JP2010217249A - Liquid crystal device and electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a liquid crystal device and an electronic device that can prevent deterioration in display quality of the liquid crystal device, such as display unevenness and alignment abnormality.
A liquid crystal device is provided on the second substrate side of a first substrate, is adjacent to a liquid crystal on one wall surface, is adjacent to a sealing material on the other wall surface, and extends along an outer periphery of a display region. A first partition wall 24 provided on the second substrate 14 side of the first substrate 12 and having a wall surface facing the wall surface adjacent to the sealing material 16 of the first partition wall 24, A second partition wall 26 provided along the outer periphery of the partition wall 24, and a spacer 22 mixed in the sealing material 16 and defining a gap between the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14; The first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14 are bonded together by filling the sealing material 16 in which the spacer 22 is mixed between the second partition wall 24 and the second partition wall 26.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid crystal device and an electronic apparatus including the liquid crystal device.

A liquid crystal device is formed by bonding substrates made of a pair of light-transmitting materials to each other with a sealing material and enclosing liquid crystal in a gap (cell gap) formed on the substrates. Conventionally, a vacuum injection method and a drop injection method are known as methods for sealing liquid crystal in a cell gap.
The vacuum injection method is a method in which a pair of substrates are bonded while leaving a liquid crystal injection port, and then the inside of the cell gap is evacuated and liquid crystal is injected from the liquid crystal injection port by a pressure difference.
This method has a problem that it takes a long time to inject liquid crystal when the liquid crystal device is enlarged.
In addition, a dripping injection method that has recently been used is that a frame-shaped sealing material is applied to a surface of one of a pair of substrates arranged opposite to each other so as to surround a liquid crystal display region, and the liquid crystal is sealed as a sealing material. This is a method in which the sealing material is cured by overlapping the other substrate immediately after dropping into the frame and sealing. This method has an advantage that the liquid crystal injection time is shorter than the vacuum injection method.

On the other hand, in this dropping injection method, in general, a spacer is placed in at least one of the liquid crystal material and the sealing material in order to strictly control the substrate interval (cell gap). Conventionally, spherical spacers mainly made of resin or silica are used as spacers. However, since the spherical spacers in the liquid crystal material are easy to move, there are problems of lowering contrast due to movement to the display portion and non-uniform cell gap due to non-uniform distribution of spacers.
In order to solve this problem, Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid crystal display device using a spacer made of an inorganic insulator film such as a silicon oxide film or a silicon nitride film. However, when the vicinity of a wall spacer made of a highly rigid inorganic insulator is bonded with a sealing material, the glass substrate warps as the sealing material shrinks, and the uniformity of the cell gap is impaired. The problem is solved by placing sealing material on both sides of the spacer.
On the other hand, in Patent Document 2, an inorganic insulating film is used as a spacer member for controlling the cell thickness, and patterning is performed so as to sandwich both sides of a sealing material (adhesive) for bonding two opposing substrates. It has been proposed to arrange and adhere the wall spacers.

JP-A-6-273773 JP 2006-178301 A

However, in the structure of Patent Document 1, since the liquid crystal material and the sealing material are in direct contact with each other, there is a problem that the organic component contained in the sealing material promotes deterioration of the liquid crystal material, and generally the width of the sealing material. Is as wide as about 1 mm. Therefore, when sealing materials are arranged on both sides of the wall spacer, there is a problem that the installation area becomes large.
Further, in the structure of Patent Document 2, since a gap is easily formed at the interface between the upper portion of the wall-shaped spacer made of a highly rigid inorganic insulator film and the substrate, moisture penetration from the outside and bleeding of the liquid crystal material are likely to occur. There is a problem.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms or application examples.

  Application Example 1 A first substrate and a second substrate facing each other are bonded together by a sealing material, and a liquid crystal is sandwiched in a region surrounded by the sealing material between the first substrate and the second substrate. A liquid crystal device constituting a display region in the region, provided on the second substrate side of the first substrate, adjacent to the liquid crystal on one wall surface and adjacent to the sealing material on the other wall surface, A first partition wall provided along an outer periphery of the display region; and a wall surface provided on the second substrate side of the first substrate and facing the wall surface adjacent to the sealing material of the first partition wall. And a second partition wall provided along the outer periphery of the first partition wall, and a spacer mixed in the sealing material and defining a gap between the first substrate and the second substrate. , The space between the first partition and the second partition. Sir is filled with the sealing material mixed, a liquid crystal device, characterized in that the first substrate and the second substrate are adhered.

According to this, the first partition and the second partition are formed on the first substrate, the spacer is disposed in the groove between the first partition and the second partition, and the groove is formed so as to wrap the spacer. The first substrate and the second substrate are bonded to each other with a sealing material disposed therebetween.
By adopting a cell structure in which a spacer is disposed between the first partition and the second partition, accurate cell gap control can be performed.
From this, it is possible to prevent the display quality of the liquid crystal device from deteriorating, such as display unevenness and alignment abnormality.
Further, since the first partition and the second partition are formed, the amount of the sealing material can be reduced, and the amount of the sealing material protruding from the first partition to the liquid crystal injection side can be reduced. Can do.
As a result, the amount of the sealing material that protrudes to the liquid crystal injection side is reduced, and the elution of the resin and additive components contained in the sealing material can be reduced as much as possible by contact with the liquid crystal. Deterioration of display quality can be prevented.

  Application Example 2 In the above-described liquid crystal device, the second partition is provided with at least a portion lower than the height of the first partition.

According to this, the first partition and the second partition are formed on the first substrate, and the second partition is formed at least partially lower than the height of the first partition. The first substrate and the second substrate are bonded together by placing a sealing material in the groove between the first partition and the second partition.
Since the second partition wall is formed at least partly lower than the height of the first partition wall, when the first substrate and the second substrate are bonded together, the excess sealing material is used for the second partition wall. It protrudes from the lower part. That is, the amount of the sealing material that protrudes from the first partition to the liquid crystal injection side can be reduced.
As a result, the amount of sealing material that protrudes to the liquid crystal injection side is reduced, and the elution from the resin and additives of the sealing material can be minimized by contact with the liquid crystal. Decrease can be prevented.

  Application Example 3 In the liquid crystal device, the second substrate has a wall surface provided on the first substrate side and adjacent to the liquid crystal of the first partition wall or the sealing material of the first partition wall. And a third partition provided along the outer periphery of the display area.

  According to this, the third partition is formed on the second substrate. When the third partition wall is adjacent to the liquid crystal, the seal material can be prevented from protruding to the liquid crystal side. When the third partition wall is adjacent to the seal material, the bonding area of the seal material is increased and the first substrate is increased. The adhesive strength between the second substrate and the second substrate can be improved.

  Application Example 4 In the above-described liquid crystal device, the wall surface of the third partition wall is disposed so as to be in contact with the wall surface of the first partition wall.

According to this, the first partition is formed on the first substrate and the second partition is formed outside the first partition, and the third partition is formed on the second substrate. A third partition is provided at a position where the first substrate and the second substrate are bonded to each other, and a sealing material is disposed in the groove, and the first substrate and the second substrate are bonded together. .
As described above, the sealing material that protrudes from the first partition to the liquid crystal injection side is held between the first partition and the third partition, and the amount of the sealing material that can contact the liquid crystal can be reduced.
This reduces the amount of sealing material that can come into contact with the liquid crystal and minimizes the elution of the sealing material from the resin and additives through contact with the liquid crystal, reducing the display quality of the liquid crystal device, such as display unevenness and alignment abnormalities. Can be prevented.
Note that “contact” in this application includes a state in which there is a gap for holding the sealing material between the first partition and the third partition.

  Application Example 5 In the liquid crystal device, the first substrate includes a fourth partition wall provided on the first substrate side of the second substrate and formed along an outer periphery of the third partition wall. A liquid crystal device, wherein the fourth partition is provided at a position in contact with the second partition at a bonding position between the first partition and the second substrate.

  According to this, since the fourth partition wall is provided at a position in contact with the second partition wall, the sealing material protruding between the second partition wall and the fourth partition wall can be held, The bonding strength between the first substrate and the second substrate can be improved.

  Application Example 6 In the liquid crystal device, the second substrate is provided on the first substrate side of the second substrate, the wall surface adjacent to the sealing material of the first partition, and the second wall facing the wall surface. A connecting portion that fits so as to connect the wall surfaces of the partition wall, and the sealant is filled in the space surrounded by the first partition wall, the second partition wall, and the connection portion, A liquid crystal device, wherein the first substrate and the second substrate are bonded together.

  According to this, the connection part fitted so that it may connect between the wall surface of a 1st partition and the wall surface of a 2nd partition is provided in the 2nd board | substrate. Since the connecting portion is disposed so as to cover the groove portion filled with the sealing material, the sealing material can be prevented from protruding to the liquid crystal side. Further, the connecting portion can increase the bonding area of the sealing material and improve the bonding strength between the first substrate and the second substrate.

  Application Example 7 In the liquid crystal device, the spacer is surface-treated with a compound containing a functional group that crosslinks the sealing material.

  According to this, the dispersion affinity (adhesion) between the spacer and the sealing material is improved. From this, when the spacer is dispersed in the sealing material, the spacer can be uniformly disposed in the groove.

  Application Example 8 In the above liquid crystal device, the groove portion filled with the sealing material is formed in an annular shape.

  According to this, the liquid crystal dropping injection method can be adopted, the amount of the sealing material protruding to the liquid crystal injection side is small, and the contact between the liquid crystal and the uncured sealing material can be reduced.

  Application Example 9 In the above liquid crystal device, the sealing material is formed of a material selected from a photocurable resin, a thermosetting resin, and a photothermosetting resin.

  According to this, since the sealing material can be held in the groove portion, a sealing material made of a photocurable resin, a thermosetting resin, or a photothermosetting resin can be used regardless of the viscosity of the sealing material. From this, the selection range of the sealing material is widened, and a sealing material suitable for the application can be used.

  Application Example 10 In the liquid crystal device, the first partition and the second partition are formed of a material selected from a photocurable resin, a thermosetting resin, and a photothermosetting resin. A liquid crystal device characterized by that.

  According to this, a photocurable resin, a thermosetting resin, and a photothermosetting resin can be used, and the first partition and the second partition can be easily formed.

  Application Example 11 In the above liquid crystal device, the material forming the first partition and the second partition contains a light absorber or a color pigment.

  According to this, since the light curable resin, thermosetting resin, or photothermosetting resin forming the first partition wall and the second partition wall contains the light absorber or the color pigment, the resin is cured. When irradiating with light such as ultraviolet rays, the light absorber or the color pigment can absorb the light and prevent other light from leaking. For example, in the liquid crystal dropping injection method, it is possible to prevent light leaked during curing of the resin from deteriorating the liquid crystal.

  Application Example 12 An electronic apparatus including the liquid crystal device according to any one of the above.

  According to this, accurate cell gap control can be performed, and the elution of the resin and additive components contained in the sealing material to the liquid crystal can be minimized, and deterioration of the display quality of the liquid crystal device such as display unevenness and alignment abnormality can be prevented. In addition, an electronic device with a good display quality can be provided.

The structure of the liquid crystal device which concerns on 1st Embodiment is shown, (A) is a schematic plan view, (B) is a schematic sectional drawing in alignment with the AA disconnection of the same figure (A). The schematic sectional drawing which shows the detail of the seal guide which concerns on 1st Embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the state of multiple chamfering of the liquid crystal device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a manufacturing process of the liquid crystal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory view illustrating a manufacturing process of the liquid crystal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory view illustrating a manufacturing process of the liquid crystal device according to the first embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the other example of arrangement | positioning of the alignment film in the 1st board | substrate which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The structure of the liquid crystal device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment is shown, (A) is a schematic plan view, (B) is a schematic sectional drawing in alignment with the BB broken line of the same figure (A). The structure of the seal guide which concerns on 2nd Embodiment is shown, (A) is the side view seen from the arrow direction of FIG. 8 (A), (B) is a perspective view which shows the structure of a seal guide. It is explanatory drawing explaining the detail of the seal guide which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, (A) is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the structure of a seal guide, (B) is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the state which bonded the board | substrate. Explanatory drawing explaining the detail of the seal guide which concerns on a modification. The structure of the liquid crystal device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment is shown, (A) is a schematic plan view, (B) is a schematic sectional drawing in alignment with the CC broken line of the same figure (A). It is explanatory drawing explaining the detail of the seal guide which concerns on 3rd Embodiment, (A) is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the structure of a seal guide, (B) is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the state which bonded the board | substrate. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a manufacturing process of a liquid crystal device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating a manufacturing process of a liquid crystal device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating a manufacturing process of a liquid crystal device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating a manufacturing process of a liquid crystal device according to a third embodiment. The schematic sectional drawing which shows the other shape and combination of the seal guide which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. The schematic sectional drawing which shows the other shape and combination of the seal guide which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. The schematic sectional drawing which shows the other shape and combination of the seal guide which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. The structure of the liquid crystal device which concerns on 4th Embodiment is shown, (A) is a schematic plan view, (B) is a schematic sectional drawing in alignment with the DD broken line of the same figure (A). The schematic sectional drawing which shows the detail of the seal guide which concerns on 4th Embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the state of multiple chamfering of the liquid crystal device which concerns on 4th Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a manufacturing process of a liquid crystal device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating a manufacturing process of a liquid crystal device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating a manufacturing process of a liquid crystal device according to a fourth embodiment. Explanatory drawing which illustrates the electronic device which concerns on 5th Embodiment. Explanatory drawing which illustrates the electronic device which concerns on 5th Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings used for the following description, the ratio of dimensions of each member is appropriately changed so that each member has a recognizable size.
(First embodiment)

(Liquid crystal device)
1A and 1B show a configuration of a liquid crystal device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1A is a schematic plan view, and FIG. 1B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. is there. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing details of the seal guide according to the present embodiment.
In the liquid crystal device 2 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the spacer 22 is mixed between the first substrate (front side substrate) 12 and the second substrate (back side substrate) 14 with the liquid crystal 10 interposed therebetween. It is bonded and integrated with a sealing material 16. Thus, the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14 facing each other are bonded together by the sealing material 16 mixed with the spacer 22, and the spacer 22 between the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14 is mixed. The liquid crystal 10 is sandwiched in an area surrounded by the material 16, and a display area 18 is formed in the area. The sealing material 16 mixed with the spacer 22 is held by a seal guide 20 provided in an annular shape on the peripheral edge of the first substrate 12.

Spacers 22 for defining the thickness of the liquid crystal 10 are mixed in the sealing material 16. The spacer 22 is mixed in the sealing material 16 between the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14 that sandwich the liquid crystal 10 so that the distance between the substrates is uniform. A cell gap between the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14 is defined by the spacer 22.
The spacer 22 is a spherical or cylindrical particle made of silica, alumina, synthetic resin, or the like. When the spacer is particulate like the spacer 22, it is possible to prevent the adhesion between the sealing material 16 and the second substrate 14 from being lowered. Further, when the spacer is a spherical particle like the spacer 22, the spacers are preferably prevented from overlapping each other. The diameter of the spacer 22 is usually about 3 to 10 μm, and is determined according to a required cell gap in design. The hardness of the spacer 22 is set to be higher than the hardness of the first partition wall 24 and the second partition wall 26 constituting the seal guide 20.
The spacer 22 may be surface-treated with a silane coupling agent containing a functional group that crosslinks with the sealing material 16. In this way, the spacer 22 can be uniformly mixed in the sealing material 16 by improving the dispersion affinity (adhesion) between the spacer 22 and the sealing material 16.

The first substrate 12 includes a first base material 28, a front electrode 30, an alignment film 32, and the like. A translucent front electrode 30 is formed on one surface of a first base material 28 made of a translucent material such as glass or plastic, and an alignment film 32 for controlling the alignment of liquid crystal is formed thereon.
Similarly, the second substrate 14 includes a second base material 34, a back electrode 36, an alignment film 38, and the like. A translucent back electrode 36 is formed on one surface of a second base material 34 made of a translucent material such as glass or plastic, and an alignment film 38 for controlling the alignment of the liquid crystal is formed thereon.

On the alignment film 32 of the first substrate 12, an annular seal guide 20 is formed along the outer periphery of the display region 18 that extends in the thickness direction of the first substrate 12.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the seal guide 20 includes a first partition wall 24 and a second partition wall 26. The first partition wall 24 extends in the thickness direction of the first substrate 12 so as to surround the outer periphery of the display region 18. The first partition wall 24 is adjacent to the liquid crystal 10 on one wall surface and adjacent to the sealing material 16 mixed with the spacer 22 on the other wall surface. The second partition wall 26 extends in the thickness direction of the first substrate 12 so as to surround the outer periphery of the first partition wall 24. Further, the second partition wall 26 has a wall surface facing a wall surface adjacent to the sealing material 16 mixed with the spacer 22 of the first partition wall 24. In such a configuration, the groove portion 40 having the first partition wall 24 and the second partition wall 26 as side walls and the alignment film 32 as a bottom surface is defined in the seal guide 20.
In the seal guide 20, the minimum dimension (seal line width) of the outer side wall of the first partition wall 24 and the outer side wall of the second partition wall 26 is set to the order of 100 μm (200 to 300 μm). And the dimension of the inner side wall of the 1st partition 24 and the dimension of the inner side wall of the 2nd partition 26 is suitably set by the dimension of 50-2000 micrometers.

A spacer 22 is disposed in the groove 40 to define a cell gap between the two substrates.
Further, the sealing material 16 is arranged in an annular shape so as to cover the spacer 22 in the groove portion 40, and the liquid crystal 10 is sandwiched between the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14 by curing the sealing material 16. They are pasted together.

As the material of the sealing material 16, a photocurable epoxy resin, a photocurable acrylic resin, a thermosetting epoxy resin, a photothermosetting epoxy acrylate resin, a two-component epoxy resin, or the like can be used.
In addition, as a material of the seal guide 20, a photosensitive epoxy resin, a photosensitive polyimide resin, a photosensitive acrylic resin, or the like can be used. Further, as a material of the seal guide 20, an inorganic insulator film such as a silicon oxide film or a silicon nitride film can be used.

(Manufacturing method of liquid crystal device)
Next, an example of a manufacturing method in the liquid crystal device 2 according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing a multi-chamfered state of the liquid crystal device according to the present embodiment, FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a manufacturing process of the liquid crystal device according to the present embodiment, and FIGS. It is a schematic explanatory drawing explaining the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal device which concerns on a form.
In the case of manufacturing the liquid crystal device 2 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a method of forming a plurality of liquid crystal devices at once using a large base material called a mother substrate (this method is referred to as “multiple methods”). (Sometimes called “chamfering”). In this method, a mother first substrate 12a in which electrodes and wirings are collectively formed in order to obtain the first substrate 12 of the liquid crystal device 2 and a second substrate 14 of the liquid crystal device 2 are provided with electrodes and wiring. A mother second substrate 14a in which wirings are collectively formed is used.
The mother first substrate 12a and the mother second substrate 14a are bonded to each other with the liquid crystal interposed therebetween, and then cut along the scribe lines G1 and G2 to be separated into the respective liquid crystal devices 2.

Hereinafter, according to the flowchart of FIG. 4, the manufacturing process will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. Here, one liquid crystal device in multi-face drawing is illustrated and described.
As shown in FIG. 5A, the front electrode 30 and the wiring are formed on the surface of the first base material 28 made of a translucent material such as glass or plastic (step S10). The front electrode 30 and the wiring are formed by sputtering a light-transmitting conductive film such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) on one surface of the first base material 28 and etching it. Next, the alignment film 32 is formed on the front electrode 30 (step S20). The alignment film 32 is formed by applying or printing a polyimide resin, for example. Subsequently, a rubbing process is performed on the alignment film 32 (step S30). In this way, the first substrate 12 is formed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 5B, a photosensitive resin film 42 such as a photosensitive epoxy resin is applied on the alignment film 32 of the first substrate 12. Then, the photosensitive resin film 42 is exposed using a photomask 44 in which the outer shape of the annular seal guide is formed.
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5C, the photosensitive resin film 42 is developed to form the seal guide 20 having the first partition wall 24 and the second partition wall 26 (step S40).
It is also possible to form the seal guide 20 using a multi-tone exposure technique. In this case, the seal guide 20 can be formed in a lump without providing the groove 40 forming step. Further, the seal guide 20 may be formed of a thermoplastic resin, a photosensitive resin, or the like using nanoimprint technology. Further, the rubbing process may be performed after the seal guide 20 is formed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6A, the sealing material 16 made of an ultraviolet curable epoxy resin mixed with the spacer 22 is annularly applied to the annular groove 40 of the seal guide 20 (step S50). The sealing material 16 mixed with the spacers 22 is arranged in a single stroke in the groove 40 using a dispenser without any breaks. At this time, the sealing material 16 mixed with the spacer 22 is formed in a closed ring shape having no liquid crystal injection port.
Then, the liquid crystal 10 is dropped on a region surrounded by the inside of the seal guide 20 (step S60). As a dropping method of the liquid crystal 10, a dispenser, an inkjet head, or the like can be used. Further, the arrangement of the liquid crystal 10 may be an arrangement such as an arrangement at the center of the application region or a large number of arrangements over the entire application region.

  Here, although not shown, a second substrate is formed in the same process as the first substrate 12. That is, the back electrode 36 and the wiring are formed on the surface of the second base material 34 made of a light transmissive material such as glass or plastic (step S110). The back electrode 36 and the wiring are formed by sputtering a light-transmitting conductive film such as ITO on one surface of the second base material 34 and etching it. Next, the alignment film 38 is formed on the back electrode 36 (step S120). The alignment film 38 is formed by applying or printing a polyimide resin, for example. Subsequently, a rubbing process is performed on the alignment film 38 (step S130). In this way, the second substrate 14 is formed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6B, the second substrate 14 is placed on the first substrate 12. At this time, since the spacer 22 for defining the thickness of the liquid crystal 10 is mixed in the sealing material 16, the cell gap between the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14 is defined by the spacer 22. The Above the second substrate 14, a metal mask 46 having an opening 46 a that opens a portion where the sealing material 16 mixed with the spacer 22 is arranged is arranged, and ultraviolet rays are irradiated from above. And the sealing material 16 hardens | cures and the 1st board | substrate 12 and the 2nd board | substrate 14 can be bonded together on both sides of the liquid crystal 10 (step S210). In this manner, by arranging the metal mask 46 and irradiating the ultraviolet rays, the liquid crystal 10 is not irradiated with the ultraviolet rays and the liquid crystal 10 is not deteriorated. Further, the seal guide 20 may contain an absorbing agent or a coloring pigment that absorbs ultraviolet rays. In this way, even if ultraviolet rays are irregularly reflected by the spacer 22, it is possible to prevent the ultraviolet rays from leaking from the seal guide 20 to the liquid crystal 10.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6C, the bonded multi-surface mother substrate is cut and separated into individual liquid crystal devices 2 (step S220).
After step S220, cleaning is performed, and a polarizing plate is mounted on the surfaces of the first base material 28 and the second base material 34, and a liquid crystal driving IC is mounted via an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) or the like. You may comprise as.

As described above, according to the liquid crystal device 2 of the present embodiment, the seal guide 20 formed on the first substrate 12 includes the first partition wall 24 and the second partition wall 26, and the first partition wall 24 and the second partition wall 26. The first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14 are bonded together by disposing the sealing material 16 mixed with the spacer 22 in the groove portion 40 defined by the partition wall 26.
By adopting a cell structure in which the spacer 22 is disposed between the first partition wall 24 and the second partition wall 26, accurate cell gap control can be performed.
From this, it is possible to prevent the display quality of the liquid crystal device 2 from deteriorating, such as display unevenness and alignment abnormality.

Further, since the first partition wall 24 and the second partition wall 26 are formed, the amount of the sealing material 16 protruding from the first partition wall 24 to the liquid crystal 10 injection side can be reduced.
Accordingly, the amount of the sealing material 16 that protrudes to the injection side of the liquid crystal 10 is reduced, and the elution of the resin and additive components contained in the sealing material 16 can be minimized by contact with the liquid crystal 10, and display unevenness and orientation abnormality Thus, it is possible to prevent the display quality of the liquid crystal device 2 from deteriorating. In particular, when the dropping injection method of the liquid crystal 10 is employed, the amount of the sealing material 16 that protrudes to the injection side of the liquid crystal 10 is small and the contact between the liquid crystal 10 and the uncured sealing material 16 can be reduced.

  Further, since the sealing material 16 can be disposed in the groove portion 40, the sealing material 16 does not flow out of the groove portion 40, and the photocurable resin, thermosetting resin, photothermal A sealing material 16 made of a curable resin can be used. From this, the selection range of the sealing material 16 is expanded, and a sealing material suitable for the application can be used.

In the above embodiment, the seal guide 20 is formed on the alignment film 32, but the seal guide 20 may be formed on the first substrate 28.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing another arrangement example of the alignment film on the first substrate according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7A, an annular seal guide 20 is formed on the first base material 28 using photolithography technology, and thereafter, in a region surrounded by the seal guide 20 using a dispenser, an inkjet head, or the like. An alignment film 32 is applied. In this way, the alignment film 32 can be formed only in a necessary region, and the height accuracy of the seal guide 20 that defines the cell gap can be ensured.
Similarly, as shown in FIG. 7B, an annular seal guide 20 is formed on the first base material 28 using a photolithographic technique, and then an alignment film 32 is applied using a spin coater, a spray, or the like. Also good. In this way, the height accuracy of the seal guide 20 that defines the cell gap can be ensured, and the alignment film 32 can be easily formed.

  In the present embodiment, the sealing material 16 mixed with the spacer 22 is dropped and disposed in the annular groove 40 of the seal guide 20, and the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14 are bonded and cured and bonded. After the dispersion liquid of the spacer 22 or the spacer 22 is dropped in the annular groove 40 of the seal guide 20, the sealing material 16 is dropped in the annular groove 40 of the seal guide 20 in which the spacer 22 is arranged. And the second substrate 14 may be bonded and cured and bonded. In addition, after the sealing material 16 is dropped into the annular groove 40 of the seal guide 20, the spacer 22 is dropped into the sealing material 16 of the annular groove 40 of the seal guide 20 where the sealing material 16 is disposed, and the first The substrate 12 and the second substrate 14 may be bonded and cured and bonded.

In this embodiment, a metal mask 46 having an opening 46a having an opening at a portion where the sealing material 16 mixed with the spacer 22 is disposed is disposed above the second substrate 14, and ultraviolet rays are irradiated from above. Alternatively, a metal mask having an opening in which a portion where the sealing material 16 mixed with the spacer 22 is disposed is disposed below the first substrate 12 and an ultraviolet ray may be irradiated from below. Moreover, you may irradiate an ultraviolet-ray from both sides.
(Second Embodiment)

(Liquid crystal device)
Next, the liquid crystal device according to the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, only the shape of the seal guide is different from that of the first embodiment, and common constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment to simplify the description.
8A and 8B show the configuration of the liquid crystal device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8A is a schematic plan view, and FIG. 8B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. is there. 9 shows the configuration of the seal guide according to the present embodiment, FIG. 9A is a side view seen from the direction of the arrow in FIG. 8A, and FIG. 9B shows the configuration of the seal guide. FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory view for explaining the details of the seal guide according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10A is a schematic sectional view showing the configuration of the seal guide, and FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows a state.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the liquid crystal device 4 according to the present embodiment is integrated by bonding the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14 with a sealant 16 mixed with a spacer 22 with the liquid crystal 10 interposed therebetween. It is a thing. The sealing material 16 mixed with the spacers 22 is held by a seal guide 48 provided in an annular shape on the peripheral edge of the first substrate 12.

On the alignment film 32 of the first substrate 12, an annular seal guide 48 is formed along the outer periphery of the display region 18 that extends in the thickness direction of the first substrate 12. As shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10, the seal guide 48 includes a first partition wall 50 and a second partition wall 52. The first partition 50 extends in the thickness direction of the first substrate 12 so as to surround the outer periphery of the display region 18. The first partition wall 50 is adjacent to the liquid crystal 10 on one wall surface and adjacent to the sealing material 16 mixed with the spacer 22 on the other wall surface. The second partition 52 extends in the thickness direction of the first substrate 12 so as to surround the outer periphery of the first partition 50. Further, the second partition wall 52 has a wall surface facing a wall surface adjacent to the sealing material 16 mixed with the spacer 22 of the first partition wall 50.
The relationship between the height H1 of the first partition 50 and the height H2 of the second partition 52 is such that H1> H2. Therefore, the cell gap between the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14 is defined by the height H1 of the first partition wall 50. In such a configuration, the seal guide 48 is defined with a groove 54 having the first partition wall 50 and the second partition wall 52 as side walls and the alignment film 32 as a bottom surface.
In the seal guide 48, the minimum dimension (seal line width) of the outer side wall of the first partition wall 50 and the outer side wall of the second partition wall 52 is set to the order of 100 μm (200 to 300 μm). And the dimension of the inner side wall of the 1st partition 50 and the inner side wall of the 2nd partition 52 is suitably set by the dimension of 50-2000 micrometers.

The sealing material 16 mixed with the spacer 22 is arranged in an annular shape in the groove portion 54, and the liquid crystal 10 is sandwiched between the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14 by curing the sealing material 16. ing.
At this time, as shown in FIG. 10B, the excess sealing material 16 protrudes to the second partition 52 side, which is lower than the first partition 50, and is cured.
The difference in height between the first partition wall 50 and the second partition wall 52 is such that the seal material 16 does not flow out of the second partition wall 52 when the sealing material 16 is disposed in the groove 54. Is formed. For this reason, the difference in height between the first partition wall 50 and the second partition wall 52 is appropriately set depending on the viscosity of the sealing material 16.
Note that the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal device of the present embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

As described above, in the liquid crystal device 4 of the present embodiment, the first partition 12 and the second substrate 14 are bonded together because the second partition 52 is formed lower than the height of the first partition 50. In this case, the excess sealing material 16 protrudes from the second partition wall 52. That is, the amount of the sealing material 16 that protrudes from the first partition 50 to the liquid crystal 10 injection side can be reduced.
Therefore, the amount of the sealing material 16 that protrudes to the injection side of the liquid crystal 10 is reduced, and the elution from the resin and additive components contained in the sealing material 16 can be reduced as much as possible by contact with the liquid crystal 10, and display unevenness and orientation It is possible to prevent the display quality of the liquid crystal device 4 from deteriorating, such as an abnormality.

(Modification)
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating details of the seal guide according to the present modification.
The relationship between the height H1 of the first partition wall 50 and the height H2 of the second partition wall 52 in the above embodiment is such that H1> H2, but the height of the second partition wall 52 in this modification is A part thereof is selectively formed lower than the height of the first partition wall 50. That is, as shown in FIG. 11, the relationship between the height H1 of the first partition wall 50, the height H1 of the second partition wall 52, and a part of the height H2 is such that H1> H2. For this reason, the cell gap between the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14 is defined by the height H1 of the first partition 50 and the height H1 of the second partition 52. Accordingly, accurate cell gap control can be performed, and the amount of the sealing material 16 protruding from the first partition 50 to the liquid crystal 10 injection side can be reduced.
(Third embodiment)

(Liquid crystal device)
Next, the liquid crystal device according to the present embodiment will be described. The present embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments in that seal guides are provided on both the first substrate and the second substrate, and other common components are the same as those in the first embodiment. The same reference numerals are attached to simplify the description.
12A and 12B show the configuration of the liquid crystal device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 12A is a schematic plan view, and FIG. 12B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. is there. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the details of the seal guide according to the present embodiment. FIG. 13A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the seal guide, and FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing in a state.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the liquid crystal device 6 according to the present embodiment is obtained by bonding and integrating the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14 with the liquid crystal 10 interposed therebetween. At the time of bonding, seal guides 56 and 58 are formed on both substrates, the seal material 16 in which the spacer 22 is mixed is disposed on the seal guides 56 and 58, and the seal material 16 is cured to thereby cure the first substrate 12. And the second substrate 14 are bonded together.

The first substrate 12 includes a first base material 28, a front electrode 30, an alignment film 32, and the like. A translucent front electrode 30 is formed on one surface of a first base material 28 made of a translucent material such as glass or plastic, and an alignment film 32 for controlling the alignment of liquid crystal is formed thereon.
Similarly, the second substrate 14 includes a second base material 34, a back electrode 36, an alignment film 38, and the like. A translucent back electrode 36 is formed on one surface of a second base material 34 made of a translucent material such as glass or plastic, and an alignment film 38 for controlling the alignment of the liquid crystal is formed thereon.

On the alignment film 32 of the first substrate 12, an annular seal guide 56 is formed along the outer periphery of the display region 18 that extends in the thickness direction of the first substrate 12.
As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the seal guide 56 includes a first partition wall 60 and a second partition wall 62. The first partition wall 60 extends in the thickness direction of the first substrate 12 so as to surround the outer periphery of the display region 18. The second partition wall 62 extends in the thickness direction of the first substrate 12 so as to surround the outer periphery of the first partition wall 60. The first partition wall 60 and the second partition wall 62 are formed at the same height and define a cell gap between the two substrates. In such a configuration, the seal guide 56 is defined with a groove portion 64 having the first partition wall 60 and the second partition wall 62 as side walls and the surface of the alignment film 32 as a bottom surface.
In the seal guide 56, the minimum dimension (seal line width) of the outer side wall of the first partition wall 60 and the outer side wall of the second partition wall 62 is set to the order of 100 μm (200 to 300 μm). And the dimension of the side wall inside the 1st partition 60 and the side wall inside the 2nd partition 62 is suitably set by the dimension of 50-2000 micrometers.

Similarly, on the alignment film 38 of the second substrate 14, an annular seal guide 58 is formed along the outer periphery of the display region 18 extending in the thickness direction of the second substrate 14.
As shown in FIG. 13, the seal guide 58 includes a third partition wall 66 and a fourth partition wall 68. The third partition 66 extends in the thickness direction of the second substrate 14 so as to surround the outer periphery of the display region 18. The fourth partition wall 68 extends in the thickness direction of the second substrate 14 so as to surround the outer periphery of the third partition wall 66. The third partition wall 66 and the fourth partition wall 68 are formed at the same height.

Further, assuming that the outer width dimension of the seal guide 56 is W1 and the inner width dimension of the seal guide 58 is W2, W1 <W2. Further, assuming that the height H3 of the first partition wall 60 and the second partition wall 62 is H3 and the height H4 of the third partition wall 66 and the fourth partition wall 68 is H3> H4. In the state in which the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14 are bonded together, the outside of the first partition wall 60 and the inside of the third partition wall 66, and the outside of the second partition wall 62 and the fourth partition wall 68. It is formed at a position where it touches the inside.
Here, the position where each partition comes into contact includes a position having a minute gap between the partition walls, and when the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14 are bonded together, the sealing material 16 penetrates into the gap. The state to do is preferable.

Thus, the seal guides 56 and 58 are provided on both the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14, and the sealing material 16 that protrudes from the first partition 60 to the liquid crystal injection side is the first partition 60 and the third partition. The amount of the sealing material 16 that is held between the partition walls 66 and can contact the liquid crystal 10 can be reduced.
Further, since the protruding sealing material 16 is held between the first partition wall 60 and the third partition wall 66 and between the second partition wall 62 and the fourth partition wall 68, the adhesion area increases. The bonding strength between the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14 can be improved. Further, the seal guide 58 can serve as a guide in bonding the substrates to improve the bonding accuracy of the substrates.

(Manufacturing method of liquid crystal device)
Next, an example of a manufacturing method in the liquid crystal device 6 according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining a manufacturing process of the liquid crystal device according to the present embodiment, and FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 are schematic explanatory views for explaining a manufacturing process of the liquid crystal device according to the present embodiment.
The liquid crystal device 6 is also manufactured by multi-chamfering. After the mother first substrate and the mother second substrate are bonded with the liquid crystal sandwiched therebetween, they are cut and separated into the respective liquid crystal devices 6. Yes.

Hereinafter, the manufacturing process will be described with reference to FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 according to the flowchart of FIG. Here, one liquid crystal device in multi-face drawing is illustrated and described.
As shown in FIG. 15A, the front electrode 30 and the wiring are formed on the surface of the first base material 28 (step S310). Next, the alignment film 32 is formed on the front electrode 30 (step S320). Subsequently, a rubbing process is performed on the alignment film 32 (step S330). In this way, the first substrate 12 is formed.
Next, as shown in FIG. 15B, a photosensitive resin film 42 is applied on the alignment film 32 of the first substrate 12. Then, the photosensitive resin film 42 is exposed using a photomask 44 in which the outer shape of the annular seal guide is formed.
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 15C, the photosensitive resin film 42 is developed to form the seal guide 56 having the first partition wall 60 and the second partition wall 62 (step S340).

On the other hand, the second substrate 14 is formed by a similar manufacturing process. As shown in FIG. 16A, the back electrode 36, wiring, and the like are formed on the surface of the second base material 34 (step S410). Next, the alignment film 38 is formed on the back electrode 36 (step S420). Subsequently, a rubbing process is performed on the alignment film 38 (step S430). In this way, the second substrate 14 is formed.
Next, as shown in FIG. 16B, a photosensitive resin film 42 is applied on the alignment film 38 of the second substrate 14. Then, the photosensitive resin film 42 is exposed using a photomask 44 in which the outer shape of the annular seal guide is formed.
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 16C, the photosensitive resin film 42 is developed to form the seal guide 58 having the third partition wall 66 and the fourth partition wall 68 (step S440).
Note that the seal guides 56 and 58 may be formed of a thermoplastic resin, a photosensitive resin, or the like using nanoimprint technology. Further, the rubbing process may be performed after the seal guides 56 and 58 are formed.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 17A, the sealing material 16 made of an ultraviolet curable epoxy resin mixed with the spacer 22 is applied to the annular groove portion 64 of the seal guide 56 (step S350). The sealing material 16 in which the spacer 22 is mixed is arranged in a single stroke with a single stroke in the groove portion 64 using a dispenser.
Then, the liquid crystal 10 is dropped on a region surrounded by the inside of the seal guide 56 (step S360). As a dropping method of the liquid crystal 10, a dispenser, an inkjet head, or the like can be used. Further, the arrangement of the liquid crystal 10 may be an arrangement such as an arrangement at the center of the application region or a large number of arrangements over the entire application region.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 17B, the second substrate 14 is placed on the first substrate 12. At this time, since the spacer 22 for defining the thickness of the liquid crystal 10 is mixed in the sealing material 16, the cell gap between the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14 is defined by the spacer 22. The Above the second substrate 14, a metal mask 46 having an opening 46 a that opens a portion where the sealing material 16 mixed with the spacer 22 is arranged is arranged, and ultraviolet rays are irradiated from above. And the sealing material 16 hardens | cures and the 1st board | substrate 12 and the 2nd board | substrate 14 can be bonded together on both sides of the liquid crystal 10 (step S510). Thus, by arranging the metal mask 46 and irradiating ultraviolet rays, the liquid crystal 10 is not irradiated with ultraviolet rays and the liquid crystal 10 is not deteriorated. Furthermore, the seal guides 56 and 58 can be prevented from leaking ultraviolet rays from the seal guides 56 and 58 into the liquid crystal 10 by containing an absorbing agent or a color pigment that absorbs ultraviolet rays.

Next, as shown in FIG. 17C, the bonded multi-chamber mother substrate is cut and separated into individual liquid crystal devices 6 (step S520).
In addition, after step S520, cleaning may be performed so that polarizing plates are mounted on the surfaces of the first base material 28 and the second base material 34, and a liquid crystal driving IC may be mounted via an FPC or the like to constitute a liquid crystal device. Good.

As described above, according to the liquid crystal device 6 of the present embodiment, the first partition 60 is formed on the first substrate 12 and the second partition 62 is formed outside the first partition 12, and the third partition 66 and the fourth partition are formed on the second substrate 14. The partition wall 68 is formed. The third partition wall 66 is provided at a position where the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14 are bonded to each other, and the sealing material 16 in which the spacer 22 is mixed is disposed in the groove portion 64. The first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14 are bonded together.
Thus, the sealing material 16 that protrudes from the first partition wall 60 to the liquid crystal injection side is held between the first partition wall 60 and the third partition wall 66, and the amount of the sealing material 16 that can contact the liquid crystal 10 is reduced. Can be reduced.
Therefore, the amount of the sealing material 16 that can come into contact with the liquid crystal 10 is reduced, and the elution from the resin and additive components contained in the sealing material 16 can be reduced as much as possible by contact with the liquid crystal 10, and display unevenness and orientation abnormality Thus, it is possible to prevent the display quality of the liquid crystal device 6 from deteriorating.

Next, other shapes and combinations of seal guides formed on the first substrate and the second substrate will be described.
18, 19 and 20 are schematic cross-sectional views showing other shapes and combinations of seal guides according to the present embodiment. 18A to 18C, the first partition wall 60 and the second partition wall 62 formed on the first substrate 12 have the same configuration as that of the third embodiment, and are formed on the second substrate 14. The structure of the formed partition is different. In FIG. 18A, a third partition 66 that is in contact with the outside of the first partition 60 is formed on the second substrate 14. In FIG. 18B, a third partition wall 66 and a fourth partition wall 68 that are in contact with the inside of the first partition wall 60 and the second partition wall 62 are formed on the second substrate 14. In FIG. 18C, a third partition 66 that contacts the outside of the first partition 60 and a fourth partition 68 that contacts the inside of the second partition 62 are formed on the second substrate 14.

  According to such a configuration, since the first partition wall 60 and the third partition wall 66 are disposed in contact with each other, the spacer 22 is mixed between the first partition wall 60 and the third partition wall 66. The sealing material 16 is held, and the amount of the sealing material that can come into contact with the liquid crystal 10 can be reduced.

FIG. 19 shows a form in which a partition is added to the second substrate 14 side in addition to the seal guide described in the second embodiment.
FIG. 19 shows the first substrate 12 having a first partition wall 60 and a second partition wall 62 having a lower height than the first partition wall 60, and a third partition wall 66 in contact with the outside of the first partition wall 60. 14 is prepared.

  According to such a configuration, since the first partition wall 60 and the third partition wall 66 are disposed in contact with each other, the spacer 22 is mixed between the first partition wall 60 and the third partition wall 66. The sealing material 16 is held, and the amount of the sealing material that can come into contact with the liquid crystal 10 can be reduced.

Moreover, implementation as shown in FIG. 20 is also possible.
In FIG. 20, a first partition wall 60 and a second partition wall 62 are provided on the first substrate 12, and a seal guide connecting portion 70 that closes the groove 64 is provided on the second substrate 14.
According to such a configuration, since the application amount of the sealing material 16 can be reduced and a large bonding area can be secured, the bonding strength between the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14 can be improved.
(Fourth embodiment)

(Liquid crystal device)
Next, the liquid crystal device according to the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, unlike the first, second and third embodiments, an embodiment in a liquid crystal vacuum injection method will be described. Constituent elements common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and the description is simplified.
21A and 21B show the configuration of the liquid crystal device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 21A is a schematic plan view, and FIG. 21B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. is there. FIG. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating details of the seal guide according to the present embodiment.

In the liquid crystal device 8 according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14 are bonded and integrated with a sealing material 16 mixed with a spacer 22 with the liquid crystal 10 interposed therebetween. It is what. The sealing material 16 mixed with the spacer 22 is held by a seal guide 72 provided in an annular shape on the peripheral edge of the first substrate 12.
The first substrate 12 includes a first base material 28, a front electrode 30, an alignment film 32, and the like. A translucent front electrode 30 is formed on one surface of the first base material 28, and an alignment film 32 for controlling the alignment of the liquid crystal is formed thereon.
Similarly, the second substrate 14 includes a second base material 34, a back electrode 36, an alignment film 38, and the like. A translucent back electrode 36 is formed on one surface of the second base material 34, and an alignment film 38 for controlling the alignment of the liquid crystal is formed thereon.

On the alignment film 32 of the first substrate 12, a seal guide 72 is formed along the outer periphery of the display region 18 that extends in the thickness direction of the first substrate 12.
The seal guide 72 includes a first partition wall 74 and a second partition wall 76. The first partition 74 extends in the thickness direction of the first substrate 12 so as to surround the outer periphery of the display region 18. The second partition wall 76 extends in the thickness direction of the first substrate 12 so as to surround the outer periphery of the first partition wall 74. The first partition wall 74 and the second partition wall 76 are formed excluding the liquid crystal injection port 78, and the first partition wall 74 and the second partition wall 76 are connected by the liquid crystal injection port 78.
In the above embodiment, the seal guide 72 is formed on the alignment film 32, but the seal guide 72 may be formed on the first base material 28.

  In such a configuration, the seal guide 72 is defined with a groove 80 having the first partition wall 74 and the second partition wall 76 as side walls. The groove 80 has a closed groove shape in which the first partition 74 and the second partition 76 are connected at the liquid crystal injection port 78. For this reason, the sealing material 16 mixed with the spacer 22 applied to the groove 80 is formed so as to remain in the groove 80 and not flow out of the seal guide 72.

(Manufacturing method of liquid crystal device)
Next, an example of a manufacturing method in the liquid crystal device 8 according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 23 is an explanatory view showing a multi-chamfered state of the liquid crystal device according to the present embodiment, FIG. 24 is a flowchart for explaining a manufacturing process of the liquid crystal device according to the present embodiment, and FIGS. It is a schematic explanatory drawing explaining the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal device which concerns on a form.
When manufacturing the liquid crystal device 8 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, multi-chamfering is used in which a plurality of liquid crystal devices are collectively formed using a large base material called a mother substrate. . In this method, a mother first substrate 12a in which electrodes and wirings are collectively formed in order to obtain the first substrate 12 of the liquid crystal device 8 and a second substrate 14 of the liquid crystal device 8 are provided with electrodes and wiring. A mother second substrate 14a in which wirings are collectively formed is used.
Then, after the mother first substrate 12a and the mother second substrate 14a are bonded to each other with the liquid crystal interposed therebetween, they are cut along the scribe lines G1 and G2 and separated into the respective liquid crystal devices 8.

Hereinafter, the manufacturing process will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26 in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. Here, one liquid crystal device in multi-face drawing is illustrated and described.
As shown in FIG. 25A, the front electrode 30 and wiring are formed on the surface of the first base material 28 (step S610). Next, the alignment film 32 is formed on the front electrode 30 (step S620). In this way, subsequently, a rubbing process is performed on the alignment film 32 (step S630). In this way, the first substrate 12 is formed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 25B, a photosensitive resin film 42 is applied on the alignment film 32 of the first substrate 12. Then, the photosensitive resin film 42 is exposed using a photomask 44 in which the outer shape of the seal guide is formed.
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 25C, the photosensitive resin film 42 is developed to form a seal guide 72 having a first partition 74 and a second partition 76 (step S640).
Note that the seal guide 72 may be formed of a thermoplastic resin, a photosensitive resin, or the like using nanoimprint technology. Further, the rubbing process may be performed after the seal guide 72 is formed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 26A, the sealing material 16 made of an ultraviolet curable epoxy resin mixed with the spacer 22 is applied to the annular groove 80 of the seal guide 72 (step S650). The sealing material 16 in which the spacer 22 is mixed is arranged in a single stroke in the groove 80 using a dispenser.

  Here, although not shown, the second substrate 14 is formed in the same process as the first substrate 12. That is, the back electrode 36, wiring, and the like are formed on the surface of the second base material 34 (step S710). Next, the alignment film 38 is formed on the back electrode 36 (step S720). Subsequently, a rubbing process is performed on the alignment film 38 (step S730). In this way, the second substrate 14 is formed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 26B, the second substrate 14 is placed on the first substrate 12. At this time, since the spacer 22 for defining the thickness of the liquid crystal 10 is mixed in the sealing material 16, the cell gap between the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14 is defined by the spacer 22. The Above the second substrate 14, the portion where the sealing material 16 mixed with the spacer 22 is disposed is irradiated with ultraviolet rays. As a result, the sealing material 16 is cured and the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14 can be bonded together (step S810). In this way, a cell in which the liquid crystal inlet is opened is formed.
Then, the bonded multi-sided mother substrate is cut and separated into individual liquid crystal device units (step S820).

Next, as shown in FIG. 26C, the inside of the cell formed between the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14 is depressurized, the liquid crystal injection port is immersed in the liquid crystal surface, and the liquid crystal 10 is Injection into the cell (step S830).
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 26D, the liquid crystal injection port 78 is sealed with a sealing material 82 such as a photocurable epoxy resin or a photocurable acrylic resin (step S840). In this way, the liquid crystal device 8 is manufactured.
In addition, after step S840, cleaning may be performed so that a polarizing plate is mounted on the surfaces of the first base material 28 and the second base material 34, and a liquid crystal driving IC may be mounted via an FPC or the like to constitute a liquid crystal device. Good.

As described above, according to the liquid crystal device 8 of the present embodiment, the seal guide 72 formed on the first substrate 12 includes the first partition wall 74 and the second partition wall 76, and the first partition wall 74 and the second partition wall 76. The first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14 are bonded together by disposing the sealing material 16 mixed with the spacer 22 in the groove portion 80 defined by the partition wall 76.
Since the first partition 74 and the second partition 76 are formed, the amount of the sealing material 16 protruding from the first partition 74 to the liquid crystal 10 injection side can be reduced.
Therefore, the amount of the sealing material 16 that protrudes to the injection side of the liquid crystal 10 is reduced, and elution from the resin and additive components contained in the sealing material can be reduced as much as possible by contact with the liquid crystal. Deterioration of display quality of the liquid crystal device can be prevented.
Further, since the sealing material 16 can be disposed in the groove portion 80, the sealing material 16 does not flow out of the groove portion 80, and regardless of the viscosity of the sealing material 16, the photocurable resin, the thermosetting resin, the light heat A sealing material 16 made of a curable resin can be used. From this, the selection range of the sealing material 16 is expanded, and a sealing material suitable for the application can be used.

The liquid crystal devices according to the first to fourth embodiments can be used in any form of transmissive, reflective and transflective liquid crystal devices.
(Fifth embodiment)

(Electronics)
The above-described liquid crystal devices 2 to 8 can be employed in, for example, the display unit of the electronic device shown in FIGS.
FIG. 27A shows a configuration of a mobile personal computer 200 provided with the liquid crystal device 2. The personal computer 200 includes a liquid crystal device 2 and a main body 202. The main body unit 202 is provided with a power switch 204 and a keyboard 206.
FIG. 27B illustrates a structure of a mobile phone 300 including the liquid crystal device 2. The cellular phone 300 includes a plurality of operation buttons 302, scroll buttons 304, and the liquid crystal device 2 as a display unit. By operating the scroll button 304, the screen displayed on the liquid crystal device 2 is scrolled.
FIG. 28 shows a configuration of a projector 400 provided with the liquid crystal device 2. The projector 400 has a configuration in which the apparatus main body is surrounded by a housing 402, and a projection lens 406 that projects an image (image light) onto an external screen or the like is exposed on the front surface 404 of the housing 402. Yes. An operation panel 410 on which an input operation is performed by a user is provided on the upper surface 408 of the housing 402. A liquid crystal device (not shown) is employed as a light valve that emits image light into the housing 402.

Such an electronic device includes a liquid crystal device that can prevent deterioration in display quality of the liquid crystal device, such as display unevenness and alignment abnormality, and can provide an electronic device with good display quality.
The electronic device may be a digital camera, a digital video camera, an audio device, a liquid crystal television, a car navigation device, or the like.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2, 4, 6, 8 ... Liquid crystal device 10 ... Liquid crystal 12 ... 1st board | substrate 12a ... Mother 1st board | substrate 14 ... 2nd board | substrate 14a ... Mother 2nd board | substrate 16 ... Sealing material 18 ... Display area 20 ... Seal guide 22 ... Spacer DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 24 ... 1st partition 26 ... 2nd partition 28 ... 1st base material 30 ... Front electrode 32 ... Orientation film 34 ... 2nd base material 36 ... Back electrode 38 ... Orientation film 40 ... Groove part 42 ... Photosensitive resin film 44 ... Photomask 46 ... Metal mask 46a ... Opening 48 ... Seal guide 50 ... First partition wall 52 ... Second partition wall 54 ... Groove portion 56 ... Seal guide 58 ... Seal guide 60 ... First partition wall 62 ... Second partition wall 64: Groove 66 ... Third partition 68 ... Fourth partition 70 ... Seal guide connecting portion 72 ... Seal guide 74 ... First partition 76 ... Second partition 78 ... Liquid crystal injection Mouth portion 80 ... Groove portion 82 ... Sealing material 200 ... Personal computer 202 ... Main body portion 204 ... Power switch 206 ... Keyboard 300 ... Mobile phone 302 ... Operation button 304 ... Scroll button 400 ... Projector 402 ... Housing 404 ... Front 406 ... Projection lens 408 ... Top 410 ... Control panel.

Claims (12)

The first substrate and the second substrate that face each other are bonded together by a sealing material, and a liquid crystal is sandwiched in a region surrounded by the sealing material between the first substrate and the second substrate, and display is performed in the region. A liquid crystal device constituting a region,
A first partition provided on the second substrate side of the first substrate, adjacent to the liquid crystal on one wall surface, adjacent to the sealing material on the other wall surface, and provided along the outer periphery of the display region When,
The first substrate is provided on the second substrate side, has a wall surface facing the wall surface adjacent to the sealing material of the first partition wall, and is provided along the outer periphery of the first partition wall. A second partition,
A spacer mixed in the sealing material and defining a gap between the first substrate and the second substrate;
With
The liquid crystal, wherein the sealing material mixed with the spacer is filled between the first partition and the second partition, and the first substrate and the second substrate are bonded together. apparatus. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1,
The liquid crystal device, wherein the second partition is provided at least partially lower than the height of the first partition. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1 or 2,
Provided along the outer periphery of the display area, having a wall surface provided on the first substrate side of the second substrate and having a wall surface adjacent to the liquid crystal of the first partition wall or the sealing material of the first partition wall. A liquid crystal device comprising a third partition wall. The liquid crystal device according to claim 3.
The liquid crystal device, wherein a wall surface of the third partition wall is disposed so as to be in contact with a wall surface of the first partition wall. The liquid crystal device according to claim 4.
A fourth partition wall provided on the first substrate side of the second substrate and formed along the outer periphery of the third partition wall;
The liquid crystal device, wherein the fourth partition is provided at a position where the first substrate and the second substrate are bonded to each other in contact with the second partition. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1 or 2,
Provided on the first substrate side of the second substrate and connecting the wall surface of the first partition wall adjacent to the sealing material and the wall surface of the second partition wall facing the wall surface. It has a connecting part to fit,
The sealing material is filled in a space surrounded by the first partition wall, the second partition wall, and the connecting portion, and the first substrate and the second substrate are bonded to each other. Liquid crystal device. The liquid crystal device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The liquid crystal device, wherein the spacer is surface-treated with a compound containing a functional group that crosslinks the sealing material. The liquid crystal device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A liquid crystal device, wherein the groove filled with the sealing material is formed in an annular shape. The liquid crystal device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The liquid crystal device, wherein the sealing material is formed of a material selected from a photocurable resin, a thermosetting resin, and a photothermosetting resin. The liquid crystal device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The liquid crystal device, wherein the first partition and the second partition are made of a material selected from a photocurable resin, a thermosetting resin, and a photothermosetting resin. The liquid crystal device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the material forming the first partition and the second partition includes a light absorber or a color pigment.   An electronic apparatus comprising the liquid crystal device according to claim 1.

Images