JPH11174465A - Liquid crystal cell - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To excellent secure a uniform cell gap without being accompanied by a leak of light or peeling off by ingenuity for the structure in a liquid crystal cell which uses plural striped partitions as spacers and has a color filter substrate using smectic liquid crystal as liquid crystal. SOLUTION: On a color filter substrate 10, each of color filters 13, 13A is formed on the inner surface of a transparent substrate 11 via the respective opening parts 12a, 12b of a black mask 12. Each of metallic auxiliary electrodes 22 is formed respectively between the inner surfaces of each of transparent electrodes 23 and a transparent substrate 21 along each of the transparent electrodes 23. On a counter substrate 20, each of dummy metal electrodes 22A is formed between the inner surface of each of the transparent electrodes 23A and the transparent substrate 21 respectively along each of the transparent electrodes 23A. Each of the dummy metal electrodes 22A is located corresponding to each of partitions 40A and plays a role to shield light passing through each of the opening parts 12b of the black mask 12.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a liquid crystal cell using a smectic liquid crystal such as a ferroelectric liquid crystal or an antiferroelectric liquid crystal.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a liquid crystal cell using an antiferroelectric liquid crystal or a ferroelectric liquid crystal, which has been attracting attention in recent years, the antiferroelectric liquid crystal or the ferroelectric liquid crystal has a stable response due to its high-speed response. In order to exhibit the memory effect, it is necessary to make the cell gap of the liquid crystal cell uniform at 2 μm or less, preferably about 1.4 to 1.6 μm. The required level of this uniformity is at least ± 0.1 μm, preferably ± 0.05 μm.
μm or less.

[0003] If the cell gap is uneven, the transmitted light is uneven or colored due to the birefringence of the antiferroelectric liquid crystal or the ferroelectric liquid crystal. In addition, ferroelectric liquid crystals cause alignment defects due to mechanical shock. On the other hand, in order to ensure uniformity of the cell gap of the liquid crystal cell and improve the impact resistance of the orientation of the ferroelectric liquid crystal, a photosensitive resin material called a photoresist (hereinafter referred to as a resist) is generally used. The structure having the partition formed by the above is employed in the liquid crystal cell.

More specifically, this liquid crystal cell has a plurality of stripe-shaped partitions interposed between a pair of electrode substrates. This liquid crystal cell is manufactured as follows. That is, a resist is applied to the inner surface of one of the color filter substrates of the pair of electrode substrates to form a resist film, the resist film is subjected to a photolithographic process, and the inner surface of the color filter substrate is formed. A plurality of stripe-shaped partitions are formed.

[0005] Then, a band-shaped seal is formed by printing along the outer peripheral portion of the inner surface of the opposite substrate which is the other electrode substrate. Thereafter, the color filter substrate is overlapped with the opposing substrate via the above-described partitions and the seal, and then the seal is cured. When the seal is cured, pressure is applied between the color filter substrate and the opposing substrate so that each partition wall and the inner surface of the opposing substrate are adhered to each other. Then, an antiferroelectric liquid crystal or a ferroelectric liquid crystal is injected, and the manufacture of the liquid crystal cell is completed. Here, each stripe-shaped partition functions as a spacer that regulates a cell gap between the color filter substrate and the counter substrate.

[0006]

By the way, in the above-mentioned liquid crystal cell, in the vicinity of the non-display area located on the outer periphery of the display area, a display step is caused by a color filter of a color filter substrate, a step caused by a seal or the like. A step is generated between the area and the vicinity of the non-display area, particularly, the vicinity of the seal. This causes a problem that the cell gap is not uniform.

In view of this, a method of making the cell gap in the vicinity of the seal uniform, in particular, eliminating the uneven cell gap due to the step between the display area and the vicinity of the seal caused by a difference in the thickness of a color filter or the like. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 8-136911 and 8-328801
And Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 4-85423.

The publications of these publications aim to eliminate the uneven cell gap due to the steps by providing a dummy color filter outside the display area.
However, these publications have some disadvantages as described below. First, ± required for a liquid crystal cell using a ferroelectric liquid crystal or an antiferroelectric liquid crystal.
In order to realize the uniformity of the cell gap of 0.05 μm or less, it is not sufficient to simply provide a dummy color filter.

In particular, in the case of a liquid crystal cell having a partition structure made of a resist, only the partition made of a resist functions as a spacer for regulating a cell gap in a display area in order to realize a uniform cell gap. Therefore,
The value of the distance between the seal and the partition wall made of the resist closest to the seal greatly affects the uniformity of the cell gap.

This point will be described with reference to FIG. At the end of the liquid crystal cell shown in FIG. 11, a stripe-shaped partition wall 3 and a strip-shaped seal 4 made of a plurality of resists are interposed between the color filter substrate 1 and the counter substrate 2. Here, an end of the color filter substrate 1 forms a matrix-shaped black mask 1b and a plurality of color filters 1c on the inner surface of the transparent substrate 1a, and the transparent substrate 1a is interposed through the black mask 1b and the color filters 1c.
Protective film 1d, a plurality of striped transparent electrodes 1
e, the insulating film 1f, and the alignment film 1g are laminated.

On the other hand, the end of the opposing substrate 2 is
Are formed by laminating a plurality of striped metal auxiliary electrodes 2b, transparent electrodes 2c, insulating films 2d, and alignment films 2e on the inner surface of the substrate. Here, as shown in FIG. 11, the distance between the longitudinal end surface of the partition wall 3 and the widthwise inner surface of the seal 4 is L.
Assuming that the distance L1 is longer, an area where the partition wall 3 does not exist increases when the distance L1 increases.

Accordingly, the color filter substrate 1 is easily bent by the pressurization at the time of curing the seal 4,
In addition, due to a difference in physical properties between the seal 4 and the partition 3, a difference occurs in each curing time of the seal 4 and the partition. For example, when the curing temperature of the seal 4 is lower than the curing temperature of the partition 3, the color filter substrate 1 and the counter substrate 2
When the seal 4 is cured by applying a pressure and heat treatment to the seal 4, the end of the color filter substrate 1 is bent so as to be bent as shown in FIG. 11, and the cell gap becomes narrower as approaching the seal 4. In FIG. 11, the cell gap is represented by the code D
As shown from 1 to D3, the width is gradually reduced.

Then, even if the temperature rises thereafter, the partition walls 3 are only slightly crushed by softening and hardening, and do not form a uniform cell gap. On the other hand, when the curing temperature of the seal 4 is lower than the curing temperature of the partition 3, if the distance L1 is short, the partition 3 becomes a support during the above-described curing of the seal 4, and the seal 4 is hardly crushed. I do.

Thereafter, when the temperature further rises, the partition 3
Is softened and collapsed by the pressing force, so that the cell gap becomes higher as it is closer to the seal 4 as shown in FIG. In FIG. 12, the cell gap is changed from code D4 to code D
As shown in FIG. Therefore, the cell gap is not uniform. Therefore, how to set the distance L1 is extremely important for making the cell gap uniform.

Second, in a liquid crystal cell using a ferroelectric liquid crystal or an antiferroelectric liquid crystal in which liquid crystal molecules are arranged in a layer structure, the ferroelectric liquid crystal or the antiferroelectric liquid crystal is generated at an interface in contact with the seal 4. When the alignment defect grows and reaches the display area, display unevenness occurs. Third, the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-136911
In the device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-157, simply providing a dummy color filter in order to equalize the cell gap causes a problem that light leaks from the dummy color filter.

In dealing with the above, in order to avoid the influence of display unevenness due to the alignment defect in the vicinity of the seal 4, the distance L2 (between the inner peripheral surface of the seal 4 and the end of the display area) is required. This is possible by enlarging (see FIG. 13).
From the results of the experiment, it was found that the distance L2 should be L2 ≧ 3 mm, preferably L2 ≧ 5 mm. On the other hand, in order to realize a uniform cell gap, since only the partition wall 3 made of resist functions as a spacer for regulating the cell gap in the display area, the seal 4 and the resist closest to the seal 4 are used. The distance L1 between the partition 3 and the partition 3 is important. From the experimental results, the optimum range of the distance L1 is 2 ≦ L1 ≦ 5 mm, preferably 2 ≦ L1 ≦ 5 mm.
It was found that L1 ≦ 4 mm was sufficient.

When the seal 4 and the partition 3 are hardened by the resist in a structure satisfying the above-mentioned optimum conditions of the distances L1 and L2, the non-display area (the distance L2 and the distance L2)
As shown by reference numeral Q in FIG. 13, a partition wall 3 made of a resist between the color filter substrate 1 and the alignment film of the color filter substrate 1 due to a step caused by the color filter of the color filter substrate 1. Form non-adhesive parts. And
The peeling from the non-adhesion part Q as a starting point progresses, and there is a problem that the liquid crystal cell becomes unreliable.

Therefore, in order to cope with the above, the present invention has devised the structure of a liquid crystal cell having a color filter substrate using a plurality of striped partition walls as spacers and using a smectic liquid crystal as a liquid crystal. It is an object of the present invention to ensure a uniform cell gap satisfactorily without light leakage or separation.

[0019]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a liquid crystal cell according to the present invention comprises a color filter substrate (10) and a plurality of stripe-shaped partitions (40) provided on the color filter substrate. , 40A) and the opposing substrate (2)
0) and a smectic liquid crystal (50) injected through a seal between the color filter substrate and the counter substrate.

The color filter substrate is a black mask formed on the inner surface of the transparent substrate (11) and provided with a plurality of matrix-shaped display area openings (12a) corresponding to the display areas. 12), a color filter (13) for each display area formed in each of the openings so as to cover these openings, and a plurality of stripes formed on the inner surface of the transparent substrate via the black mask and the color filters. And a transparent electrode (15).

The opposing substrate intersects a plurality of stripe-shaped transparent electrodes on the inner surface of the transparent substrate (21) and has a plurality of intersecting regions formed with the plurality of transparent electrodes so as to correspond to the respective openings. Striped transparent electrodes (23, 2
3A). In such a liquid crystal cell, the black mask comprises a plurality of matrix-shaped non-display area openings (12b, 12b,
12c) is formed adjacent to the plurality of display area openings, and the non-display area color filter (13A) is formed.
Are formed in the respective openings so as to cover the respective non-display region openings, and the plurality of transparent electrodes have the intersection regions respectively corresponding to the respective non-display region openings. The light-shielding patterns (22A, 22B, 22c, 22C, 22d, 2
2D, 22f) is formed on one of the color filter substrate and the counter substrate at a position corresponding to each of the non-display area openings so as to block the transmitted light of each of the non-display area openings, The intervals between the respective inner surfaces at positions where the respective partitions are in contact with the respective inner surfaces of the color filter substrate and the counter substrate are the same over the display area and the non-display area.

Thus, a uniform cell gap between the color filter substrate and the opposing substrate can be ensured satisfactorily while light transmitted through the non-display area opening is shielded by the light shielding pattern. Such an effect is particularly remarkable when a narrow cell gap is required as in a smectic liquid crystal. Further, as described above, the interval between the respective inner surfaces of the positions where the respective partition walls are in contact with the respective inner surfaces of the color filter substrate and the counter substrate,
Since it is the same over the display area and the non-display area, the space between the partition and the color filter substrate or the counter substrate is uniformly adhered to the front surface thereof, and peeling does not occur.

Here, according to the invention described in claim 2,
Each metal wiring electrode (22) is provided between the inner surface of the transparent substrate of the opposing substrate and each transparent electrode of the opposing substrate along the longitudinal direction of each transparent electrode corresponding to the display area among the transparent electrodes. The light shielding pattern is formed in a stripe shape, and is formed to be wider than the opening width of the non-display area opening.

Thus, the same function and effect as the first aspect of the present invention can be more reliably achieved. In this case, the light-shielding pattern may be formed of the same material as the metal wiring electrode. According to the invention described in claim 4, each metal wiring electrode (22) is provided between the inner surface of the transparent substrate of the opposing substrate and each transparent electrode of the opposing substrate in the longitudinal direction of each transparent electrode. The light-shielding pattern is formed of at least one metal wiring electrode (22A) corresponding to the non-display region among the metal wiring electrodes, and the metal wiring electrode is The portions (22a, 22c) corresponding to the region openings are formed wider than the opening width of the non-display region openings.

Thus, the same function and effect as the invention described in claim 2 can be achieved. A liquid crystal cell according to a fifth aspect of the present invention includes a color filter substrate (10) and a plurality of striped partition walls (4
0, 40A) and an opposing substrate (20) that is superimposed on each other via a seal (30), and a smectic liquid crystal (50) injected between the color filter substrate and the opposing substrate via the seal.

The color filter substrate is a black mask formed on the inner surface of the transparent substrate (11) and provided with a plurality of matrix-shaped display area openings (12a) corresponding to the display areas. (12), a color filter (13) for each display area formed in each opening to cover each opening of the black mask, and a color filter (13) formed on the inner surface of the transparent substrate via the black mask and each color filter. A plurality of striped transparent electrodes 15).

The opposing substrate has a plurality of striped metal wiring electrodes (22, 22) formed on the inner surface of the transparent substrate.
A, 22B, 22c, 22C, 22d, 22D, 22
f), a plurality of stripes formed on each of the metal wiring electrodes so as to intersect with the plurality of stripe-shaped transparent electrodes along each longitudinal direction thereof and to correspond to each opening at an intersection region with the transparent electrodes. And transparent electrodes (23, 23A).

In such a liquid crystal cell, the black mask has a plurality of matrix-shaped non-display area openings (12b, 12b) corresponding to the non-display area on the outer peripheral side of the display area.
c) is formed so as to be adjacent to the plurality of display region openings, and the non-display region color filters are formed in the respective openings so as to cover the respective non-display region openings, Each of the plurality of transparent electrodes, together with the plurality of metal wiring electrodes, is formed so as to correspond to the non-display area, and has an intersecting area corresponding to each of the non-display area openings. At least one metal wiring electrode corresponding to the non-display area among the wiring electrodes has a portion corresponding to each non-display area opening (22a, 22c), the openings are formed wider than the opening widths of these openings, and the intervals between the respective inner surfaces at the positions where the respective partitions are in contact with the respective inner surfaces of the color filter substrate and the opposing substrate are determined by the display area and the display area. Same over non-display area A.

Thus, the functions and effects of the first and second aspects of the present invention can be achieved. According to the invention described in claim 6, in the liquid crystal cell according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the opening area of the non-display area opening of the black mask is equal to the opening area of the display area opening. Narrower than. With this, the same operation and effect as the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5 can be achieved.

According to the invention described in claim 6, each partition is located corresponding to each of the metal wiring electrodes and the light shielding pattern. Thereby, the operation and effect of the invention described in claim 2 or 3 can be achieved while preventing separation between the partition and the entire inner surface of the color filter substrate or the counter substrate more reliably.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, each partition is located along each of the metal wiring electrodes so as to correspond thereto. Thereby, the operation and effect of the invention according to claim 4 or 5 can be achieved while preventing the separation between the partition and the entire inner surface of the color filter substrate or the counter substrate more reliably.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in the liquid crystal cell according to any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, the opening for the non-display area is formed in the longitudinal direction of each transparent electrode of the counter substrate. The width of the opening along the same length is the same as the width of the opening for the display area along the longitudinal direction of each transparent electrode on the counter substrate. With this, the same operation and effect as the invention according to any one of claims 5 to 8 can be achieved.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention,
10. The liquid crystal cell according to claim 5, wherein an opening width of the non-display area opening along the longitudinal direction of each transparent electrode of the color filter substrate is different from that of the color filter substrate of the display area opening. It is smaller than the width of the opening along the longitudinal direction of the transparent electrode and wider than the width of the partition. This also
The same functions and effects as the invention according to any one of claims 5 to 9 can be achieved.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention,
11. The liquid crystal cell according to claim 1, wherein a distance between the seal and an opening closest to the seal among the openings for the display region is 5 (mm) or more, and the seal and the opening for the non-display region. The distance between the portion and the opening closest to the seal is 2 (mm) or more and 4 (mm) or less. This allows
The operation and effect of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 10 can be further improved.

[0035]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 to 3 show a main part of a matrix type liquid crystal display device to which the present invention is applied. This liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal cell P.

The liquid crystal cell P includes a color filter substrate 10 and a counter substrate 20 which are both electrode substrates. The color filter substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20 are formed of a band-shaped seal 30, a plurality of partitions 40, and both partitions 40A. Are overlapped so as to face each other. Further, the antiferroelectric liquid crystal 50 is used for the color filter substrate 10 and the opposing substrate 20.
Are sealed via a liquid crystal injection port 31 of a seal 30.

The color filter substrate 10 includes a transparent substrate 11 made of a glass material. On the inner surface of the transparent substrate 11, a matrix-shaped black mask 12 and a plurality of color filters 13 and 13A are formed. .
The black mask 12 is formed symmetrically in the vertical and horizontal directions in FIG. 1 with reference to the center of the color filter substrate 10 so as to have a plurality of openings 12a and 12b.

Each of the color filters 13 and 13A is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 4, the color filters 13 and 13A are formed on the inner surface of the transparent substrate 11 through the openings 12a and 12b of the black mask 12, respectively.
At its outer peripheral edge, it is laminated on the peripheral edge of each of the openings 12a and 12b. Here, the color filters 13 and 13A are arranged symmetrically in the vertical and horizontal directions in FIG. 1 with respect to the center of the color filter substrate 10. Each color filter 13 is located corresponding to each opening 12a, and each color filter 13A is connected to each opening 1a.
2b.

However, each opening 12 of the black mask 12
a and each color filter 13 are located corresponding to the display area S (see FIGS. 1 to 3) of the liquid crystal cell P, and each opening 12b of the black mask 12 and each color filter 13A
Are located corresponding to the non-display area on the outer peripheral side of the display area S of the liquid crystal cell P. On the inner surface of the transparent substrate 11, a transparent protective film 14, a plurality of stripe-shaped transparent electrodes 15, an insulating film 16 and an alignment film 17 are sequentially laminated via a black mask 12 and respective color filters 13 and 13A. ing. In addition, the black mask 12, the color filter 13,
13A and the alignment film 17 are located on the inner peripheral side of the seal 30.

On the other hand, the opposing substrate 20 includes a transparent substrate 21 made of a glass material. On the inner surface of the transparent substrate 21, a plurality of stripe-shaped metal auxiliary electrodes 22, dummy metal electrodes 22A, and a plurality of stripe-shaped Transparent electrode 23, 2
3A, an insulating film 24 and an alignment film 25 are sequentially laminated. Then, the plurality of stripe-shaped transparent electrodes 23, 23
A is arranged so as to be orthogonal to the stripe-shaped transparent electrodes 15 and constitutes a plurality of matrix-shaped pixels. However, among these pixels, each pixel corresponding to the non-display area, that is, each pixel corresponding to each color filter 13A functions as a pseudo pixel that does not contribute to display unlike the original pixel.

Here, each metal auxiliary electrode 22, both dummy metal electrodes 22A, a plurality of stripe-shaped transparent electrodes 23, 23
A is symmetrically arranged with respect to the center line of the color filter substrate 10 in FIG. Each metal auxiliary electrode 22 is formed along each transparent electrode 23 between each transparent electrode 23 and the inner surface of the transparent substrate 21. Each dummy metal electrode 22A is connected to each transparent electrode 23A.
And the inner surface of the transparent substrate 21 is formed along each transparent electrode 23A. In addition, each transparent electrode 23A
Is the same as the width of each transparent electrode 22 over its entirety.

As shown in FIG. 2, each dummy metal electrode 22A is located corresponding to each partition 40A.
The width of the end 22a of each of the dummy metal electrodes 22A on the seal portion 33 side of the seal portion shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, the width W1 of each dummy metal electrode 22A other than the end 22a is wider than the width W1 (same as the width of each metal auxiliary electrode 22) so as to block the light passing through each opening 12b. It is formed with a width W2.

However, each dummy metal electrode 22A is located in a non-display area on the outer peripheral side of the display area S of the liquid crystal cell P as shown in FIG. The seal 30 is formed by the upper and lower seal portions 32 shown in FIG.
The seal portion 33 of the seal 30 is positioned so as to be orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of each partition 40, 40A.

The partition walls 40 and 40A secure a cell gap (for example, about 1.6 μm) between the color filter substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20 together with the seal 30. The color filter substrates 10 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line in the vertical direction in FIG. Here, each partition 40 is positioned corresponding to the display area S, and each partition 40A is positioned corresponding to each color filter 13A in the non-display area so as to be closest to the seal portion 32 of the seal 30. (See FIG. 2).

The width of each of the partition walls 40 and 40A is about one-fourth of the width of each of the openings 12a and 12b of the black mask 12 in FIG. Also, in FIG.
0 indicates a frame for the liquid crystal cell P included in the liquid crystal display device. Next, a method for manufacturing the liquid crystal cell P will be described with reference to FIG. In the electrode substrate forming step P1, the color filter substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20 are formed so as to have the above configuration.

In this case, the black mask 12 is formed so that the openings 12a and 12b have the same shape and size. The color filter 13A is formed to have the same shape and dimensions as the color filter 13. Also,
The number of each color filter 13A, that is, the number of pseudo pixels is:
The pixels are formed at the same pitch as the pixels of the display area S with the number necessary to fill the space between the distance L2 and the distance L1.

Each opening 12 of the black mask 12
Each of the dummy metal electrodes 22A corresponding to “b” has its end 22
The width “a” is enlarged to a width W2 so that light can be shielded. In the present embodiment, the opening 12 of the black mask 12 is formed.
For the opening width L6 (see FIG. 4) of a and 12b, the width W2 =
L6 + 5 (μm). The width L4 of the opening 12b
And L3 (see FIG. 4), respectively,
Same as 5.

The material for forming the transparent electrodes 15 and 23 is ITO (Indium-Tin Oxide).
Is used. Each metal auxiliary electrode 22 and dummy metal electrode 22
Aluminum, chromium, or copper is used as a material for forming A. As a material for forming each of the alignment films 17 and 25, polyimide or the like is used. In addition, each of the alignment films 17 and 25
Is formed on each of the insulating films 16 and 24 by offset printing. After the printing, the alignment films 17 and 25 are subjected to a rubbing treatment in a certain direction with a rubbing cloth made of a fiber such as rayon, nylon or cotton.

Next, in the seal printing step P2, a seal 30 is applied in a strip shape on the outer peripheral edge of the inner surface of the color filter substrate 10. A liquid crystal injection port 31 is formed in the seal 30. In the partition forming step P3, the opposing substrate 2
A photoresist is applied to the inner surface of the 0 alignment film 25, and the partition walls 40, 4 are positioned at positions corresponding to the metal wiring electrodes 22 and the dummy metal electrodes 22A by photolithography.
OA is formed in a stripe shape.

Here, each partition 40 is formed up to a position corresponding to each color filter 13A in the longitudinal direction,
Each partition 40A is formed to have the same length as each partition 40 and to be parallel to these and correspond to each color filter 13A. In the next overlapping step P4, the color filter substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20 are
Overlap through 0, 40A. This superposition is performed so that the transparent electrodes 15 and the transparent electrodes 24 and 24A are orthogonal to each other. At this time, as shown in FIG.
There is a state in which an interval is provided between 0 and 40A and the alignment film 17.

Thereafter, in the seal hardening step P5, a pressing force is applied between the color filter substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20 over the entire surface. This pressure is
In the present embodiment, it is about 0.4 to 1.0 (g / cm ² ). Due to the pressurization, the partition walls 40 and 40A adhere to the inner surface of the alignment film 17 at the upper ends as shown in FIG. In such a state, the color filter substrate 1
0, counter substrate 20, seal 30, and each partition 40, 40A
Is heated at about 180 ° C.

In the heating process, the sealing material 30 starts to harden at about 140 ° C.
Initiate curing at 70 ° C. Therefore, first, the opposing substrate 2
In the area of 0, bending occurs due to pressure in the vicinity of the seal 30.
After that, the partition walls 40 and 40A are crushed to the extent that they are softened and hardened. Thereby, the cell gap of the display region S is made uniform.

At this time, each color filter 13A, that is,
The inner surface of the seal 30 and each partition 40 are formed by each pseudo pixel.
The distance L3 between the end face in the longitudinal direction and the outer surface in the width direction of each partition 40A is set in the optimal range 2 ≦ L3 ≦ 4 (mm). Thereby, a uniform cell gap can be realized while eliminating the above-described bending. In the transparent substrate cutting step P6, an unnecessary portion of the color filter substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20 is divided to obtain a cell structure having a desired size and shape (see FIG. 1).

In the liquid crystal filling step P7, the antiferroelectric liquid crystal 50 is injected between the color filter substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20 through the liquid crystal injection port 31 of the seal 30 by a vacuum injection method. Thus, the portion between the color filter substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20 other than the partition walls 40 and 40A is filled with the antiferroelectric liquid crystal 50. Thereafter, the liquid crystal injection port 31 of the seal 30 is sealed. Thus, the manufacture of the liquid crystal cell P ends.

According to the liquid crystal cell manufactured as described above, the color filter 13A, that is, the pseudo pixel and the light shielding means by the dummy metal electrode 22A opposed thereto are introduced to make the cell gap uniform. The distance between the display area and the seal 30 is increased while maintaining the optimum distance between the partition walls 40 and 40A and the seal 30.

More specifically, as described above, each color filter 13A, that is, each pseudo pixel is connected to the distance L2 and the distance L1.
And partition walls 40 and 40A
Is formed up to the position corresponding to each pseudo pixel. As a result, a distance L2 that can avoid display unevenness due to an alignment defect of the antiferroelectric liquid crystal 50 generated near the seal 30 is secured. Therefore, display unevenness is not observed. In this embodiment, L2 is set to 5.5 mm.

Further, by adopting such a structure, the seal 30 and the partition walls 40 and 40A are hardened while satisfying the optimum conditions of the distances L1 and L2, so that a uniform cell gap is secured and In addition, it is possible to provide a liquid crystal cell P capable of avoiding display unevenness due to an alignment defect of the antiferroelectric liquid crystal 50. Further, each dummy metal electrode 22A of the opposite substrate 20
The light passing through each color filter 13A is shielded by using the end 22a of the color filter 13A.
The light passing through does not leak and affect the display.

For example, when the opening width of the opening 12b of the black mask 12 corresponding to the pseudo pixel is the same as the opening width of the opening 12a of the black mask 12 corresponding to the display pixel,
That is, when L3 = L5 and L4 = L6, W1 <L4 <W
2, the size of each color filter 13
The transmitted light of A is reliably blocked. On the other hand, when the opening width of the opening 12b is smaller than the opening width of the opening 12a, L3 =
If the dimensions satisfy the relationship of L5, L4 <W2 <L6, and W1 <W2, the transmitted light of each color filter 13A is reliably blocked.

The use of the color filters 13A makes it possible to eliminate the occurrence of the non-adhesive portions Q described above, so that the color filter substrate 10 starting from the non-adhesive portions Q and the partition walls 40 and 40A can be connected. Without causing peeling,
It is possible to provide a highly reliable liquid crystal cell. in this case,
Since the partition walls 40 and 40A are located respectively corresponding to the metal wiring electrodes 22 and 22A, the prevention of the separation can be further ensured.

The distance L2 is expanded by introducing each pseudo pixel between the distance L1 and the distance L2. Here, since the distance from the seal 30 to the distance L2 is the light shielding area, the end of the frame body 60 is within the area of the distance L2.
Therefore, if the distance L2 is increased as described above, the assembling tolerance is increased, and the assemblability of the liquid crystal display device is improved. (Second Embodiment) FIG. 8 shows a main part of a second embodiment of the present invention.

In the second embodiment, each dummy metal electrode 22B is replaced with each dummy metal electrode 22A described in the first embodiment, and the inner surface of the transparent substrate 21 of the opposite substrate 20 and each transparent electrode 23A are replaced. Between the transparent electrodes 23A
It is formed along. As shown in FIG. 8, each dummy metal electrode 22B has a narrow portion 22b and a wide portion 22c, and each dummy metal electrode 22B has a wide portion 22c.
Is formed so as to be electrically separated and insulated from the narrow portion 22b.

Here, each wide portion 22c corresponds to the end 22a of the dummy metal electrode 22A described in the first embodiment, and each wide portion 22c corresponds to the end 22a of the dummy metal electrode 22A. In the same manner as described above, it plays a role of blocking the transmitted light of the color filter 13A. The wide portion 22c
Is the opening width L of the opening 12b of the black mask 12.
3, the shape of the wide portion 22c is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment configured as described above,
The same operation and effect as the first embodiment can be achieved. (Third Embodiment) FIG. 9 shows a main part of a third embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, each opening 12c instead of each opening 12b of the black mask 12 described in the first embodiment is formed in the black mask 12, and each opening width L3a of each opening 12c is formed. , L4a
Are smaller than the respective opening widths L3 and L4 of the respective openings 12b. Each color filter 13B is provided in each opening 12c instead of each color filter 13A with a size corresponding to this.

Further, each dummy metal electrode 22C is provided between the inner surface of the transparent substrate 21 of the opposing substrate 20 and each transparent electrode 23A instead of each dummy metal electrode 22A described in the first embodiment. It is formed along each of the transparent electrodes 23A. Each dummy metal electrode 22C has a configuration in which an end 22d is formed instead of the end 22a in each dummy metal electrode 22A, and the width W2a of each end 22d is formed.
Is narrower than the width W2 of the end 22a.

Therefore, L3a = L5, L4a <W2a <
If the dimensions satisfy the relationship of L6 and W1 <W2a, the transmitted light of each color filter 13B is blocked. Other functions and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment. (Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 10 shows a main part of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

In the fourth embodiment, each dummy metal electrode 22D is replaced by each dummy metal electrode 22C described in the third embodiment, and the inner surface of the transparent substrate 21 of the opposing substrate 20 and each transparent electrode 23A Between the transparent electrodes 23A
It is formed along. As shown in FIG. 10, each dummy metal electrode 22D includes a narrow portion 22e and a wide portion 22f.
f is formed so as to be electrically separated and insulated from the narrow portion 22e.

Here, each wide portion 22f corresponds to the end 22d of the dummy metal electrode 22C described in the third embodiment, and each wide portion 22f corresponds to the end 22d of the dummy metal electrode 22C. In the same manner as described above, it plays a role of blocking the transmitted light of the color filter 13B. The wide portion 22f
Is the opening width L3 of the opening 12c of the black mask 12.
a, L4a, the wide portion 22f
Is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. Other configurations are the same as those of the third embodiment.

In the fourth embodiment configured as described above,
The same functions and effects as those of the third embodiment can be achieved. In implementing the present invention, the liquid crystal used in the liquid crystal cell P is not limited to the antiferroelectric liquid crystal 50, but may be a smectic liquid crystal such as a ferroelectric liquid crystal.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cutaway plan view of a liquid crystal cell according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 2-2 in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a schematic partial view seen from arrow A in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a view showing a manufacturing process of the liquid crystal cell of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which a color filter substrate and a counter substrate are superposed in the superposing step of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state after pressurization of a color filter substrate and a counter substrate in a seal curing step of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a schematic partial view of a liquid crystal cell according to a second embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the direction of arrow A in FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a schematic partial view of a liquid crystal cell according to a third embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the direction of arrow A in FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 shows a liquid crystal cell according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a schematic partial view as viewed from the arrow A of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which a substrate is bent during a seal hardening process of a conventional liquid crystal cell.

FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which a substrate is bent during a seal hardening process of a conventional liquid crystal cell.

FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which a gap is partially formed between a color filter substrate and a partition even if the above-mentioned bending does not occur after the seal of a conventional liquid crystal cell is cured.

[Explanation of symbols]

10: color filter substrate, 11, 21: transparent substrate, 1
2: Black mask, 12a, 12b: Opening, 13,
13A, 13B: color filter, 15, 23, 23A
... Transparent electrodes, 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D ...
Metal wiring electrodes, 22a, 22d: end, 22b: narrow width, 22c, 22f: wide width, 30: seal, 40, 4
0A: partition wall, 50: antiferroelectric liquid crystal.

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A color filter substrate and a plurality of striped partition walls provided on the color filter substrate.
A) and an opposing substrate (20) that is superimposed on the opposing substrate via a seal (30); and a smectic liquid crystal (50) injected between the color filter substrate and the opposing substrate via the seal. The filter substrate is a black mask formed on the inner surface of the transparent substrate (11) and provided with a plurality of matrix-shaped display area openings (12a) corresponding to the display areas. A plurality of display region color filters (13) formed in the respective openings so as to cover the openings, and a plurality of stripe-shaped transparent electrodes formed on the inner surface of the transparent substrate via the black mask and the respective color filters ( 15), wherein the counter substrate intersects the plurality of stripe-shaped transparent electrodes on the inner surface of the transparent substrate (21) and intersects with the transparent electrodes. A liquid crystal cell comprising a plurality of stripe-shaped transparent electrodes (23, 23A) formed so as to correspond to the respective openings in a region, wherein the black mask is provided on a non-display side of an outer peripheral side of the display region. A plurality of matrix-shaped non-display area openings (12b, 12c) corresponding to the display areas are formed so as to be adjacent to the plurality of display area openings, and the non-display area color filter (13A) is formed. Each of the plurality of transparent electrodes is formed in each of the non-display area openings so as to cover the non-display area openings, and has a crossing area corresponding to each of the non-display area openings. The light shielding patterns (22A, 22B, 22c, 22C, 22C) are formed corresponding to the non-display areas.
d, 22D, 22f) are formed on one of the color filter substrate and the counter substrate at positions corresponding to the respective non-display area openings so as to block the transmitted light of the respective non-display area openings. A liquid crystal cell in which the distance between the inner surfaces of the partition walls in contact with the inner surfaces of the color filter substrate and the counter substrate is the same over the display area and the non-display area. 2. Each of the metal wiring electrodes (22) is provided between an inner surface of the transparent substrate of the counter substrate and each transparent electrode of the counter substrate, and each transparent electrode corresponding to the display area of the transparent electrodes is provided. 2. The liquid crystal according to claim 1, wherein the light-shielding pattern is formed in a stripe shape along the longitudinal direction of the electrode, and the light-shielding pattern is formed wider than an opening width of the non-display area opening. cell. 3. The liquid crystal cell according to claim 2, wherein the light shielding pattern is formed of the same material as the metal wiring electrode. 4. Each of the metal wiring electrodes (22) is formed between the inner surface of the transparent substrate of the counter substrate and each of the transparent electrodes of the counter substrate in a stripe shape along the longitudinal direction of the transparent electrode. The light-shielding pattern includes at least one metal wiring electrode (22) corresponding to the non-display area among the metal wiring electrodes.
A), and the metal wiring electrode is formed wider at a portion (22a, 22c) corresponding to the non-display area opening than the opening width of the non-display area opening. The liquid crystal cell according to claim 1, wherein 5. A color filter substrate (10), and a plurality of striped partition walls (4)
0, 40A) and an opposing substrate (20) that is superimposed on each other via a seal (30), and a smectic liquid crystal (50) injected through the seal between the color filter substrate and the opposing substrate, The color filter substrate is a black mask formed on the inner surface of a transparent substrate (11), wherein the black mask (12) is provided with a plurality of display area openings (12a) in a matrix corresponding to the display area. A color filter (13) for each display area formed in each opening to cover each opening of the black mask; and a plurality of color filters formed on the inner surface of the transparent substrate via the black mask and each color filter. And the opposing substrate has a plurality of striped metal wiring electrodes (22, 22) formed on the inner surface of the transparent substrate. , 22B, 22
c, 22C, 22d, 22D, 22f), and intersects with the plurality of stripe-shaped transparent electrodes along each longitudinal direction of these metal wiring electrodes, and corresponds to each of the openings at intersections with these transparent electrodes. A plurality of stripe-shaped transparent electrodes (23, 23A) formed as described above, wherein the black mask comprises a plurality of matrices corresponding to a non-display area on an outer peripheral side of the display area. The non-display area openings (12b, 12c) are formed so as to be adjacent to the plurality of display area openings, and the non-display area color filters cover each of the non-display area openings. The plurality of transparent electrodes are formed along with the plurality of metal wiring electrodes so as to correspond also to the non-display area, and the plurality of transparent electrodes are formed in the respective openings. A plurality of metal wiring electrodes corresponding to the non-display area, wherein at least one metal wiring electrode corresponding to the non-display area transmits light through the non-display area opening. The portions (22a, 22c) corresponding to the respective non-display area openings are formed to be wider than the opening widths of these openings so as to block light. A liquid crystal cell in which a distance between each inner surface at a position in contact with each inner surface of the counter substrate is the same over the display area and the non-display area. 6. The liquid crystal cell according to claim 2, wherein the partition walls are respectively located along the metal wiring electrodes and the light-shielding patterns so as to correspond thereto. 7. The liquid crystal cell according to claim 4, wherein each of the barrier ribs is located along and corresponding to each of the metal wiring electrodes. 8. The liquid crystal according to claim 1, wherein an opening area of the non-display area opening of the black mask is smaller than an opening area of the display area opening. cell. 9. An opening width of the non-display area opening along the longitudinal direction of each transparent electrode of the counter substrate, wherein the display area opening is along a longitudinal direction of each transparent electrode of the counter substrate. 9. The liquid crystal cell according to claim 5, wherein the liquid crystal cell has the same width as the opening. 10. The opening width of the non-display area opening along the longitudinal direction of each transparent electrode of the color filter substrate,
The width of the opening for the display area along the longitudinal direction of each transparent electrode of the color filter substrate is smaller than the width of the partition, and is wider than the width of the partition. Liquid crystal cell. 11. A distance between the seal and an opening of the display area opening closest to the seal is 5 (mm).
11. The method according to claim 1, wherein a distance between the seal and an opening closest to the seal in the non-display area opening is 2 mm or more and 4 mm or less. The liquid crystal cell according to any one of the above.