JP2001222016A - Liquid crystal display panel and its manufacturing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid crystal display panel capable of shortening the time for a sealing material hardening process, reducing the damage of an alignment layer in a heating process, and manufacturing at a low cost. SOLUTION: The liquid crystal display panel is constructed by having a liquid crystal layer 9 comprising a liquid crystal enclosed between a driving element substrate 6 and a counter substrate 8 placed opposite to each other, alignment layers 1 arranged on the driving element and the counter substrates 6, 8 in a position where the liquid crystal exists, a sealing material 5 arranged in the peripheral part of the liquid crystal layer 9 existing between the driving element and the counter substrates 6, 8 and a heating wire 3 arranged in a position contacting with the sealing material 5. Power is supplied to the heating wire 3 from a power source 4.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display panel and a method of manufacturing the same, and more particularly, to a liquid crystal display panel having a heat source for curing a sealing material on a substrate itself and a method of manufacturing the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional liquid crystal display panel is formed by applying a sealing material to a peripheral portion of a driving element substrate or a counter substrate and superposing two substrates. The sealing material is an adhesive that seals the liquid crystal between the driving element substrate and the opposing substrate and holds the driving element substrate and the opposing substrate. Generally, an adhesive having thermosetting properties is used as the sealing material.

[0003] A conventional liquid crystal display panel will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. 10 is a top cross-sectional view taken along line BB ′ of FIG. 11 of the conventional liquid crystal display panel. FIG. 11 is a side sectional view taken along line AA 'of FIG. 10 of the conventional liquid crystal display panel. Here, a liquid crystal display panel 7 of a thin film transistor type will be described as an example. The conventional liquid crystal display panel 7 includes a driving element substrate 6 and the driving element substrate 6.
A liquid crystal layer 9, an alignment film 1, and a sealing material 5. Here, the liquid crystal layer 9 is sealed between the driving element substrate 6 and the counter substrate 8 by the sealing material 5. The sealing material 5 includes a driving element substrate 6 and a counter substrate 8.
And on the outer edge portion of each substrate. The alignment film 1 is composed of a liquid crystal layer 9 on the drive element substrate 6 and on the counter substrate 8.
Is provided on the side surface. The drive element substrate 6 is made of a transparent material (for example, glass, polymer film, or the like).
The drive element substrate 6 includes a thin film transistor (Thin Fi).
lm Transistor (hereinafter referred to as TFT) (not shown). This TFT is provided at the intersection of two orthogonal linear electrodes formed on the drive element substrate 6. This T is applied to a pixel (not shown) that determines the brightness of the display surface.
FT is connected. The voltage of the pixel is adjusted by the switching operation of the TFT. Then, by adjusting the voltage value of the pixel, the value of the electric field applied to the liquid crystal changes, and the brightness of the display surface is adjusted by the value of the electric field. The opposing substrate 8 is made of a transparent material such as glass or a polymer film, like the driving element substrate 6. This substrate is provided with a transparent conductive film (for example, indium tin oxide (Indium Tin Oxide; indium doped with tin oxide as an impurity).
(Hereinafter referred to as ITO)) (not shown). By the TFT provided on the driving element substrate 6 and this ITO, a potential difference can be generated between the driving element substrate 6 and the counter substrate 8. Therefore, the direction of the liquid crystal molecules can be controlled by this potential difference. The liquid crystal layer 9
Liquid crystal molecules (not shown) have been injected. The sealing material 5 is generally made of a thermosetting resin such as an epoxy resin. Further, the alignment film 1 is made of a transparent member such as polyimide. In the device completed as a liquid crystal display device, in addition to the components described above, a driving circuit (not shown) connected to the TFT and ITO to control the voltage between the substrates, and uses information through the liquid crystal layer 9 There are a light source (not shown) for displaying to the user, a polarizing plate (not shown) for polarizing the light from the light source, a spacer (not shown) for keeping the distance between the substrates constant, and the like. However, these components are not directly related to the liquid crystal display panel of the present invention and the method of manufacturing the same.

A heating step in a conventional liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method will be described with reference to FIG. The heating step in the conventional liquid crystal display panel manufacturing process is provided to cure the sealing material 5. In this heating process,
Heat 1 from a heat source (not shown) from outside the liquid crystal display panel 7
3 heats the liquid crystal display panel 7. In particular,
Heat sources are arranged above and below the liquid crystal display panel 7, that is, in opposite directions between the drive element substrate 6 and the opposing substrate 8. As a heat source, a furnace, a hot plate or the like is generally used. As described above, the drive element substrate 6 and the counter substrate 8 of the liquid crystal display panel 7 are first heated by the heat source. The heat 13 is conducted to the sealing material 5 via the two substrates (6, 8), and the sealing material 5 is indirectly heated by the heat source. As described above, in the conventional liquid crystal display panel manufacturing process, the substrate is heated from above and below using a furnace or a hot plate serving as a heat source. By this heating step, heat 13 is conducted from both substrates (6, 8) to seal material 5, and seal material 5
Can be cured.

[0005]

However, both substrates (6, 6)
8) Since the sealing material 5 is indirectly heated by heating the entirety, much time is spent on the temperature rising to the temperature at which the sealing material 5 starts to harden. Further, since the entire substrates (6, 8) are heated, much time is spent for cooling the entire substrates (6, 8) after the curing is completed. Thus, there is a problem that the process time for curing the sealing material 5 becomes long. Further, by heating the entire substrate (6, 8), the alignment film 1 applied to the drive element substrate 6 and the counter substrate 8 is also heated, and the alignment property, which is a characteristic of the alignment film 1, is obtained. Is reduced by the heat 13. In addition, a separate device such as a furnace or a hot plate for heating the entire substrates (6, 8) is required.
There is also a problem that the manufacturing cost increases.

In view of the above problems in the prior art, the present invention reduces the time required for the step of curing the seal, reduces damage to the alignment film due to the heating step, and reduces the manufacturing cost. The purpose is to provide a panel.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid crystal display panel for solving the above-mentioned problems, comprising a liquid crystal layer in which liquid crystal is sealed between a driving element substrate and a counter substrate facing the substrate. An alignment film disposed on the driving element substrate and the opposing substrate at a position where liquid crystal exists, a sealing material provided on an outer edge portion of a liquid crystal layer existing between the driving element substrate and the opposing substrate, and in contact with the sealing material And a hot wire installed at a location, wherein the hot wire is supplied with power from a power source.

Therefore, according to the liquid crystal display panel of the first invention of the present application, the heat ray can directly heat the sealing material. Also, since both substrates are only partially heated,
The time spent for cooling is reduced. Since the heating and cooling times can be reduced, the time for the step of curing the sealing material can be reduced. Further, the amount of heat applied to the alignment film by directly heating the portion to which the sealing material is applied can be suppressed. By suppressing the amount of heat applied to the alignment film in this way,
It is possible to suppress a decrease in the orientation, which is a characteristic of the orientation film. Therefore, damage to the alignment film due to heating for curing the sealing material can be reduced. Since both substrates have a heat source for heating the sealing material, it is possible to eliminate the need for a furnace for curing the sealing material. Therefore, the manufacturing cost in the heating step can be reduced.

A liquid crystal display panel according to a second aspect of the present invention is the liquid crystal display panel according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the heating wire is provided on at least one of a driving element substrate and a counter substrate.

Therefore, according to the liquid crystal display panel of the second invention of the present application, the sealing material can be heated by the heat rays provided on the drive element substrate or the counter substrate or the heat rays provided on the drive element substrate and the counter substrate. Will be possible. When the heating wire is provided on both the driving element substrate and the opposing substrate, the sealing material can be heated more efficiently than when the heating wire is provided on one of the substrates.

[0011] A liquid crystal display panel according to a third aspect of the present invention is the liquid crystal display panel according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, wherein the heat ray is included in a sealing material.

Therefore, according to the liquid crystal display panel of the third invention of the present application, since the heat ray is included in the seal material, the degree of adhesion to the seal material is increased, and the heat energy from the heat ray is efficiently absorbed by the seal material. Make it possible.

A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes a first step of providing an alignment film for a liquid crystal display panel on a predetermined portion on a drive element substrate and a counter substrate, and a liquid crystal injection port for injecting liquid crystal. A second step of providing a sealing material at a predetermined position around the alignment film on the opposing substrate so that is set, a third step of bonding the driving element substrate to the position facing the opposing substrate via the sealing material, A fourth step of connecting a heating wire for heating the sealing material to a power source, supplying power to the heating wire, and simultaneously pressing the driving element substrate and the opposing substrate toward the opposing substrates, and an alignment film for a liquid crystal display panel A fifth step of cutting the liquid crystal display panel portion provided with the liquid crystal display from both substrates, and a sixth step of injecting liquid crystal from the liquid crystal injection port of the liquid crystal display panel portion and sealing the liquid crystal display panel portion, so that the position in contact with the sealing material Heat wire Process, characterized in that it is incorporated as the fourth step before the process.

Therefore, according to the liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method of the fourth application of the present invention, it is possible to shorten the time for the step of curing the sealing material, and to prevent the alignment film from being damaged by heating for curing the sealing material. It is possible to manufacture a liquid crystal display panel that can reduce the cost and reduce the manufacturing cost in the heating step. Here, the predetermined portion refers to a portion where a liquid crystal display panel portion is to be formed after securing a space for disposing a module or the like to be installed on the substrate. In addition, the predetermined position refers to all positions separated from the peripheral portion of the alignment film by a predetermined distance. That is, it indicates the position surrounding the alignment film.

The method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to the fifth invention of the present application is the method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel of the fourth invention of the present application, wherein in the step of providing a heating wire at a position in contact with a sealing material, A heating wire is provided on at least one of the opposing substrates.

Therefore, according to the liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method of the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to heat the sealing material by the heating wire provided on the driving element substrate or the opposing substrate, or by the heating wire provided on the driving element substrate and the opposing substrate. Will be possible. When a heating wire is provided on both the driving element substrate and the counter substrate, a liquid crystal display panel that can heat the sealing material more efficiently than when one of the substrates is provided with a heating wire is manufactured. It becomes possible to do.

The method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to the sixth invention of the present application is the same as the method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to the fourth or fifth invention of the present application, except that the second step and the third step are performed between the second step and the third step. The step of connecting the hot wire in contact with the sealing material to a power source to supply power to the hot wire is set, and the step of providing the hot wire at a position in contact with the sealing material is incorporated before the step of supplying power to the hot wire. It is characterized by being performed.

Therefore, according to the liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the sealing material can be calcined. That is, it becomes possible to evaporate the solvent component of the sealing material by heating the sealing material with a heat ray.

The method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is the method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects of the present invention, wherein a heating wire is provided at a position in contact with a sealing material. In the process, a heat ray is included in the sealing material.

Therefore, according to the liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method of the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the heat ray is included in the sealing material,
The degree of adhesion to the sealing material is increased, so that the sealing material can efficiently absorb heat energy from heat rays.

The liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method according to the eighth aspect of the present invention includes a first step of providing an alignment film for a liquid crystal display panel on a predetermined portion on a driving element substrate and a counter substrate, and a liquid crystal injection port for injecting liquid crystal. A second step of providing a sealing material at a predetermined position in a peripheral portion of the alignment film on the counter substrate so that the opening is set, and providing an auxiliary sealing material at a peripheral portion on the counter substrate so that an opening is set; Third, the driving element substrate is bonded to the position opposed to the substrate via the sealing material and the auxiliary sealing material.
And a fourth step of evacuating the drive element substrate and the opposing substrate and maintaining the evacuated state to seal the opening at the periphery of the drive element substrate and the opposing substrate with an auxiliary sealing material. In a state in which the external pressure is higher than the pressure between the driving element substrate and the counter substrate, a heat wire for heating the sealing material is connected to a power source, and power is supplied to the heat wire.
A step of cutting the liquid crystal display panel portion provided with the alignment film for the liquid crystal display panel from both substrates, and a seventh step of injecting and sealing liquid crystal from a liquid crystal injection port of the liquid crystal display panel portion. And providing a hot wire at a position in contact with the sealing material is incorporated as a step before the fifth step.

Therefore, according to the eighth manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display panel of the present application, it is possible to shorten the time of the step of curing the sealing material, and it is possible to prevent the alignment film from being damaged by heating for curing the sealing material. It is possible to manufacture a liquid crystal display panel that can reduce the cost and reduce the manufacturing cost in the heating step. Here, the predetermined portion refers to a portion where a liquid crystal display panel portion is to be formed after securing a space for disposing a module or the like to be installed on the substrate. In addition, the predetermined position refers to all positions separated from the peripheral portion of the alignment film by a predetermined distance. That is, it indicates the position surrounding the alignment film.

The method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is the method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel of the eighth aspect of the present invention, wherein the step of providing a heating wire at a position in contact with a sealing material includes A heating wire is provided on at least one of the opposing substrates.

Therefore, according to the ninth liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method of the present application, the sealing material can be heated by the heat rays provided on the driving element substrate or the opposing substrate, or by the heat rays provided on the driving element substrate and the opposing substrate. Will be possible. When a heating wire is provided on both the driving element substrate and the counter substrate, a liquid crystal display panel that can heat the sealing material more efficiently than when one of the substrates is provided with a heating wire is manufactured. It becomes possible to do.

The method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to the tenth invention of the present application is the method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel of the eighth or ninth invention of the present application, wherein the step of providing a heating wire at a position in contact with the auxiliary sealing material is the fifth step. The method is characterized in that a heating wire for heating the auxiliary sealing material is connected to a power source in the fifth process, and power is supplied to the heating wire in the fifth process.

Therefore, according to the tenth manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display panel of the present application, the auxiliary sealing material can be heated by the heat ray, and when the thermosetting resin is used as the auxiliary sealing material, the auxiliary sealing material is heated by the heat ray. It can be cured.

The method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention is the method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to any one of the eighth to tenth aspects of the present invention. Connecting a hot wire to a power source to supply power to the hot wire, and providing the hot wire at least in a position in contact with one of the auxiliary sealing material and the sealing material; It is characterized in that it is incorporated before.

Therefore, according to the liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method of the eleventh application, the auxiliary sealing material and the sealing material can be calcined. That is, the auxiliary sealing material and the sealing material can be heated by the heat rays to volatilize the solvent component of the sealing material.

The method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention is the method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, wherein the auxiliary sealing material and the step of providing a heat ray at a position in contact with the sealing material are the same. The heat ray is included in the material and the sealing material.

Therefore, according to the twelfth liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method of the present application, since the heat ray is included in the seal material, the degree of adhesion to the seal material is increased, and the heat energy from the heat ray is efficiently absorbed by the seal material. A liquid crystal display panel can be manufactured.

A liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method according to a thirteenth invention of the present application comprises a first step of providing an alignment film for a liquid crystal display panel on a predetermined portion of a drive element substrate and a counter substrate; A second step of providing an auxiliary sealing material at a peripheral portion on the opposing substrate, a third step of dropping liquid crystal on a region surrounded by the sealing material on the opposing substrate, A fourth step of attaching a drive element substrate to the position opposite to the above via a sealing material and an auxiliary sealing material, a fifth step of connecting a heating wire for heating the auxiliary sealing material to a power source and supplying power to the heating wire, A sixth step in which a heating wire for heating the sealing material is connected to a power source and power is supplied to the heating wire under a state in which the external pressure is higher than the pressure between the element substrate and the counter substrate; The membrane was provided A step of setting a seventh step of cutting the crystal panel portion from the substrate and providing a hot wire at a position in contact with the sealing material and the auxiliary sealing material is incorporated as a step prior to the fifth step. .

Therefore, according to the liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method of the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to shorten the time of the step of curing the sealing material, and to prevent the alignment film from being damaged by heating for curing the sealing material. It is possible to manufacture a liquid crystal display panel that can reduce the cost and reduce the manufacturing cost in the heating step. Here, the predetermined portion refers to a portion where a liquid crystal display panel portion is to be formed after securing a space for disposing a module or the like to be installed on the substrate. In addition, the predetermined position refers to all positions separated from the peripheral portion of the alignment film by a predetermined distance. That is, it indicates the position surrounding the alignment film.

The method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to the fourteenth invention of the present application is the method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to the thirteenth invention of the present application, wherein in the step of providing a heating wire at a position in contact with the auxiliary sealing material and the sealing material, A heating wire is provided on at least one of the substrate and the driving element substrate.

Therefore, according to the fourteenth liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method of the present application, the sealing material can be heated by the heat rays provided on the driving element substrate or the opposing substrate, or by the heat rays provided on the driving element substrate and the opposing substrate. Will be possible. When a heating wire is provided on both the driving element substrate and the counter substrate, a liquid crystal display panel that can heat the sealing material more efficiently than when one of the substrates is provided with a heating wire is manufactured. It becomes possible to do.

The method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the same as the method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect of the present invention, except that the second step and the third step are performed between A step of connecting the hot wire in contact with the seal material and the hot wire in contact with the auxiliary seal material to a power source to supply power to the hot wire, and providing the hot wire at a position in contact with the auxiliary seal material and the seal material; The process is characterized in that it is incorporated before the step of supplying power to these hot wires.

Therefore, according to the liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method of the fifteenth application, the auxiliary sealing material and the sealing material can be calcined. That is, the auxiliary sealing material and the sealing material can be heated by the heat rays to volatilize the solvent component of the sealing material.

The liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method according to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention is the liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method according to any one of the thirteenth to fifteenth aspects of the present invention, wherein the auxiliary sealing material and the position in contact with the sealing material are provided. In the above-described step of providing a heat ray, the auxiliary seal material and the seal material include the heat ray.

Therefore, according to the liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method of the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, since the heat ray is included in the seal material, the degree of adhesion to the seal material is increased, and the heat energy from the heat ray is efficiently absorbed by the seal material. A liquid crystal display panel can be manufactured.

[0039]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the embodiments of the present invention, a liquid crystal display panel manufactured by a liquid crystal injection method and a liquid crystal drop injection method will be described. Liquid crystal injection is a relatively old technique that has been practiced for a long time. For this reason, technologies related to the liquid crystal injection method have been diversified. On the other hand, the liquid crystal drop injection method
This technique has been relatively recently proposed as a technique capable of significantly shortening the liquid crystal injection time as compared with the liquid crystal injection method, and has recently been practiced. In the embodiment of the present invention, a liquid crystal display panel manufactured by a liquid crystal injection method in the first and second embodiments will be described. In the third embodiment, a liquid crystal display panel manufactured by a liquid crystal drop injection method will be described.

First Embodiment A liquid crystal display panel according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a top sectional view of the liquid crystal display panel according to the first embodiment, taken along line BB ′ in FIG. FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the liquid crystal display panel according to the first embodiment, taken along the line AA ′ in FIG.

The liquid crystal display panel according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as the conventional liquid crystal display panel except that the heating wire 3 is provided on the counter substrate 8 on which the sealing material 5 is provided. That is, the sealing material 5 and the driving element substrate 6
And a counter substrate 8 facing the drive element substrate 6, a liquid crystal layer 9, an alignment film 1, and a heating wire 3. Here, the liquid crystal layer 9 is sealed between the driving element substrate 6 and the counter substrate 8 by the sealing material 5. The alignment film 1 is provided on the drive element substrate 6 and the counter substrate 8 on the side where the liquid crystal layer 9 exists. The sealing material 5 includes a driving element substrate 6 and a counter substrate 8.
Is provided on the outer edge portion of each alignment film 1. In other words, the sealing material 5 is provided so as to cover the liquid crystal layer 9 provided between the two substrates (6, 8) and the side surface of the liquid crystal layer 9 where the two substrates (6, 8) are not bonded. Further, the heating wire 3 is provided so as to adhere to the sealing material 5 at the outer edge portion of the sealing material 5. That is, the heating wire 3 is provided on the side surface portion of the sealing material 5 which is not adhered to the liquid crystal layer 9 and the substrates (6, 8). Further, an electrode (not shown) connected to the heating wire 3 is provided outside the sealing material 5 so that the heating wire 3 can be connected to the power supply 4.

In the liquid crystal display panel 7 of the present embodiment, liquid crystal molecules are injected into the liquid crystal layer 9 as in the prior art. The sealing material 5 is generally made of a thermosetting resin.
For example, it is made of an epoxy resin. Further, the alignment film 1 is made of a transparent member, for example, polyimide or the like. Also,
As the heating wire 3, a metal wire having a large electric resistivity such as a nichrome wire, a tungsten wire, a molybdenum wire or the like is used. By using such a metal wire having a large electric resistivity, the sealing material 5 can be efficiently heated.

The drive element substrate 6 is made of a transparent material such as glass, a polymer film or the like. This drive element substrate 6
Is provided with a TFT (not shown). This TF
T is provided at the intersection of two orthogonal linear electrodes formed on the drive element substrate 6. This TFT is connected to a pixel (not shown) that determines the brightness of the display surface. TF
The pixel voltage is adjusted by the switching operation performed by T. Then, by adjusting the voltage value of the pixel, the value of the electric field applied to the liquid crystal changes, and the brightness of the display surface is adjusted by the value of the electric field. The opposing substrate 8 is also made of a transparent material such as glass or a polymer film, like the driving element substrate 6. The opposite substrate 8 is provided with a transparent conductive film (not shown) such as ITO. The TFT provided on the driving element substrate 6 and this ITO make the driving element substrate 6
And the counter substrate 8 can generate a potential difference. The potential difference causes liquid crystal molecules (not shown)
Direction can be controlled.

In the above-mentioned counter substrate 8 on which the heating wire 3 is provided, the electrode connected to the heating wire 3 is connected to a power supply 4 provided outside. By supplying power from the power supply 4 to the heating wire 3, the heating wire 3 can be heated. Therefore, heat is conducted from the heating wire 3 to the sealing material 5 in contact with the heating wire 3, and the sealing material 5 can be heated. Hot wire 3
When connecting the electrode connected to the external power supply 4 to the external power supply 4 after overlapping the substrates (6, 8), the hot wire 3 in the cutout 2 is connected to the external power supply 4. Is disposed. Next, the tip of the heating wire 3 is connected to the power supply 4.

A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method according to the first embodiment.
In the method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to the present embodiment, first, a patterning step for forming an insulating film, ITO, a switch element, a color filter layer, and the like on a substrate is performed. Next,
The heating wire 3 is formed on the counter substrate 8 at a position where the sealing material 5 is applied. The notch 2 is formed on the drive element substrate 6 side. Next, after the alignment film 1 is applied to the drive element substrate 6 and the counter substrate 8, a thermosetting sealing material 5 is applied to the heat rays 3 on the counter substrate 8. Next, the connection from the notch 2 to the tip of the hot wire 3 and the external power supply 4 are connected,
The sealing material 5 is heated to such an extent that the solvent component of the sealing material 5 is volatilized. Next, the two substrates (6, 8) are overlaid and bonded. Then, power is supplied from the power source 4 to the heating wire 3 while heating the heating wire 3 from about 100 ° C. to 150 ° C. while applying pressure to the both substrates (6, 8) from above and below. Is heated and thermally cured. After the thermosetting, the electric current was stopped, the external power supply 4 was taken out, and the substrates (6, 8) were cooled, whereby the substrates (6, 6) were cooled.
8) The bonding is completed. Thereafter, the outer peripheral portion of the liquid crystal display panel is cut, and the portion of the heat wire 3 protruding from the liquid crystal display panel and the cutout portion 2 are deleted from the final liquid crystal display panel shape. Then, the liquid crystal is injected into the liquid crystal inlet 10.
And sealing the liquid crystal injection port 10 by
Liquid crystal display The liquid crystal display panel 7 is completed.

However, it is not essential that the heating wire 3 is provided on the counter substrate 8 in advance. In a step before the step of supplying power to the heating wire 3, the heating wire 3 may be provided on the counter substrate 8.

A liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. (Hot wire setting step: 1-1) The hot wire 3 is set on the outer edge of the portion of the counter substrate 8 where the alignment film 1 is to be arranged. At this time, the heating wire 3 is not provided in a portion where a filling port (liquid crystal filling port 10) for filling the liquid crystal is to be provided. In the portion where the charging port is to be installed, the heating wire 3 is arranged along both sides of the charging port, and both ends of the heating wire 3 are connected to predetermined electrodes of the power source 4 respectively. For example, one end of the heating wire 3 is connected to the plus terminal of the power supply 4, and the other end of the heating wire 3 is connected to the minus terminal of the power supply 4.

(Alignment film coating step: 1-2, alignment processing step: 1-3) Next, the drive element substrate 6 and the opposing substrate 8
Alignment film 1 so that liquid crystal molecules can be aligned in the upper display area
(Polyimide film etc.) is applied, and rubbing for forming a groove for orientation is performed. Thus, the driving element substrate 6
The alignment film 1 is provided on the upper side and the counter substrate 8.

(Seal material applying step: 1-4, spacer dispersing step: 1-4) Next, a seal material 5 is applied to a portion of the counter substrate 8 where the hot wire 3 is arranged so as to cover the hot wire 3. I do. As shown in FIG. 1, the sealing material 5 is applied in an open curve shape. The opening provided by the sealing material 5 applied in an open curve shape becomes the liquid crystal injection port 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the sealing material 5 is applied along the outer periphery of the alignment film 1 on a counter substrate 8 constituting the liquid crystal display panel 7 in a sealing material application step. On the driving element substrate 6, spacers (not shown) are scattered or arranged to maintain a gap between the two substrates.

(Seal material calcination step: 1-5)
The heating wire 3 disposed on the counter substrate 8 on which the sealing material 5 is applied is connected to the power supply 4 to supply power to the heating wire 3. As a result, heat can be generated in the heat wire 3, and the heat can heat the sealing material 5 to volatilize the solvent component of the sealing material 5. In this step, the heating wire 3 is adjusted to about 80 ° C. to about 100 ° C. and heated for about 10 minutes.

(Laminating Step: 1-6, Sealing Material Curing Step: 1-7) Next, the driving element substrate 6 coated with the sealing material 5 and the opposing substrate 8 opposed thereto are overlapped. Are aligned so that the corresponding cells face each other. When the two substrates are overlapped, the side of the two substrates where the liquid crystal layer 9 is not present is pressed by a pressing plate (not shown) to adjust the distance between the two substrates to a desired value. Electric power is supplied to the heating wire 3 to generate heat in the heating wire 3 while maintaining a desired distance between the two substrates. This heat makes it possible to heat the sealing material 5 to harden the sealing material 5. In this step, the heating wire 3 is adjusted to about 100 ° C. to about 150 ° C. and heated for about 5 minutes to about 120 minutes.

(Liquid Crystal Display Panel Cutting Step: 1-8) Next, a step of cutting the liquid crystal display panel 7 portion from both substrates (6, 8) on which at least one or more liquid crystal display panel 7 portions are present is performed. . Both substrates (6, 8) are cut along cutting lines provided at predetermined intervals on the substrate on the outer periphery of the sealing material 5, and separated into single liquid crystal display panels 7. Thereby, a single liquid crystal display panel 7 as shown in FIG. 1 is cut out. When two liquid crystal display panels are provided on the substrate, unlike the configuration shown in FIG. 1, two liquid crystal display panels are manufactured. As described above, configuring a plurality of liquid crystal display panels on the same substrate until a certain stage of the process is advantageous and widely used in terms of improving productivity. The cutting line is set so as to include a necessary module such as a drive circuit provided outside the sealing material 5. At the same time, the notch 2 near the end of the heating wire 3 connected to the power supply 4 is cut. As a result, the power supply 4 and the heating wire 3 are disconnected.

(Liquid Crystal Injection Step: 1-9) Next, liquid crystal is injected from the liquid crystal injection port 10. Generally, liquid crystal injection is performed by a vacuum method. In the vacuum method, the liquid crystal display panel 7 having the liquid crystal injection port 10 opened is placed in a vacuum device and evacuated to a vacuum. Then, the liquid crystal injection port 10 is immersed in a liquid crystal tank filled with liquid crystal, and the pressure is gradually increased. This is a method of injecting liquid crystal into the liquid crystal display panel 7 with an increase. The liquid crystal display panel as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is put in a vacuum device, and the space between the substrates (6, 8) of the liquid crystal display panel 7 is included by a vacuum exhaust device connected to the vacuum device. To evacuate the vacuum device. Next, the liquid crystal injection port 10 is immersed in the liquid crystal in the liquid crystal tank in a vacuum device. In this state, the inside of the vacuum device is gradually brought close to the atmospheric pressure, and the pressure inside the liquid crystal display panel 7 is increased by the pressure difference between the vacuum inside the liquid crystal display panel 7 and the pressure inside the vacuum device outside the liquid crystal display panel 7. Inject liquid crystal. Therefore, liquid crystal can be injected until the pressure inside and outside the liquid crystal display panel reaches equilibrium and the differential pressure disappears.

(Sealing Step: 1-10) Next, the liquid crystal injection port 10 is sealed. A sealing material (not shown) made of a UV-curable acrylic resin or the like is arranged at the liquid crystal injection port 10 of the liquid crystal display panel 7, and the sealing material is heated and cured by irradiating the sealing material with ultraviolet rays. Thus, the liquid crystal injection port 1
0 is sealed. At this time, by narrowing the pressure of both substrates (6, 8) and controlling the pressure, the sealing material is moved to the liquid crystal injection port 1.
In some cases, it is pulled down to zero.

Then, after the sealing step, a polarizing plate is attached one by one to the outside of both substrates (6, 8). The polarizing plate is for passing only an electromagnetic wave that fluctuates in one direction.
The polarizing plates are attached such that the axes for polarizing the electromagnetic waves of one polarizing plate and the other polarizing plate are orthogonal to each other. Through the above steps, the liquid crystal display panel 7 is completed.

In the method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to the present embodiment, the heating wires 3 are arranged only on the counter substrate 8, but the heating wires 3 are formed on both the driving element substrate 6 and the counter substrate 8. Is also good. By disposing the heating wire 3 on both substrates in this way, the sealing material 5 can be heated more efficiently than when the heating wire 3 is disposed on one of the substrates.

As described above, according to the liquid crystal display panel of the present embodiment of the present invention, the liquid crystal layer 9 in which liquid crystal is sealed between the driving element substrate 6 and the opposing substrate 8 facing the substrate, the driving element substrate 6 An alignment film 1 provided at a position where liquid crystal exists on the upper and counter substrate 8, and a sealing material 5 provided at an outer edge portion of a liquid crystal layer 9 existing between the driving element substrate 6 and the counter substrate 8.
And a heating wire 3 provided at a position in contact with the sealing material 5. The heating wire 3 can be directly heated by the power supply 4 supplying electric power.
In addition, since both substrates (6, 8) are only partially heated, the time spent for cooling is reduced. Since the heating and cooling times can be reduced, the time for the step of curing the sealing material 5 can be reduced. In addition, the amount of heat applied to the alignment film 1 by directly heating the portion to which the sealing material 5 is applied can be suppressed. By suppressing the amount of heat applied to the alignment film 1 in this manner, it is possible to prevent the alignment property, which is a characteristic of the alignment film 1, from being reduced. Therefore, damage to the alignment film 1 due to heating for curing the sealing material 5 can be reduced. Since the two substrates (6, 8) themselves have a heat source for heating the sealing material 5, it is possible to eliminate the need for a furnace for curing the sealing material 5. Therefore, the manufacturing cost in the heating step can be reduced.

According to the liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method of the present embodiment of the present invention, the first step of providing the alignment film 1 for the liquid crystal display panel on the drive element substrate 6 and the predetermined portion on the counter substrate 8 is provided. A second step of providing a sealing material 5 at a predetermined position around the alignment film 1 on the opposite substrate 8 so that a liquid crystal injection port 10 for injecting liquid crystal is set; And a third step of bonding the driving element substrate 6 through the heating element 3 and connecting the heating wire 3 for heating the sealing material 5 to the power supply 4 to supply power to the heating wire 3 and simultaneously connect the driving element substrate 6 and the opposing substrate 8 to each other. A fourth step of applying pressure in the direction of the opposing substrates, a fifth step of cutting the liquid crystal display panel 7 provided with the alignment film 1 for the liquid crystal display panel from both substrates (6, 8), and this liquid crystal display Inject the liquid crystal from the liquid crystal inlet of the panel part Step of setting a sixth step, providing a hot wire 3 to a position in contact with the sealing material for sealing is, the fourth
By being incorporated as a process before the process,
The time for the step of curing the sealing material 5 can be reduced, the damage of the alignment film 1 due to heating for curing the sealing material 5 can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost in the heating step can be reduced. Thus, it is possible to manufacture the liquid crystal display panel 7 that can be used.

Second Embodiment A liquid crystal display panel according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a top cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display panel according to the second embodiment, taken along line BB 'in FIG. FIG. 5 is a side sectional view taken along line AA ′ of FIG. 4 of the liquid crystal display panel of the second embodiment. In the method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to the present embodiment, a UV curable resin 11 is provided on both substrates (6, 8) as an auxiliary sealant.
Except for the configuration, the liquid crystal display panel of the first embodiment has the same configuration as that of the liquid crystal display panel. That is, it is composed of a UV curable resin 11, a driving element substrate 6, an opposing substrate 8 facing the driving element substrate 6, a liquid crystal layer 9, an alignment film 1, a sealing material 5, and a heating wire 3. . Here, the UV-curable resin 11 is provided for joining the two substrates so as to include a necessary module such as a drive circuit provided outside the sealing material 5. That is, the UV curable resin 11 as an auxiliary sealing material is applied on the counter substrate 8 in the vicinity of the peripheral portion on the counter substrate 8 where at least one or more liquid crystal display panels 7 are present. When the peripheral portion between the two substrates is sealed with the UV curable resin 11, the inside of the liquid crystal display panel 7 can be set at a lower pressure than the outside. The UV-curable resin 11 is made of an acrylic material,
It is cured by irradiating ultraviolet rays. Other configurations are the same as those of the liquid crystal display panel of the first embodiment.

A method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method according to the second embodiment. In the method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to the present embodiment, the alignment process is performed by applying the alignment film 1 to the driving element substrate 6 and the opposing substrate 8 (2
Steps up to -3) and steps from the liquid crystal display panel cutting step (2-11) are the same as in the first embodiment. Further, in the liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method of the present embodiment, the heating wires 3 are arranged only on the counter substrate 8, but the heating wires 3 may be formed on both the driving element substrate 6 and the counter substrate 8. . By disposing the heating wire 3 on both substrates in this way, the sealing material 5 can be heated more efficiently than when the heating wire 3 is disposed on one of the substrates.

(Seal material applying step: 2-4, spacer dispersing step: 2-4) After the step of applying the alignment film 1 to the opposing substrate 8 and the driving element substrate 6, like the first embodiment, 8 is coated with a sealing material 5 and spacers are sprayed on the driving element substrate 6.

(Seal material calcination step: 2-5)
The sealing material 5 is heated to such an extent that the solvent component of the sealing material 5 is volatilized by connecting the notch 2 to the end of the heating wire 3 and the external power supply 4.

(Auxiliary Sealing Material Applying Step: 2-6) Next, near the periphery of the drive element substrate 6 where at least one or more portions of the liquid crystal display panel 7 exist, a UV curable resin 11 as an auxiliary sealing material is provided. Is applied. That is, UV
Necessary modules such as a drive circuit attached to the outside of the sealing material 5 are installed inside the curable resin 11, and components necessary for the liquid crystal display panel 7 outside the UV curable resin 11. Is not located. Further, when applying the UV-curable resin 11, it is set so that the UV-curable resin 11 is not applied to the opening to provide an opening in a certain portion.

(Lamination step: 2-7, auxiliary sealing material curing step: 2-8) Next, the two substrates (6, 8) are laminated and laminated. After bonding both substrates, the UV curable resin 11 is cured by irradiating ultraviolet rays.

(Vacuum suction, auxiliary seal sealing step: 2-
9) Next, the bonded substrates (6, 8) are put in a vacuum chamber and vacuum-suctioned. The difference between the pressure in the gap between the two substrates and the pressure in the outside world is set to be about 0.5 atm or more. Then, the opening of the UV curable resin 11 is
The V-curable resin 11 is sealed, and the UV-curable resin 11 whose opening is sealed is irradiated with ultraviolet rays to be cured.
Therefore, the two substrates (6, 8) are held at a constant interval, and the gap between the two substrates is kept in a vacuum so that the UV curable resin 11 is kept.
Is kept airtight by

(Sealant curing step: 2-10)
In a high pressure state (for example, under atmospheric pressure) as compared with a vacuum chamber, a current is supplied from the power supply 4 to the heating wire 3 so that the temperature is about 100 ° C.
By heating the heating wire 3 to about 150 ° C., the sealing material 5 is heated and thermally cured. After the thermosetting, the current is stopped, the external power supply 4 is taken out, and the substrates (6, 8) are cooled to complete the bonding of the substrates (6, 8).

The subsequent steps are the same as in the first embodiment. That is, the outer periphery of the liquid crystal display panel is cut,
The portion of the heat ray 3 protruding from the liquid crystal display panel and the cutout 2 are deleted from the final liquid crystal display panel shape. Thereafter, the liquid crystal is injected from the liquid crystal injection port 10 and the liquid crystal injection port 10 is sealed, whereby the liquid crystal display panel 7 is completed.

Further, instead of providing the UV-curable resin 11 as the above-mentioned auxiliary seal material, a thermosetting resin may be provided as the auxiliary seal material. In this case, a heat ray as a heat source is arranged at a position on the counter substrate 8 where the auxiliary sealing material is applied. That is, the opposing substrate 8 is provided so as to include necessary modules such as a drive circuit provided outside the sealing material 5.
A heating wire is disposed on the heating wire, and a thermosetting resin as an auxiliary sealing material is applied on the heating wire. And (vacuum suction,
In the auxiliary seal sealing step: 2-9), the above-mentioned hot wire is connected to a power supply, and power is supplied to this hot wire to cure the auxiliary seal material. When a thermosetting resin is used as the auxiliary sealing material as described above, only one kind of material can be used as the auxiliary sealing material and the sealing material for sealing the liquid crystal. Further, UV irradiation equipment for curing the auxiliary sealing material is not required. Further, the number of steps for moving the substrate from the vacuum chamber to the UV irradiation equipment can be reduced, and the time required for sealing the auxiliary sealing material can be shortened.

As described above, according to the liquid crystal display panel of the present embodiment of the present invention, the liquid crystal layer 9 in which liquid crystal is sealed between the driving element substrate 6 and the opposing substrate 8 facing the substrate, the driving element substrate 6 An alignment film 1 provided at a position where liquid crystal exists on the upper and counter substrate 8, and a sealing material 5 provided at an outer edge portion of a liquid crystal layer 9 existing between the driving element substrate 6 and the counter substrate 8.
And a heating wire 3 provided at a position in contact with the sealing material 5. The heating wire 3 can be directly heated by the power supply 4 supplying electric power.
In addition, since both substrates (6, 8) are only partially heated, the time spent for cooling is reduced. Since the heating and cooling times can be reduced, the time for the step of curing the sealing material 5 can be reduced. In addition, the amount of heat applied to the alignment film 1 by directly heating the portion to which the sealing material 5 is applied can be suppressed. By suppressing the amount of heat applied to the alignment film 1 in this manner, it is possible to prevent the alignment property, which is a characteristic of the alignment film 1, from being reduced. Therefore, damage to the alignment film 1 due to heating for curing the sealing material 5 can be reduced. Since the two substrates (6, 8) themselves have a heat source for heating the sealing material 5, it is possible to eliminate the need for a furnace for curing the sealing material 5. Therefore,
The manufacturing cost in the heating step can be reduced. Further, when a thermosetting resin is used as the auxiliary sealing material, damage to the alignment film and the like can be greatly reduced as compared with the case where a UV-curable resin is used. Further, when a thermosetting resin is used as the auxiliary sealing material, only one kind of material can be used for the auxiliary sealing material and the sealing material for sealing the liquid crystal. Further, UV irradiation equipment for curing the auxiliary sealing material is not required. Further, the number of steps for moving the substrate from the vacuum chamber to the UV irradiation equipment can be reduced, and the time required for sealing the auxiliary sealing material can be shortened.

Further, according to the liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method of the present embodiment of the present invention, the first step of providing the alignment film 1 for the liquid crystal display panel on the drive element substrate 6 and the predetermined portion on the counter substrate 8 A sealing material 5 is provided at a predetermined position around the alignment film 1 on the counter substrate 8 so that a liquid crystal injection port 10 for injecting liquid crystal is set, and a peripheral portion on the counter substrate 8 is set so that an opening is set. A second step of providing a UV curable resin 11 on the substrate, a third step of bonding the drive element substrate 6 to the position facing the counter substrate 8 via the sealing material 5 and the UV curable resin 11, and The space between the driving element substrate 6 and the opposing substrate 8 is formed by applying a vacuum to the space between the opposing substrate 8 and the vacuum state.
A heating step of heating the sealing material 5 to the power supply 4 and connecting the heating element 3 to the heating element 3 in a fourth step of sealing by the step 1 and in a state where the external pressure is higher than the pressure between the driving element substrate 6 and the counter substrate 8. A fifth step of supplying power, a sixth step of cutting the liquid crystal display panel 7 portion provided with the alignment film 1 for the liquid crystal display panel from both substrates (6, 8), and a fifth step of cutting the liquid crystal display panel 7 portion. A step of setting a seventh step of injecting liquid crystal from the liquid crystal injection port 10 to seal the liquid crystal and setting the hot wire 3 at a position in contact with the sealing material 5 is incorporated as a step prior to the fifth step. The time for the step of curing the sealing material 5 can be reduced, the damage of the alignment film 1 due to heating for curing the sealing material 5 can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost in the heating step can be reduced. Liquid crystal table It is possible to manufacture the panel 7.

Third Embodiment A liquid crystal display panel according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a top sectional view of the liquid crystal display panel according to the third embodiment, taken along line BB ′ in FIG. FIG. 8 is a side sectional view of the liquid crystal display panel according to the third embodiment, taken along the line AA ′ in FIG. In the present embodiment, a liquid crystal dropping and dropping step of dropping a liquid crystal material onto the lower substrate before bonding both substrates (6, 8) is adopted.

In the liquid crystal display panel 7 according to the present embodiment, a thermosetting resin is provided as an auxiliary sealing material 12 on both substrates, and a heat ray 3 is provided on an opposing substrate 8 in contact with the thermosetting resin.
Except for disposing 1, the liquid crystal display panel 7 of the first embodiment has the same configuration. That is, the auxiliary sealing material 12, the heating wire 31, the sealing material 5, the driving element substrate 6, the opposing substrate 8 facing the driving element substrate 6,
It comprises a liquid crystal layer 9, an alignment film 1 and a heat ray 3. Here, the auxiliary sealing material 12 is provided for joining the two substrates so as to include a necessary module such as a drive circuit provided outside the sealing material 5. That is, a thermosetting resin is applied as an auxiliary sealing material 12 on the opposing substrate 8 in the vicinity of the peripheral portion on the driving element substrate 6 where at least one or more liquid crystal display panels 7 exist. When the peripheral portion between the two substrates is sealed with a thermosetting resin, the inside of the liquid crystal display panel 7 can be set at a lower pressure than the outside. Then, a heating wire 31 for heating the auxiliary sealing material 12 is arranged on the counter substrate 8 at a position where the auxiliary sealing material 12 is applied. That is, the heating wire 31 is provided on the counter substrate 8 so as to include necessary modules such as a drive circuit provided outside the sealing material 5, and the auxiliary sealing material 12 is applied on the heating wire 31. The material of the auxiliary sealing material 12 is the same as the material of the sealing material 5. Further, the heating wire 31 is made of the same material as the heating wire 3. Other configurations are the same as those of the liquid crystal display panel of the first embodiment.

A method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to the third embodiment. In the method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to the present embodiment, the alignment process is performed by applying the alignment film 1 to the driving element substrate 6 and the counter substrate 8 (3).
Steps up to -3) and steps from the liquid crystal display panel cutting step (3-11) are the same as in the first embodiment. A method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to the present embodiment will be described while describing an apparatus used in the liquid crystal dropping and filling step in the present embodiment. Further, in the liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method of the present embodiment,
Although the heating wires 3 are arranged only on the counter substrate 8, the heating wires 3 may be formed on both the driving element substrate 6 and the counter substrate 8. When the heating wires 3 are arranged on both substrates in this manner, the sealing material 5 is more efficiently used than when the heating wires 3 are arranged on one substrate.
Can be heated.

(Hot Wire Setting Step: 3-1) The hot wire 3 is set on the outer edge of the portion of the counter substrate 8 where the alignment film 1 is to be arranged. Further, a heating wire 31 is also provided on the outer edges of the modules so as to include necessary modules such as a drive circuit to be provided outside the sealing material 5. At this time, neither of the heat rays (3, 31) is provided with a sealing port for sealing the liquid crystal as in the first embodiment. Therefore, any of the heat rays (3, 31) forms a closed curve on the counter substrate 8. The heating wire 3 is connected to the power supply 4 from the vicinity of the notch 2, and the heating wire 31 is connected to the power supply 41. The heating wire 3 and the heating wire 31 are installed so as not to conduct. With such a connection form, it becomes possible to select the supply of power to the heating wire 3 and the heating wire 31. However, as long as a switch mechanism or the like is provided and any one of the heating wires (3, 31) is selected to supply power to a desired heating wire, only one power source may be used. In addition, any heat wire (3, 3
1) also has a shape in which a straight line is phase-deformed without branching.
In other words, the heating wire (3, 31) is arranged in such a manner that the heating wire (3, 31) does not branch and can be drawn with a single stroke by tracing the heating wire (3, 31). According to the arrangement of the heating wires, electric power can be uniformly supplied to the heating wires, and the heating wires can be supplied to a uniform heat source regardless of the positions of the heating wires. Both ends of these heat wires are connected to predetermined electrodes of the power supply 4 and the power supply 41, respectively. For example, one end of the heating wire 3 is connected to the plus terminal of the power supply 4, and the other end of the heating wire 3 is connected to the minus terminal of the power supply 4.

(Alignment film coating step: 3-2, alignment processing step: 3-3) Next, as in the first embodiment, liquid crystal molecules are applied to the display portions on the drive element substrate 6 and the counter substrate 8. Apply alignment film 1 (polyimide film etc.) so that it can be arranged,
Rubbing for forming grooves for orientation is performed. In this manner, the alignment film 1 is formed on the drive element substrate 6 and the counter substrate 8.
Is provided.

(Seal material applying step: 3-4, spacer dispersing step: 3-4) Next, the seal material 5 is applied to the portion of the opposing substrate 8 where the hot wire 3 is arranged so as to cover the hot wire 3. I do. As shown in FIG. 7, the sealing material 5 is applied in a closed curve shape. Since the liquid crystal injection port 10 is not provided unlike the first and second embodiments, the sealing material 5 is applied in a closed curve shape. In addition, the auxiliary sealing material 12 is used to
Is applied to the portion where is arranged. Similarly to the sealing material 5, the auxiliary sealing material 12 is applied in a closed curve shape. Further, spacers (not shown) are scattered or provided on the driving element substrate 6 to maintain a gap between the two substrates.

(Seal material calcination step: 3-5)
The heating wire 3 disposed on the counter substrate 8 on which the sealing material 5 is applied is connected to the power supply 4 to supply power to the heating wire 3.
As a result, heat can be generated in the heat wire 3, and the heat can heat the sealing material 5 to volatilize the solvent component of the sealing material 5. In this step, the heating wire 3 is adjusted to about 80 ° C. to about 100 ° C. and heated for about 10 minutes.

The assembling apparatus used in the liquid crystal dropping / injecting step includes a pressing mechanism (not shown) having an upper surface plate (not shown) movable vertically and a lower surface plate (not shown) movable horizontally.
And a liquid crystal display panel 7 sandwiched between an upper surface plate and a lower surface plate
Is configured in combination with a vacuum exhaust mechanism (not shown) that can exhaust the atmosphere surrounding the vacuum. The lower stool has a larger area than the upper stool, and the peripheral portion of the lower stool protrudes from the upper stool when overlapped with the upper stool.
The vacuum exhaust mechanism is provided with an upper lid having an upper surface and a peripheral wall. The upper lid part has an upper surface plate inside,
It can move up and down, and when it descends, the end surface of its peripheral wall can be pressed and brought into close contact with the peripheral edge of the lower surface plate.
A pipe (not shown) for evacuating is provided on the peripheral wall of the upper lid. The upper platen can be moved up and down together with the upper lid, but can be moved up and down independently, so that the amount of pressure applied to the liquid crystal display panel can be finely adjusted.

In the liquid crystal drop filling step in the liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method of the present embodiment, first, the driving element substrate 6 serving as the upper substrate is sucked on the upper surface plate of the assembling apparatus. Next,
A spacer is provided, and a counter substrate 8 serving as a lower substrate having a sealing material 5 applied around the spacer is sucked to a lower platen of the assembling apparatus. Note that the sealing material 5 is not provided with the liquid crystal injection port 10, and the sealing material 5 forms a closed curve.

(Liquid crystal injecting step: 3-6, bonding step: 3-7) Next, the counter substrate 8 fixed to the lower platen
Liquid crystal is dropped on a region surrounded by the sealing material 5 above. After the liquid crystal dripping is completed, the lower platen is slid to the position below the upper platen to adjust the position, the upper platen is lowered, the drive element substrate 6 and the opposing substrate 8 are laminated and bonded, and the upper lid part is lowered to lower the upper lid part. The end face of the peripheral wall of the part is pressed against and tightly attached to the peripheral part of the lower platen. Next, the space surrounded by the liquid crystal display panel 7 sandwiched between the upper surface plate and the lower surface plate is evacuated to a vacuum.

Thereafter, the pressing force of the upper platen is increased to compress the liquid crystal display panel 7, and the gap between the drive element substrate 6 and the counter substrate 8 is finely adjusted to a desired value. At this time, the driving element substrate 6 and the opposing substrate 8 are bent and deformed, and the spacer 4 is compressed and deformed by the pressure applied by the driving element substrate 6 and the opposing substrate 8, so that the volume in the liquid crystal display panel is reduced. However, there is almost no possibility that the liquid crystal will be discharged. Even if the liquid crystal is discharged, a small amount of the liquid crystal leaks from the upper end of the sealing material 5. As described above, the driving element substrate 6 and the counter substrate 8 are bonded. Thereafter, the pressurization by the pressurizing mechanism is released and the lower platen is slid, and after the charge is removed, the liquid crystal display panel 7 is taken out and sent to the next step.

(Auxiliary Sealing Material Curing Step: 3-8) After the bonding step, an auxiliary sealing material curing step is performed. The heating wire 31 is connected to the power supply 41, and power is supplied to the heating wire 41 to cure the auxiliary sealing material 12. The hardening of the auxiliary sealing material 12 is performed immediately after the atmosphere surrounding the liquid crystal display panel 7 is released to the atmospheric pressure in the liquid crystal droplet injecting step. Alternatively, a method of supplying power to the heating wire 31 in a vacuum atmosphere after bonding the liquid crystal display panels 7 and before releasing the atmospheric pressure may be adopted. In this case, the degree of vacuum inside the auxiliary sealant 12 (in the liquid crystal display panel) can be secured with higher accuracy.

(Gap Equalizing Step: 3-9)
The uniformization of the gap (gap) between the bonded substrates proceeds by the substrate surface being pressed by the atmosphere due to the pressure difference between the pressure inside the liquid crystal display panel and the atmospheric pressure. That is, the driving element substrate 6 and the counter substrate 8 are deformed and fluctuated by being pressed by the atmosphere, and
When a liquid crystal or a spacer (not shown) is used, the gap is gradually uniformed by the spacer being deformed by being narrowly pressed by both substrates. In this step, since the sealing material 5 is not cured, the sealing material 5 is not cured.
Also, the pressure is narrowed by both substrates, and the substrates are sufficiently deformed in accordance with the deformation and fluctuation of both substrates, so that the gap in the region near the sealing material 5 is made almost the same as the center of the display portion. By making the gap uniform, it is possible to reduce the dimensional difference between the gap between the two substrates at the position where the sealing material 5 is formed and the gap between the two substrates at the center of the display unit. In the process of uniforming the gap, even after the pressure difference between the liquid crystal layer 9 in the sealing material 5 and the atmosphere decreases, the vacuum region between the sealing material 5 and the auxiliary sealing material 12 remains at atmospheric pressure. , The gap uniformity can be achieved with high accuracy. Therefore, the gap equalizing step is performed until the force between the liquid crystal layer 9 and the atmosphere reaches equilibrium after the liquid crystal display panel 7 is left under the atmospheric pressure.

If the auxiliary sealing material 12 is not cured for a long time after opening to the atmosphere, the auxiliary sealing material 12 is broken and the vacuum region between the sealing material 5 and the auxiliary sealing material 12 disappears, and the uniformity of the gap can be achieved with high precision. You cannot do it. Further, when the auxiliary sealing material 12 is broken, the atmospheric pressure directly acts on the sealing material 5, which may cause the sealing material 5 to be broken. However, according to the present embodiment, as described above, the timing of curing the auxiliary sealing material is set immediately after releasing to the atmospheric pressure.
The vacuum region between the seal member 12 and the auxiliary seal member 12 disappears, and the seal member 5 cannot be broken.

(Sealant curing step: 3-10)
After the auxiliary sealing material 12 is hardened, the liquid crystal display panel is baked to harden the sealing material 5 usually within about 5 to about 120 minutes. Here, the curing time and the curing temperature depend on the type of the sealing material 5. Ideally, the sealing material 5 remains uncured during the gap equalizing step, and the curing is completed immediately after the gap uniformity is achieved. In order to use a thermosetting resin that is currently practical, if the baking time is less than 5 minutes, it will not be sufficient time to make the gap uniform, while the baking time will be 12 minutes.
A thermosetting resin longer than 0 minutes is not preferable because it lowers productivity. Therefore, the firing conditions are about 10
It is preferable to use a thermosetting resin for about 30 minutes to about 120 minutes at 0 ° C. to about 150 ° C. for the sealing material 5. As described above, since the thermosetting resin is used for the sealing material 5, it takes several tens of minutes to cure the sealing material 5. However, in this step, the sealing material 5 is surrounded and protected from the atmospheric pressure by the auxiliary sealing material 12 which has already hardened and is not likely to be broken by the atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the firing time of the sealing material 5 can be set to a relatively long time without worrying about the problem such as the destruction of the sealing material 5 due to the atmospheric pressure.

For example, the auxiliary sealing material 12 is cured in about 5 minutes after the atmospheric pressure is released, and the curing timing of the sealing material 5 is set to about 50 minutes after the auxiliary sealing material 12 is cured. The firing time of the sealing material 5 is about 30 minutes. In this case, the time required for the gap uniforming step performed while the sealing material 5 is not yet cured is given by the sum of the time for curing the auxiliary sealing material 12 and the time for curing the sealing material 5, and is about 55 minutes. In this case, the baking time is about 30 minutes in the above-mentioned about 50 minutes.
Minutes. If the atmospheric pressure and the reaction force of the liquid crystal display panel 7 have not yet reached an equilibrium after the sealing material 5 is cured, the gap uniformity proceeds even after the sealing material 5 is cured. That is, a part of the process time of the gap uniforming process may be positioned after the sealing material curing process (3-10). In order to shorten the gap uniforming process time and achieve a more accurate gap uniformity, it is preferable to increase the gap uniforming process time performed while the sealing material 5 is not yet cured.

(Liquid Crystal Display Panel Cutting Step: 3-11) Next, after the sealing material curing step, a liquid crystal display panel cutting step is performed. The two substrates (6, 8) are cut along a cutting line provided at a predetermined interval on the substrate on the outer periphery of the sealing material 5, and separated into single liquid crystal display panels 7. Thereby, a single liquid crystal display panel 7 as shown in FIG. 7 is cut out. Note that, unlike the configuration shown in FIG. 7, when there are two liquid crystal display panel portions on the substrate, two liquid crystal display panels are manufactured. As described above, configuring a plurality of liquid crystal display panels on the same substrate until a certain stage of the process is advantageous and widely used in terms of improving productivity. The cutting line is set so as to include a necessary module such as a drive circuit provided outside the sealing material 5.

After that, a polarizing plate (not shown) is attached to each of the substrates (6, 8) one by one. The polarizing plate is for passing only an electromagnetic wave that fluctuates in one direction.
The polarizing plates are attached such that the axes for polarizing the electromagnetic waves of one polarizing plate and the other polarizing plate are orthogonal to each other. Through the above steps, the liquid crystal display panel 7 is completed. Therefore, unlike the liquid crystal injection method, there is no liquid crystal injection step and sealing step. In the liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method of the present embodiment, the heating wires (3, 31) are arranged only on the counter substrate 8, but the heating wires (3, 31) are provided on both the driving element substrate 6 and the counter substrate 8. 3
1) may be formed. In this way, heat rays (3, 3
By disposing 1), it is possible to heat the sealing material 5 more efficiently than when disposing the hot wire (3, 31) on one substrate.

As described above, according to the liquid crystal display panel of the present embodiment of the present invention, the liquid crystal layer 9 in which liquid crystal is sealed between the driving element substrate 6 and the opposing substrate 8 facing the substrate, the driving element substrate 6 An alignment film 1 provided at a position where liquid crystal exists on the upper and counter substrate 8, and a sealing material 5 provided at an outer edge portion of a liquid crystal layer 9 existing between the driving element substrate 6 and the counter substrate 8.
And a heating wire 3 provided at a position in contact with the sealing material 5. The heating wire 3 can be directly heated by the power supply 4 supplying electric power.
In addition, since both substrates (6, 8) are only partially heated, the time spent for cooling is reduced. Since the heating and cooling times can be reduced, the time for the step of curing the sealing material 5 can be reduced. In addition, the amount of heat applied to the alignment film 1 by directly heating the portion to which the sealing material 5 is applied can be suppressed. By suppressing the amount of heat applied to the alignment film 1 in this manner, it is possible to prevent the alignment property, which is a characteristic of the alignment film 1, from being reduced. Therefore, damage to the alignment film 1 due to heating for curing the sealing material 5 can be reduced. Since both the substrates (6, 8) themselves have a heat source for heating the sealing material 5, it becomes possible to eliminate the need for a furnace for curing the sealing material 5. Therefore, the manufacturing cost in the heating step can be reduced.
Since thermosetting resin is used as auxiliary sealing material, UV
Damage to the alignment film and the like as when a curable resin is used can be extremely reduced. Further, if a thermosetting resin is used as the auxiliary sealing material, only one kind of material can be used for the auxiliary sealing material and the sealing material for sealing the liquid crystal. Further, UV irradiation equipment for curing the auxiliary sealing material is not required. Further, it is possible to reduce the number of steps for moving the substrate from the vacuum chamber to the UV irradiation equipment, and to shorten the time for sealing the auxiliary sealing material.

Further, according to the liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method of the present embodiment of the present invention, the first step of providing the liquid crystal display panel alignment film 1 on the drive element substrate 6 and the predetermined portion on the counter substrate 8 A sealing material 5 is provided on the periphery of the alignment film 1 on the counter substrate 8, and the auxiliary sealing material 1 is provided on a peripheral portion on the counter substrate 8.
1; a third step of dropping liquid crystal on a region surrounded by the sealing material 5 on the counter substrate 8; and a sealing material 5 and an auxiliary sealing material 11 at a position facing the counter substrate 8 in substantially vacuum. The fourth step of attaching the drive element substrate 6 through
A fifth step in which the heating wire 3 for heating the auxiliary sealing material 11 is connected to the power supply 4 and power is supplied to the heating wire 3, and the pressure in the external environment is higher than the pressure between the driving element substrate 6 and the counter substrate 8. In a large state, the heating wire 3 for heating the sealing material 5 is connected to the power supply 4 to supply power to the heating wire 3, and the liquid crystal panel portion 7 provided with the alignment film 1 for a liquid crystal display panel is mounted on a substrate. A step of setting the heat wire 3 at a position in contact with the sealing material 5 and the auxiliary sealing material 11 by setting a seventh step of cutting from the A liquid crystal display capable of shortening the time of the curing step, reducing damage to the alignment film 1 due to heating for curing the sealing material 5, and reducing the manufacturing cost in the heating step. Panel 7 It is possible to elephants.

[0091]

As described above, the sealing material can be directly heated by the liquid crystal display panel of the present invention. Further, since both substrates disposed above and below the liquid crystal layer are only partially heated, the time spent for cooling is reduced. Since the heating and cooling times can be reduced, the time for the step of curing the sealing material can be reduced. Also,
By directly heating the portion to which the sealant is applied, the amount of heat given to the alignment film can be suppressed. By suppressing the amount of heat applied to the alignment film in this manner, it is possible to prevent the alignment property, which is a characteristic of the alignment film, from being reduced. Therefore, damage to the alignment film due to heating for curing the sealing material can be reduced. Since both substrates have a heat source for heating the sealing material, it is possible to eliminate the need for a furnace for curing the sealing material. Therefore, the manufacturing cost in the heating step can be reduced. Further, when a thermosetting resin is used as the auxiliary sealing material, damage to the alignment film and the like can be greatly reduced as compared with the case where a UV-curable resin is used. Further, when a thermosetting resin is used as the auxiliary sealing material, only one kind of material can be used for the auxiliary sealing material and the sealing material for sealing the liquid crystal. Further, UV irradiation equipment for curing the auxiliary sealing material is not required. Further, the number of steps for moving the substrate from the vacuum chamber to the UV irradiation equipment can be reduced, and the time required for sealing the auxiliary sealing material can be shortened.

Similarly, by applying the liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method of the present invention, it is possible to shorten the time of the step of curing the sealing material, and to form the alignment film by heating for curing the sealing material. It is possible to manufacture a liquid crystal display panel that can reduce damage and reduce the manufacturing cost in the heating step.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a top sectional view taken along line BB ′ of FIG. 2 of a liquid crystal display panel according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view taken along line AA ′ of FIG. 1 of the liquid crystal display panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top cross-sectional view taken along line BB ′ of FIG. 5 of the liquid crystal display panel according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view taken along line AA ′ of FIG. 4 of the liquid crystal display panel according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a top cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display panel according to a third embodiment of the present invention, taken along line BB ′ in FIG. 8;

FIG. 8 is a side sectional view taken along line AA ′ of FIG. 7 of the liquid crystal display panel according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the conventional liquid crystal display panel taken along line BB ′ in FIG.
FIG.

11 shows a conventional liquid crystal display panel taken along the line AA ′ in FIG.
FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Alignment film 2 Notch 3 Heat wire 4 Power supply 5 Sealing material 6 Driving element substrate 7 Liquid crystal display panel 8 Counter substrate 9 Liquid crystal layer 10 Liquid crystal injection port

Claims (16)

[Claims] A liquid crystal layer between which a liquid crystal is sealed between the driving element substrate and an opposing substrate facing the driving element substrate; an alignment film disposed at a position where the liquid crystal exists on the driving element substrate and the opposing substrate; It has a sealing material provided at an outer edge portion of a liquid crystal layer existing between a driving element substrate and a counter substrate, and a heating wire provided at a position in contact with the sealing material, wherein the heating wire is supplied with power from a power supply. A liquid crystal display panel characterized by being performed. 2. The liquid crystal display panel according to claim 1, wherein the heating wire is provided on at least one of a driving element substrate and a counter substrate. 3. The liquid crystal display panel according to claim 1, wherein the heat ray is included in a sealing material. 4. A first step of providing an alignment film for a liquid crystal display panel on predetermined portions of a driving element substrate and a counter substrate, and an alignment film on the counter substrate such that a liquid crystal injection port for injecting liquid crystal is set. A second step of providing a sealing material at a predetermined position in the peripheral portion, a third step of bonding a drive element substrate to the position facing the counter substrate via the sealing material, and connecting a hot wire for heating the sealing material to a power supply A fourth step of supplying power to the heat rays and simultaneously pressing the drive element substrate and the opposing substrate in the direction of the opposing substrates, and removing the liquid crystal display panel portion provided with the alignment film for the liquid crystal display panel from both substrates. A step of setting a fifth step of cutting and a sixth step of injecting and sealing liquid crystal from a liquid crystal injection port of the liquid crystal display panel portion and providing a heat ray at a position in contact with the sealing material is more than the fourth step. Also as a previous process A method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel, comprising: 5. The liquid crystal display panel according to claim 4, wherein in the step of providing a heating wire at a position in contact with a sealing material, a heating wire is provided on at least one of the driving element substrate and the counter substrate. Method. 6. Between the second step and the third step,
The step of connecting the hot wire in contact with the sealing material to a power source to supply power to the hot wire is set, and the step of providing the hot wire at a position in contact with the sealing material is incorporated before the step of supplying power to the hot wire. The method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to claim 4, wherein the method is performed. 7. The liquid crystal display panel according to claim 4, wherein in the step of providing a heat ray at a position in contact with the seal material, the heat ray is included in the seal material. Method. 8. A first step of providing an alignment film for a liquid crystal display panel on predetermined portions of a driving element substrate and a counter substrate, and an alignment film on the counter substrate such that a liquid crystal injection port for injecting liquid crystal is set. A second step in which a sealing material is provided at a predetermined position in the peripheral portion and an auxiliary sealing material is provided at a peripheral portion on the counter substrate so that an opening is set; and a sealing material and an auxiliary sealing material are provided at a position facing the counter substrate. A third step of bonding the driving element substrate through the opening, and vacuuming the space between the driving element substrate and the opposing substrate, and maintaining the evacuated state, and opening the peripheral portion of the driving element substrate and the opposing substrate. A fourth step in which the sealing member is sealed with an auxiliary sealing material, and in a state where the external pressure is higher than the pressure between the driving element substrate and the counter substrate, a heating wire for heating the sealing material is connected to a power source to supply power to the heating wire. 5th process and liquid The sixth step is to cut a liquid crystal display panel portion provided with an alignment film for a liquid crystal display panel from both substrates, and the seventh step is to inject liquid crystal from a liquid crystal injection port of the liquid crystal display panel portion and seal it. A step of providing a heating wire at a position in contact with the sealing material as a step prior to the fifth step. 9. The liquid crystal display panel according to claim 8, wherein, in the step of providing a heating wire at a position in contact with a sealing material, a heating wire is provided on at least one of the driving element substrate and the counter substrate. Method. 10. A step of providing a heating wire at a position in contact with the auxiliary sealing material is incorporated as a step before the fifth step,
The method according to claim 8, further comprising connecting a hot wire for heating the auxiliary sealant to a power source in the fifth step, and supplying power to the hot wire. 11. A step of connecting a hot wire to a power source and supplying power to the hot wire is set between the second step and the third step, and at least a position in contact with at least one of the auxiliary seal material and the seal material is provided. The method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the step of providing a heating wire is incorporated before the step of supplying power to the heating wire. 12. The method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to claim 10, wherein in the step of providing a heating wire at a position in contact with the auxiliary sealing material and the sealing material, the heating wire is included in the auxiliary sealing material and the sealing material. . 13. A first step of providing an alignment film for a liquid crystal display panel on predetermined portions of a driving element substrate and a counter substrate;
A second step of providing a sealant around the alignment film on the opposing substrate and providing an auxiliary sealant on a peripheral portion of the opposing substrate; and a third step of dropping liquid crystal on a region surrounded by the sealant on the opposing substrate. A fourth step of attaching the driving element substrate to the position facing the opposite substrate in a substantially vacuum state via the sealing material and the auxiliary sealing material, and connecting a heating wire for heating the auxiliary sealing material to a power source to supply power to the heating wire. A fifth step of connecting a hot wire for heating the sealing material to a power source and supplying power to the hot wire under a state where the external pressure is higher than the pressure between the driving element substrate and the counter substrate; Setting a seventh step of cutting the liquid crystal panel portion provided with the alignment film for the liquid crystal display panel from the substrate, and providing a heat ray at a position in contact with the sealing material and the auxiliary sealing material, from the fifth step. Also the previous process The liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method characterized by incorporated. 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein in the step of providing a heating wire at a position in contact with the auxiliary sealing material and the sealing material, a heating wire is provided on at least one of the counter substrate and the driving element substrate. Liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method. 15. Between the second step and the third step, the hot wire in contact with the sealing material and the hot wire in contact with the auxiliary sealing material are respectively connected to a power source to supply power to the hot wire. 15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the step of setting a process and providing a heating wire at a position in contact with the auxiliary sealing material and the sealing material is incorporated before the process of supplying power to the heating wire. Liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method. 16. The method according to claim 13, wherein in the step of providing a heating wire at a position in contact with the auxiliary sealing material and the sealing material, the heating wire is included in the auxiliary sealing material and the sealing material. A method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to claim 1.