KR100604036B1 - Method of manufacturing of liquid crystal cell using UV curable liquid crystal - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for producing a liquid crystal cell capable of producing a liquid crystal cell using a polymer dispersed liquid crystal without adding a step of curing a UV (hereinafter referred to as UV) curable liquid crystal contained in the polymer dispersed liquid crystal. As a means for this purpose, a polymer dispersed liquid crystal including an ultraviolet curable sealing material 11 and a UV curable liquid crystal is disposed on an inner surface of the first substrate 10 constituting the liquid crystal cell. Subsequently, the first substrate 10 is bonded to the second substrate 20 constituting the liquid crystal cell, and the polymer dispersed liquid crystal is filled in the space between the two substrates 10 and 20. Thereafter, the UV curable liquid crystal in the sealing material 11 and the polymer dispersed liquid crystal 12 is cured through at least one of the substrates 10 and 20. When the amount of accumulated light of ultraviolet rays required for complete curing of the sealing material 11 and the UV curable liquid crystal is largely different, a mask is used in the case of ultraviolet irradiation.

1st board, sealing material, polymer dispersed liquid crystal, ultraviolet lamp

Description

Method of manufacturing of liquid crystal cell using UV curable liquid crystal             

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The perspective view which shows each process of the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal cell of 1st Embodiment of this invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing each step of the liquid crystal cell manufacturing method of the second embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing each step of the liquid crystal cell manufacturing method of the third embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state of a mask placed on an outer surface of a second substrate in the liquid crystal cell manufacturing method of the second embodiment of FIG.

5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state of a mask placed on an outer surface of a second substrate in the liquid crystal cell manufacturing method of the third embodiment of FIG.

6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state of a mask placed on an outer surface of a second substrate in the liquid crystal cell manufacturing method of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state of a mask placed on an outer surface of a second substrate in the liquid crystal cell manufacturing method of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.                 

Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing each step of the liquid crystal cell manufacturing method of the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

(Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawing)

10: first substrate 11: sealing material

12: polymer dispersed liquid crystal 13: ultraviolet lamp

20: second substrate 30, 40, 50, 60: mask

The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a liquid crystal cell comprising a pair of substrates bonded to each other with a predetermined space and opposed to each other, and more specifically, ultraviolet rays (Ultra Violet rays, UV rays) It relates to a method for producing a liquid crystal cell using a liquid crystal (hereinafter, referred to as a UV-curable liquid crystal) cured by irradiation of a) as an additive.

(Conventional technology)

In recent years, as one of the liquid crystal displays (LCDs), LCDs using polymer dispersed liquid crystals have been developed. The term "polymer dispersed liquid crystal" means that a specific polymer is dispersed in a liquid crystal for display that has been conventionally used in LCDs. The phase of the polymer is separated from the liquid crystal phase. Therefore, "polymer dispersion type liquid crystal" has become a composite phase of a liquid crystal phase and a polymer phase. This polymer functions as an additive which improves the orientation of the liquid crystal for display.

When the refractive index of the polymer phase and the liquid crystal phase is matched by applying an electric field to the polymer dispersed liquid crystal or stopping the application of the electric field, the polymer dispersed liquid crystal becomes a transparent state that transmits light. When the refractive index of a polymer phase and a liquid crystal phase differs, it will become the cloudy state which scatters light. Polymer dispersed liquid crystals are applied to LCDs using this principle.

In the polymer dispersed liquid crystal as described above, a UV (hereinafter referred to as UV) curable liquid crystal is generally mixed with a liquid crystal (ie, a liquid crystal for display) that has conventionally been used in LCDs, and then into the mixture. It is produced by selectively curing only the UV curable liquid crystal by irradiation with ultraviolet rays. Although "UV curable liquid crystal" shows a liquid crystal phase at room temperature like a liquid crystal for display, it hardens | cures by irradiation of an ultraviolet-ray, and becomes a polymer. Hereinafter, the polymer thus produced is referred to as "cured polymer".

The cured polymer phase generated by curing the UV curable liquid crystal is present in a state separated from the liquid crystal phase for display. In other words, in the polymer dispersed liquid crystal, the cured polymer phase and the display liquid crystal phase form a composite phase. Since UV curable liquid crystal shows a liquid crystal phase at room temperature, it is oriented similarly to the liquid crystal for display by applying an electric field. However, after hardening by ultraviolet irradiation and becoming a cured polymer, the orientation state is fixed. As a result, when an electric field is applied to the polymer dispersed liquid crystal, only the liquid crystal for display is oriented in the electric field direction.                         

As described above, since the polymer dispersed liquid crystal includes a cured polymer having a function of assisting the alignment of the liquid crystal for display, the alignment state is improved as compared with the case without the cured polymer. Moreover, there also exists an advantage that a polarizing plate becomes unnecessary. Therefore, LCDs using polymer dispersed liquid crystals are expected to become the mainstream of LCDs in the future.

As a conventional example of LCD using a polymer dispersed liquid crystal, what was disclosed by Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 11-95195 is mentioned, for example.

On the other hand, LCD cells are generally constructed by opposing a pair of transparent substrates with a space therebetween and filling the liquid crystal in the space formed in the space. Spacers are arranged in the space to hold a pair of transparent substrates at regular intervals. In addition, a sealing material is disposed to surround the space to seal the liquid crystal filled in the space.

Since there are advantages as described above, much expectation can be expected for an LCD using a polymer dispersed liquid crystal, but there is one problem in the manufacturing process. It requires a new process of irradiating a mixture of a liquid crystal for display and a UV curable liquid crystal to selectively cure only the UV curable liquid crystal. In the LCD manufacturing process, it is desirable to avoid the addition of new processes in light of the current situation in which efficiency needs to be reduced as much as possible to reduce costs.

The present invention has been made to solve the problems of the prior art, the object of which is to prepare a liquid crystal cell that can produce a liquid crystal cell using a polymer dispersed liquid crystal without adding a new process for curing the UV curable liquid crystal To provide a method.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a liquid crystal cell using a polymer dispersed liquid crystal capable of optimizing the amount of ultraviolet light irradiation to the UV curable liquid crystal.

The objective of this invention other than the above is clarified by the following description.

The manufacturing method of the liquid crystal cell of this invention,

In the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal cell which comprises the 1st board | substrate and the 2nd board | substrate joined to mutually opposing a predetermined space, and the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal filled in the said space,

Forming an ultraviolet curable sealing material on at least one inner surface of the first substrate and the second substrate so as to surround the display portion of the liquid crystal cell;

Placing a predetermined amount of the polymer dispersed liquid crystal on at least one inner surface of the first substrate and the second substrate;

Bonding the inner surface of the first substrate and the inner surface of the second substrate to face each other, and thereby filling the polymer dispersed liquid crystal in a space surrounded by the first substrate, the second substrate, and the sealing member; and,

Ultraviolet rays are irradiated to the sealing material and the polymer dispersed liquid crystal through at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate bonded to each other, and thus included in the ultraviolet curable sealing material and the polymer dispersed liquid crystal. It is characterized by having a process of curing the UV curable liquid crystal.

Thus, in the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal cell of this invention, an ultraviolet curable sealing material is used as a sealing material for sealing a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal containing a UV curable liquid crystal. Then, the polymer dispersed liquid crystal is sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate, and then ultraviolet rays are irradiated, and the UV curable liquid crystal contained in the polymer dispersed liquid crystal together with the ultraviolet curable sealing material is processed in the same process. Harden. For this reason, the liquid crystal cell using a polymer dispersed liquid crystal can be manufactured, without adding the new process for hardening a UV curable liquid crystal.

If the difference between the accumulated amount of ultraviolet light required for curing (complete curing) of the ultraviolet curable sealing material and the UV curable liquid crystal is not so large, the sealing material in one ultraviolet irradiation step by adjusting the intensity and irradiation time of the ultraviolet ray. And both UV curable liquid crystals can be completely cured.

On the other hand, when the accumulated amount of ultraviolet light required for complete curing of the ultraviolet curable sealing material and the UV curable liquid crystal is largely different, either one of the sealing material and the UV curable liquid crystal is completely cured in one ultraviolet irradiation step. After that, the second ultraviolet irradiation step may be performed to completely cure the partially cured sealing material or the UV curable liquid crystal. In this case, there is a problem that the ultraviolet irradiation step is performed twice, but it does not become a problem because it only adjusts the intensity and irradiation time of ultraviolet rays.                         

Even when the accumulated amount of ultraviolet light required for curing the ultraviolet curable sealing material and the UV curable liquid crystal is largely different, a mask may be used to completely cure both the sealing material and the UV curable liquid crystal in one ultraviolet irradiation step. In this case, since the transmittance of ultraviolet rays can be adjusted by the mask, there is an advantage that the amount of accumulated light of ultraviolet rays irradiated to each of the sealing material and the UV curable liquid crystal can be optimized.

In a preferred example of the method for producing a liquid crystal cell of the present invention, in the step of irradiating the sealant and the polymer dispersed liquid crystal with ultraviolet rays, the sealant is completely cured and the UV curable liquid crystal is partially cured and partially In order to completely cure the UV curable liquid crystal cured by the UV curable liquid crystal, ultraviolet rays are selectively irradiated again. In this case, preferably, when fully curing the partially cured UV curable liquid crystal, ultraviolet rays are irradiated through a mask that controls the amount of ultraviolet irradiation to the sealant.

In another preferred example of the method for producing a liquid crystal cell of the present invention, in the step of irradiating ultraviolet light to the sealing material and the polymer dispersed liquid crystal, the sealing material is partially cured and the UV curable liquid crystal is completely cured. do. Then, ultraviolet rays are selectively irradiated on the sealant again to completely cure the partially cured sealant. In this case, preferably, when the partially cured sealant is completely cured, ultraviolet rays are irradiated through a mask that controls the amount of ultraviolet irradiation to the polymer dispersed liquid crystal.

In another preferred example of the method for producing a liquid crystal cell of the present invention, in the step of irradiating ultraviolet light to the sealing material and the polymer dispersed liquid crystal, a mask having a first region and a second region having different transmittances of ultraviolet rays Used. Ultraviolet rays are irradiated to the UV curable liquid crystal through the first region of the mask, and ultraviolet rays are irradiated to the sealant through the second region of the mask. In this case, preferably, in the step of irradiating ultraviolet rays to the sealing material and the polymer dispersed liquid crystal, the UV curable liquid crystal is completely cured by ultraviolet rays irradiated through the first region of the mask, Ultraviolet rays irradiated through the second area of the mask allow the seal to fully cure.

Further, a technique related to the present invention is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 6-3635 issued in Japan in 1994. "The manufacturing method of the liquid crystal panel" disclosed by the said publication "disposes a sealing material on at least one of the opposing electrode substrates, places a fixed amount of 1 or more types of liquid crystals on at least one said electrode substrate, and after that, at least 2 said electrodes It is a manufacturing method of the liquid crystal panel which pastes a board | substrate in vacuum, It is characterized by the addition of the additive to the said crystal | crystallization. According to this method, the injection unevenness of the liquid crystal produced by the vacuum injection method can be eliminated. As the liquid crystal, a ferroelectric liquid crystal is used, for example. As the additive, for example, an additive having a basic or acidic polarity is used. As a sealing material, an ultraviolet curable sealing material is used, for example.

The manufacturing method of the liquid crystal panel disclosed by the said Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 6-3635 differs from the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal cell of this invention in the following points. That is, in the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 6-3635, first, a certain amount of liquid crystal is placed on one substrate and an ultraviolet curable sealing material is printed on the other substrate. Thereafter, the two substrates are bonded together in a vacuum, and then ultraviolet rays are selectively irradiated to the sealing material to cure. In this way, the liquid crystal space between the two substrates is sealed.

However, in the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. Hei 6-3635, since the liquid crystal to be used is a normal liquid crystal for display (for example, ferroelectric liquid crystal), the use of a polymer dispersed liquid crystal containing a UV curable liquid crystal is completely absent. Obviously not considered. For this reason, it is very different from this invention which solves the problem which the ultraviolet irradiation process adds for hardening of UV curable liquid crystal. Since the method disclosed in this publication is to improve the [vacuum injection method], the vacuum is required in the present invention, whereas the vacuum atmosphere is unnecessary in the present invention. Therefore, both are clearly different in this respect.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, preferred embodiment of this invention is described, referring an accompanying drawing.

(First embodiment)

1 shows a method for producing a liquid crystal cell of a first embodiment of the present invention.

First, the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are produced by a known method. Here, the first substrate 10 is a so-called TFT substrate provided with a thin-film transistor (TFT). The second substrate 20 is a so-called CF substrate provided with a color filter (CF). However, the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are not limited thereto, and any one may be used as long as it is a pair of substrates constituting the LCD.

The first substrate 10 is made of transparent glass, and inside thereof, indium. A transparent electrode (not shown) formed in a predetermined shape by tin oxide (Indium Tin Oxide, ITO) and a predetermined number of thin-film transistors (TFTs) (not shown) are included. On the innermost side of the first substrate 10, an alignment film (not shown) made of polyimide is formed. The rubbing treatment is applied to the alignment film so that the molecules of the liquid crystal in contact with the alignment film are aligned in a predetermined one direction.

The second substrate 20 is also made of transparent glass, and has a transparent electrode (not shown) and a color filter (not shown) formed in a predetermined shape by ITO inside thereof. On the innermost side of the second substrate 20, an alignment film (not shown) made of polyimide is formed. Also in this alignment film, the rubbing process is performed so that the molecule | numerator of the liquid crystal which may contact this alignment film may orientate in predetermined 1 direction.

Since the structure and the manufacturing method of the 1st board | substrate 10 and the 2nd board | substrate 20 are general, description about their detailed structure and manufacturing method is abbreviate | omitted.

Next, on the alignment film of the first substrate 10, as shown in Fig. 1 (a), a sealing material 11 made of an ultraviolet curable resin is formed by screen printing or the like. The sealing member 11 has a rectangular pattern extending along the circumferential edge of the rectangular first substrate 10. The sealing material 11 surrounds the display portion of the liquid crystal cell.

Thereafter, a predetermined amount of the polymer dispersed liquid crystal 12 is dropped on the inner surface (alignment film) of the first substrate 10 by using a known dispenser (for example, a micro syringe). The state at this time is as shown to Fig.1 (a). The amount of the polymer dispersed liquid crystal 12 is set to be almost equal to the volume of the space where the liquid crystal is filled. The introduction of the polymer dispersed liquid crystal 12 to the inner surface of the first substrate 10 may be a method other than the dropping method.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 1B, a predetermined space (usually several μm) is formed by overlapping the inner surface (alignment film) of the second substrate 20 with the inner surface (alignment film) of the first substrate 10. Both substrates 10 and 20 face each other and are fixed. The state at this time is as shown in Fig. 1C. This pasting process may be performed in normal temperature and normal pressure atmosphere, and it is not necessary to create a vacuum atmosphere on purpose.

In order to maintain a predetermined space between both substrates 10 and 20, a well-known spherical spacer (not shown) is dispersed in the space. At this time, the polymer dispersed liquid crystal 12 widens inside the space, but since the space is limited by the sealing material 11, the polymer dispersed liquid crystal 12 moves out of the substrates 10 and 20. It is not pushed out. In this way, the polymer dispersed liquid crystal 12 is filled in the space between the substrates 10 and 20.

Subsequently, as shown in Fig. 1 (c), ultraviolet rays are irradiated to the assembly of the substrates 10 and 20 using a known UV lamp 13. Then, the ultraviolet rays are irradiated to the polymer dispersed liquid crystal 12 and the sealing material 11 made of ultraviolet curable resin through the substrate 10 or 20. As a result, the sealing material 11 is cured and the UV curable liquid crystal contained in the polymer dispersed liquid crystal 12 is also cured. If the difference between the accumulated light quantity of ultraviolet rays required for curing the sealing material 11 and the UV curable liquid crystal is not so large, the sealing material 11 and the UV curable at this ultraviolet irradiation step are adjusted by adjusting the intensity and irradiation time of the ultraviolet light. Both of the liquid crystals can be completely cured.

Thereafter, the combination of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 is cut into a predetermined shape, and the predetermined polarizing plate is attached to the outer surfaces of the first and second substrates 10 and 20, respectively. In this way, the liquid crystal cell is completed.

Thereafter, a predetermined driving IC (integrated circuit) or the like is connected to the liquid crystal cell by a known method to form a liquid crystal panel.

As described above, in the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal cell of the first embodiment of the present invention, the sealing material 11 is made of an ultraviolet curable resin and included in the polymer dispersed liquid crystal 12 in one ultraviolet irradiation step. Since the UV curable liquid crystal and the sealing material 11 are simultaneously cured, a liquid crystal cell using the polymer dispersed liquid crystal 12 can be manufactured without adding a new process for curing the UV curable liquid crystal.

In the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal cell of 1st Embodiment, since the accumulated light amount of the ultraviolet-ray irradiated to the sealing material 11 becomes substantially the same as the accumulated light amount of the ultraviolet-ray irradiated to a UV curable liquid crystal, hardening of the sealing material 11 It is preferably used when the accumulated light amount of ultraviolet rays necessary for and the accumulated light amount of ultraviolet rays required for curing the UV curable liquid crystal are almost the same. When accumulated light quantity of both differs, it is preferable to use the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal cell of 2nd-5th embodiment mentioned later.

(2nd embodiment)                     

FIG.2 and FIG.4 shows the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal cell of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. In this method, the accumulated amount of ultraviolet rays required for curing the sealing material 11 made of ultraviolet curable resin is considerably greater than the accumulated amount of ultraviolet rays required for curing the UV curable liquid crystal contained in the polymer dispersed liquid crystal 12. Applies to large cases.

Since the process of FIG.2 (a)-FIG.2 (c) in the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal cell of 2nd Embodiment is the same as the process of FIG.1 (a)-FIG.1 (c) of 1st Embodiment, Description is omitted.

In addition, in the ultraviolet irradiation process of FIG. 2 (c), the UV curable contained in the sealing material 11 and the polymer dispersed liquid crystal 12 using the UV lamp 13 similarly to the method of 1st Embodiment. Ultraviolet rays are irradiated to the liquid crystal, but in this step, only the UV curable liquid crystal is completely cured. Therefore, the intensity and irradiation time of the ultraviolet ray are set so as to be suitable for the accumulated light amount of the ultraviolet ray required for curing the UV curable liquid crystal.

Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 2D and 4, a mask 30 having a rectangular shape is placed on the second substrate 20 so that only the sealing material 11 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays. The lamp 13 is selectively irradiated with ultraviolet rays again to the sealing member 11 partially cured. In this way, the sealing material 11 is completely hardened. The intensity and irradiation time of the ultraviolet rays at this time are set so as to be suitable for the accumulated light amount of ultraviolet rays required to completely cure the partially cured sealing material 11.

A liquid crystal cell is formed as mentioned above. The subsequent steps are the same as those in the first embodiment.                     

As mentioned above, in the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal cell of 2nd Embodiment of this invention, like the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal cell of 1st Embodiment, the UV curable liquid crystal contained in the polymer dispersed liquid crystal 12 is carried out. A liquid crystal cell using the polymer dispersed liquid crystal 12 can be produced without adding a new process for curing. Further, even when the accumulated light amount of ultraviolet rays required for curing of the sealing material 11 is larger than the accumulated light amount of ultraviolet rays required for curing of the UV curable liquid crystal, the accumulated light amount of ultraviolet rays can be optimized, and the sealing material 11 ) And the UV curable liquid crystal have the advantage of completely curing both. This leads to the improvement of the quality of the liquid crystal panel.

In addition, although the mask 30 was mounted on the 2nd board | substrate 20 in 2nd Embodiment, of course, you may mount on the 1st board | substrate 10, Of course,

(Third embodiment)

3 and 5 show a method for producing a liquid crystal cell of a third embodiment of the present invention. This method is applied when the accumulated light amount of ultraviolet rays required for curing of the sealing material 11 is smaller than the accumulated light quantity of ultraviolet rays required for curing of the UV curable liquid crystal contained in the polymer dispersed liquid crystal 12.

Since the process of FIG.3 (a)-FIG.3 (c) in the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal cell of 3rd Embodiment is the same as the process of FIG.1 (a)-FIG.1 (c) of 1st Embodiment, Detailed description will be omitted.

In addition, in the ultraviolet irradiation process of FIG. 3 (c), it is contained in the sealing material 11 and the polymer dispersed liquid crystal 12 using the UV lamp 13 similarly to the method of 1st and 2nd embodiment. The UV curable liquid crystal and ultraviolet rays are irradiated, but only the sealing material 11 is completely cured in this step. Therefore, the intensity of ultraviolet rays and the irradiation time are set so as to be suitable for the accumulated light amount of ultraviolet rays required for complete curing of the sealing material 11.

After that, as shown in FIG. 3D and FIG. 5, a rectangular frame-shaped mask 40 is placed on the second substrate 20 so that only the polymer dispersed liquid crystal 12 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays. As can be seen clearly in the mask 40 is a material that blocks ultraviolet rays only in the peripheral portion thereof, the center portion is open. Then, ultraviolet rays are selectively irradiated again only to the polymer dispersed liquid crystal 12 using the same UV lamp 13. In this manner, the UV curable liquid crystal partially cured in the polymer dispersed liquid crystal 12 is completely cured. The ultraviolet intensity and irradiation time at this time are set to be suitable for the accumulated light amount of ultraviolet rays required to completely cure the partially curable UV curable liquid crystal.

A liquid crystal cell is formed as mentioned above. Subsequent processes are the same as the case of 1st Embodiment.

As mentioned above, in the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal cell of 3rd Embodiment of this invention, like the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal cell of 1st Embodiment, the UV curable liquid crystal contained in the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal 12 is carried out. A liquid crystal cell using the polymer dispersed liquid crystal 12 can be manufactured without adding a new process for curing. In addition, even when the accumulated light amount of ultraviolet rays required for curing of the UV curable liquid crystal contained in the polymer dispersed liquid crystal 12 is larger than the accumulated light amount of ultraviolet rays required for curing the sealing material 11, the sealing material 11 ) And the UV curable liquid crystal can be completely cured. This leads to the improvement of the quality of the liquid crystal panel.

In addition, although the mask 40 was mounted on the 2nd board | substrate 20 in 3rd Embodiment, it is a matter of course that you may mount on the 1st board | substrate 10. FIG.

(4th Embodiment)

Fig. 6 shows a method for producing a liquid crystal cell of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. This method is similar to the method of the first embodiment except that the mask 50 shown in FIG. 6 is used in the ultraviolet irradiation step (FIG. 1C) in the manufacturing method of the first embodiment. same. Therefore, detailed description thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 6, the mask 50 is divided into a first region 50a having a relatively low transmittance of ultraviolet rays and a second region 50b having a relatively high transmittance of ultraviolet rays. The first region 50a covers the entire display portion of the liquid crystal cell in a rectangular shape. The second region 50b covers a region outside the liquid crystal cell display portion in a rectangular frame shape.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the mask 50 is placed on the second substrate 20 and then irradiated with ultraviolet rays by the ultraviolet lamp 13, the lower portion of the first region 50a having a relatively low transmittance of ultraviolet rays is shown. With respect to the polymer dispersed liquid crystal 12 present, the amount of ultraviolet irradiation is small. On the other hand, the amount of ultraviolet irradiation is greater with respect to the sealing material 11 below the second region 50b having a relatively high transmittance of ultraviolet rays than the polymer dispersed liquid crystal 12. As a result, even if the accumulated light amount of ultraviolet rays required for curing of the sealing material 11 is larger than the accumulated amount of ultraviolet rays required for curing of the UV curable liquid crystal contained in the polymer dispersed liquid crystal 12, the second It is not necessary to provide the 2nd ultraviolet irradiation process like embodiment. For this reason, the advantage which can optimize ultraviolet irradiation by one ultraviolet irradiation is acquired.

In addition, in the method of 4th Embodiment, although the mask 50 was mounted on the 2nd board | substrate 20, it is a matter of course that you may mount on the 1st board | substrate 10. As shown in FIG.

(5th Embodiment)

Fig. 7 shows a method for producing a liquid crystal cell of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. This method is the method of 1st Embodiment except the point which uses the mask 60 shown in FIG. 7 in the ultraviolet irradiation process (FIG. 1 (c)) in the manufacturing method of 1st Embodiment. Same as Therefore, detailed description thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 7, the mask 60 is divided into a first region 60a having a relatively high transmittance of ultraviolet rays and a second region 60b having a relatively low transmittance of ultraviolet rays. The first region 60a covers the entire display portion of the liquid crystal cell in a rectangular shape. The second region 60b covers a region outside the display portion of the liquid crystal cell in a rectangular frame shape.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the mask 60 is placed on the second substrate 20 and then irradiated with ultraviolet rays by the ultraviolet lamp 13, the first region 60a of the ultraviolet ray has a relatively high transmittance. The amount of ultraviolet irradiation is increased with respect to the polymer dispersed liquid crystal 12 located below. On the contrary, the amount of ultraviolet irradiation is smaller than that of the polymer dispersed liquid crystal 12 in the sealing material 11 below the second region 60b having a relatively low transmittance of ultraviolet rays. As a result, even if the accumulated light quantity of the ultraviolet-ray required for hardening of the sealing material 11 is smaller than the accumulated light quantity of the ultraviolet-ray required for hardening of the UV curable liquid crystal contained in the polymer dispersed liquid crystal 12, 3rd Embodiment As described above, there is no need to provide a second ultraviolet irradiation step. For this reason, the advantage which can optimize ultraviolet irradiation by one ultraviolet irradiation is acquired.

In the method of the fifth embodiment, the mask 60 is placed on the second substrate 20, but of course, the mask 60 may be placed on the first substrate 10.

(6th Embodiment)

8 shows a method for producing a liquid crystal cell of the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In this method, the sealing material 11 and the polymer dispersed liquid crystal 12 are arranged on different substrates in the manufacturing method of the first embodiment. That is, the sealing material 21 which consists of ultraviolet curable resin is formed on the inner surface (alignment film) of the 2nd board | substrate 20 by screen printing method etc. which are shown to FIG. 8 (a). The sealing material 21 has a spherical frame-shaped pattern extending along the circumferential edge of the spherical second substrate 20. The sealing material 21 surrounds the display portion of the liquid crystal cell. On the other hand, similarly to the method of the first embodiment, a predetermined amount of the polymer dispersed liquid crystal 12 is added dropwise to the inner surface of the first substrate 10 using a known dispenser. Thereafter, both substrates 10 and 20 are faced and fixed in the same manner as in the method of the first embodiment to obtain the configuration shown in Fig. 8C.

Subsequent processes are the same as the method of 1st Embodiment.

Therefore, also in the method of 6th Embodiment, it is clear that an effect is acquired similarly to the case of 1st Embodiment.

(Variation)

In the present invention, the structure and the material of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are not limited to the above-described ones and can be changed arbitrarily. If it is a pair of board | substrate which comprises a liquid crystal cell, it can use as the 1st board | substrate 10 and the 2nd board | substrate 20, respectively.

In addition, as long as the structure and material of the masks 30, 40, 50, and 60 used in the second to fifth embodiments can block or control the transmission of ultraviolet rays, any mask can be used.

In addition, although the sealing material 11 and the polymer dispersed liquid crystal 12 were arrange | positioned on either board | substrate 10 or 20 in the said 1st-6th embodiment, this invention is not limited to this. For example, the sealing material 11 may be formed in both the board | substrates 10 and 20 as needed, and the polymer dispersed liquid crystal 12 may be arrange | positioned in both board | substrates 10 and 20 as needed. .

As explained above, according to the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal cell of this invention, the effect of being able to manufacture the liquid crystal cell using a polymer dispersed liquid crystal, without adding a new process can be achieved.

Claims (12)

delete delete In the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal cell which comprises the 1st board | substrate and the 2nd board | substrate joined to mutually opposing a predetermined space, and the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal filled in the said space, Forming an ultraviolet curable sealing material on at least one inner surface of the first substrate and the second substrate so as to surround the display portion of the liquid crystal cell; Placing a predetermined amount of the polymer dispersed liquid crystal on at least one inner surface of the first substrate and the second substrate; The first substrate and the second substrate are bonded to each other with their inner surfaces facing each other, thereby filling the polymer dispersed liquid crystal in a space surrounded by the first substrate, the second substrate, and the sealing member. Fair, Through at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate bonded to each other, ultraviolet light in which the accumulated light amount is adjusted is irradiated to the sealing material and the polymer dispersed liquid crystal, thereby curing the sealing material almost completely. And partially curing the UV curable liquid crystal; And partially irradiating the UV curable liquid crystal to the partially cured UV curable liquid crystal to cure the UV curable liquid crystal almost completely. According to claim 3, And when the partially cured UV curable liquid crystal is completely cured, ultraviolet rays are irradiated through a mask that controls the amount of ultraviolet irradiation to the sealant. In the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal cell which comprises the 1st board | substrate and the 2nd board | substrate joined to mutually opposing a predetermined space, and the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal filled in the said space, Forming an ultraviolet curable sealing material on at least one inner surface of the first substrate and the second substrate so as to surround the display portion of the liquid crystal cell; Placing a predetermined amount of the polymer dispersed liquid crystal on at least one inner surface of the first substrate or the second substrate; The first substrate and the second substrate are bonded to each other with their inner surfaces facing each other, thereby filling the polymer dispersed liquid crystal in a space surrounded by the first substrate, the second substrate and the sealing member. Fair, Through at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate bonded to each other, ultraviolet light in which the amount of accumulated light is adjusted is irradiated to the sealing material and the polymer dispersed liquid crystal, whereby the UV-curable liquid crystal is almost completely Curing and at least partially curing the sealant; And partially irradiating ultraviolet rays to the partially cured sealing material again to cure the sealing material almost completely. The method of claim 5, In order to completely cure the partially cured sealing material, ultraviolet rays are irradiated through a mask that controls the amount of ultraviolet irradiation to the polymer dispersed liquid crystal. In the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal cell which comprises the 1st board | substrate and the 2nd board | substrate joined to mutually opposing a predetermined space, and the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal filled in the said space, Forming an ultraviolet curable sealing material on at least one inner surface of the first substrate and the second substrate so as to surround the display portion of the liquid crystal cell; Placing a predetermined amount of the polymer dispersed liquid crystal on at least one inner surface of the first substrate or the second substrate; The first substrate and the second substrate are bonded to each other with their inner surfaces facing each other, thereby filling the polymer dispersed liquid crystal in a space surrounded by the first substrate, the second substrate and the sealing member. Fair, The amount of accumulated light is adjusted to the sealing material and the polymer dispersed liquid crystal through at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate bonded to each other using a mask having a first region and a second region having different transmittances of ultraviolet rays. The process of irradiating the ultraviolet rays, The UV curable liquid crystal is hardened almost completely by the ultraviolet rays irradiated through the first region of the mask, and at the same time the sealant is almost completely irradiated by the ultraviolet rays irradiated through the second region of the mask. Hardening so that the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal cell. delete The method of claim 7, wherein The transmittance of ultraviolet rays in the first region of the mask is higher than the transmittance of ultraviolet rays in the second region of the mask. delete The method of claim 7, wherein The transmittance of ultraviolet rays in the first region of the mask is lower than the transmittance of ultraviolet rays in the second region of the mask. delete

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