangular frame pattern by mixed solution 6 ultraviolet curable resin Layer 10 Display member 11 Letterpress member 11a Convex part 21 Mixed solution of liquid crystal and ultraviolet curable resin 21 Film-like member 21a Transmission part 20 Ultraviolet lamp

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Takehiko Ueda Nikon Corporation, 2-3-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Claims (8)

[Claims] A step of forming a light-transmitting electrode on each of a pair of light-transmitting members, and printing a mixed solution of a polymer composition and liquid crystal on the electrode surface of the one light-transmitting member by printing. And a step of curing the mixed solution in the region formed in the predetermined pattern and forming a display section of polymer dispersed liquid crystal in the region. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the other translucent member is fixed so as to sandwich the display section from an electrode surface thereof. 3. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the display portion is formed after the other translucent member is disposed such that an electrode surface thereof is opposed to an electrode surface of the one translucent member. . 4. The manufacturing method according to claim 3, wherein minute spacers are interposed between the light-transmitting members. 5. The manufacturing method according to claim 2, wherein a curable composition or the liquid crystal is interposed between the translucent members. 6. The printing according to claim 1, wherein the printing is performed by applying the liquid mixture to a surface of a projection having a planar shape corresponding to the predetermined pattern and pressing the projection against the electrode surface. The manufacturing method as described. 7. The printing is performed by applying the mixed solution to a surface including a concave portion having a planar shape corresponding to the predetermined pattern, removing the mixed solution from the surface, and pressing the surface against the electrode surface. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is performed. 8. In the printing, a film-like member having a transparent portion and a non-transmissive portion of the mixed liquid corresponding to the predetermined pattern is arranged on the electrode surface, and the mixed liquid is applied to the film-like member. The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the method is performed by passing through the transmission part.