JPWO2008035421A1 - Liquid crystal display panel and manufacturing method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display panel in which liquid crystal is sealed between a pair of opposing substrates and a method for manufacturing the same. The purpose is to do. A sealant is applied onto the lower substrate 12 by a dispenser to form first to fourth seal portions 71, 73, 75, 77 on the lower substrate 12. When the upper and lower substrates 10 and 12 are bonded together, the first slit 65 is surrounded by the first seal portion 71 without a break, and the second slit 67 is surrounded by the fourth seal portion 77 without a break.

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display panel in which liquid crystal is sealed between a pair of opposing substrates and a method for manufacturing the same.

  In recent years, liquid crystal display elements using liquid crystals have deeply penetrated into daily life. As an operation method of the liquid crystal display element, there are a TN (Twisted Nematic) method, an STN (Super Twisted Nematic) method, a TSTN (Triple Super Twisted Nematic) method, and the like. In any of the operation methods, the liquid crystal display element has a pair of substrates each provided with an electrode and a liquid crystal sealed between the pair of substrates.

  A glass substrate is generally used as the substrate. A liquid crystal display element using a film substrate (plastic substrate) formed of a transparent special resin has also been realized. A liquid crystal display element using a plastic substrate can be made thinner and lighter than a liquid crystal display element using a glass substrate. Furthermore, since it has sufficient flexibility, it has high durability and is resistant to bending. The strength is also great.

  In general, a liquid crystal display element is manufactured by bonding a pair of substrates each having an electrode, injecting liquid crystal between the pair of substrates to produce a liquid crystal display panel, and processing the liquid crystal display panel.

  In the step of bonding the pair of substrates, a sealing agent is applied to one substrate, the other substrate is opposed to the one substrate, both substrates are pressurized from both sides, and the sealing agent is cured. The pair of substrates is pressed by physical pressing from both sides, sealing in a vacuum pack, or the like.

  However, in the method of physically pressurizing a pair of substrates from both sides, nonuniform pressure in the substrate plane is unavoidable. For this reason, there is a problem that the cell gap becomes non-uniform and the display quality of the liquid crystal display panel deteriorates. In addition, if there are foreign substances such as particles on the substrate, there is a problem that the substrate is damaged by pressurization or the substrate is distorted, resulting in a decrease in the manufacturing yield of the liquid crystal display panel. As the liquid crystal display element is made thinner, the above-described problems become more serious. Further, when a plastic substrate is used, the above-described problem is remarkably generated as compared with a case where a glass substrate is used.

  Further, when mass production is taken into consideration, it is necessary to perform so-called multi-sided manufacturing, in which a plurality of liquid crystal display panels are manufactured from a pair of substrates. It is desired that the above-mentioned problem be solved even when performing multi-chamfering.

Japanese Patent No. 3077404 JP 2002-287157 A Japanese Patent No. 2511341 JP 05-265014 A JP 07-318957 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 08-201747

  An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display panel that can be mass-produced at a high production yield and that can provide high display quality, and a method for producing the same.

  The purpose is to form a first terminal portion for each of a plurality of panel regions on the first substrate, and to form a first slit in a portion facing the first terminal portion of the second substrate bonded to the first substrate. A first seal portion that forms an opening in a region other than the plurality of panel regions of the first or second substrate, and surrounds the first slit or the portion facing the first slit without any breaks; and the opening A first seal or a second substrate, and a second seal portion surrounding the plurality of panel regions and a third seal portion surrounding each outer peripheral portion of the plurality of panel regions. The first substrate and the second substrate are opposed to each other through the first to third seal portions so that the first terminal portion and the first slit are opposed to each other, and the opening portion is interposed therebetween. Reducing the pressure between the first and second substrates. Further, the first and second substrates are bonded together, liquid crystal is injected into each panel region between the first and second substrates and sealed, and the first and second substrates are divided into each panel region. This is achieved by a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel.

  The above-described object may be formed on the outer peripheral portion between the first and second substrates, the first and second substrates disposed opposite to each other, the liquid crystal sealed between the first and second substrates, and the first and second substrates. It is achieved by a liquid crystal display panel comprising: a seal portion that seals liquid crystal; and a first protruding seal portion that is branched from the seal portion and protrudes to substrate end surfaces of the first and second substrates. The

  According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a liquid crystal display panel which can be mass-produced with a high production yield and has a high display quality.

It is a flowchart which shows the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display panel 1 by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram (No. 1) for explaining a manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display panel 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention. It is FIG. (2) which shows the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display panel 1 by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is FIG. (3) which shows the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display panel 1 by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is FIG. (4) which shows the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display panel 1 by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is FIG. (5) which shows the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display panel 1 by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is FIG. (6) which shows the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display panel 1 by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is FIG. (7) which shows the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display panel 1 by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is FIG. (8) which shows the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display panel 1 by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is FIG. (9) which shows the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display panel 1 by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is FIG. (10) which shows the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display panel 1 by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is FIG. (11) which shows the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display panel 1 by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is FIG. (12) which shows the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display panel 1 by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the liquid crystal display panel 1 by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display panel 101 by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the liquid crystal display panel 101 by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,101 Liquid crystal display panel 10 Upper board | substrate 10 ', 12' Multi-sided board | substrates 10a and 12a Protrusion part 12 Lower board | substrate 13 Opening part 14 Panel area | region 16 Spacer 17 Scan electrode 17a First electrode terminal 19 Data electrode 19a Second electrode Terminal 20 Matching substrate 22, 24 Holding plate 24a Tube 23, 25 Silicon rubber 61 First terminal portion 63 Second terminal portion 65 First slit 65a, 67a Cut portion 67 Second slit 71 First seal portion 71a, 71b First protrusion Seal portion 71c, 77a Second projecting seal portion 73 Second seal portion 75 Third seal portion 75a Inlet 77 Fourth seal portion 79 Sealing portion 81 Space

[First Embodiment]
A liquid crystal display panel and a manufacturing method thereof according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, a manufacturing method of a liquid crystal display panel which is a premise of the present embodiment will be described. In the international application (PCT / JP2006 / 304343) by the present applicant, the following technique is proposed. In the method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to the application, an opening is formed in one or both of the pair of substrates before the substrate bonding step. The opening is formed outside a region (panel region) to be a liquid crystal display panel. Next, a sealing agent is applied to one of the substrates, and a seal portion that surrounds the panel region and the opening is formed on the one substrate. Next, the pair of substrates are opposed to each other through the seal portion, and the two substrates are aligned. Next, for example, the portion where the openings of the pair of substrates are formed is sandwiched between two holding plates to seal between the substrates. Next, the pressure between the pair of substrates is reduced through, for example, vacuum suction. Next, the bonding of the substrates is completed by firing the pair of substrates.

  According to this method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel, the pressure between the pair of substrates is reduced, whereby both substrates are uniformly pressurized by atmospheric pressure. Therefore, problems such as non-uniform cell gap and damage to the substrate as in the prior art do not occur. Accordingly, the pair of substrates can be favorably bonded and fixed.

  Here, when mass production is taken into consideration, it is necessary to apply the method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to the application to a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel that performs multi-cavity.

  The liquid crystal display panel has terminal portions of electrodes on one or both substrates. When multi-chamfering is performed, it is usually a problem how to expose the terminal portion. As one method for exposing the terminal portion, there is a method in which after a pair of substrates are bonded together, a portion of the substrate facing the terminal portion is cut and removed. However, there is a problem that it is extremely difficult to cut only one of the pair of substrates so as not to damage the terminal portion.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device that solves the above-described problems. In the method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display device disclosed in Patent Document 1, before bonding a pair of substrates, a slit is formed in a portion facing the terminal portion of the substrate facing the terminal portion. When the slit is formed in this manner and the pair of substrates are bonded together, the terminal portion is exposed by the slit.

  Therefore, since a step of cutting only one of the substrates after the pair of substrates is bonded is not necessary, the terminal portion is not damaged. Therefore, the display quality and the manufacturing yield of the liquid crystal display panel can be improved even when multi-planarization is performed.

  However, when the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display panel by the applicant of the present application and the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display device disclosed in Patent Document 1 are combined, the following problems arise. Since the slit is formed in one or both substrates, the pair of substrates is not sealed only by sandwiching the portion where the opening is formed by the two holding plates. In order to seal, the slits must be further closed. Therefore, it is difficult to make a sealed state between the pair of substrates. Accordingly, even if vacuum suction is performed, the pressure between the pair of substrates is not reduced, so that it is not possible to realize substrate bonding (bonding by reduced pressure) by reducing the pressure between the two substrates.

  The manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display panel according to the present embodiment solves the problem and makes it possible to perform bonding by reducing the pressure in the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display panel that performs multi-cavity.

  A method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a manufacturing process of a liquid crystal display panel according to the present embodiment. 2 to 13 are views showing a manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display panel according to the present embodiment.

  First, a manufacturing process (steps S1 (a) to S4 (a) in FIG. 1) on one substrate side of the liquid crystal display panel will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 2, a multi-sided substrate (first substrate) 12 ′ having a plurality of panel regions 14 is prepared. As the substrate 12 ′, for example, a plastic substrate such as a polycarbonate (PC) film substrate or a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film substrate, or a glass substrate is used. The substrate 12 'has a rectangular planar shape. The thickness of the substrate 12 'is 0.2 mm, for example. The plurality of panel regions 14 are arranged in a matrix of 3 rows in the long side direction (left and right direction in FIG. 2) of the substrate 12 ′ and 5 columns in the short side direction (up and down direction in FIG. 2). Each panel region 14 has, for example, a rectangular shape having a long side of 100 mm and a short side of 80 mm. The short side direction of the substrate 12 ′ and the long side direction of the panel region 14 are the same direction, and the long side direction of the substrate 12 ′ and the short side direction of the panel region 14 are the same direction.

  Next, a plurality of scanning electrodes 17 are formed for each of the plurality of panel regions 14 on the substrate 12 '(step S1 (a) in FIG. 1, patterning step). Thereby, the lower substrate 12 is produced. The plurality of scanning electrodes 17 in the same panel region 14 extend in the long side direction of the panel region 14 in parallel with each other. The scanning electrode 17 is formed in a strip shape. The scanning electrode 17 is made of, for example, indium tin oxide (ITO). One end portion (upper end portion in FIG. 2) of each scanning electrode 17 becomes the first electrode terminal 17a. A plurality of first electrode terminals 17a in the same panel region 14 constitute a first terminal portion 61 (enclosed by a rectangular frame in FIG. 2). Accordingly, each of the plurality of panel regions 14 has one first terminal portion 61. A predetermined gap is formed between adjacent panel regions 14.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the second slit 67 is formed for each of the plurality of panel regions 14 of the lower substrate 12 (step S2 (a) in FIG. 1, slit forming step). The second slit 67 is formed in a portion facing the terminal portion (second terminal portion) on the upper substrate side when the lower substrate 12 and an upper substrate described later are bonded together. Moreover, you may form also in the outer periphery of the said part. The second slit 67 extends in the long side direction of the panel region 14. The plurality of second slits 67 are formed at once, for example, by punching.

  In the present embodiment, the three second slits 67 of the three panel regions 14 belonging to the same column are formed separately from each other, but slits are also formed between the second slits 67 adjacent in the column direction. The three second slits 67 may be formed as one integral second slit 67. When the second slits 67 are formed in this way, one second slit 67 faces the three second terminal portions on the upper substrate side when the lower substrate 12 and the upper substrate are bonded.

  Next, an internal film such as an alignment film (not shown) for controlling the alignment of liquid crystal molecules is formed on the lower substrate 12 as necessary (step S3 (a) in FIG. 1; internal film forming step). .

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4, a sealant is applied onto the lower substrate 12 by a dispenser to form first to fourth seal portions 71, 73, 75, 77 on the lower substrate 12 (in FIG. 1). Step S4 (a); sealant application step). The first to fourth seal portions 71, 73, 75, 77 may be formed by screen printing a sealant on the lower substrate 12. As the sealing agent, an epoxy thermosetting resin, an acrylic ultraviolet curable resin, or the like is used.

  The first, third, and fourth seal portions 71, 75, and 77 are integrally formed for each of the plurality of panel regions 14. The 1st seal | sticker part 71 surrounds the 1st terminal part 61 and its circumference | surroundings seamlessly. The second seal portion 73 is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the lower substrate 12 and has a rectangular frame shape. The second seal portion 73 surrounds the plurality of panel regions 14 without a break.

  The third seal portion 75 surrounds each outer peripheral portion of the plurality of panel regions 14 and surrounds the plurality of scanning electrodes 17 except for the first terminal portion 61. A portion surrounded by the third seal portion 75 becomes a display portion of the liquid crystal display panel 1. The third seal portion 75 has an injection port 75a for injecting liquid crystal. The first seal portion 71 and the third seal portion 75 partially overlap and are arranged adjacent to each other in the vertical direction in FIG. The fourth seal portion 77 surrounds the second slit 67 without a break. The third seal portion 75 and the fourth seal portion 77 partially overlap and are arranged adjacent to each other on the left and right in FIG.

  Next, the manufacturing process (steps S1 (b) to S4 (b) in FIG. 1) on the other substrate side of the liquid crystal display panel will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 5, a multi-sided substrate (second substrate) 10 'having a plurality of panel regions 14 similar to the panel region 14 on the lower substrate 12 side is prepared. The substrate 10 ′ is made of, for example, the same material as the substrate 12 ′ and has substantially the same shape, size, and thickness as the substrate 12 ′. First, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of data electrodes 19 are formed for each of a plurality of panel regions 14 on the substrate 10 '(step S1 (b) in FIG. 1; patterning step). Thereby, the upper substrate 10 is formed. The plurality of data electrodes 19 in the same panel region 14 extend in the short side direction of the panel region 14 in parallel with each other. The data electrode 19 is formed in a strip shape. The data electrode 19 is made of, for example, ITO. One end of each data electrode 19 (the left end in FIG. 5) serves as the second electrode terminal 19a. A plurality of second electrode terminals 19a in the same panel region 14 constitute a second terminal portion 63. Accordingly, each of the plurality of panel regions 14 has one second terminal portion 63. A predetermined gap is formed between adjacent panel regions 14.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the 1st slit 65 is formed for every some panel area | region 14 of the upper board | substrate 10 (in FIG. 1, step S2 (b); slit formation process). The first slit 65 is formed in a portion facing the first terminal portion 61 when the upper substrate 10 and the lower substrate 12 are bonded together. Moreover, you may form also in the outer periphery of the said part. The first slit 65 extends in the short side direction of the panel region 14. The plurality of first slits 65 are formed at once, for example, by punching.

  In the present embodiment, the five first slits 65 of the five panel regions 14 belonging to the same row are formed separately from each other, but slits are also formed between the first slits 65 adjacent in the row direction. The five first slits 65 may be formed as one integral first slit 65. When the first slits 65 are formed in this way, one first slit 65 faces the five first terminal portions 61 when the upper substrate 10 and the lower substrate 12 are bonded together.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, in the same process as the formation of the plurality of first slits 65, the opening 13 is formed at the end of the upper substrate 10 (lower center in FIG. 6). The opening 13 is formed in a region surrounded by the second seal portion 73 without a break when the upper substrate 10 and the lower substrate 12 are bonded together. The opening 13 has a circular shape with a diameter of 4 mm, for example. The opening 13 may be formed in another location on the upper substrate 10 as long as it is an area other than the plurality of panel areas 14. Further, the opening 13 may be formed in the lower substrate 12 instead of the upper substrate 10.

  Next, an internal film such as an alignment film (not shown) for controlling the alignment of liquid crystal molecules is formed on the upper substrate 10 as necessary (step S3 (b) in FIG. 1; internal film forming step).

  Next, a spacer is sprayed on the upper substrate 10 (in FIG. 1, step S4 (b); spacer spraying step). When the upper substrate 10 and the lower substrate 12 are bonded together, the spacers are dispersed in order to keep the distance (cell gap) between the upper and lower substrates 10 and 12 uniform. The spacer has a spherical shape of, for example, 5.0 μmφ.

  The step of forming the first and second slits 65 and 67 (steps S2 (a) and S2 (b)) can be performed at an arbitrary stage before the substrate alignment step (step S5 in FIG. 1). For example, the first and second slits 65 and 67 may be formed before the scan electrode 17 and the data electrode 19 are formed (steps S1 (a) and S1 (b)). Further, the first and second slits 65 and 67 may be formed after the inner film formation (steps S3 (a) and S3 (b)). Alternatively, the first and second slits 65 and 67 may be formed after the first to fourth seal portions 71, 73, 75, and 77 are formed by applying a sealant (step S4 (a)).

  Further, the sealing agent application (step S4 (a)) and the spacer spraying (step S4 (b)) may be performed on either the upper substrate 10 or the lower substrate 12. For example, spacers may be scattered on the lower substrate 12 instead of on the upper substrate 10. Further, the first to fourth seal portions 71, 73, 75, 77 may be formed not on the lower substrate 12 but on the upper substrate 10.

  When applying the sealing agent on the upper substrate 10, the first seal portion 71 surrounds the first slit 65 without a break. In addition, when a sealing agent is applied on the upper substrate 10, the fourth seal portion 77 is a portion facing the second slit 67 (the second terminal portion 63 and its terminal portion) when the upper substrate 10 and the lower substrate 12 are bonded together. Surrounds the surrounding area.

  Next, a manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display panel using the upper and lower substrates 10 and 12 (steps S5 to S11 in FIG. 1) will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 7, the upper substrate 10 and the lower substrate 12 are opposed to each other through the first to fourth seal portions 71, 73, 75, 77, and the upper substrate 10 and the lower substrate 12 are aligned. Then, the alignment substrate 20 is produced (step S5 in FIG. 1; substrate alignment step). FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating the alignment substrate 20 from the upper substrate 10 side. In FIG. 7, the upper substrate 10 is disposed on the front side, and the lower substrate 12 is disposed on the back side. Moreover, in FIG. 7 and subsequent figures, hidden lines are indicated by broken lines.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the laminated substrate 20 is manufactured, the first terminal portion 61 and the first slit 65 are opposed to each other in the plurality of panel regions 14, and the second terminal portion 63 and the second slit 67 are formed. Try to face each other. The first slit 65 faces all of the plurality of first electrode terminals 17a. The second slit 67 faces all of the plurality of second electrode terminals 19a. In FIG. 7 and subsequent figures, the scanning electrode 17 excluding the first terminal portion 61 exposed through the first slit 65 and the data electrode 19 excluding the second terminal portion 63 exposed through the second slit 67 are shown. Is omitted.

  The first seal portion 71 surrounds the first slit 65 seamlessly, and the fourth seal portion 77 surrounds the second slit 67 seamlessly. The 2nd seal | sticker part 73 surrounds the several panel area | region 14 and the opening part 13 seamlessly. In the state in which the laminated substrate 20 is produced, the upper substrate 10 is merely positioned and temporarily placed on the lower substrate 12, and the upper substrate 10 and the lower substrate 12 are not completely bonded and fixed.

  Next, when a thermosetting resin is used as the sealing agent, the entire laminated substrate 20 is heated using a thermostat (not shown), and when an ultraviolet curable resin is used as the sealing agent. Then, the entire laminated substrate 20 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays from the outside to cure the first to fourth seal portions 71, 73, 75, 77 (in FIG. 1, step S6; sealant curing step).

  Next, the substrate bonding step (step S7 in FIG. 1; reduced pressure bonding step) will be described with reference to FIGS. Next to the sealing agent curing step, as shown in FIG. 8A, the end of the laminated substrate 20 where the opening 13 is formed is placed on the holding plate 22 with the upper substrate 10 facing up. Next, as shown in FIG. 8B, the end portion of the laminated substrate 20 where the opening 13 is formed is sandwiched between two holding plates 22 and 24. FIG. 8B shows a state in which the end portion of the laminated substrate 20 is sandwiched between the two holding plates 22 and 24. The holding plate 24 is provided with a vacuum suction tube 24a. The tube 24a is connected to a vacuum pump (not shown). Silicone rubbers 23 and 25 are provided on the outer peripheral portions of the surfaces of the holding plates 22 and 24 facing each other.

  Next, vacuum suction is performed between the upper and lower substrates 10 and 12 from the tube 24a through the opening 13 by a vacuum pump (not shown). FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating the laminated substrate 20 from the upper substrate 10 side during vacuum suction. In FIG. 9, the flow of air between the upper and lower substrates 10 and 12 during vacuum suction is schematically shown by white arrows. In FIG. 9, the holding plates 22 and 24 are not shown. FIG. 10 shows a cross section taken along line AA of FIG. In FIG. 10, the air flow during vacuum suction is schematically shown by relatively small white arrows.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the upper and lower substrates 10, 12 are opposed to each other with a predetermined interval (cell gap) through the first to fourth seal portions 71, 73, 75, 77 and the spacer 16. As shown in FIG. 9, the upper and lower substrates 10 and 12 are surrounded by the second seal portion 73 without a break. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first slit 65 is surrounded by the first seal portion 71 without a break. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the second slit 67 is surrounded by the fourth seal portion 77 without a break. Therefore, between the upper and lower substrates 10 and 12 surrounded by the second seal portion 73, except for the portion surrounded by the first seal portion 71 or the fourth seal portion 77, the holding plates 22 and 24 and the first and second plates. And it is in the sealed state by the fourth seal portions 71, 73, 77.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the portion in the sealed state between the upper and lower substrates 10 and 12 through the space between the holding plates 22 and 24 and the opening 13 by vacuum suction (FIG. 10). Then, the space 81) is depressurized. Thereby, as schematically shown by relatively large white arrows in FIG. 10, both surfaces of the laminated substrate 20 are pressurized by atmospheric pressure, and the upper and lower substrates 10 and 12 are bonded and fixed. Next, the laminated substrate 20 is fired.

  By reducing the pressure in the sealed state between the upper and lower substrates 10 and 12, the upper and lower substrates 10 and 12 are uniformly pressurized by atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the conventional problems such as non-uniform cell gap and damage to the upper and lower substrates 10 and 12 do not occur. Therefore, the upper and lower substrates 10 and 12 can be bonded and fixed satisfactorily.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 11, the alignment substrate 20 is cut along three cutting lines L1 parallel to the long side direction of the alignment substrate 20 and along the arrangement direction of the injection ports 75a (step S8 in FIG. 1). First cutting step). FIG. 12 shows the three laminated substrates 20 after cutting. As shown in FIG. 12, each cut substrate 20 after cutting has five panel regions 14. The inlet 75 a of each panel region 14 is exposed at the end face of the laminated substrate 20.

  Next, for each panel region 14, liquid crystal is injected between the upper and lower substrates 10 and 12 surrounded by the third seal portion 75 by, for example, a dip vacuum injection method (step S9 in FIG. 1; liquid crystal injection step). The liquid crystal injection process will be briefly described. First, the alignment substrate 20 is placed in a vacuum chamber (not shown). Next, the vacuum chamber is depressurized to make a vacuum. Next, the inlet 75a of the alignment substrate 20 is immersed in the liquid crystal while the vacuum chamber is kept in a vacuum. Next, the vacuum in the vacuum chamber is released. Thereby, liquid crystal is injected between the upper and lower substrates 10 and 12. Next, as shown in FIG. 13, a sealing agent 79 is formed at the injection port 75a, and the injection port 75a is sealed with the sealing agent 79 (step S9 in FIG. 1; liquid crystal sealing step). Thereby, the liquid crystal injected between the upper and lower substrates 10 and 12 surrounded by the third seal portion 75 is sealed between the upper and lower substrates 10 and 12.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 13, the laminated substrate 20 is cut along the cutting line L2, the cutting line L3, and the cutting line L4 (in FIG. 1, step S10; second cutting step). FIG. 13 shows the positions of the cutting lines L2, L3, and L4. The cutting line L2 is a straight line that is parallel to the long side direction of the laminated substrate 20, overlaps the first slits 65 of the plurality of panel regions 14 when viewed in the normal direction of the substrate surface of the laminated substrate 20, and does not overlap the first terminal portion 61. It is. The cutting lines L3 and L4 are provided for each panel region 14 (not shown in FIG. 13) and are straight lines parallel to the short side direction of the laminated substrate 20. Each cutting line L3 is a straight line passing through the vicinity of the left side of the third seal portion 75 in FIG. Each cutting line L4 is a straight line that overlaps the second slit 67 and does not overlap the second terminal portion 63 when viewed in the normal direction of the substrate surface of the laminated substrate 20. By cutting the laminated substrate 20 along the cutting lines L2, L3, and L4, the laminated substrate 20 is divided for each panel region 14. Thereby, a plurality (15 in the present embodiment) of liquid crystal display panels 1 each having the first and second terminal portions 61 and 63 are completed (step S11 in FIG. 1; panel completion). In this embodiment, the liquid crystal is divided for each panel region 14 after being injected, but the liquid crystal may be injected after being divided for each panel region 14. Thereafter, peripheral circuits and the like are provided to complete the liquid crystal display element.

  According to the method of manufacturing the liquid crystal display panel 1 according to the present embodiment, when the upper and lower substrates 10 and 12 are bonded together, the first slit 65 is surrounded by the first seal portion 71 and the second slit 67 is the first slit 67. The four seal portions 77 are surrounded without a break. Therefore, by sandwiching the end portions where the opening portions 13 of the upper and lower substrates 10 and 12 are formed between the holding plates 22 and 24, the space between the upper and lower substrates 10 and 12 surrounded by the second seal portion 73 is the first seal portion. Except for the part surrounded by 71 or the fourth seal part 77, it is sealed by the holding plates 22, 24 and the first, second and fourth seal parts 71, 73, 77. Therefore, even when the first and second slits 65 and 67 are formed, it is possible to realize substrate bonding (bonding by reduced pressure) by reducing the pressure between the upper and lower substrates 10 and 12. Therefore, it is possible to realize a manufacturing method that combines multi-chamfering and bonding with reduced pressure. Therefore, according to the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display panel 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the display quality and manufacturing yield of the liquid crystal display panel even if multi-chamfering is performed.

  Moreover, since the opening part 13 is formed in the edge part of the upper board | substrate 10, the holding plates 22 and 24 can be reduced in size. Therefore, the liquid crystal display panel 1 can be manufactured at a low cost. Further, since the second seal portion 73 is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the lower substrate 12, a large number of panel regions 14 can be formed in the upper and lower substrates 10 and 12. Therefore, the liquid crystal display panel 1 can be manufactured at a low cost. Moreover, since the 1st slit 65 opposes all the some 1st electrode terminals 17a and exposes all the 1st electrode terminals 17a, the connection with the 1st electrode terminal 17a and the exterior becomes easy. Similarly, since the second slit 67 faces all of the plurality of second electrode terminals 19a and exposes all of the second electrode terminals 19a, the connection between the second electrode terminal 19a and the outside is facilitated.

  FIG. 14 is a plan view illustrating the liquid crystal display panel 1 manufactured by the method of manufacturing the liquid crystal display panel 1 according to the present embodiment from the upper substrate 10 side. As shown in FIG. 14, the liquid crystal display panel 1 includes an upper substrate (second substrate) 10 and a lower substrate (first substrate) 12 that are arranged to face each other. A third seal portion (seal portion) 75 is formed on the outer peripheral portion between the upper and lower substrates 10 and 12. The third seal portion 75 has an injection port 75a for injecting liquid crystal. The injection port 75 a is sealed with a sealant 79. A liquid crystal (not shown) is sealed between the upper and lower substrates 10 and 12 surrounded by the third seal portion 75 and the sealant 79.

  A plurality of scanning electrodes 17 (not shown in FIG. 14) are formed on the lower substrate 12. A first terminal portion 61 is formed at one end portion of the plurality of scanning electrodes 17 and outside the third seal portion 75 (upper side in FIG. 14). A cut portion (first cut portion) 65 a is formed in the portion of the upper substrate 10 that faces the first terminal portion 61. The cut portion 65a is a part (or all) of the first slit 65 formed in the slit forming step. The notch part 65a exposes the first terminal part 61.

  A plurality of data electrodes 19 (not shown in FIG. 14) are formed on the upper substrate 10. A second terminal portion 63 is formed at one end of the plurality of data electrodes 19 and outside the third seal portion 75 (on the right side in FIG. 14). A cut portion (second cut portion) 67 a is formed in the portion of the lower substrate 12 facing the second terminal portion 63. The cut portion 67a is a part (or all) of the second slit 67 formed in the slit forming step. The cut portion 67a exposes the second terminal portion 63.

  The liquid crystal display panel 1 according to the present embodiment includes a first projecting seal portion 71a and a second projecting seal portion 77a that are branched from the third seal portion 75 and project to the substrate end surfaces of the upper and lower substrates 10 and 12. It is characterized by a point. The first projecting seal portion 71a is a part of the first seal portion 71 formed in the sealant application process. The first projecting seal portion 71a is formed to project from the two corners on the upper side in FIG. 14 of the third seal portion 75 to the first terminal portion 61 side. The second projecting seal portion 77a is a part of the fourth seal portion 77 formed in the sealant application process. The second projecting seal portion 77a is formed to project from the two corners on the right side in FIG. 14 to the second terminal portion 63 side.

  Further, in the liquid crystal display panel 1 according to the present embodiment, the upper substrate 10 includes the protruding portions 10a protruding from the two corners on the upper side of the third seal portion 75 in FIG. 14 toward the first terminal portion 61, and FIG. Another feature is that the lower substrate 12 includes projecting portions 12a projecting from the two right corner portions to the second terminal portion 63 side. The protruding portion 10a is formed in the vicinity of the first protruding seal portion 71a. The protruding portion 12a is formed in the vicinity of the second protruding seal portion 77a.

  Conventional liquid crystal display panels using plastic substrates as the upper and lower substrates 10 and 12 can be reduced in thickness and weight, and can be bent with sufficient flexibility. There is a problem that it is easy to do. In the liquid crystal display panel 1 according to the present embodiment, since the first and second projecting seal portions 71a and 77a and the projecting portions 10a and 12a are formed in the vicinity of the corner portion of the third seal portion 75, the corner portion is reinforced. Is done. Therefore, the corner portion of the third seal portion 75 is difficult to peel off. Accordingly, the liquid crystal display panel 1 that can be reduced in thickness and weight, has sufficient flexibility, and has high strength can be realized. Therefore, the liquid crystal display panel 1 according to the present embodiment is suitable as a display element for electronic paper that is thin, lightweight, and requires high flexibility.

[Second Embodiment]
A liquid crystal display panel according to a second embodiment of the present invention and a method for manufacturing the same will be described with reference to FIGS. First, a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display panel according to the present embodiment is the same as the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display panel 1 according to the first embodiment, except for the sealing agent application step (step S4 (a) in FIG. 1). . In the following description, components having the same functions and operations as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 15 is a plan view illustrating the alignment substrate 20 from the upper substrate 10 side at the end of the substrate alignment step (step S5 in FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 15, the liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method according to the present embodiment is different from the liquid crystal display panel 1 manufacturing method according to the first embodiment in the first and second slits in the same panel region 14. It is characterized in that the first seal portion 71 is formed so as to surround the 65 and 67 without a break. Accordingly, the first and second slits 65 and 67 in the same panel region 14 are surrounded by one first seal portion 71 without a break.

  A method for manufacturing the liquid crystal display panel according to the present embodiment will be briefly described. First, the scanning electrode 17 and the first terminal portion 61 are formed for each of the plurality of panel regions 14 on the substrate 12 ′ by the same manufacturing method as the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display panel 1 according to the first embodiment. 12 is formed, a second slit 67 is formed for each of the plurality of panel regions 14 of the lower substrate 12, and an internal film is formed on the lower substrate 12 (steps S1 (a) to S3 (a) in FIG. 1). . The second slit 67 is formed in a portion facing the second terminal portion 63 when the upper substrate 10 and the lower substrate 12 are bonded together.

  Next, a sealant is applied onto the lower substrate 12 to form first to third seal portions 71, 73, 75 on the lower substrate 12 (step S4 (a) in FIG. 1; sealant application step). ). The first seal portion 71 surrounds the portion facing the first slit 65 (the first terminal portion 61 and its surroundings) and the second slit 67 without a break when the upper substrate 10 and the lower substrate 12 are bonded together. The shapes of the second and third seal portions are the same as the shapes in the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display panel 1 according to the first embodiment. In the method for manufacturing liquid crystal display panel 1 according to the present embodiment, fourth seal portion 77 is not formed.

  Further, the data electrode 19 and the second terminal portion 63 are formed for each of the plurality of panel regions 14 on the substrate 10 ′ by a manufacturing method similar to the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display panel 1 according to the first embodiment, and the upper substrate. 10 is formed, a first slit 65 is formed for each of the plurality of panel regions 14 of the upper substrate 10, and an inner film and a spacer are formed on the upper substrate 10 (in FIG. 1, steps S1 (b) to S4 (b )). The first slit 65 is formed in a portion facing the first terminal portion 61 when the upper substrate 10 and the lower substrate 12 are bonded together.

  Since the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display panel using the upper and lower substrates 10 and 12 (steps S5 to S11 in FIG. 1) is the same as the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display panel 1 according to the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. Thereby, a plurality (15 in this embodiment) of liquid crystal display panels 101 each having the first and second terminal portions 61 and 63 are completed (step S11 in FIG. 1; single panel completion). Thereafter, peripheral circuits and the like are provided to complete the liquid crystal display element.

  According to the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display panel 101 according to the present embodiment, the first and second slits 65 and 67 in the same panel region 14 are surrounded by one first seal portion 71 without any breaks. Therefore, by sandwiching the end portions where the opening portions 13 of the upper and lower substrates 10 and 12 are formed between the holding plates 22 and 24, the space between the upper and lower substrates 10 and 12 surrounded by the second seal portion 73 is the first seal portion. Except for the portion surrounded by 71, the holding plates 22 and 24 and the first and second seal portions 71 and 73 are sealed. Therefore, it is possible to realize a manufacturing method that combines multi-chamfering and bonding with reduced pressure. Therefore, the display quality and manufacturing yield of the liquid crystal display panel can be improved by the method for manufacturing the liquid crystal display panel according to the present embodiment and the multi-face layout.

  Further, the first and second slits 65 and 67 in the same panel region 14 are surrounded by one first seal portion 71 without any break. Thereby, since the formation of the fourth seal portion 77 is not necessary, the shape of the seal portion can be simplified. Therefore, the liquid crystal display panel 101 can be manufactured at low cost.

  FIG. 16 is a plan view illustrating the liquid crystal display panel 101 manufactured by the method of manufacturing the liquid crystal display panel 101 according to the present embodiment from the upper substrate 10 side. In the liquid crystal display panel 101 according to the present embodiment, first and second projecting seal portions 71b and 71c are formed on the liquid crystal display panel 1 instead of the first and second projecting seal portions 71a and 77a. It is characterized by a point.

  The first and second projecting seal portions 71 b and 71 c are formed so as to branch from the third seal portion 75 and project to the substrate end surfaces of the upper and lower substrates 10 and 12. The first and second projecting seal portions 71b and 71c are part of the first seal portion 71 formed in the sealant application process. The first projecting seal portion 71b is formed to project to the left side of the liquid crystal display panel 101 from the vicinity of the upper left corner of the third seal portion 75 in FIG. The second projecting seal portion 71c is formed to project from the vicinity of the lower right corner of the third seal portion 75 to the second terminal portion 63 side in FIG. The configuration of the liquid crystal display panel 101 excluding the first and second projecting seal portions 71b and 71c is the same as that of the liquid crystal display panel 1 according to the first embodiment. The liquid crystal display panel 101 according to the present embodiment can obtain the same effects as the liquid crystal display panel 1 according to the first embodiment.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the passive matrix liquid crystal display panel and the manufacturing method thereof have been described as examples. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and switching of a thin film transistor (TFT) or a thin film diode (TFD) or the like for each pixel. The present invention can also be applied to an active matrix liquid crystal display panel provided with an element and a manufacturing method thereof.

  In the active matrix liquid crystal display panel, the scanning electrode 17 and the data electrode 19 are formed on the same substrate (for example, the lower substrate 12), and the common electrode is formed on the other substrate (for example, the upper substrate 10). Accordingly, the first and second terminal portions 61 and 63 are formed on the same substrate.

  The manufacturing method of the active matrix type liquid crystal display panel to which the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display panel 1 according to the first embodiment is applied differs from the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display panel 1 in the following points. In the manufacturing method of the active matrix type liquid crystal display panel, the gate bus line and the first terminal portion 61 at one end thereof are formed for each of the plurality of panel regions 14 on the lower substrate 12. In addition, for each of the plurality of panel regions 14 on the lower substrate 12, a drain bus line that intersects the gate bus line via an insulating film and a second terminal portion 63 at one end thereof are formed. Further, a switching element and a pixel electrode are formed at each intersection of both bus lines. A second slit 67 is formed for each of the plurality of panel regions 14 of the upper substrate 10. The second slit 67 is formed in a portion facing the second terminal portion 63 when the upper substrate 10 and the lower substrate 12 are bonded together. Further, when the upper substrate 10 and the lower substrate 12 are bonded together, the fourth seal portion 77 is placed on the lower substrate 12 so as to surround the portion facing the second slit 67 (the second terminal portion 63 and its peripheral portion) without a break. To form. A common electrode is formed for each panel region 14 on the upper substrate 10. The common electrode is formed on almost the entire surface of each panel region 14.

  In the active matrix type liquid crystal display panel manufactured by the above manufacturing method, the data electrode 19 and the second terminal portion 63 are formed on the lower substrate 12 with respect to the liquid crystal display panel 1, and a cut portion (second cut portion). The difference is that 67 a is formed on the upper substrate 10. Further, the data electrode 19 faces the scanning electrode 17 through an insulating film. An area defined by the scanning electrode 17 and the data electrode 19 is one pixel. On the lower substrate 12, a switching element and a pixel electrode are formed for each pixel. A common electrode is formed on the upper substrate 10.

  The manufacturing method of the active matrix type liquid crystal display panel to which the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display panel 101 according to the second embodiment is applied differs from the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display panel 101 in the following points. In the manufacturing method of the active matrix type liquid crystal display panel, the gate bus line and the first terminal portion 61 at one end thereof are formed for each of the plurality of panel regions 14 on the lower substrate 12. In addition, for each of the plurality of panel regions 14 on the lower substrate 12, a drain bus line that intersects the gate bus line via an insulating film and a second terminal portion 63 at one end thereof are formed. Further, a switching element and a pixel electrode are formed at each intersection of both bus lines. A second slit 67 is formed for each of the plurality of panel regions 14 of the upper substrate 10. The second slit 67 is formed in a portion facing the second terminal portion 63 when the upper substrate 10 and the lower substrate 12 are bonded together. Further, when the upper substrate 10 and the lower substrate 12 are bonded together, the portions facing the first and second slits 65 and 67 (the first and second terminal portions 61 and 63 and their peripheral portions) are surrounded without a break. The first seal portion 71 is formed on the lower substrate 12. A common electrode is formed for each panel region 14 on the upper substrate 10. The common electrode is formed on almost the entire surface of each panel region 14.

  Further, in the method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to the present invention, the bonding method using reduced pressure (step S7 in FIG. 1) is not limited to the method described in the above embodiment. In the international application (PCT / JP2006 / 304343) by the present applicant, another method is proposed. The method will be briefly described. In this method, instead of forming the opening 13, a through-hole that penetrates the upper and lower substrates 10 and 12 is formed in, for example, an end portion of the laminated substrate 20 after the upper and lower substrates 10 and 12 are bonded together. Before the upper and lower substrates 10 and 12 are bonded together, an opening 13 is formed at the same position of the upper and lower substrates 10 and 12, and the upper and lower substrates 10 and 12 are aligned and penetrated so that the two openings 13 coincide. It may be a hole. Next, the plurality of laminated substrates 20 are arranged so that the through holes of the respective laminated substrates 20 overlap each other when viewed in the normal direction of the substrate surface of the laminated substrate 20. Next, pipes having openings formed on the side surfaces are inserted into the plurality of through holes. Next, one end of the pipe is closed, and the inside of the plurality of laminated substrates 20 is vacuumed from the other end of the pipe through the opening of the pipe and the plurality of through holes. Thereby, the inside of the plurality of laminated substrates 20 is depressurized simultaneously. According to this method, the inside of the plurality of laminated substrates 20 can be depressurized simultaneously.

  The manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display panel according to the present invention can improve the display quality and manufacturing yield of the liquid crystal display panel even when multi-chamfering is performed. The liquid crystal display panel according to the present invention can be reduced in thickness and weight, has sufficient flexibility, and has high strength.

Claims (17)

Forming a first terminal portion for each of a plurality of panel regions on the first substrate;
Forming a first slit in a portion facing the first terminal portion of the second substrate bonded to the first substrate;
Forming an opening in a region other than the plurality of panel regions of the first or second substrate;
A first seal portion that seamlessly surrounds the first slit or the portion facing the first slit; a second seal portion that seamlessly surrounds the opening or the portion facing the opening and the plurality of panel regions; Forming a third seal portion surrounding each outer peripheral portion of the plurality of panel regions on the first or second substrate,
The first substrate and the second substrate are opposed to each other through the first to third seal portions so that the first terminal portion and the first slit are opposed to each other,
The first and second substrates are bonded together by reducing the pressure between the first and second substrates through the opening,
Injecting and sealing liquid crystal for each panel region between the first and second substrates,
The method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel, wherein the first and second substrates are divided into the panel regions. In the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display panel of Claim 1,
The method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel, wherein the opening is formed at an end of the first or second substrate. In the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display panel of Claim 1 or 2,
The method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel, wherein the second seal portion is formed on an outer peripheral portion of the first or second substrate. In the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display panel of any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3,
A method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel, wherein the pressure between the first and second substrates is reduced by vacuum suction through the opening. In the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display panel of any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4,
The first terminal portion has a plurality of first electrode terminals,
The method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel, wherein the first slit faces all of the plurality of first electrode terminals. In the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display panel of any one of Claims 1 thru | or 5,
Forming a second terminal portion for each of the plurality of panel regions on the second substrate;
Forming a second slit in a portion of the first substrate facing the second terminal portion;
4. A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel, comprising: forming a fourth seal portion surrounding the second slit or the portion facing the second slit without any break on the first or second substrate. In the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display panel of any one of Claims 1 thru | or 5,
Forming a second terminal portion for each of the plurality of panel regions on the first substrate;
Forming a second slit in a portion of the second substrate facing the second terminal portion;
4. A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel, comprising: forming a fourth seal portion surrounding the second slit or the portion facing the second slit without any break on the first or second substrate. In the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display panel of any one of Claims 1 thru | or 5,
Forming a second terminal portion for each of the plurality of panel regions on the second substrate;
Forming a second slit in a portion of the first substrate facing the second terminal portion;
The first seal portion is formed so as to surround the first slit or the portion facing the first slit and the second slit or the portion facing the second slit without any breaks. Panel manufacturing method. In the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display panel of any one of Claims 1 thru | or 5,
Forming a second terminal portion for each of the plurality of panel regions on the first substrate;
Forming a second slit in a portion of the second substrate facing the second terminal portion;
The first seal portion is formed so as to surround the first slit or the portion facing the first slit and the second slit or the portion facing the second slit without any breaks. Panel manufacturing method. In the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display panel of any one of Claims 1 thru | or 9,
The method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel, wherein the first slit faces a plurality of the first terminal portions. First and second substrates disposed opposite to each other;
Liquid crystal sealed between the first and second substrates;
A seal portion formed on an outer peripheral portion between the first and second substrates to seal the liquid crystal;
A liquid crystal display panel comprising: a first projecting seal portion that is branched from the seal portion and projects to the substrate end surfaces of the first and second substrates. The liquid crystal display panel according to claim 11.
A first terminal portion formed outside the seal portion on the first substrate;
The liquid crystal display panel according to claim 1, wherein the first projecting seal portion is formed to project toward the first terminal portion. The liquid crystal display panel according to claim 12, wherein
A second terminal portion formed outside the seal portion on the second substrate;
A liquid crystal display panel, further comprising: a second projecting seal portion that branches from the seal portion to the second terminal portion side and projects to the substrate end surfaces of the first and second substrates. The liquid crystal display panel according to claim 12, wherein
A second terminal portion formed outside the seal portion on the first substrate;
A liquid crystal display panel, further comprising: a second projecting seal portion that branches from the seal portion to the second terminal portion side and projects to the substrate end surfaces of the first and second substrates. The liquid crystal display panel according to any one of claims 12 to 14,
The liquid crystal display panel according to claim 1, wherein the second substrate has a first cut portion that exposes the first terminal portion. The liquid crystal display panel according to claim 13,
The liquid crystal display panel according to claim 1, wherein the first substrate has a second cut portion that exposes the second terminal portion. The liquid crystal display panel according to claim 14.
The liquid crystal display panel, wherein the second substrate has a second cut portion that exposes the second terminal portion.

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